Fishing using gear that has
contact with the bottom causes
physical disturbance e.g. set nets,
trawls, bottom long lines etc.
Natural physical disturbances
(seasonal storms, tidal cycles,
activities of burrowers etc.)
impact organisms less as they
are used to recovering from
them
Impacts depends on the nature of
disturbances, frequency, scale and
intensity, habitat stability and
frequency of natural disturbance
Fishing effort not homogenous.
Some areas more heavily impacted
than others. Fishermen often use
same lines
Resuspension of sediments -
filter feeders can get clogged
in feeding apparatus &be
smothered
Turnover of
boulders or
cobbles. Anything
living on them can
get destroyed
Destruction of biogenic and
rock reef habitats. Not just
reefs.