Marine Artificial Reef Research and Development: Integrating Fisheries Management Objectives

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Artificial Reef ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
South Texas ◽  
Spawning Season ◽  
Artificial Reefs ◽  
Batch Fecundity ◽  
Balistes Capriscus ◽  
Gray Triggerfish

<em>Abstract</em>.—Artificial reefs in the northwest Gulf of Mexico act as preferential habitat for Gray Triggerfish <em>Balistes capriscus </em>(Gmelin, 1789) and are heavily targeted by local and international fishing efforts. Three artificial reefs off the south Texas coast were studied to investigate the reproductive characteristics of this ubiquitous reef member whose importance to both commercial and recreational fishing has resulted in a dramatic reduction in Gulf of Mexico-wide estimated biomass for the past 20 years. Characteristics examined included sex ratio, peak spawning season, batch fecundity of females (1 × 10<sup>6</sup> oocytes), fork length (FL, mm) at maturity, and batch fecundity as a function of FL or weight (i.e., Δ1 × 10<sup>6</sup> oocytes = ΔFL). These characteristics were investigated to build a foundational understanding of an understudied region of the Gulf and a relatively new artificial reef habitat. Reef sites managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Artificial Reef Program were sampled for 1 year, yielding 112 individuals. The sex ratio was 1:1 males to females but varied among sample sites, suggesting that an unidentified factor may have influenced aggregations of males and females. Spawning season was similar in other regions of the Gulf of Mexico (i.e., between June and August with a peak in July). Female batch fecundity was 7.36 × 10<sup>5</sup> ± 2.69 × 10<sup>5</sup> mature oocytes, and the batch fecundity to FL relationship was 14.353 × FL<sup>1.88</sup>, similar to other populations of Gray Triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico.

Age and growth of gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) from a north-central Gulf of Mexico artificial reef zone

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-195
Author(s):  
Amanda E Jefferson ◽  
Robert J Allman ◽  
Ashley E Pacicco ◽  
James S Franks ◽  
Frank J Hernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Artificial Reef ◽  
Age And Growth ◽  
North Central ◽  
Balistes Capriscus ◽  
Gray Triggerfish ◽  
Reef Zone

Reproductive biology of blue mackerel, Scomber australasicus, off southern and eastern Australia: suitability of the Daily Egg Production Method for stock assessment

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 187 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. Rogers ◽  
T. M. Ward ◽  
L. J. McLeay ◽  
M. Lowry ◽  
R. J. Saunders ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Stock Assessment ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
Production Method ◽  
Spawning Season ◽  
Batch Size ◽  
Batch Fecundity ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Mature Fish

The present study investigated the reproductive biology of blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) off southern and eastern Australia and assessed the suitability of the Daily Egg Production Method (DEPM) for future stock assessment. This analysis revealed that S. australasicus is a serial spawner with asynchronous oocyte development and indeterminate fecundity. S. australasicus spawns between November and April off southern Australia and between July and October off eastern Australia. In southern Australia, ~50% of males and females were mature at 236.5 and 286.8 mm fork length (FL), respectively. Size at ~50% maturity could not be estimated reliably for eastern Australia owing to the smaller proportion of mature fish in samples. Mean spawning frequencies ranged from 2 to 11 days off southern Australia. Batch fecundity was related to fish size and mean batch size was 69 894 ± 4361 oocytes per batch and 134 oocytes per g of weight. The timing and duration of the spawning season, size at maturity, spawning frequency and batch fecundity of S. australasicus off southern Australia were consistent with those of S. japonicus in the northern Pacific Ocean. The present study’s estimates of adult reproductive parameters of S. australasicus off southern Australia were suitable for the application of the DEPM for estimating spawning biomass. Collecting representative samples of mature fish from waters off eastern Australia during the spawning season is a high priority for future stock assessment of this species.

scholarly journals Fish assemblages associated with artificial reefs assessed using multiple gear types in the northwest Gulf of Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 655-678
Author(s):  
Jeffrey D Plumlee ◽  
Kaylan M Dance ◽  
Michael A Dance ◽  
Jay R Rooker ◽  
Thomas C TinHan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Red Snapper ◽  
Artificial Reefs ◽  
Adaptive Resolution ◽  
Fish Traps ◽  
Resolution Imaging ◽  
Imaging Sonar ◽  
Gray Triggerfish

