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191001-363513-3L
19-NGI3-73
N/A
10/1/2019
2022-7-31 0:0:0
Active
$231,088.00
Recent Declines in Coastal Pelagic Species along the U.S. Gulf and South Atlantic Bight and the Potential Impact of Large-Scale Ocean Circulation Changes
Hernandez
Frank
USM
Ecosystem Mgmt EM
OAR
Declines in coastal pelagic species abundance along the U.S. Gulf Coast and South Atlantic Bight have prompted researchers to examine changes in the food chain and physical ocean mechanisms that might be driving declines. Using prey field data from the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP), they quantified basin-wide productivity for mesozooplankton secondary production estimates from 1993 to 2012 in Gulf of Mexico fishing regions. They analyzed long-term landing and survey data for King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Cobia. Results showed significant decreases in King Mackerel growth and similar decreases in secondary production. By demonstrating that secondary production has a significant impact on growth rates of King Mackerel, the researchers highlighted the importance of an ecosystem-based management approach. The 20-year secondary production estimates can be used to investigate the link between lower trophic level productivity and the productivity or recruitment of other species.
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