Characterization of the Reef Fish fishery of the Eastern U.S. Gulf of Mexico: Report to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Committee

摘要

In December 1993, in cooperation with the commercial fishing industry and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC), the National marine Fisheries Service's (NMFS) Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) implemented a scientific observer program to characterize the fish trap and bottom longline fisheries in the eastern U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The primary objective was to quantify and document release mortality and bycatch levels aboard commercial fish trap and bottom longline vessels. Catch and effort data for targeted and bycatch species were collected and analyzed by area, season and gear type. Mortality rates of discarded species were determined for depth, size and method of capture. Mortality estimates for red grouper (Epinephelus morio) were further enhanced through tag and release operations. Vessel and gear characteristics, operational costs, fishing locations, and environmental conditions were analyzed.