Comparison of Ecological Niches Between Two Important Recreational and Commercial Fisheries
Date
2023-04-12
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Honors Program, The University of Tampa
Abstract
This project used a conservation approach of developing models to successfully predict fish behavior and environmental preferences at
different life stages. Spatiotemporal length distribution models of Gray Snapper (Lutjanus griseus) and Sheepshead (Archosargus
probatocephalus) were developed to predict essential fish habitat, recruitment patterns, population aggregations and salinity preferences in
Tampa Bay, Florida. The diets of both fish species were then analyzed to determine and compare their feeding niches since they share similar
habitats and sites. All fish length and environmental data were collected as part of the Independent Monitoring Program at Florida Fish and
Wildlife Research Institute from 1996 to 2020. Hot Spot (Getis-Ord Gi*) analysis was performed on fish length- both monthly and seasonally per
species to examine spatial patterns among life history stages. Kriging was conducted on environmental parameters. Spatial results suggest
Gray Snapper recruit during the summer at high salinities near inlets, migrate to low salinities in Upper Tampa Bay as adults, and move back to
higher salinities in the fall to spawn. Sheepshead recruit in the winter at low salinities near freshwater inflow, while adults cluster in high
salinities near inlets. Because Gray Snapper and Sheepshead have such different life history strategies, but are found in similar habitats, their
feeding preferences were analyzed. For the diet analysis, 46 Gray Snapper and 19 Sheepshead were collected across 6 sites in Tampa Bay,
their stomachs were dissected, and the contents were grouped into categories. Overall, both species shared similar feeding niches, but Gray
Snapper consumed more crab, while Sheepshead had a wider diversity of prey items and consumed more shells. There were significant spatial
patterns and feeding niches identified for both estuarine dependent fish species in Tampa Bay. Spatiotemporal distribution models and diet
analyses allow for the establishment of essential fish habitats, nursing grounds, and fisheries management strategies that are critical for
sustaining commercially and recreationally valued fish populations.
Description
Recommended citation: Golden, Zoe. "Comparison of Ecological Niches Between Two Important Recreational and Commercial Fisheries." Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023. https://doi.org/10.48497/19AP-HR64
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Keywords
Essential fish habitat, Ecological niches, Fisheries
Citation
Golden, Zoe. "Comparison of Ecological Niches Between Two Important Recreational and Commercial Fisheries." Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023. https://doi.org/10.48497/19AP-HR64