Th-126-10
Snapper Spawn

Brad Erisman , Department of Marine Science, The University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, TX
Filmed in the turquoise waters of Palau, Snapper Spawn is a short film that brings to the world stage the mysterious and fragile phenomenon of Twin-spot Red Snapper aggregating to spawn in their thousands - it's a brief insight into their fascinating world. The film describes the amazing dynamics and behaviors that occur during these aggregations while also explaining why it is important to protect these aggregations from overfishing. While the film focuses on one specific species and location, this same message can be applied to spawning aggregations, fishes, and reefs throughout the world that are so important for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and productive fisheries.