Identifier
etd-10232014-133051
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Oceanography and Coastal Sciences
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
This study compares the reproductive potential of red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) at artificial and natural habitats. Natural habitats are areas of vertical relief created from biogenic/geologic processes that are thought to be the historical centers of abundance for red snapper in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Red snapper were collected from 2011 to 2013 at three natural habitat sites and two artificial habitat oil and gas platform sites. The mean gonadosomatic indices (GSI), maturity at size and age, spawning indicators, batch fecundity, spawning frequency, and annual fecundity for red snapper at each habitat were analyzed to examine reproductive potential among sites and habitats. Results indicate red snapper on natural habitats exhibited higher mean GSI than those on artificial habitats during peak spawning season. Female red snapper on natural habitats showed 98% maturity, compared to 52% maturity of females on artificial habitats. These data support previous observation of demographic differences in red snapper reproduction between natural and artificial habitats. The differences observed may be due to red snapper at natural habitats being in better nutritional condition than red snapper on artificial habitats, thus allowing red snapper on natural habitats to invest more energy in reproduction and less energy towards rapid growth early in life.
Date
2014
Document Availability at the Time of Submission
Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.
Recommended Citation
Glenn, Hilary Day, "Does Reproductive Potential of Red Snapper in the Northern Gulf of Mexico Differ Among Natural and Artificial Habitats?" (2014). LSU Master's Theses. 153.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/153
Committee Chair
Cowan, James H., Jr.
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_theses.153