Contribution of artificial reefs to the diet of the white sea bream (Diplodus sargus)

Abstract

An evaluation of the trophic relationship between Diplodus sargus and artificial reefs (ARs) in the Algarve (southern Portugal) is based on a comparison of stomach contents and the macrobenthic communities present at the AR and in surrounding sandy bottom areas. Only adult white sea bream were observed in the vicinity of the ARs. The percentage of items found in the stomach that were characteristic of AR hard substratum was high (67%). Although the diet contained a wide variety of items, namely reef algae, invertebrates (crustaceans, gastropods, and bivalves), and fish, Balanus amphitrite and Gibbula spp. contributed most to the diet. The diet of D. sargus was strongly associated with prey availability on the AR, so highlighting the importance of these artificial habitats to the species. It seems that these artificial feeding areas, owing to their extent and benthic production, are enhancing the local D. sargus stock and hence the fishery. © 2007 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Oxford Journals. All rights reserved.