Vital baseline information on the demersal fish assemblages within the metropolitan area was collected used baited-video stations. The sampling was directed using the knowledge of experienced fishermen, and researchers from the Department of Fisheries and UWA. Recent changes to legislation, banning commercial wetline fishing in the Metropolitan area, have provided an important natural laboratory with which to assess the impacts of fishing on the assemblage of demersal fish.
From 5th October 2008 to 12th October 2008 stereo-baited remote underwater video (stereo BRUV) systems were used to sample these areas shown in green in the thumbnail (around Two Rocks). It provides a multi-species measure of the state of the fish community, including length measurements of the fish observed. This data will form an important baseline with which to assess any changes in the community and to investigate whether they are due to changes in fishing pressure or other impacts, such as climate change.
