LONG TERM POPULATION TRENDS FOR PINFISH (Lagodon rhomboides) OFF THE SOUTHEASTERN U.S.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
Authors
Burke, Samuel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Pinfish (<i>Lagodon rhomboides</i>) is a coastal demersal species found in the waters of the Southeast United States. Despite numerous long-term fishery-independent surveys collecting data on this species, details on its population dynamics within the South Atlantic Bight (SAB) are poorly characterized. Using two 30-year fishery-independent datasets from the MARMAP and SEAMAP-SA program, this paper analyzed the long-term trends and variations in abundance and distributions, life history aspects with recruitment and migration, and the impact of environmental conditions. Pinfish in coastal waters had a positive trend in abundance and were mostly found off the northern SC and NC coast. While Pinfish in deeper waters had a negative trend in abundance and were found off GA and SC. Abundance of Pinfish were affected by large recruitment events which were estimated to occur every 1-8 years. Pinfish were found in depths from 2-44 meters with size increasing with depth. Size distribution revealed smaller specimens in coastal waters with larger specimens in deeper waters. Increasing our knowledge of Pinfish population dynamics helps improve our understanding of this ecosystem. This study provides a foundation for further research of Pinfish in the SAB.