Deep reef fish surveys by submersible on Alderdice, McGrail, and Sonnier Banks in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico

Submersible surveys at numerous reefs and banks in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (NWGOM) were conducted as part of the Sustainable Seas Expedition (SSE) during July/August 2002 to identify reef fish communities, characterize benthic habitats, and identify deep coral reef ecosystems. To identify the spatial extent of hard bottom reef communities, the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) mapped approximately 2000 km2 of the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico (NWGOM) continental shelf during June 2002 with high-resolution multibeam bathymetry. Previous investigations conducted on the features of interest (with the exceptions of East and West Flower Garden and Sonnier Banks, accessible by SCUBA) had not been conducted since the 1970s and 1980s, and did not have the use of high-resolution maps to target survey sites. The base maps were instrumental in navigating submersibles to specific features at each study site during the Sustainable Seas Expedition (SSE)—a submersible effort culminating from a partnership between the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) and the National Geographic Society (NGS). We report the initial findings of our submersible surveys, including habitat and reef fish diversity at McGrail, Alderdice, and Sonnier Banks. A total of 120 species and 40,724 individuals were identified from video surveys at the three banks. Planktivorous fishes constituted over 87% by number for the three banks, ranging from 81.4% at Sonnier Banks to 94.3% at Alderdice Bank, indicating a direct link to pelagic prey communities, particularly in the deep reef zones. High numbers of groupers, snappers, jacks, and other fishery species were observed on all three features. These sites were nominated as Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC) by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Council in March 2004. Data obtained during this project will contribute to benthic habitat characterization and assessment of the associated fish communities through future SCUBA, ROV, and submersible missions, and allow comparisons to other deep reef ecosystems found throughout the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic Ocean.

Integration of technologies for understanding the functional relationship between reef habitat and fish growth and production

Functional linkage between reef habitat quality and fish growth and production has remained elusive. Most current research is focused on correlative relationships between a general habitat type and presence/absence of a species, an index of species abundance, or species diversity. Such descriptive information largely ignores how reef attributes regulate reef fish abundance (density-dependent habitat selection), trophic interactions, and physiological performance (growth and condition). To determine the functional relationship between habitat quality, fish abundance, trophic interactions, and physiological performance, we are using an experimental reef system in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico where we apply advanced sensor and biochemical technologies. Our study site controls for reef attributes (size, cavity space, and reef mosaics) and focuses on the processes that regulate gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis) abundance, behavior and performance (growth and condition), and the availability of their pelagic prey. We combine mobile and fixed-active (fisheries) acoustics, passive acoustics, video cameras, and advanced biochemical techniques. Fisheries acoustics quantifies the abundance of pelagic prey fishes associated with the reefs and their behavior. Passive acoustics and video allow direct observation of gag and prey fish behavior and the acoustic environment, and provide a direct visual for the interpretation of fixed fisheries acoustics measurements. New application of biochemical techniques, such as Electron Transport System (ETS) assay, allow the in situ measurement of metabolic expenditure of gag and relates this back to reef attributes, gag behavior, and prey fish availability. Here, we provide an overview of our integrated technological approach for understanding and quantifying the functional relationship between reef habitat quality and one element of production – gag grouper growth on shallow coastal reefs.

Biology and fisheries of swordfish, Xiphias gladius: Papers from the International Symposium on Pacific Swordfish, Ensenada, Mexico, 11-14 December 1994

The swordfish, Xiphias gladius, is a large migratory oceanic species. It is widely distributed in tropical, temperate, and sometimes cold waters of all oceans, and is usually found in areas with sea-surface temperatures above 13°C. It can reach a maximum size of 540 kg, and is a favorite food fish in many countries. It is excellent for steaks, canning, or teriyaki, the Japanese dish of meat grilled with sugar, soy sauce, and rice wine. Swordfish is harvested commercially throughout its distribution, in both coastal and high-seas fisheries. Sport fisheries for swordfish are very small compared to those for other billfishes, accounting for no more than a few hundred fish per year. (PDF file contains 284 pages.)

