Trophic Ecology of Red Snapper and Pelagic Predators Around Offshore Active Oil and Gas Platforms vs. ‘Idle' Iron: Disentangling the Effects of Artificial Light

Approximately 2,500 petroleum platforms are currently operating in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM); they are estimated to provide an additional 12 km² of artificial reef habitat. The ecological role of platforms has often been overlooked and little is known about the effect of artificial light from the active platforms on surrounding fish communities. This is the first study seeking to address the potential impacts of artificial light on the trophic ecology of fish communities surrounding offshore platforms through gut content analysis (GCA) and stable isotope analysis (SIA). Red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) in addition to other pelagic predator species are being collected quarterly from February 2014 to February 2016. Sampling will occur at two active platforms and two “idle irons” platforms located approximately 130km from the coast of Louisiana. Stomachs (excluding sharks) are removed for GCA and muscle samples are taken for SIA from the epaxial tissue on the left flank of each specimen caught. Future research includes incorporating DNA barcoding for unidentified stomach contents and collecting primary basal carbon sources at sites. This study aims to further our understanding both about these structures and their roles as habitat for fish communities and for management of fisheries in the GOM.