Fish On! A Look at the Species Caught on the Bottom Longline Survey
Photos of the more common and the rarer things we encountered on the 27th annual Southeast Bottom Longline Survey.
On our current Southeast Bottom Longline Survey in the Gulf of Mexico, we have come across many different species. Some species are seen regularly throughout the trip and over the years, while other species are less common or even unusual. The photos below provide a window into what we see throughout the survey!
When we retrieve the line, all fish caught are documented. We record a number of data points including measurements, weight, and sex. Shark species also receive tags. We release the sharks and rays once we've documented them. Most reef fish caught are sampled which may include the collection of reproductive structures and otoliths. These structures are used to help describe life history parameters, such as size and age at maturity and life stage specific distribution patterns informing population assessments.
This project is conducted under the Scientific Research Permit, Turtle Excluder Device Exemption, NMFS Highly Migratory Species Management Division Scientific Research Permit HMS-SRP-22-22, and applicable state permits.
Communications interns, Tralee Chapman and Ellie Hartman, participated in the Southeast Bottom Longline Survey aboard the NOAA Ship Oregon II.