Using diversity in reef fish assemblages in determining recovery potential in marine protected areas

Diversity is among the various aspects of reef fish assemblages that are expected to change with pro­ tective management. Reef fish diversity in terms of richness (number of species per 500 m), abundance (ind/ 500 m) and biomass (g/m) were determined for six (6) reef sites in Tawi­Tawi, at the southwestern tip of the Sulu Archipelago, and in Danajon Bank, Bohol, in central Philippines in 2006 and 2008. At each reef site, reef fish within a 500 m area were censused (identified, counted and their sizes estimated) in 6-12 stations following stand ard methods. Changes in reef fish assemblages in the two areas were examined and observed patterns were compared. The results are related to patterns in reef habitat structure and to local fisheries and are discussed in the context of recovery potential of reef fish assemblages in protected areas.