Abstract:
Fish counts during the 6 yr after initial establishment of the Cape Rodney to Okakari Point Marine Reserve in 1975 suggested that red moki Cheilodactylus spectabilis had increased in abundance whereas 5 others had remained at approximately constant densities. Comparison of data between 1978-1988 also revealed few consistent differences in fish abundances. Survey in 1988 between sites inside and outside the marine reserve showed no clear patterns for sea urchins Evechinus chloroticus and several fish; trends for increased abundances in the marine reserve of fish such as snapper Pagrus (=Chrysophrys) auratus, blue cod Parapercis colias and red moki; a very striking increase in numbers of rock lobsters Jasus edwardsii within the marine reserve; and an obvious trend for increased size of snapper in the marine reserve.