Observations on the spawning of four species on tuna (Neothunnus macropterus, Katsuwonus pelamis, Auxis thazard and Euthynnus lineatus) in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, based on the distribution of their larvae and juveniles

ENGLISH: Knowledge of spawning habits is useful in the elucidation of the life history, ecology and population structure of tropical tunas, and is essential to the sound management of these resources. Until recently, little was known concerning the spawning of tunas, or about the distribution of their larval and juvenile stages, in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Nichols and Murphy (1944) reported the capture off Colombia of young scombroids ultimately identified as frigate mackerel, Auxis thazard (Schaefer and Marr, 1948a). Fowler (1944) reported the capture off Manzanillo, Mexico of two young tunas, one of which is definitely and the other most likely Neothunnus macropterus (Klawe, 1959). In 1947, young of N. macropterus, K. pelamis, A. thazard and E. lineatus were caught offshore from Central America (Schaefer and Marr, 1948a, 1948b, and Schaefer, 1948). Further collections of young N. macropterus, A. thazard and E. lineatus were made in the same general area in the spring of 1949 (Mead, 1951). In January and February 1955, Clemens (1956) carried Out experiments in rearing young tunas, E. lineatus and A. thazard, in shipboard aquaria, using fish caught off Central America. Matsumoto (1958) reported captures of larval N. macropterus and K. pelamis in the area along the 120th meridian of west longitude. Klawe (1958 and 1961b) reported captures of larval N. macropterus and Auxis from the Revillagigedo Islands. Captures of young Auxis and E. lineatus in the Gulf of Panama in January 1922 during the Dana Expedition have recently been reported by Matsumoto (1959). Capture of juveniles of K. pelamis, E. lineatus and Auxis in the area off tropical Mexico and in the area of outlying islands during the SCOT Expedition has been reported by Klawe (1960a). SPANISH: El conocimiento sobre los hábitos del desove es útil para el esclarecimiento de la historia natural, ecología y estructura de las poblaciones de atunes tropicales, y es esencial para la acertada administración de estos recursos. Hasta hace poco tiempo no se sabía mucho sobre el desove de los atunes o acerca de la distribución de sus larvas y juveniles en el Océano Pacífico Oriental. Nichols y Murphy (1944) informaron sobre la captura frente a Colombia de escómbridos jóvenes últimamente identificados como melva, Auxis thazard (Schaefer y Marr, 1948a). Fowler (1944) también informó sobre la captura de dos atunes jóvenes frente a Manzanillo, México, uno de los cuales era definitivamente Neothunnus macropterus y el otro era lo más probable que también lo fuera (Klawe, 1959). En 1947 se capturaron especímenes juveniles de N. macropterus, K. pelamis, A. thazard y E. lineatus frente a la América Central (Schaefer y Marr, 1948a, 1948b, y Schaefer, 1948). Otras recolecciones de ejemplares jóvenes de N. macropterus, A. thazard y E. lineatus fueron hechas en la misma área general durante la primavera de 1949 (Mead, 1951). En enero y febrero de 1955, Clemens (1956) efectuó experimentos de crianza de atunes jóvenes, E. lineatus y A.. thazard, en acuarios a bordo para lo que empleó peces capturados frente a la América Central. Matsumoto (1958) informó sobre capturas de larvas de N. macropterus y K. pelamis en el área a lo largo del meridiano 120 de longitud oeste. Klawe (1958 y 1961b) ha dado cuenta también de capturas de larvas de N. macropterus y Auxis en las Islas Revillagigedo. Matsumoto (1959) ha informado recientemente acerca de capturas de ejemplares jóvenes de Auxis y E. lineatus en el Golfo de Panamá en enero de 1922 durante la Expedición Dana. Klawe (1960a) informó así mismo que durante la Expedición SCOT se capturaron juveniles de K. pelamis, E. lineatus y Auxis en el área frente a la zona tropical de México y en la región de las islas alejadas del continente.

Anuario estadistico de actividades pesqueras en aguas territoriales Mexicanas (1954)

Catch statistics for Mexican waters 1954. Explotaciones pesqueras en aguas mexicanas durante el año de 1954. (PDF has 311 pages.)

