| We have yet to analyze these data in any detail. SCUBA surveys have proven useful for
measuring the geographic variability in abundance of some demersal or benthic forage
species such as pricklebacks, sculpins and greenling, that are otherwise difficult to
measure with standard trawls or seines. We have found considerable spatial variability in
abundance (see figure below) on straight-line transects conducted close to shore.
Furthermore, much of this variance is cause by occasional aggregations (or loose schools)
of these normally dispersed benthic fishes, or by association with certain habitat
features such as kelp beds or boulders. |
