Abstract:

Reproductive parameters can change on a daily basis; thus, it is important to ensure temporal synchrony between collection of eggs and adults. Between 1100 and 2000 h EDT on July 11, 2017 six commercial boats, each occupied by its crew and a trained graduate student, fished using bandit gear or hand lines at six widely distributed areas. The fishing locations for adult fish were chosen by each vessel’s crew, but remained within the two hexagonal areas associated with each vessel’s subsequent egg-survey cruise. After collection, adult fishes were tagged with uniquely labeled zip-tie tags through the mouth, iced whole, and returned to port. Times of collection for individual fish were recorded. Fish were processed at the National Marine Fisheries Service lab in Panama City, and at the USF College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg. Specimens were identified to species, weighed, measured (SL and TL), and dissected. All adult fish were processed within 24 h of collection. For histological analysis, 2-3 cm sections from the right ovary were transferred to 70% ethanol and shipped to Mass Histology Service (Worcester, MA) for staining with hematoxylin and eosin-y and mounting as thin sections on slides; two slides were prepared for each fish, spaced approximately 2-3 mm apart within the ovary. This was done to identify individual females that had already partially released their eggs, as evidenced by recent post-ovulatory follicles (POFs); inclusion of such individuals in the estimation of batch fecundity would have biased the estimates of batch fecundity. Batch fecundity was thus measured as the number of hydrated eggs from specimens without recent POFs, with POF presence being determined from the histology slides.