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  • 1
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    Effects of a New Artificial Reef Complex on Red Snapper and the Associated Fish Community: an Evaluation Using a Before–After Control–Impact Approach
    Wiley ; 2017
    In:  Marine and Coastal Fisheries Vol. 9, No. 1 ( 2017-01), p. 404-418
    Details
    In: Marine and Coastal Fisheries, Wiley, Vol. 9, No. 1 ( 2017-01), p. 404-418
    Abstract: Artificial reefs are commonly created with the goal of enhancing fish populations. However, many studies evaluating their effects on these populations have been hindered by a lack of preconstruction data from existing natural habitats and temporal comparisons with control areas. Here, we present findings from a before–after control–impact study designed to assess the effects of a new artificial reef on fish populations in the western Gulf of Mexico. Vertical line and fish traps were used to sample the reef site and a paired control site with soft bottom substrates for 1 year before and 2 years after reef construction. Prior to reef construction in October 2013, and over bare substrates in general, infrequent catches of sea catfishes and small coastal sharks were observed. With the exception of rare occurrences of juvenile Gray Triggerfish Balistes capriscus and Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus , which were observed only during the summer recruitment season, the control site exhibited a lack of reef species. In contrast, we documented dramatic increases in the frequency of occurrence and abundance of multiple reef species at the reef site following the addition of structured habitat. Distinct cohorts of Red Snapper could be followed through time suggesting site fidelity, and few fish greater than age 2 years were captured indicating limited migration of older fish from other areas. Given that the reef supported high densities of juvenile Red Snapper that were in good condition, growing quickly, and protected from potential shrimp trawl mortality, export of juveniles (i.e., production) to the adult population was evident and likely greater on a per‐unit‐area basis than for the control site. Our study highlights the potential benefits of artificial reefs to species like Red Snapper; however, future studies should investigate the relative roles of emigration and fishing mortality to better understand the effects of these structures on reef fish population dynamics.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1942-5120 , 1942-5120
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1080/19425120.2017.1347116
    Language: English
    Publisher: Wiley
    Publication Date: 2017
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2483227-3
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  • 2
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    A Comparison of Size Structure, Age, and Growth of Red Snapper from Artificial and Natural Habitats in the Western Gulf of Mexico
    Wiley ; 2017
    In:  Transactions of the American Fisheries Society Vol. 146, No. 4 ( 2017-07), p. 762-777
    Details
    In: Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, Wiley, Vol. 146, No. 4 ( 2017-07), p. 762-777
    Abstract: Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus support economically important fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and have been classified as overfished since the first stock assessment was conducted in 1988. Although the stock is now showing signs of recovery, management could benefit from a better understanding of regional or even habitat‐level differences in stock demographics, as these dynamics ultimately determine overall stock productivity. From 2012 to 2014, we used a fishery‐independent vertical line survey to assess Red Snapper relative abundance, size and age structure, and growth parameters at standing oil and gas platforms, decommissioned platform artificial reefs, and natural banks in the western GOM. We captured 1,170 Red Snapper ranging from 275 to 855 mm TL. Vertical line CPUE data showed no differences among the three habitat types. Ages determined for 1,143 individuals ranged from 2 to 30 years; however, most (90%) were younger than age 8. Size and age frequencies revealed that natural banks supported a greater proportion of large and relatively old fish compared to standing platforms or artificial reefs, although this difference was heavily influenced by a single bank that had significantly larger and older Red Snapper than other sites. Mean age was not significantly different among habitat types. Among a suite of growth models fitted to size‐at‐age data, the logistic model provided the best fit and suggested that fish from artificial reefs reached larger sizes at age than fish from either standing platforms or natural banks. Our study provides the first estimates of habitat‐specific growth parameters for Red Snapper in the western GOM, and this information can benefit future stock assessments. This study also highlights the potential benefits of artificial reefs to Red Snapper and indicates that all habitats could contribute similarly to stock productivity on a per‐unit‐area basis. Received December 21, 2016; accepted March 14, 2017 Published online May 26, 2017
