Movement of Tagged Red Snapper in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

A tagging study of adult red snapper Lutjanus campechanus was conducted in an area of artificial reefs in the northcentral Gulf of Mexico during March 1995 through August 1999. A total of 2,932 red snapper angled at nine artificial reef tagging sites were measured and tagged with internal anchor tags. Tagged fish were either released over their site of capture or transported to another tagging site for release. Of the 561 recaptures made of 519 fish (42 multiple recaptures), 235 recaptures were made at tagging sites on subsequent tagging trips and 326 recoveries were reported by recreational and commercial fishers. Mean distance moved was 29.6 km; the farthest distance moved was 352 km. Mean time at liberty was 404 d; the longest time at liberty was 1,501 d. During the study, two strong hurricanes passed near the study area. The occurrence of hurricanes significantly affected the probability of red snapper movement, as did time at liberty, total length of fish tagged, and transportation of fish to other release sites. The occurrence of hurricanes also significantly affected the distance of red snapper movement, as did time at liberty. Resultant direction of reported movement for all fish was to the east. Observed movement was greater than previously reported for adult red snapper and may be sufficient to facilitate stock mixing in the northern Gulf of Mexico.