Life history aspects and habitats of large pelagic fishes
in the northcentral Gulf of Mexico.
Jim Franks
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, University of Southern Mississippi
Knowledge of life history aspects and spawning and nursery habitats of large pelagic fishes in the northcentral Gulf of Mexico is critically lacking. This is particularly alarming in light of the fact that stocks of several large pelagics in the region are currently overfished. Life history and habitat assessments are critical to a better-informed management decision-making process and sustainability of regional stocks. Large pelagic fish research recently initiated by Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) scientists in the northcentral Gulf is focused on addressing obvious gaps in knowledge of biology and ecology and involves collaborations with NOAA Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and regional big game fishing tournaments. GCRL studies include reproductive biology of blue marlin and wahoo; spawning and nursery habitats of blue marlin and dolphin; pelagic sargassum and oceanic frontal zones as essential habitat for larval and juvenile pelagic fishes; ocean current transport of larvae (bio-physical links, remote sensing and the Loop Current); and abundance and distribution of whale sharks. The seminar will present aspects of research findings to date. It is hoped that the results of GCRL research ultimately will be integral to shaping a viable Gulf-wide management strategy for large pelagic fishes.
a) Cobia swimming with a Whale Shark , b) Sailfish
- Visit Jim' website at USM