Quantitative surveys of fishes associated with artificial reefs in the northwest Gulf of Mexico were conducted over a 4-yr period (2014–2017). Artificial reefs surveyed were comprised of three types: concrete structures, rig jackets, and decommissioned ships. All reefs were surveyed using vertical long line (VLL), fish traps, and Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonar (ARIS 1800). Mean fish abundance did not significantly differ using VLL [1.7 ind set –1 (SD 2.2)] among the three reef types. However, relative abundance among all fishes collected was significantly highest on rig reefs using traps [6.2 ind soak–1 (SD 3.8)], while results from sonar surveys indicated that the mean relative fish density was highest on concrete reefs [15.3 fish frame–1 (SD 26.8)]. Red snapper (n = 792), followed by gray triggerfish (n = 130), pigfish (n = 70), tomtate (n = 69), and hardhead catfish (n = 57) were the most numerically abundant species using VLL and traps; red snapper comprised 90.7% of total catch using VLL and 43.9% using traps. Mean Brillouin's diversity (HB) was highest on ships using VLL [0.41 (SD 0.14)] and highest on rigs using traps [0.87 (SD 0.58)] compared to the lowest diversity found on concrete [VLL 0.07 (SD 0.11); traps 0.36 (SD 0.32)]. Findings from this study can be used to inform the planning of future artificial reefs and their effect on the assemblages of reef-associated fishes. Additionally, these results highlight the value of using multiple gear types to survey reef fish assemblages associated with artificial reefs.

scholarly journals ASPEK BIOLOGI DAN DINAMIKA POPULASI IKAN LAYANG BIRU (Decapterus macarellus Cuvier, 1833) DI PERAIRAN LAUT SULAWESI

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
Achmad Zamroni ◽  
Adi Kuswoyo ◽  
Umi Chodrijah
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Gonad Index ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
Spawning Season ◽  
Fish Length ◽  
Population Parameters ◽  
Gonad Maturity ◽  
Fish Samples

Ikan layang biru (Decapterus macarellus) merupakan salah satu jenis ikan pelagis kecil yang dominan tertangkap dan mempunyai nilai ekonomi yang tinggi, terutama untuk daerah dengan perairan yang lebih oseanik seperti di perairan Indonesia bagian timur. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi parameter populasi ikan layang biru khususnya tertangkap di Laut Sulawesi. Pengambilan sampel ikan untuk diukur panjang cagak dan diamati kematangan gonad dilakukan secara acak setiap bulan. Informasi parameter populasi yang diperoleh dalam penelitian ini adalah hubungan panjang-berat, nisbah kelamin, tingkat kematangan gonad, nilai L50% dan Lm, parameter pertumbuhan serta tingkat pemanfaatan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebaran ukuran panjang cagak ikan (fork length = FL) berkisar antara 10,25 - 32,25 cm, pola pertumbuhannya bersifat allometrik negatif. Nisbah kelamin ikan layang biru antara jantan : betina tidak berimbang yaitu 1 : 1,963. Ikan layang biru yang tertangkap didominasi oleh ikan dalam kondisi kematangan gonad tingkat III, artinya gonad masih dalam kondisi berkembang. Berdasarkan analisis tingkat kematangan gonad dan nilai indeks gonad dapat diketahui bahwa puncak musim pemijahan ikan terjadi pada bulan Maret. Perbandingan nilai L50% dan Lm diperoleh (L50% > Lm), artinya secara umum ikan telah mengalami matang gonad sebelum ikan tersebut ditangkap. Nilai eksplotasi lebih tinggi dari nilai eksploitasi optimal 0,5 per-tahun. Diduga puncak rekruitmen yang terjadi pada bulan Juni berasal dari musim pemijahan yang terjadi pada bulan Maret.Mackerel scad (Decapterus macarellus) is one of the dominant small pelagic fish species with high economic value, especially for areas with more oceanic waters such as eastern Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to identify the population parameters of the Mackerel scad especially those caught in the Celebes Sea. Fish samples were randomly taken to measure for length measurements and gonad maturity observation every month. Information on population parameters obtained in this study is the length-weight relationship, sex ratio, gonad maturity level, L50% and Lm values, growth parameters, and exploitation rates. The results showed that the distribution of fish length range from 10.25 - 32.25 cm of fork length, with the growth pattern was negative allometric. The sex ratio between males: females was not balanced (1: 1,963). The Mackerel scad caught was dominated by fish in the condition of level III maturity, meaning that each gonad was in a developing condition. Based on the analysis of gonad maturity and gonad index, it can be estimated that the peak of the spawning season occurs in March. A comparison of the values of L50% and Lm obtained was L50% > Lm, meaning that in general, the fish has reached gonad ripening before they were caught. The exploitation rate was higher than the optimal exploitation value of 0.5 per year. It is likely that the peak of recruitment occurred in June came from the spawning season occurred in March.

