E. M. Gutierrez, E. T. Lang, M. S. Lovell, J. Lang, B. J. Falterman, S. R. Midway, M. A. Dance
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective
An otolith-based aging approach was used to evaluate age and growth relationships, sexual dimorphism in growth, and derive mortality estimates for Blackfin Tuna Thunnus atlanticus in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM).
Methods
Blackfin Tuna (n = 395) were sampled from recreational fisheries and aged from 0 to 13 years, representing an increase over previous estimates of longevity for the species.
Result
Rapid growth was exhibited during the first two years of life, and the Richards growth function provided a better fit (L∞ = 907 mm, k = 0.112 /year, a = 1.05, b = 0.25) to the data compared with the von Bertalanffy growth model (L∞ = 824 mm, k = 0.365/year, t0 = −0.96). Sexual dimorphism in growth was observed, with males (907 mm) reaching a larger L∞ than females (857 mm), and otolith mass was a strong predictor of age in both sexes. Estimated instantaneous total (Z = 0.532/year) and natural (M = 0.467 year) mortality rates for Blackfin Tuna in the GOM were low relative to previous estimates in the southwestern Atlantic, where fishing mortality (F) is likely much higher.
Conclusion
Results represent critical baseline estimates of size-at-age, longevity, and natural mortality for Blackfin Tuna at relatively low levels of exploitation that can be used to inform future assessments.
期刊介绍:
Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science publishes original and innovative research that synthesizes information on biological organization across spatial and temporal scales to promote ecologically sound fisheries science and management. This open-access, online journal published by the American Fisheries Society provides an international venue for studies of marine, coastal, and estuarine fisheries, with emphasis on species'' performance and responses to perturbations in their environment, and promotes the development of ecosystem-based fisheries science and management.