Baseline study of the spatio-temporal patterns of reef fish assemblages prior to a major mining project in New Caledonia (South Pacific) Pascale Chabanet...[et al.]

From 2008 onwards, the coral reefs of Koné (New Caledonia) will be subjected to a major anthropogenic
perturbation linked to development of a nickel mine. Dredging and sediment runoff may directly damage
the reef environment whereas job creation should generate a large demographic increase and thus a rise
in fishing activities. This study analyzed reef fish assemblages between 2002 and 2007 with a focus on
spatio-temporal variability. Our results indicate strong spatial structure of fish assemblages through
time. Total species richness, density and biomass were highly variable between years but temporal variations
were consistent among biotopes. A remarkable spatio-temporal stability was observed for trophic
(mean 4.6% piscivores, 53.1% carnivores, 30.8% herbivores and 11.4% planktivores) and home range structures
of species abundance contributions. These results are discussed and compared with others sites of
the South Pacific. For monitoring perspectives, some indicators related to expected disturbances are
proposed.