Number (N) of wooden fishes estimated with the Distance Sampling (DS) method by the experienced and non-experienced divers for the total census area (3000 m²) and the confidence interval (N CI 95%) at p < 0.05.

<p>DS estimator: the best fit from the nine estimators tested with the DISTANCE software. D = Density per 300 m2. %CV = Coefficient of variation of the estimation in percentage. N detected (%) = Number of wooden fishes detected by divers and the percentage of the total wooden fish. MDD = Mean distance detection derived from visual estimations and standard deviation (SD) by divers. "*" Actual number of wooden fishes. "**" Actual mean distance.</p

Scheme of the count method using the Distance Sampling method.

<p>IL = imaginary line. X^1-2 = perpendicular distances of solitary individuals to the transect line. X³ = perpendicular distance of a school of fishes to the perpendicular line. The equipment (Fig 2) is illustrated above divers, like at the surface. Inset: The Tracked Roaming Transect equipment. A = Waterproof case for GPS. B = Body Board Slate. C = Diving reel. D = Weight.</p