Evaluating nursery habitat utilization by juvenile gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus) in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus) populations have increased in the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM) in association with rising global temperatures. With increasing abundances, it is important to understand how potential nurseries are exploited. Seagrass, oyster reef, and salt marsh habitats were selected for study since they are the most widely recognized nurseries in the nGOM. Growth studies of gray snapper were conducted in these three habitats, and pairwise habitat preference experiments were conducted to determine how predation risk could influence habitat choice. Growth rates were highest in seagrass followed by marsh and oyster reef, but not significantly different among habitats, and habitat choice was significantly affected with red drum (Sciaenops ocellata) presence, with marsh being preferred over both seagrass and oyster reef. Seagrass has been a documented nursery for gray snapper prior to this study; the preference for salt marsh in the presence of a predator indicates that it may be another important nursery in the nGOM.