| Fisheries-independent research was conducted in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Alabama and Florida from 2009-2012 to test factors potentially affecting red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, size at age, hence growth. A priori, size at age differences between natural and artificial reefs and between historical and contemporary samples were planned comparisons. An additional factor was added as the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (DHOS) occurred in summer 2010. Fish were sampled at natural and artificial reefs, measured and weighed, and their otoliths removed, sectioned, and aged. Differences in red snapper growth were tested between samples collected in 2009-2010 versus historical data from the 1990s. Differences in size at age were compared between samples from natural versus artificial reefs, and between time periods preand post-DHOS. Results indicate no difference in red snapper growth rate between natural and artificial reefs. Difference in growth rate between contemporary and historical samples likely indicates a density-dependent growth effect as the red snapper stock in the eastern Gulf of Mexico recovers from overfishing by the mid-2000s. Lastly, significant difference in size at age for red snapper sampled pre- and post- DHOS indicate there may be chronic effects of the spill on future red snapper productivity. |
