Age- and Size- Based Reproductive Potential of Gray Snapper (<i>Lutjanus griseus</i>) in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico
Ashley Wechsler | Debra J. Murie | Eric Bovee
Relatively little is known about size- and age-based reproductive characteristics of Gray Snapper (<i>Lutjanus griseus</i>) despite a large recreational fishery along the west coast of Florida in the Southeastern U.S.A. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the spawning parameters of Gray Snapper and to quantify female reproductive potential on an age- and size-basis. From 2022 to 2023, 4563 Gray Snapper were collected off the west coast of Florida. Gray Snapper were observed to be actively spawning from late May to early September; however, the percent of females spawning in May and September were both <3%. Batch fecundity for 12 hydrated females showed a hyperallometric relationship with size and age. The spawning fraction also increased disproportionately with female length and age, suggesting older, larger females spawn in greater proportions and more often than younger, smaller females. For females, the length and age at 50% physiological maturity was 292 mm total length (TL) and 2.9 years, and those at 50% functional maturity was 301 mm TL and 3.2 years. Male Gray Snapper reached 50% sexual maturity at 259 mm TL and 1.8 years. The minimum size limit of 10 inches (254 mm) TL in Florida state waters appears to be too low to protect maturing females in particular. These new spawning metrics should be incorporated into future stock assessments to improve estimates of Gray Snapper reproductive output, stock status, and management.
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