Gene R. Huntsman

Minimum Size Limits For Reef Fishes

Implementation of minimum size limits is an administratively simple method of maximizing yield-per-recruit and, probably, total yield from reef fisheries. However, size limits may not guarantee ample escapement to older ages and, consequently, adequate reproduction of those species which undergo sex reversal. Further, size limits may place unnacceptably severe restriction on certain portions of reef fisheries. Finally, most undersize reef fishes taken by hook and line from deep water will likely die of injuries caused by pressure change. Based on growth data of fishes from the United...

Recreational Catches of Four Species of Groupers in the Carolina Headboat Fishery

A recreational fishery for semitropical reef fishes has developed over the past 12 years off the North Carolina and South Carolina coasts. About 30 headboats fishing from coastal cities transport anglers to the fishing grounds daily for a fee. The faster vessels regularly fish selected locations on the edge of the Continental Shelf 40 to 50 miles offshore while the slower ones fish coral patches and rocky outcroppings closer inshore. A large part of the catch is composed of four species of grouper: scamp, Mycteroperca phenax; gag, Myderoperca microlepis; speckled hind, Epinephelus...