Anuario estadistico de actividades pesqueras en aguas territoriales Mexicanas (1952)

This document is in Spanish. Catch statistics for Mexican waters 1952. Explotaciones pesqueras en aguas mexicanas durante el año de 1952. (PDF has 227 pages.)

Estadisticas pesqueras 1977

This document is in Spanish. La Direccion General de Informatica y Estadistica reune en este volumen las principales elaboraciones estadisticas en materia de pesca, entendiendo por ésta una actividad in tegrada desde la fase primaria de e}~lotaci6n, hasta su destino final. Los datos corresponden al mo de 1977. Catch statistics for Mexican waters 1977. (PDF has 197 pages.)

Anuario Estadistico Pesquero 1978

This document is in Spanish. La Direccióh General de P1aneación, Informática y ~ Estadística del Departa~nto de Pesca, presenta las estadí~ ticas básicas del sector pesquero correspondientes a 1978. Comprende los datos referentes a las capturas de productos pesqueros, su industrialización, la comercialización interna y con otros países, el consumo, el valor de la producción, los créditos canalizados al sector, los impuestos provenientes de las capturas, los permisos de pesca comercial y deportiva y la captura de las embarcaciones extranjeras dentro de la Zona Económica Exclusiva de México. Catch statistics for Mexican waters 1978. (PDF has 365 pages.)

Anuario Estadistico Pesquero 1979

This document is in Spanish. La Direccióh General de P1aneación, Informática y Estadística del Departmento de Pesca, presenta las estadí~ ticas básicas del sector pesquero correspondientes a 1979. Comprende los datos referentes a las capturas de productos pesqueros, su industrialización, la comercialización interna y con otros países, el consumo, el valor de la producción, los créditos canalizados al sector, los impuestos provenientes de las capturas, los permisos de pesca comercial y deportiva y la captura de las embarcaciones extranjeras dentro de la Zona Económica Exclusiva de México. Catch statistics for Mexican waters 1979. (PDF has 450 pages.)

Defeza ou resposta do Tenente General Graduado Jorge D'Avillez Juzarte de Sousa Tavares

Chegado a Portugal, o general Avilez foi detido e submetido a Conselho de Guerra. A sua defesa relata o seu conflito com D.Pedro e sua retirada do Rio de Janeiro.

Anuario Estadistico de Pesca 1982

This document is in Spanish. La Secretaría de Pesca, a través de la Direcci6n General de Informática, Estadística y Documentaci6n,presenta el ANUARIO ESTADISTICO correspondiente a 1982, con la informaci6n cuantitativa más relevante de las diversas fases que confo·rman la actividad pesquera nacional y la de los sectores que en ella participan, así como los principales indicadores pesqueros internacionales. El Fresente documento está integrado por trece capítulos: I. Capturas, II. Permisos, III. Embarcaciones, IV. Artes y EquiI-' os de Pesca, V. Industrialización, VI. Origen y Destino de loo productos Pesqueros, VII. Comercialización, VIII. Consumo, IX. Población, X. Capacitación, XI. Financiamiento, XII. Información Internacional de Pesca, XIII. Cuenta Nacional pesqu~ ra. Al final del documento se incluyen dos anexos, el Frimero presenta el índice detallado de cuadros y el segundo el glosario de términos. Catch statistics for Mexican waters 1982. (PDF has 482 pages.)

Anuario Estadistico de Pesca 1983

This document is in Spanish. El Anuario Estadístico de Pesca 1983 es una publicacion del Gobierno Federal, realizada por la Secretaría de Pesca, con la que se dá cumplimiento a 10 establecido en su Reglamento Interior y se participa en el Sistema Nacional de Informaci6n Estadística. Los 13 capitulos que integran este Anuario constituyen la cobertura básica de las distintas fases de la actividad pesquera, de las técnicasy de los medios en ella utilizados y de los resultados obtenidos en los diferentes procesos que conforman el esfuerzo nacional pesquero. Catch statistics for Mexican waters 1983. (PDF has 286 pages.)

Anuario Estadistico de Pesca 1984

This document is in Spanish. Catch statistics for Mexican waters 1983. (PDF has 293 pages.)