In summary, we were unable to detect a response by intertidal
fish to mangrove trimming in Rookery Bay. Investigation of
the literature suggests that the high spatial and temporal variability
in fish abundance that made detection difficult in Rookery
Bay is typical of fishes which utilize intertidal areas not only in
mangroves but, perhaps, other coastal habitats. We recommend
that effective employment of mangrove-associated fish as sensitive
indicators of habitat change will require further efforts to identify
the primary natural determinants of fish distribution within
systems. Such information will facilitate more efficient sampling
design and data analysis. Furthermore, in light of the rarity of fish
which are obligate inhabitants of the mangrove-forested intertidal