Red snapper discards in Texas coastal waters: a fishery dependent onboard survey of recreational headboat discards and landings

Abstract

Quantity and characteristics of red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) recreational headboat discards and landings from three Texas ports (Galveston, Port Aransas, and Port Isabel) were determined in a fishery dependent study using NMFS-trained onboard observers during August and September 1999. Mean fishing depth during 54 trips (199 sets) was 40.2 m (range, 13.4 – 95.4 m) with 36.5% of reels sampled. Red snapper less than the 1999 federal minimum size of 450 mm (18 inches) total length made up 93.4% of the 3,863 snapper collected. Those less than the Texas state minimum size= of 375 mm (15 inches) made up 64.0% of the catch. When brought on board, 70.2% of snapper appeared normal and 26.1% had protruding stomachs. Of the discarded red snapper, 60.6% were released alive and swam down, 22.8% swam erratically, 15.2% floated, and 1.4% were discarded dead. Fish released either dead or floating were caught at greater depths than fish which swam down or erratically. Galveston had the largest discard:landing ratio (211:1) and smallest mean fish size (0.7 kg, 343 mm). Port Aransas had the lowest discard:landing ratio (5.2:1) and largest mean fish size (0.9 kg, 387 mm).