Distinguishing between contaminant and reef effects on meiofauna near offshore hydrocarbon platforms in the Gulf of Mexico

2002 ◽  
Vol 59 (10) ◽  
pp. 1584-1592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul A Montagna ◽  
Stephen C Jarvis ◽  
Mahlon C Kennicutt, II
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Artificial Reef ◽  
Artificial Reefs ◽  
Offshore Platforms ◽  
Ecological Interactions ◽  
Fouling Community ◽  
Hydrocarbon Production ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Production Techniques ◽  
Production Effects

Offshore hydrocarbon production effects are localized in the Gulf of Mexico extending only 200 m from platforms. Effects are caused by the contaminant gradient or the fouling community on platform legs. To distinguish between contaminant and reef effects, meiofauna were sampled at production platforms (reef and contaminant effects), artificial reefs (reef, but no contaminant effects), platform removal sites (contaminant, but no reef effects), and controls (no contaminants or reef effects), and replicated in three blocks. The removal sites had higher concentrations of many contaminants than reef or control sites, but lower concentrations than platform sites. Reduced meiobenthic abundances and altered Harpacticoida community structure were primarily a function of reef effects, not contaminant effects. The habitat influence is likely a result of complex ecological interactions near platforms. The reef effect appears to be important in controlling meiofauna near platforms where contaminants are low because of drilling and production techniques used in the Gulf of Mexico. The finding that contaminants alone do not explain faunal patterns around offshore platforms indicates that future studies should include appropriate artificial reef control sites.

Marine Artificial Reef Research and Development: Integrating Fisheries Management Objectives

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Fisheries Management ◽  
Artificial Reef ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Red Snapper ◽  
Age And Growth ◽  
Artificial Reefs ◽  
Lutjanus Campechanus ◽  
Management Objectives

<em>Abstract</em>.—Identifying morphometrics, age composition, and growth of Red Snapper <em>Lutjanus campechanus </em>(Poey, 1860) in the Gulf of Mexico is crucial for management of this valuable species. Red Snapper are highly associated with artificial reefs situated off the coast of Texas. Artificial reefs, two in federal waters (offshore) and two in state waters (inshore), were sampled quarterly from December 2014 through December 2016. Characteristic differences in age and growth patterns at inshore and offshore sites and across sampled sites were compared. Mean ± standard deviation was calculated for total length (TL), weight, and biological age. Red Snapper collected averaged 464.5 ± 92.6 mm in TL, 1.62 ± 1.03 kg, and 3.8 ± 1.5 years. Significant differences in TL, weight, and age were observed across sites but not between inshore and offshore locations. In comparing 12 previous Red Snapper length-at-age (0–25 years) studies across the Gulf of Mexico, results were similar except for two studies significantly different from one another, but none with respect to our study. Our findings suggest that Red Snapper populations are young and restricted to one or two spawning years before capture on artificial reefs. Continued management of fisheries associated with these reefs are necessary to increase the stock and eventually lead to robust and sustainable fisheries.

Marine Artificial Reef Research and Development: Integrating Fisheries Management Objectives

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
Artificial Reef ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Fishing Effort ◽  
Artificial Reefs ◽  
Recreational Fishing ◽  
Lutjanus Campechanus ◽  
Associated Species ◽  
Method Of Assessment

<em>Abstract</em>.—Florida boasts an abundance of natural and artificial reefs that support a large and diverse recreational fishery off the Gulf of Mexico coast. Recent efforts to mitigate the effects of the <em>Deepwater Horizon </em>oil spill have increased the number of artificial reefs deployed off Florida’s Gulf Coast. Fisheries-dependent data are needed to assess whether artificial reef programs are meeting intended objectives and to understand changes in recreational angler behavior, which may influence catch per unit effort and biomass of landed fish. The objective of this study was to quantify the use of artificial reefs by recreational anglers targeting reef fishes in the Gulf of Mexico off the west coast of Florida. We utilized an existing survey designed to monitor recreational fishing effort by anglers that target reef fishes from private boats. Over a 20-month period, an estimated total of 776,026 (SD ±27,540) angler trips targeted reef fishes off the Gulf Coast of Florida, of which 46% utilized artificial reefs. Approximately two-thirds of all reef angling trips took place nearshore in state-managed waters, and 70% of trips that utilized artificial reefs occurred in this area. Regionally, the highest proportion of angler trips targeting reef-associated species on artificial reefs took place in the panhandle of Florida, where Red Snapper <em>Lutjanus campechanus </em>are most abundant. Seasonally, state and federal fishing regulations also had an apparent influence on fishing effort and artificial reef use by recreational anglers. The method of assessment we present here could be useful for monitoring future trends in recreational fishing effort with respect to artificial reefs.

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