Effects of Hydroclimatic Variation on Coastal Fisheries: Varying Resilience in a Tropical Euryhaline Vs. a Freshwater Temperate Recreational Species

Both freshwater inflows and climatic variation are primary determinants of ecological processes and fisheries dynamics in coastal areas. Hydroclimatic variation can strongly influence the abundance and distribution of fishes, with important implications for economically-important recreational fisheries. Fish populations may exhibit varying levels of resilience to both seasonal and extreme hydroclimatic conditions (e.g., droughts, cold snaps). We hypothesize that this variation in resilience relates to key functional traits: whether fishes are freshwater vs. estuarine or temperate vs. tropical species, and their associated life histories. In this study, we compare the response of populations of Common Snook and Florida Largemouth Bass to hydroclimatic variation in coastal habitats of the Everglades. We tracked populations at ecotonal mangrove habitats over a period of 10 years, by sampling repeatedly at fixed sites via boat electrofishing. Findings indicate that Florida Largemouth Bass are more resilient to drying events and are unaffected by cold events, while Common Snook exhibit lower resilience overall, and instead show a slow recovery from the cold event, and were strongly affected by drought via trophic pathways. We discuss results in the context of climate change and implications for the future of these important recreational fisheries.