Direct estimates of reef fish abundance across an artificial reef network

Fisheries-independent surveys are commonly used to create indices of relative abundance. If properly designed and calibrated, these may also be estimate absolute Here, we demonstrate the efficacy this approach by estimating abundance red lionfish ( Pterois volitans), gray triggerfish Balistes capriscus), snapper Lutjanus campechanus) across an extensive network artificial reefs using camera counts, abundance, calibration factors, index-removal estimators. From 2012 2017, per reef estimates increased for (20×), (2.1×), (2.2×). Network-wide abundances were calculated multiplying average estimated number in network. All increases consistent with predictions stock assessment (red snapper), management actions (gray triggerfish), or invasive species colonization lionfish). Our methodology demonstrates how can derived from fishery-independent evaluate outputs assessments both direction magnitude quantify critical ecosystem components.