Do shallow water habitats of an impacted coastal strait serve as nursery grounds for fish?

One hundred and thirty-three species of fish were recorded between July 1999 and December 2000 along littoral and shallow sublittoral zones of the eastern Johor Strait, Singapore. The catches consisted primarily of juveniles and adults of small-sized fish. Of the 46 families in the catch, Channidae, Silliganidae, Leiognathidae and Plotosidae were dominant in the catch. Ten species accounted for over 90% of total catch with Ambassis kopsii in high abundance at almost all sites. Significant differences were found in relative abundance and species richness between sites and seasons. Variations in community structure and ecological attributes among sites and season were also recorded. Although the Johor Strait is heavily impacted, the habitats remain an important nursery ground for numerous fish including some commercial and recreational species.