Seminar Series: Insights in Fish Distribution, Habitat and the Use of Venting Tools in the US South Atlantic

Insights from fishery stakeholders can provide valuable and easily obtainable information on the distribution of marine resources and the use of gears intended to conserve fish stocks. Recent work is presented in which snapper-grouper fishermen were interviewed about their insights on the location of quality reef habitat and high abundances of red snapper in the southeastern United States. These responses were compared to fishery-independent survey data to determine the level of corroboration between the two data sources. A recent survey of North Carolina–based headboat anglers is also presented to assess their knowledge of the appropriate anatomical location for venting to mitigate barotrauma in reef fishes. Overall, this presentation demonstrates the value of engaging resource users in the fishery research and management process.