Evaluation of Northern Florida Bay as a Nursey Area for Red Drum, 'Sciaenops ocellatus', and other Juvenile and Small Resident Fishes

摘要

Red drum is one of the most popular species sought by anglers in Florida Bay, yet juveniles are rarely encountered. We evaluated Florida Bay as a nursery area for red drum by six stations in November 2000 and at seven stations during December 2000 through February 2001. In November 2000 we surveyed potential sampling sites in quiet backwaters adjacent to mangroves for juvenile red drum. A total of 202 sites were sampled mainly in northern Florida Bay and adjacent waters with a cast net. We collected only one recently-settled red drum larvae and no juveniles.