Analysis of the Variation in the Taxonomic Distinction of Soft-bottom Fishes in a Lagoon on the West Coast of the Gulf of California, Mexico

Mexico is a country with high biodiversity. The coastal lagoon of La Paz is situated on the west coast of the Gulf of California, south of La Paz Bay, in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico, and is known by locals as Ensenada de La Paz. The goal of this study was to determine the taxonomic distinctness of this lagoon's soft-bottom fish community. From August 2016 to June 2017, bi-monthly samplings were conducted in seven different locations, yielding a total of 42 replicates. An experimental trawl net was used to catch the fish, and a 22 feet boat with a 75 HP was used as a trawler. Ecological indices such as Fisher’s alpha diversity ( -Fisher), taxonomic distinctness (TD *) and average taxonomic distinctness (AvTD +), were used to describe the current state of this coastal lagoon. A total of 2,763 organisms from 73 species, 50 genera, 29 families, nine orders, and two classes were collected. The majority of the species were classified into five families. Despite the fact that this lagoon has been subjected to anthropogenic impact through the discharge of wastewater from the city of La Paz, our findings (spatial and temporal -Fisher, TD * and AvTD +) indicate that it is in good condition.