Project Cryptodiversity: studying the diversity of cryptic critters in our marine backyards

Methods

Summary

The main technique used for the project is a newly developed method to holistically sample cryptobenthic fishes from marine dock pilings. To do so, I use a fine mesh net, weighted at the bottom, with which I enclose the entire piling. I then cover the net with an impermeable tarp. After that, I use clove-oil (a fish anaesthetic) to immobilize fishes present within the enclosed area, which then sink into a pocket formed by a chain attached to the net. The method description is currently in review for publication.

After the field sampling, all obtained specimens are brought to the laboratory and photographed laterally in a specially designed phototank that permits identification of the fishes. Then, fishes are measured and preserved in ETOH for future analyses.

Pre Analysis Plan

The analysis of the obtained data will make use of latest advances in the quantitive investigation of community stability. Specifically, I will use multidimensional analyses of community stability that consider a range of different facets of communities over time (resilience, resistance, exctinctions, invasions, etc) to fully understand the dynamics exhibited by cryptobenthic fish communities after disturbance.