Volume 59
Distribution of Molidae in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors
Fulling, L., Fertl, D., Knight, K., Hoggard, W. Download PDF Open PDF in BrowserOther Information
Date: November, 2006
Pages: 613
Event: Proceedings of the Fifty Nine Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
City: Belize City
Country: Belize
Abstract
We compiled all available sighting, stranding and bycatch data for the Family Molidae (molas) in the northern Gulf of Mexico (NGOM) to assess spatial and temporal distribution. Overall, 483 records were collected from shipboard and aerial surveys, fisheries bycatch, and strandings. Molas were recorded year-round, with a ubiquitous distribution in both nearshore and offshore waters. Ocean sunfi sh (Mola mola) were sighted with greatest frequency during the winter (December thru April) in sea surface temperature < 24° C. Potential reasons for increased sightings during winter may be related to the lack of a well-defined thermocline in the NGOM; the species’ “basking” behavior associated with thermoregulation; and oxygen replenishment after long, deep dives to oxygen-deficient depths