Abstract

Research was conducted on the lane snapper (Lutjanus synagris) to determine its length of sexual maturity in Trinidad. The primary area of study was Tunapuna market as it provided a large sample of fish from various locations around Trinidad. Sampling was conducted from October 2017 to February 2018. A total of 190 fish were measured for total length in cm (TL) and weight in grams (g). In addition, gonads of 170 fish were macroscopically observed and categorized using a stage classification model. Twenty-four fish were found to be below the current minimum size limit of 20.3 cm TL. Com-parisons to research conducted in 1979-1981 indicated that length at 50% maturity (L50) decreased from 27.7 cm to 26.2 cm, while length at 100% maturity (L100) decreased from 45cm in 1987 to 37cm. It is likely that size-selective fishing pressure over the past 40 years resulted in a population-level reduction in the length at maturity. Unsustainable fishing may have negative consequences for the lane snapper population unless proper biologically relevant size limits are enforced.

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