manolitovaldes pizzini
Puerto Rico is known for marine fisheries, but its freshwater habitats support a substantial number of species with fishery value. We conducted research in Puerto Rico streams to estimate stream fish populations and model their patterns related to physical habitat at multiple spatial scales. We employed a standardized fish sampling protocol using three-pass removal backpack or barge electrofishing at 81 stream sites to quantify fish and crustacean populations and measured instream, riparian, and water quality parameters. We quantified density of 24 fish species (10 native) and 15 crustacean species (11 shrimp, 3 crabs, 1 crayfish). The most abundant fish species were Agonostomus monticola (mountain mullet), Poecilia sphenops (Mexican molly), Poecilia reticulata (guppy) and Sicydium plumieri (sirajo goby). Mean fish species richness was 5.14 species per site, ranging from one species at three sites to 11 non-native species at one site. Based on our results and habitat measurements at the instream, riparian, and watershed scales, we developed a series of models explaining variation in fish community structure among sites and basins. This research is among the most comprehensive to study stream fishes and habitat in Puerto Rico and may facilitate outreach efforts and fishery and ecosystem management to sustain fish communities.
fisheries-pesquerías
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