Response of fish-based metrics to anthropogenic pressures in temperate rocky reefs

► This study analyzed fishing, port activities, sewage and thermal pressures. ► Fish assemblages responded to all pressures with exception of thermal effluent. ► Two major patterns of stress were identified: selective and broad-range response. ► The applied approach allowed the selection of sensitive fish-based metrics. ► This study contributes to develop efficient tools to assess fish assemblages.