Characterization of Intertidal Pool Fish Communities in Tenerife Island

Abstract

The island of Tenerife has experienced significant population growth and urban development in coastal areas, resultingin a negative impact on the ichthyic communities associated with its intertidal pools, which act as a refuge and nursery for a large number of species, many of them of fishing interest. In order to characterize these populations and know their conservation status, sampling was carried out using baited remote underwater video (BRUV) in four areas in Tenerife located on the north coast, Punta del Hidalgo and Finca El Apio, and on the south, Las Galletas and Punta Rasca. A total of 13 fish species were found throughout the sampling, 7 of them of fishing interest in the Canary Islands. According to the results obtained, a significant variation can be seen between the communities of the sampled localities. Specifically, it was observed that Punta del Hidalgo has the highest fish abundance and richness. On the other hand, it was found that the locality of Las Galletas differs significantly from the rest, presenting a low abundance of species, especially those of fishing interest.