Year: 2019
Project(s):
Relevance
Spotted seatrout are among the most targeted gamefish in northern Gulf of Mexico estuaries, including in Alabama and Mississippi, where inshore fishers contribute significantly to the coastal culture and economy. Spotted seatrout catch per unit effort declined from 2012 to 2014 in Alabama fishery-dependent and -independent indices, raising concerns over stock status.
Response
We performed an age-structured integrated stock assessment of Alabama spotted seatrout and estimated that the stock was experiencing overfishing and annual harvests should be reduced to increase sustainability of this valuable recreational fishery. We presented the findings in both oral and written formats to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Marine Resources Division.
Results
Based on our findings, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Marine Resources Division recommended an increased lower size limit, a slot limit, and lower bag limits for Alabama spotted seatrout. The recommendations were approved by the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board and were applied beginning with the 2019 recreational fishing season. See: Rainer, D. 2019. Advisory Board Approves Flounder, Seatrout Changes. Available online at https://www.outdooralabama.com/node/2604.
Recap
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Marine Resources Division recommended new management regulations for 2019 in order to end overfishing based on the results of a Sea Grant-supported stock assessment. (2019)