Enhancement and Evaluation of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) and Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) In Florida

Scientists at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have been engaged in two multi-disciplinary, assessment-driven efforts to integrate stock enhancement into traditional fishery management. The common goal of these programs has been to develop economically and ecologically sound stocking methodologies that could contribute to the management Florida’s multi-billion dollar freshwater and marine recreational fishing industries. The primary subjects of enhancement activities are Florida bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) and red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus). Both programs have involved vigorous genetic-monitoring and management components.   

As part of an overall Black Bass Management Plan, FWC has reinvigorated its program of genetic management for Florida bass. Screening procedures were established for in-state brood fish and imported fish in order to stem further hatchery-mediated introgression of northern subspecies (M. s. salmoides) alleles into endemic Florida bass populations. Genetic management practices were adopted in furtherance of the state’s Genetic Release Policy and a new rule (68A-23.009, FAC) that regulates importation, transportation, and possession of northern largemouth and their hybrids. Also, several FWC stocking programs for Florida bass have employed genetic-tracking for post-release evaluation. Genotyping has been completed for more than 3,000 fin-clips from six stocked lakes; 805 specimens were assigned to hatchery parent pairs. Wild-population and stocked population data, with genetic-management inferences, will be reviewed. 

For red drum, recapture studies have been underway in Tampa Bay since 1999. Research has involved replicate stratified releases of approximately four million hatchlings. More than 30,000 fin clips have been collected and genotyped from Tampa Bay and adjacent estuaries; approximately 3,000 specimens have been assigned to hatchery parent pairs. Recapture information and follow-up testing will be reviewed as they pertain to stocking methodologies and genetic impacts. The focus of genetic-tracking efforts has recently shifted to offshore adults for an investigation of connectivity between released hatchlings and local breeding stocks.