Abstract

Information on the spawning of snapper species (family Lutjanidae) is limited for much of east Florida. Data on spawning metrics and sites are necessary for sustainable management of these economically and ecologically important reef fishes. To date, fishery scientists and managers have not fully utilized ecological knowledge of fishers to acquire important biological information unobtainable elsewhere, including identification of existing, declining, and historical spawning sites and associated information. In this ongoing study, experienced recreational and commercial fishers are being surveyed to identify existing and historical spawning metrics of northern red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, vermilion snapper, Rhomboplites aurorubens, gray snapper, L. griseus, mutton snapper, L. analis, cubera snapper, L. cyanopterus, yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus, and lane snapper, L. synagris, from the Jupiter Inlet to the Georgia border. Fishers’ observations of direct and indirect spawning indicators are used to identify potential spawning sites. Early survey results have provided new and reliable information on at least 15 potential current and past spawning sites of L. analis, L. campechanus, L. cyanopterus, L. griseus, and R. aurorubens. In addition to the surveys, a systematic analysis of scientific literature, unpublished data, and gray literature is being used to identify biological and physical metrics of spawning for existing and historical snapper populations throughout the Western Atlantic, including Brazil. Results from the surveys and comprehensive review of the metrics across multiple regions will facilitate research to improve management strategies that better conserve spawning stocks. The findings also affirm the regional need for cooperative research with knowledgeable fishers.