Identifying correlates of coral‐reef fish biomass on Florida’s Coral Reef to assess potential management actions

Coral reef fish assemblages are threatened globally, underscoring the need for data-driven management to reduce threats and restore populations. Comparing fishery approaches is aided by a detailed understanding of key factors controlling species’ abundances. The aims this study were assess importance biophysical compared with fishing impacts on biomass fishes Florida’s Reef evaluate potential effects common interventions biomass. Fishing impact was estimated using fishery-independent modelling approach snapper–grouper complex as proxy fishing. Using separate subset data from underwater surveys, then combined 18 variables model current all species, complex, grazing species collected aquaria. Models explained between 51 64% variance in groups. strongest predictor (accounting 25.2% variance), whereas complexity other High-resolution maps produced statistical models, including under several scenarios: no-take marine reserve, moderate extensive coral restoration addition artificial benthic structure. Adding structure had largest single predicted (23–72% increase levels). However, beneficial synergies emerged when combining habitat-based closures, some combinations resulting reef-wide averaged 89% relative levels. results suggest that conservation strategies aimed at protecting increasing structural should be an important part discussions.