MOTE MARINE LABORATORY



ACUTE MORTALITY IN TARGET SPECIES

 Necropsies of moribund target species caught at depths ranging from 40 - 140 ft. continue. A total of 133 necropsies have been performed. Additional moribund fish are being collected.

To date, red snapper account for almost all of the acute mortalities: with hook damage (from J hooks) the leading single cause of death.

See the two articles on Circle hooks and their use.
Circle Hooks - The Rational and Using Circle Hooks

Results of Necropsies of Moribund or dying fish during fishing trips

Cause of Death                   
Species

Hook

Other
Red Grouper 3 2
Gag 0 0
Vermilion Snapper 3 1
Red Snapper 70 54
Other: Stress, heat, improper venting by boat crew, unknown

 

Last Update: March 10, 2003

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