Author: Walter R. Courtenay

Publisher:

Published: 1980

Total Pages: 30

ISBN-13:

A study of the fish populations within the surf zone and over the first and second reefs off Hallandale (Broward County), Florida, was conducted, 7 years following dredging for a beach restoration project. This study utilized an observational and recording technique adapted from Jones and Thompson (1978). The data were compared with those of an earlier study conducted in 1971-72. In the 1971-72 study, conducted during and subsequent to dredging activities, 42 species of fishes belonging to 24 families were found. The present study revealed the presence of 114 species of fishes belonging to 36 families. The dusky jawfish (Opistognathus whitehursti), common along the first reef platform in 1971-72, was found to be absent. The absence of this fish is attributed to an alteration of the substate on the first reef by incursion of fine sediments. Damage to the second reef observed during 1971-72 was not evident during this study. (Author).