Life Sciences Commons^™

Reproductive Parameters Of Coastal Pelagic Fishes, Sonia Ahrabi-Nejad, David W. Kerstetter, Patricia Blackwelder, Dorothy-Ellen A. Renegar

D. Abigail Renegar

The ability to manage a fish stock relies on an understanding of life history characteristics and basic biology of the species. Numerous age-growth studies are facilitated by the relative ease of ageing fishes through hard-part analyses. Determining reproductive parameters for fish populations is just as important for stock assessments and management, and histological examination of gonads provides the most accurate determination of fecundity and spawning periods. However, research in this area is limited. Coastal pelagic fishes are often targeted commercially and recreationally due to their easy access by private vessels. The objective of this study is to provide baseline data …