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Biogeographical and cross-shelf patterns of reef fish assemblages in a transition zone

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Abstract

Transition zones have complex patterns of biogeography and biodiversity which require consideration in conservation planning. Cross-shelf patterns of reef fish assemblage structure and biogeographic representation were determined for the Solitary Islands Marine Park (SIMP), positioned in a tropical-temperate overlap on the east coast of Australia. Sixty-eight sites were surveyed on shallow (<25 m) reefs across an inshore–offshore gradient, using timed counts. Tropical taxa were most prevalent, comprising 50% of the 254 species recorded. Australian endemics accounted for 23% of species, with east coast endemics (14%) predominating. There was a strong cross-shelf gradient, with species richness increasing offshore. There was also a distinct biogeographical gradient with the proportion of temperate species decreasing and tropical species increasing with increasing distance from shore. This gradient was similar for endemic and cosmopolitan species as many of the endemics were temperate or subtropical, and many of the tropical species were widespread Indo-Pacific taxa. These patterns are consistent with sites further offshore being more frequently exposed to the tropical East Australian Current (EAC). Patterns on reefs further inshore are consistent with the high levels of endemism previously reported for temperate and subtropical Australian waters. The complex cross-shelf arrangement of tropical, subtropical and temperate species results in high regional biodiversity and needs to be recognised in marine-park planning.

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Acknowledgements

This study was conducted with the support of the NSW Marine Parks Authority in the Department of Environment and Climate Change and the National Marine Science Centre, University of New England. Individuals who have assisted with field work include Rob Thorman, Toby Waters, Nicola Johnstone, Brett Vercoe, Libby Sterling, Jackie Corlass, and Vanessa Mansbridge. GIS support has been provided by Edwina Mesley and graphics support by Deb Wall.

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Correspondence to Hamish A. Malcolm.

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Malcolm, H.A., Jordan, A. & Smith, S.D.A. Biogeographical and cross-shelf patterns of reef fish assemblages in a transition zone. Mar Biodiv 40, 181–193 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12526-010-0042-3

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