W-144-1
Distribution and Abundance of Snappers (Lutjanidae) in the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico

Kerry Flaherty-Walia , Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, St. Petersburg, FL
Richard E. Matheson Jr. , Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, St. Petersburg, FL
Theodore Switzer , Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, St. Petersburg, FL
Reef fishes, such as those in the snapper family (Lutjanidae), support important recreational and commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico. Many species of snapper are susceptible to overfishing due to depth and habitat preferences, age at maturity, and a high probability of discard mortality for undersized and out-of-season fish. Fisheries-independent trawling data (2009-2014) collected during SEAMAP on the continental shelf from Texas to the Florida Keys were used to document and analyze distribution and abundance patterns of several snapper species including Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus, Gray Snapper Lutjanus griseus, Lane Snapper Lutjanus synagris, Vermilion Snapper Rhomboplites aurorubens, and Yellowtail Snapper Ocyurus chrysurus. Spatial patterns for each species are described by latitude, depth, and bottom habitat, with comments about sizes collected and known life history characteristics. The comprehensive description provided by this study will provide valuable information for future discussions regarding fisheries management for this economically important family in the Gulf of Mexico.
See more of: Biology and Ecology of Red Snapper
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