196 



Fishery Bulletin 105(2) 



This work provides a description and baseline infor- 

 mation on the structural characteristics of south-cen- 

 tral Alaska's nearshore kelp beds and associated fish 

 communities, and provides insight on the importance 

 of seasonality. These findings may enable managers to 

 identify potentially important nearshore fish habitat 

 from relatively easily quantified structural habitat 

 variables. The identification of critical habitat areas 

 for juvenile and adult fishes is essential for sustainable 

 management, and the importance of habitat structure 

 in and influence of seasonality on these habitats has 

 been further illuminated by this work. 



Acknowledgments 



This publication is the result of research sponsored by 

 Alaska Sea Grant with funds from the National Oceanic 

 and Atmospheric Administration Office of Sea Grant, 

 Department of Commerce, under grant no. NA 16RG2321 

 (project number R/31-09) and from the University of 

 Alaska with funds appropriated by the state. We wish 

 to thank S. Hills, G. Haas, and A. Blanchard, as well 

 as numerous reviewers, divers, and logistical supporters 

 for their priceless assistance. 



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