Lipophrys pholis is larger, grows faster and is in better condition in protected than in unprotected rocky shores

Abstract

1. Intertidal fish are a key component of littoral food webs, contributing to the dietsof birds and commercial fish species. Ascertaining their growth and condition cantherefore help understand the health status of local communities.2.Lipophrys pholisis a fish of the rocky intertidal with a wide distribution throughoutthe North-eastern Atlantic (NE Atlantic) that has been recommended for use asan indicator in the environmental biomonitoring of marine ecosystems. However,it is unclear yet if this species is sensitive to the reserve effect.3. In this study, the size, growth and body condition of specimens caught atprotected and unprotected rocky shores of two contrasting marine provinces ofthe NE Atlantic were analysed to address whetherL. pholisis sensitive to thereserve effect.4.L. pholiswere larger, grew faster in weight and were in better condition in theprotected shores of both provinces. A faster growth rate was observed in thepopulations of the warmer province.5. Inshore waters of unprotected sites in the Northern European Seas sampled inthis study have recently been incorporated into a protected area. Thus, theseresults can help assess the success of the marine conservation programme andthe timeL. pholisneeds to improve its population's health at these shores.6. Regulating access to shores to avoid trampling and harvesting is a protectionmeasure that can help enhance the health and conservation ofL. pholispopulations.