Abstract

In the Gulf of Mexico, reef fishes represent important commercial and recreational resources, and recently many concerns have arisen over the future of several reef fish stocks. The Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan was implemented in November 1985 to rebuild declining reef fish stocks, including red snapper (RS), greater ambeIjack (GAJ), and gray triggefish (GTF).\Based on tagging studies conducted in the northern Gulf of Mexico, the movement pattems of the above three species were compared. Of the 2,932 RS and 206 GTF tagged off the Alabama coast (1995 - 1998),427 and 42 have been recaptured, with 195 (46% of recaptures) and 28 (67% of recaptures) being recaptured at the site of release, respectively. The greatest effect on magnitude of RS and GTF movement was that of tropical cyclones; the magnitude of movement of fish not at liberty during tropical cyclones were significandy less than tbose at liberty during storms. Of 564 and 614 GAJ tagged off Pensacola and Panama City Beach, Florida (1989 - 1995), 178 (32%) and 118 (19%) were recaptured, with 173 (97% of recaptures) recaptured in the permit (release) area and 105 (90% of recaptures) recaptured within 30 km of the point of tagging and release, respectively.\We reason that reef species exhibiting high area fidelity may profit from the shelter of a no-take marine reserve, which may lead to an increase in spawning stock biomass (SSB). Since each of these species have pelagic larvae, which may be transported throughout the Gulf by oceanic currents, an increase in SSB in a reserve may increase the production and export of propagules. Also, tropical cyclones may facilitate the export of adult biomass from a no-take marine reserve, therefore restocking surrounding areas. However, due to interspecific differences in site fidelity, the relative effectiveness of marine reserves were evaluated on a species specific basis.

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