Demersal fish communities in southern California show altered trophic structure, diversity, and species composition near wastewater discharge pipes. Although one recurrent group is attracted to the pipe, others lose some species or feeding types in outfall areas. Species feeding types on polychaetes or plankton are often more abundant, whereas species feeding on small epibenthic crustaceans are frequently absent. A fin erosion disease found in Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus) living near outfalls suggest toxic or irritational properties of the sediments. Outfall pipes attract hard bottom and schooling species that prey upon soft-bottom species.
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