Distribution, Abundance, Age, and Growth of Gray Triggerfish in the Alabama Artificial Reef Zone

摘要

The popularity of Gulf of Mexico Gray Triggerfish, Balistes capriscus , has increased among the recreational fishing sector. According to the 2015 SouthEast Data, Assessment, and Review assessment, Gulf of Mexico Gray Triggerfish are presently considered overfished, and the stock missed its 2017 rebuilding deadline. The primary goals of this study were: (1) to assess the distribution and abundance of the Alabama Artificial Reef Zone Gray Triggerfish population; and (2) to develop growth models for the population. Catch data and remotely operated vehicle footage derived from a 2011 -- 2016 fishery-independent vertical longline survey were analyzed to determine the distribution and abundance of Gray Triggerfish. Chicken transport devices exhibited the highest catch per unit effort and probability of catch. Also, ages were assigned to Alabama Artificial Reef Zone Gray Triggerfish (n = 1,326) sampled from 1999 -- 2017. A Gompertz growth model best fit the combined data (lt=472.69(e-e(-0.61(t-1.13)))), and Gompertz growth parameters were significantly different between males and females (males: lt=536.86(e-e(-0.36(t-0.36)))); females: l t=447.43(e-e(-0.62(t-1.03)))). This research will aid in aptly predicting the status of the Alabama Artificial Reef Zone Gray Triggerfish population and help to establish measures that ensure its sustainability.