ABUNDANCE, SIZE STRUCTURE, AND DIVER-ORIENTED BEHAVIOR OF 3 LARGE BENTHIC CARNIVOROUS FISHES IN A MARINE RESERVE IN NORTHEASTERN NEW-ZEALAND

Spatial patterns in densities and population size structures of three large benthic carnivorous fishes, and behaviour of one of these specie s, were compared in different parts of the Cape Rodney to Okakari Poin t Marine Reserve, northeastern New Zealand As human activity is focuss ed in the central area of the marine reserve, perceptions of the effec ts of marine reserve protection may be biased if this area is not repr esentative of the entire marine reserve. Abundances of Cheilodactylus spectabilis and Pagrus auratus showed great variation among sites, whi le those of Parapercis colias were lower and less variable. During sum mer and winter, large Pagrus auratus were mol e abundant in the mid se ction of the marine reserve. Pagrus auratus of all sizes were attracte d to divers and allowed them to approach more closely in the mid secti on of the marine reserve. Consequences of protection from hm vesting a l e confounded with human-oriented behaviour for Pagrus auratus. Feedi ng of fish by divers may have altered the behaviour of this species.