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0002-8487 , 1548-8659
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1080/00028487.2017.1308884
    Language: English
    Publisher: Wiley
    Publication Date: 2017
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  • 3
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    A Comparison of Fish Community Structure at Mesophotic Artificial Reefs and Natural Banks in the Western Gulf of Mexico
    Wiley ; 2017
    In:  Marine and Coastal Fisheries Vol. 9, No. 1 ( 2017-01), p. 170-189
    Details
    In: Marine and Coastal Fisheries, Wiley, Vol. 9, No. 1 ( 2017-01), p. 170-189
    Abstract: Oil and gas platforms along the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) shelf have served as artificial reefs since oil and gas exploration intensified in the 1950s. As these structures are decommissioned, they must be removed; however, some are converted to permanent artificial reefs. Despite the potential effects these artificial habitats may have on marine fisheries, investigations that assess the fish communities inhabiting these structures relative to natural habitats are rare. During fall 2012, we used remotely operated vehicle surveys to compare fish communities between artificial reefs (i.e., reefed platforms; n = 5) and adjacent natural banks (n = 5) in the western GOM. Our surveys successfully documented 79 species representing 28 families. Multivariate analyses suggested that fish communities at artificial reefs were distinct from those at natural banks. Post hoc analyses indicated that the differences were driven by high abundances of transient, midwater pelagics and other gregarious species at artificial reefs. Many fisheries species, like the Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus , were found in both habitat types, with density at artificial reefs estimated to be nearly eight times greater than at natural banks. Despite lower densities at natural banks, the disproportionately large areas of these habitats resulted in relatively high total abundance estimates—approximately 5% of the 2012 GOM Red Snapper annual catch limit (3.67 million kg [8.08 million lb])—a finding that has significant implications for Red Snapper and artificial reef management in the GOM. Our study suggests that although fish community structure may differ between these two habitats, artificial reefs serve as important habitat for species like Red Snapper by potentially diverting fishing pressure from natural habitats; however, future studies that address species‐specific life history traits will be needed to better understand the function and performance of artificial reefs in supporting fisheries productivity.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1942-5120 , 1942-5120
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1080/19425120.2017.1282897
    Language: English
    Publisher: Wiley
    Publication Date: 2017
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  • 4
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    Habitat‐Specific Reproductive Potential of Red Snapper: A Comparison of Artificial and Natural Reefs in the Western Gulf of Mexico
    Wiley ; 2018
    In:  Transactions of the American Fisheries Society Vol. 147, No. 6 ( 2018-11), p. 1030-1041
    Details
    In: Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, Wiley, Vol. 147, No. 6 ( 2018-11), p. 1030-1041
    Abstract: Energy exploration in the Gulf of Mexico (hereafter, Gulf) has resulted in the addition of numerous oil and gas production platforms that create structurally complex habitat in an area otherwise dominated by barren mud/sand bottom. How these artificial structures affect fish populations is largely unknown, and there is ongoing debate regarding their value as surrogate habitats for ecologically and economically important reef fish species. Thus, the purpose of this study was to characterize trends in Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus reproductive potential in the western Gulf at oil and gas platform reefs relative to reproductive potential at natural banks. Red Snapper ( n  = 1,585) were collected during 2013–2015 from standing platforms, decommissioned platform artificial reefs, and natural banks by using standardized vertical line gear. Comparisons of gonadosomatic index, male : female ratios, batch fecundity, annual fecundity, spawning frequency, and number of spawning‐capable individuals indicated that Red Snapper reproductive biology was similar among natural bank, standing platform, and artificial reef habitats. These results suggest that in terms of reproductive output, fish inhabiting artificial reefs are functionally similar to similar‐aged fish on natural banks. This work can be used to make informed management decisions and suggests that there are benefits to converting decommissioned platforms into designated artificial reefs. Future studies should consider site‐specific characteristics, such as depth, vertical relief, and proximity to other structures, to elucidate how habitat characteristics may influence reproduction, ultimately improving future artificial reef deployments for fisheries enhancement in the western Gulf.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0002-8487 , 1548-8659
