Sydney mooring fields alter fish communities
More thought needs to go into the location of swing moorings to maximise fish life in enclosed waterwaysIn a new study titled Boat Moorings alter Fish Communities and Feeding behaviour, Researchers from UNSW and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science shed light on some interesting fish behaviour and proffer some sage advice about swing-moorning locations.
In our highly-modified and urbanised estuaries, human activities like the placement of swing moorings can influence marine ecosystems. In this new study, researchers from UNSW and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, led by Brendan Lanham, used underwater video to quantify the effects of boat mooring fields on fish communities, at six locations in Port Jackson, Sydney.
At fine spatial scales, fish abundance and feeding behaviour were lowest in close proximity to boat moorings. However, no relationship was found at broader scales, and in areas where seagrass was present.
The authors conclude: "We encourage the implementation of improved mooring designs, in combination with well-spaced deployments and the restoration of habitat formers, to allow for the recovery of benthic ecosystems."
In other words, some seagrass and mindful mooring designs will help build fish communities.
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