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Detection heterogeneity in underwater visual-census data

Lookup NU author(s): Michael MacNeil, Professor Nick Polunin, Professor Stephen Rushton, Dr Tim McClanahan

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Abstract

This study shows how capture-mark-recapture (CMR) models can provide robust estimates of detection heterogeneity (sources of bias) in underwater visual-census data. Detection biases among observers and fish family groups were consistent between fished and unfished reef sites in Kenya, even when the overall level of detection declined between locations. Species characteristics were the greatest source of detection heterogeneity and large, highly mobile species were found to have lower probabilities of detection than smaller, site-attached species. Fish family and functional-group detectability were also found to be lower at fished locations, probably due to differences in local abundance. Because robust CMR models deal explicitly with sampling where not all species are detected, their use is encouraged for studies addressing reef-fish community dynamics.

Publication metadata

Author(s): MacNeil MA, Graham NAJ, Conroy MJ, Fonnesbeck CJ, Polunin NVC, Rushton SP, Chabanet P, McClanahan TR

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Fish Biology

Year: 2008

Volume: 73

Issue: 7

Pages: 1748-1763

ISSN (print): 0022-1112

ISSN (electronic): 1095-8649

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2008.02067.x

DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2008.02067.x

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