Abstract

The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has established yearly fishery independent long-line surveys in the northern Gulf of Mexico (2001 to the present). Using the results from this survey, together with a similarly administered yearly ichthyoplankton survey (SEAMAP, 1982 to the present), we examine the distribution of red snapper together with their egg production and larvae in the northern gulf. Results indicate a remarkable westward trend in size of adult snapper but no size trend with respect to depth. Larval spreading also shows a westward (counter clockwise) bias in larval transport around the northern Gulf. Using annual fecundity estimates according to size/age we examine the geographic distribution of egg production. The relationship of these distributions to the Deep Water Horizon oil discharge and its potential impact is examined. Our long term goal is to determine the relative contribution of highly fecund larger snapper to populations across the northern gulf.

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