Publication is available.
Characterizations of benthic fish habitat and coastal ocean circulation patterns are critical steps in evaluating the effectiveness of reserves at protecting and enhancing coastal fishery resources. From our previous research, different species exhibit affinities for specific benthic habitats. Diversity, quality, and extent of habitat likely are among the most significant determinants of distribution of many benthic fishes. In addition, small-scale oceanographic processes associated with regional wind and ocean current patterns can affect distribution, transport, and survival of young fishes. With the coordinated efforts of geologists, biologists, and physical oceanographers, geophysical and oceanographic data were collected during 4 days onboard the NOAA ship McArthur .