Hab in the MAB: Black sea bass habitat in the Mid-Atlantic Bight

The objective of this study was to improve our understanding of the relationship between black sea bass (BSB) abundance and habitat characteristics in the Mid-Atlantic region by documenting habitat characteristics, fish abundance, and fish diets. Dr. Cara Schweitzer (UMES, 2019) documented the physical and biological characteristics of natural and artificial habitats by scuba and quadrat photography, and estimated fish abundance using underwater video. Fish abundance was significantly correlated only with the relative abundance of sea whip corals, but not with abundance of any other species, or to total coverage of biogenic structure. We placed artificial reef structures near existing habitat, and monitored fish recruitment for two years. Results suggest that reef construction increased habitat availability for fish at the study site, without drawing fish away from nearby sites. Andre Price (MS, 2019) analyzed diets and trophic levels of black sea bass via stable isotope analysis, and determined that natural and artificial reefs are ecologically similar for Black Sea Bass caught near Ocean City, MD, but subtle differences in diet between reef types suggest that their physical form may affect access of fish to different prey items. This project was funded by the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP), and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

Below: Cara Schweitzer sets up one of the underwater tripods used for video observations of fish abundance. Photo by Nick Caloyianis.

Below: Quadrat photo taken at a shipwreck site showing black sea bass and fouling organisms.

Below: Brad Stevens with pyramids of oyster castles ready for deployment.