    URL: Issue
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1002/tafs.2018.147.issue-6
    DOI: 10.1002/tafs.10104
    Language: English
    Publisher: Wiley
    Publication Date: 2018
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  • 5
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    Discerning the dietary habits of the smooth butterfly ray Gymnura lessae using two distinct methods, otolith identification and metagenetics
    Wiley ; 2020
    In:  Journal of Fish Biology Vol. 96, No. 2 ( 2020-02), p. 434-443
    Details
    In: Journal of Fish Biology, Wiley, Vol. 96, No. 2 ( 2020-02), p. 434-443
    Abstract: Two different methods, metagenetics and free‐otolith identification, were used to identify prey in the stomach contents of 531 Gymnura lessae captured by trawling in Mobile Bay, Alabama 2016–2018. Both methods were found to produce analogous results and were therefore combined into a single complete dataset. All prey were teleosts; the families Sciaenidae and Engraulidae were the most important prey (prey specie index of relative importance 89.3% I PSRI ). Multivariate analyses indicated that the diet of G. lessae varied with sex and seasonality. Specifically, variability was probably due to morphologically larger females consuming larger teleost prey species compared with males, whereas seasonal variability was probably due to changes in the available prey community composition. The findings indicate that both metagenetics and free otolith identification, used independently or complementarily, offer robust means of characterising dietary habits for teleost‐specialised species such as G. lessae , which may play an important role in the structure and maintenance of coastal food webs such as those in Mobile Bay.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0022-1112 , 1095-8649
    URL: Issue
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1111/jfb.v96.2
    DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14221
    Language: English
    Publisher: Wiley
    Publication Date: 2020
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  • 6
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    Influence of offshore oil and gas structures on seascape ecological connectivity
    Wiley ; 2022
    In:  Global Change Biology Vol. 28, No. 11 ( 2022-06), p. 3515-3536
    Details
    In: Global Change Biology, Wiley, Vol. 28, No. 11 ( 2022-06), p. 3515-3536
    Abstract: Offshore platforms, subsea pipelines, wells and related fixed structures supporting the oil and gas (O & G) industry are prevalent in oceans across the globe, with many approaching the end of their operational life and requiring decommissioning. Although structures can possess high ecological diversity and productivity, information on how they interact with broader ecological processes remains unclear. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on the role of O & G infrastructure in maintaining, altering or enhancing ecological connectivity with natural marine habitats. There is a paucity of studies on the subject with only 33 papers specifically targeting connectivity and O & G structures, although other studies provide important related information. Evidence for O & G structures facilitating vertical and horizontal seascape connectivity exists for larvae and mobile adult invertebrates, fish and megafauna; including threatened and commercially important species. The degree to which these structures represent a beneficial or detrimental net impact remains unclear, is complex and ultimately needs more research to determine the extent to which natural connectivity networks are conserved, enhanced or disrupted. We discuss the potential impacts of different decommissioning approaches on seascape connectivity and identify, through expert elicitation, critical knowledge gaps that, if addressed, may further inform decision making for the life cycle of O & G infrastructure, with relevance for other industries (e.g. renewables). The most highly ranked critical knowledge gap was a need to understand how O & G structures modify and influence the movement patterns of mobile species and dispersal stages of sessile marine species. Understanding how different decommissioning options affect species survival and movement was also highly ranked, as was understanding the extent to which O & G structures contribute to extending species distributions by providing rest stops, foraging habitat, and stepping stones. These questions could be addressed with further dedicated studies of animal movement in relation to structures using telemetry, molecular techniques and movement models. Our review and these priority questions provide a roadmap for advancing research needed to support evidence‐based decision making for decommissioning O & G infrastructure.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1354-1013 , 1365-2486
