Nearshore Marine Fish Assemblages in Southern California from 1994 and 1998

425 fisheries-independent benthic trawls collected data on fish species in southern California waters at depths from 2 to 215 meters. The Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) conducted the trawls during summer months, resulting in information for 150 species, though analysis focused on 48 species present in at least 5% of trawls. Site groups were calculated using the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity coefficient with average means clustering.

Use Cases

• Analyze fish community structure based on species presence/absence data from trawls.
• Model species distribution and assemblage patterns across a 2-215 meter depth gradient.
• Study temporal changes in nearshore fish populations by comparing data from 1994 and 1998.
• Calculate biodiversity indices and similarity clusters using Bray-Curtis coefficients.

Strengths

• Data from 425 standardized trawl samples provides a substantial observational basis.
• Focus on 48 fish species present in at least 5% of trawls filters out rare occurrences for more robust analysis.
• Clear methodological documentation references specific gear (7.6-m head-rope semi balloon otter trawl) and analysis techniques.

Limitations

• Row count and column-level documentation are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Data is from two specific years (1994, 1998) and may not reflect current conditions.
• Removal of species present in fewer than 5% of trawls excludes rare species from the analysis.

Provenance

Source

Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP), hosted by NOAA_NCEI via nasa_earthdata.

Collection Method

Fisheries-independent benthic trawls using a 7.6-m head-rope semi balloon otter trawl with 1.25 cm codend mesh, towed for 5-10 minutes per station.

Time Range

1994 and 1998, specifically June-August.

Geography

Nearshore marine waters of southern California.