SCUBA fish sampling monitors the density of select benthic fish species, following PISCO modified protocols, at depths between 10-20m. Midwater and canopy fishes are not included in Oregon Marine Reserves monitoring. Fish are counted along a 30 x 2 m belt transects across three target depths, 10, 15 and 20 meters. Species write-ins are allowed for species not specifically identified on PISCO datasheets.
Our SCUBA fish sampling at Cascade Head began in 2014, the year harvest restrictions began. Sampling is conducted in the marine reserve and two comparison areas, Cavalier and Schooner Creek (see methods Appendix for additional information about comparison area selection). We conducted three years of sampling that are included in our analysis and report. Note, successful sampling in Cavalier did not begin until 2017.
Data from SCUBA fish monitoring efforts can be used to explore questions about fish diversity, community composition and density. Questions about diversity and community composition can be used to compare across monitoring tools to understand tool bias or to validate trends seen across tools. This can further help us understand how the fish communities at these sites are similar or different. Data on density enable us to explore changes over time; and whether these changes are similar both inside the reserve and outside in comparison areas. For all data our main focus is exploring trends by site and year.