Diving for Data, Fishing for Facts: Examples of Cooperative Research in the Gulf of Mexico

Cooperative research has extensive benefits – it is cost effective, increases skill availability, and incorporates an institutional knowledge that may otherwise go unutilized. We provide examples of scientific cooperation with stakeholders that have informed policy for multiple species of reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Hogfish are harvested primarily through spearfishing and are rarely intercepted during typical fishery-dependent sampling, but cooperative research with the dive community has provided detailed information on the life history and stock structure of this species. Goliath grouper are protected from harvest and considered data-poor, but utilizing recreational divers and anglers for data collection enhanced our knowledge of habitat associations and behavior. Gag grouper are of critical economic importance to the recreational fishing industry, but catch and release mortality is ambiguous and data collected from anglers is realistically addressing this issue on the West Florida Shelf. Involvement of a few key groups has facilitated the exchange of information and increased the level of participation from many who were inherently distrustful of the scientific process. This has cascaded and allowed for research progress in other areas. We will discuss the lessons learned, challenges faced and true success in expanding marine fisheries research through cooperative science.