Red Snapper

The size (legal & sub-legal) of each target fish (red grouper, gag, red snapper & vermilion snapper) caught per trip, is being recorded. The following length/ frequency graphs show the

distribution of that species by the area fished. Fish from neighboring locations were grouped into the nearest area. therefore, some areas have fewer graphs than others. This thumbnail, when selected, gives a full size graph showing the location and frequency of the target species throughout the study area.

MML Researchers to Conduct Tag Shedding Study

MML personnel are presently conducting a double tag study to evaluate the problem of lost tags. This will be accompanied by tagging with both PIT and Hallprint plastic dart tags, as, without proper tag-shedding rates, it is difficult to determine survival return rates. Minute rice-grain sized PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tags are injected into the musculature of the fish. This enables MML personnel to scan all red snapper caught through a digital read out of the tag.

Double Tagged Fish
1/1/1990 - 3/7/2003
29 Fish

Subarea	Tag Depth Feet	Distance Travelled	Days of Freedom
DUNEDIN	138	0	70
JACKSONVILLE	75	0	110
JACKSONVILLE	75	0	231
JACKSONVILLE	80	19	52
PANAMA CITY	87	0	188
PANAMA CITY	88		256
PANAMA CITY	88		312
PANAMA CITY	92		83
PANAMA CITY	98		281
PANAMA CITY	98		429
PANAMA CITY	110	1	57
PANAMA CITY	110	1	327
PANAMA CITY	111	0	170
PANAMA CITY	111	0	188
PANAMA CITY	114	0	316
PANAMA CITY	116	0	170
PANAMA CITY	116	237	179
ST. ANDREW'S SOUND GA	65	0	198
ST. AUGUSTINE	63	0	19
ST. AUGUSTINE	63	0	59
ST. AUGUSTINE	63	18	188
ST. AUGUSTINE	65	60	26
ST. AUGUSTINE	70	0	11
ST. AUGUSTINE	70	0	21
ST. AUGUSTINE	70	0	30
ST. AUGUSTINE	70	0	108
ST. AUGUSTINE	70	0	122
ST. AUGUSTINE	103	1	443
TARPON SPRINGS	98	0	30

Conducted by FSU Scientists: Drs. Felicia Coleman and Chris Koenig

At various depths undersized specimens of the target species will be captured, measured, marked, freeze-branded and returned to the bottom in special cylindrical cages. The caged fish will then be observed by Scuba divers after capture, brought to the surface and transported to the FSUML holding facility for further testing to determine sub-lethal effects of depth.

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This is a study group composed of Karen M. Burns (Staff Scientist/Program Manager of Fish Biology) of Mote Marine Laboratory and Dr. Raymond R. Wilson, Jr., Associate Professor of Marine Science, Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, as co-principal investigators.

The goals and objectives of this project are to determine the ramifications of current practices in the bycatch of undersized red snapper, and to then test and evaluate to determine successful directions for future practices to assure the survival of this important commercial and recreational resource. The use of specific hook types and sizes, such as the J, kahle, and circle hooks, will be investigated and will be an important adjunct to previous studies in this area. See the new article relating to this study.

Depth induced mortality of red snapper will be investigated in the laboratory by simulating depth of 140 and 200 feet using Dr. Wilson's fish hyperbaric chambers.

The project will enhance the scope of on-going studies involving other species of undersized reef fish, i.e. hook mortality, physiological effects of depth, predation, etc. and become a valuable information source for scientists, marine regulatory groups, commercial fishermen and sportsmen.

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY

Fish Biology Cobia Dolphin Greater Amberjack Red Grouper

RED SNAPPER

(Lutjanus campechanus)

MML Researchers to Conduct Tag Shedding Study

Experiments to Evaluate Depth-related Capture-Release Mortality

"Partitioning Release Mortality in the Undersized Red Snapper Bycatch"

Last update: June 15, 2004