Man as a Predator in the Intertidal Zone of Southern Chile

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
From 1978-1982, man was excluded from a 6000 m2 reserve near Mehuin, Chile (39.degree.24''S, 73.degree.13''W). During this time there was an increase in the abundance of Fissurella spp. coupled with a dramatic decline in the abundance of mid-intertidal macroalgae, principally Iridaea boryana. Macroalgal abundance increased to near 100% cover from 1978-1979 on a rock in the reserve where herbivores were removed. Outside the reserve, areas closest to large fishing villages had a higher cover of I. boryana and a lower abundance of F. picta. Mid-intertidal macroalgae are abundant only where human predation on herbivores is severe.