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Research _______________________________________________________________________
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Tracking apex predators in the Gulf of Mexico using PAT satellite tags
The overall goal of this project is to generate much needed data on the ecology of sharks in Gulf of Mexico waters using state-of-the-art assessment techniques. We are using Mk-10 PAT tags made by Wildlife computers to tag large bull sharks, as well as large hammerhead sharks. We tagged 2 bull sharks in September, as well as a large hammerhead in October...READ MORE |
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Ecology of sharks at Padre Isalnd National Seashore This project will examine shark distribution, feeding habitats and movement patterns of sharks in the Padre Island National Seashore. This area supports a substantial recreational fishery although anecdotal evidence suggests that the shark resource in this area may be declining. Thus, examination of this region provides both theoretical and applied information that can be used immediately to improve management strategies within the Park. This project will use creel surveys, stomach content analysis, and movement patterns to assess the current condition of the PINS shark population and patterns of habitat usage. We will also determine the level of recreational fishing use of PINS waters...READ MORE |
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Testing hypotheses on red snapper survival and stock and recruitment patterns Red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) is the most economically important reef fish species in the Gulf of Mexico and considered to be a fishery in decline due to overfishing. However, a paradox exists as it relates to recruitment into this fishery. Current recruitment levels are higher than the historical average, although stock size is estimated to be at historically low levels (97% decline since 1980’s). This suggests that a sub-set of un-fished, older red snapper exists in the Gulf of Mexico that are maintaining the high larval supply...READ MORE |
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Using acoustic telemetry to track movement patterns of spotted seatrout in Texas coastal waters With the advancement in technology in recent years it has it become possible to track real time movements of individual fish. We are currently tracking adult spotted seatrout using passive acoustic ultrasonic telemetry that employs an array of stationary receivers to detect signals from fish affixed with uniquely coded transmitters. These have become a widely used method of recording habitat usage and movement patterns of fish...READ MORE |
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Effect of seagrass fragmentation on estuarine nekton in a subtropical estuary Habitat fragmentation within the
world's ecosystems is a widespread and ubiquitous problem. Habitats
are often in decline and/or degradation
worldwide, and many are at risk of being lost permanently. As habitats
experience degradation or loss, they typically go through phases of
fragmentation. Habitat fragmentation occurs when large contiguous
habitats are broken
into small discrete habitats with increasing isolation among patches,
and this phenomena is seen in both terrestrial and marine environments.
The overall goal of this project is to determine the response of
nekton to variability
in fragmentation of seagrass meadows within an estuarine
complex...READ MORE |
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Stock structure assessment of spotted seatrout along the Texas coast Knowledge of geographic stock structure is critical to understanding the dynamics of marine fish populations. Despite recognizing the value of the spotted seatrout fishery to the Gulf Coast, there are significant gaps in our knowledge as to the stock structure of this fishery. We currently have new techniques that may help elucidate these stock structures, and retrospectively identify the source (natal origin) and the relative contribution of different nursery grounds. The long-range goal of this proposal is to characterize the stock structure and make predictions about bays of natal origin for adult populations...READ MORE |
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Effects of hypozia on estuarine fihes in their nursery habitat Seasonal hypoxia has been detected annually in Corpus Christi Bay, TX since 1988 however, the impacts on the fish population community structure are unknown. The goal of this study is to examine the effects of low oxygen on the nursery value of estuarine habitat types, to identify community level responses, and predict the magnitude of change associated with anticipated increases of hypoxic events in estuarine ecosystems using both laboratory and field-based experiments...READ MORE |
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Closure of Port Mansfield Channel: Impacts to fisheries in the Lower Laguna Madre, TX The Port Mansfield Channel has historically provided water exchange between the Gulf of Mexico and the lower Laguna Madre; however, there has been much recent concern over the rapid closure of this inlet due to sedimentation. The closing of this channel may impact many recreational fishery species requiring access to nursery habitats (e.g., seagrass meadows). Because there is limited information on fisheries abundance, migration, and nursery habitat use in the Port Mansfield Channel area of the Laguna Madre, the goal of this project is to examine the nekton use and adult migration patterns in the Port Mansfield Channel vicinity...READ MORE |
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Catch and release mortality of spotted seatrout Catch and release is becoming more common as a management tool in marine recreational fisheries. Clearly, a critical factor in determining different management scenarios using this strategy is post-capture survival. The purpose of these studies was to investigate the mortality associated with catch and release in the spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus fishery in south Texas...READ MORE |
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Oyster reef as essential fish habitat Oyster reefs were once a dominant feature along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Over-harvesting and other anthropogenic causes have reduced oyster reefs to little of their historic coverage. Oyster reefs are recognized for their value as a fishery source for oysters, yet these reefs also provide habitat for a variety of other species. However, the magnitude of their habitat value is unknown due to our limited understanding of use by estuarine species. In addition, no studies have quantitatively assessed the use of oyster reefs by fisheries species particularly as they relate to impact from dredging, loss of fisheries habitat, and food web dynamics...READ MORE |
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Effects of propellar scarring on seagrass-associated fauna Seagrasses play a critical role in the function and structure of coastal ecosystems, and they are an important habitat for a variety of marine organisms. Damage to seagrass beds from boat propellers is significant in many areas. Recognizing the need to protect this valuable habitat, three voluntary no motor zones were established in Redfish Bay, Texas. This study was designed to test the effectiveness of these protected areas and to assess the impact of propeller scarring on nekton...READ MORE |
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