    URL: Issue
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1111/gcb.v28.11
    DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16134
    Language: English
    Publisher: Wiley
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2020313-5
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  • 7
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    Was Everything Bigger in Texas? Characterization and Trends of a Land‐Based Recreational Shark Fishery
    Wiley ; 2016
    In:  Marine and Coastal Fisheries Vol. 8, No. 1 ( 2016-01), p. 553-566
    Details
    In: Marine and Coastal Fisheries, Wiley, Vol. 8, No. 1 ( 2016-01), p. 553-566
    Abstract: Although current assessments of shark population trends involve both fishery‐independent and fishery‐dependent data, the latter are generally limited to commercial landings that may neglect nearshore coastal habitats. Texas has supported the longest organized land‐based recreational shark fishery in the United States, yet no studies have used this “non‐traditional” data source to characterize the catch composition or trends in this multidecadal fishery. We analyzed catch records from two distinct periods straddling heavy commercial exploitation of sharks in the Gulf of Mexico (historical period = 1973–1986; modern period = 2008–2015) to highlight and make available the current status and historical trends in Texas’ land‐based shark fishery. Catch records describing large coastal species ( 〉 1,800 mm stretched total length [STL]) were examined using multivariate techniques to assess catch seasonality and potential temporal shifts in species composition. These fishery‐dependent data revealed consistent seasonality that was independent of the data set examined, although distinct shark assemblages were evident between the two periods. Similarity percentage analysis suggested decreased contributions of Lemon Shark Negaprion brevirostris over time and a general shift toward the dominance of Bull Shark Carcharhinus leucas and Blacktip Shark C. limbatus . Comparisons of mean STL for species captured in historical and modern periods further identified significant decreases for both Bull Sharks and Lemon Sharks. Size structure analysis showed a distinct paucity of landed individuals over 2,000 mm STL in recent years. Although inherent biases in reporting and potential gear‐related inconsistencies undoubtedly influenced this fishery‐dependent data set, the patterns in our findings documented potential declines in the size and occurrence of select large coastal shark species off Texas, consistent with declines reported in the Gulf of Mexico. Future management efforts should consider the use of non‐traditional fishery‐dependent data sources, such as land‐based records, as data streams in stock assessments. Received January 8, 2016; accepted August 17, 2016
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1942-5120 , 1942-5120
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1080/19425120.2016.1227404
    Language: English
    Publisher: Wiley
    Publication Date: 2016
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  • 8
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    Environmental DNA evidence of the Critically Endangered smalltooth sawfish, Pristis pectinata , in historically occupied US waters
    Wiley ; 2022
    In:  Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems Vol. 32, No. 1 ( 2022-01), p. 42-54
    Details
    In: Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, Wiley, Vol. 32, No. 1 ( 2022-01), p. 42-54
    Abstract: Formerly common in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Critically Endangered smalltooth sawfish, Pristis pectinata , underwent severe declines over the past century, restricting population(s) to south and south‐west Florida in the US, and Bahamian waters. Anecdotal evidence (e.g. encounter reports from the public) suggests that P. pectinata have recently been observed in historically occupied US waters; however, no directed surveys have been conducted to verify their extent of occupancy. Here, environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys were used to investigate the occurrence of P. pectinata in three formerly occupied estuaries in US waters. Water samples were collected in the summer from the Indian River Lagoon and Tampa Bay, Florida, in 2018 and 2019, and from Mississippi Sound, Mississippi, in 2018, and screened for target DNA using a highly sensitive Droplet Digital™ polymerase chain reaction assay. Target DNA was detected at four sites in the Indian River Lagoon in 2018 and at one site in 2019 (average concentration: 0.086 copies μl −1 ; SE = 0.004), but was not detected in either year in Tampa Bay. Target DNA was also detected at three sites near Deer Island in Mississippi Sound in 2018 (average concentration: 0.090 copies μl −1 ; SE = 0.005). These surveys provide additional lines of evidence that P. pectinata is re‐occurring within two historically occupied estuaries in US waters. More comprehensive eDNA surveys in historically occupied regions, combined with clearly defined post‐survey management actions, can direct additional research and outreach initiatives in emerging priority areas, fostering recovery of this Critically Endangered species.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1052-7613 , 1099-0755
