Rockfish abundances did not differ between cable and control
transects. Love and York (2005) observed significantly higher
rockfish densities along the oil pipeline than on the adjacent seafloor
and hypothesized that some species may be using the pipeline
and associated communities of anemones and crinoids as nursery
grounds. At first glance, it may appear that our findings contradict
those of Love and York (2005). However, Love and York (2005)
observed higher abundances of rockfish in a highly complex
habitat (along pipeline) compared to much less complex, primarily
soft-bottom, adjacent seafloor. In our study, cable and control
transects were characterized by the same habitat type, which may
help explain similar abundances of rockfish.