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Diel patterns of depth use and swimming activity of post-release greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) in the northern Gulf of Mexico

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Abstract

Greater amberjack are active swimmers that occur over a range of depths around reefs and artificial structures. In this study, we describe overall diel patterns of depth use and swimming activity for greater amberjack. We tested for impacts of fishing-related stress on diel patterns, and we describe the potential influence of cyclonic storms on diel behavior and site attachment. Fifty-five fish were tagged with depth and accelerometer tags off coastal Alabama, USA, in three field efforts (FEs): FE1, summer–fall 2018; FE2, spring 2019; and FE3, summer–fall 2020. Fish displayed diel depth patterns that varied among individuals: fish that occupied a narrow depth range midway within the water column, fish that spent time both at mid-water and near bottom, and fish with more generalized patterns. Diel depth use was best predicted by both site depth and field effort, while swimming patterns were best predicted by field effort among tested factors: legal or sublegal sizes, field effort, site, and use of a descender device vs. surface release. Swimming activity was elevated on post-release days 1–5, consistent with predicted impacts of fishing stress. For most fish, however, depth use did not vary appreciably following release. Release with a descender did not prevent altered diel patterns, and thus, barotrauma was not likely a factor. Fish occupied shallower depths when Hurricane Laura (2020) passed south of the study area, and swimming activity was elevated during Hurricane Sally (2020). Our study highlights that depth use and swimming activity of greater amberjack are influenced by multiple factors and recreational fishing discards may impart sublethal stress that results in elevated swimming activity.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Kevin Anderson, Gina Badlowski, Jade Carver, Reagan Couterie, Cidia Dominique, Leo Hijikota, Aubrey Foulk, Elizabeth Greenheck, Tom Guoba, David Jones, Dylan Kiene, Edward Kim, Mitchell Lovell, Justin McDonald, Merritt McCall, Joseph Obrien, Emily Shallow, Trey Spearman, Christian Walker, John Wittinger, and Jonathan Wittman for their assistance in the field and logistics for the deployment of acoustic receivers. We thank Deepa Shrestha for the assistance in data management and the crew of the FV Lady Ann and FV Escape for the fish collection and support in the field.

Funding

This research was supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Fisheries Initiative Grant (Gant No. NA17NMF4330316) to SPP.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA, 70148, USA

    Kelly S. Boyle

  2. Department of Marine Sciences University of South Alabama, 5871 USA Drive North Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA

    Crystal L. Hightower & Sean P. Powers

  3. Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL, 36528, USA

    Crystal L. Hightower & Sean P. Powers

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  1. Kelly S. Boyle
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Contributions

Sean P. Powers conceived the original research idea. Kelly S. Boyle, Crystal L. Hightower, and Sean P. Powers implemented the study design and collected the data. Kelly S. Boyle conducted the first draft of data analyses and prepared the initial manuscript. All authors revised and contributed to the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Kelly S. Boyle.

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This project was reviewed and approved (Protocol #1380423) by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at the University of South Alabama.

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Boyle, K.S., Hightower, C.L. & Powers, S.P. Diel patterns of depth use and swimming activity of post-release greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Environ Biol Fish 106, 491–518 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-022-01385-8

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