    URL: Issue
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1002/aqc.v32.1
    DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3721
    Language: English
    Publisher: Wiley
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1146285-1
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1496050-3
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  • 9
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    Feeding Ecology of Dolphinfish in the Western Gulf of Mexico
    Wiley ; 2016
    In:  Transactions of the American Fisheries Society Vol. 145, No. 4 ( 2016-07), p. 839-853
    Details
    In: Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, Wiley, Vol. 145, No. 4 ( 2016-07), p. 839-853
    Abstract: Dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus support important commercial and recreational fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico. Understanding the feeding ecology of this economically important pelagic fish is key to its sustainable management; however, dietary data from this region are sparse. We conducted a comprehensive diet study to develop new trophic baselines and investigate potential ontogenetic and sex‐related shifts in Dolphinfish feeding ecology. The stomach contents of 357 Dolphinfish (27.6–148.5 cm TL) were visually examined from fishery‐dependent sources off Port Aransas, Texas. Our analyses revealed a highly piscivorous diet with Actinopterygii comprising 70.44% of the stomach contents by number. The most commonly observed taxa were carangid (12.45% N ) and tetraodontiform (12.08% N ; families Balistidae, Monacanthidae, and Tetraodontidae) fishes. Malacostracans were also common (24.83% N ), mostly in the form of pelagic megalopae. Other prey categories included squid and the critically endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtles Lepidochelys kempii . Although increasingly commom in larger fish, Sargassum spp. was found across a range of sizes in Dolphinfish, indicating that these fish feed from this drifting macroalgae throughout ontogeny. An ontogenetic shift from primary consumption of carangids and brachyurans in smaller size‐classes to tetraodontids, monocanthids, and squid in larger size‐classes was also observed. No sex‐related difference in diet was observed. The overall infection rate for gastric parasites was 54%, an order of magnitude increase from that previously reported in the region, but consistent with recent studies from other areas. Trematode parasites in the genus Dinurus were found in 55% of stomachs and nematode parasites of the family Raphidascarididae in 16% of stomachs. Overall, Dolphinfish in the western Gulf of Mexico are highly opportunistic carnivores with a gastrointestinal parasite burden consistent with that reported in other ocean basins. These data will be important for sustainable management of this economically important species. Received November 20, 2015; accepted February 17, 2016 Published online June 24, 2016
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0002-8487 , 1548-8659
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1080/00028487.2016.1159614
    Language: English
    Publisher: Wiley
    Publication Date: 2016
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  • 10
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    Genetic evidence supports a range extension for the Brazilian cownose ray Rhinoptera brasiliensis in the western North Atlantic
    Wiley ; 2021
    In:  Journal of Fish Biology Vol. 98, No. 2 ( 2021-02), p. 577-582
    Details
    In: Journal of Fish Biology, Wiley, Vol. 98, No. 2 ( 2021-02), p. 577-582
    Abstract: We report 24 new records of the Brazilian cownose ray Rhinoptera brasiliensis outside its accepted geographic range. Sequencing of a 442‐base pair portion of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene for 282 Rhinoptera samples revealed eight records off the east coast of the USA and 16 from the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Both sexes of all life stages were documented in all seasons over multiple years in the Indian River and Lake Worth lagoons, Florida, indicating that their range extends further in the western North Atlantic than previously described.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0022-1112 , 1095-8649
    URL: Issue
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1111/jfb.v98.2
    DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14582
    Language: English
    Publisher: Wiley
    Publication Date: 2021
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