Gulf and Caribbean Research 

About: Gulf and Caribbean Research is an academic journal published by University of Southern Mississippi. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Bay & Population. It has an ISSN identifier of 1528-0470. Over the lifetime, 557 publications have been published receiving 6200 citations.

Spawning Aggregation Sites of Snapper and Grouper Species (Lutjanidae and Serranidae) on the Insular Shelf of Cuba

Abstract: Twenty-one spawning aggregation sites on the Cuban shelf were identified for eight species of snappers (Lutjanus) and groupers (Epinephelus and Mycteroperca) using information from experienced fishers and field studies. Three sites are on the southeastern shelf, eight on the southwest shelf bordering the Golfo de Batabano, two in the northwest, and eight in the north-central region along the margins of the Archipielago de Sabana-Camaguey. These numbers may reflect sampling effort as much as absolute aggregation numbers, with most effort concentrated in the southwest and north-central regions. Additional studies, particularly field assessments, are needed to determine the current status and consistency of occurrence of many of these aggregations. Most sites occur near the shelf drop-off at depths of 20–50 m, over reef substrates. Some sites involve sequential use by multiple species over several seasons of the year. Fishing activities have impacted many of these aggregations, both during spawning events and during pre-spawning migrations. This information is being applied in the design of marine reserve networks for several Cuban archipelagos. Intraspecific variations in aggregation formation occur temporally among differing regions of Cuba. Such variations reinforce the need for expanded research efforts on spawning aggregations. Gulf and Caribbean Research Vol 14(2), 91–106, 2003 Manuscript received February 28, 2002; accepted November 12, 2002

AT-VESSEL FISHING MORTALITY FOR SIx SPECIES OF SHARkS CAUGHT IN THE NORTHWEST ATLANTIC ANd GULF OF MExICO

Abstract: From 1994-2005 the Commercial Shark Fishery Observer Program (CSFOP) placed fishery observ- ers aboard US bottom longline vessels engaged in directed fishing for sharks in the region from New Jersey to Louisiana, USA. Observers routinely recorded species specific at-vessel mortality as related to enduring the stress of longline capture. Data for 5 species of sharks (sandbar Carcharhinus plumbeus, blacktip Carcharhinus limbatus, dusky Carcharhinus obscurus, tiger Galeocerdo cuvier, scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini, and great hammer- head Sphyrna mokarran) were analyzed in this study. Multiple stepwise linear regressions indicate that age group, soak time and bottom water temperature can be used as predictors of at-vessel mortality and that size restrictions, size selective gear, restricting the soak time and time/area closures may be beneficial to fisheries targeting large coastal sharks.

The Role of Long Distance Dispersal Versus Local Retention in Replenishing Marine Populations

Abstract: Early models and evidence from genetics suggested that long distance dispersal of larvae is likely a common event leading to considerable population connectivity among distant populations. However, recent evidence strongly suggests that local retention is more the rule, and that long distance transport is likely insufficient to sustain marine populations over demographic timescales. We build on earlier model results to examine the probability of larval dispersal to downstream islands within different regions of the Caribbean at varying distances from source populations. Through repeated runs of an ocean circulation model (MICOM), coupled with a random flight model estimating larval sub-grid turbulent motion, we estimate the likelihood of particular circulation events transporting large numbers of larvae to within 9km radii of downstream populations, as well as account for total accumulations of larvae over each year. Further, we incorporate realistic larval behavior and mortality estimates and production variability into our models. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that marine populations must rely on mechanisms enhancing self-recruitment rather than depend on distant 'source' populations.

The Blue Crab Fishery in Mississippi

Abstract: Analysis of 670 trawl, seine and marsh net samples collected from July 1971 through June 1973 provided data on the distribution and abundance of blue crabs in Mississippi Sound. Highest average catches were associated with salinities between 5.0 and 15.0 ppt (parts per thousand) and temperatures between 20.0 and 25.OoC. Young crabs congregated in dredged navigational channels and in the marshes that fringe the bays and coastline. Maximum numbers were captured over soft mud bottoms. Peak numbers of zoeae occurred in the summer and fall. Megalopae were collected in all months. Early crab stages appeared throughout the year. Width-frequency distributions suggested rapid growth. Crabs tagged and released in Lake Borgne, La. during the fall of 1971 moved into Mississippi Sound in the vicinity of Cat Island to overwinter. Recoveries of crabs released in the St. Louis Bay, Biloxi Bay and Pascagoula River estuarine systems indicated little movement between estuaries during the spring and summer. Identified parasites included a new microphallid trematode. Commercial landings of blue crabs averaged 1,712,000 pounds for the 20-year period 1953-1972. Catch per unit of effort (pounds/pot day) was low during the spring and fall, peaking in the summer. Rises in the catch per unit of effort closely followed the migration of female crabs into Mississippi Sound.