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Advances in the aquatic sciences
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Growth, mortality, and reproduction of the oblique-banded snapper (Pristipomoides zonatus) in Guam

Eva Schemmel https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7010-6164 A D , Ryan Nichols A , Eric Cruz B , Jane F. F. Boyer C and Frank A. Camacho C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA.

B NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, 770 East Sunset Boulevard, Suite 170, Tiyan, GU 96913, Guam.

C College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Guam, UOG Station, Mangilao, GU 96923, Guam.

D Corresponding author. Email: eva.schemmel@noaa.gov

Marine and Freshwater Research 73(3) 351-365 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF21094
Submitted: 30 March 2021  Accepted: 15 September 2021   Published: 29 November 2021

Abstract

Deep-water snapper fisheries in the Mariana Archipelago are important commercial, recreational and subsistence fisheries. Pristipomoides zonatus, one of the top four deep-water snapper species harvested in Guam, lacked life-history information. To fill this gap, a comprehensive life-history assessment for P. zonatus, which included age, growth, mortality and reproduction, was conducted in Guam. The size range of P. zonatus sampled for life history was from 11.5 cm to 40.4 cm (fork length), with ages ranging from 0.5 to 30 years. Von Bertalanffy growth model-combined sex parameters were L = 36.91 cm and K = 0.29. Males obtained a larger average size and a larger asymptotic size (+3.03 cm) than did females. Pristipomoides zonatus matures at a small size and age (L50 ≤ 24.0 cm and A50 ≤ 2.1 years) relative to their maximum size (40.4 cm) and age (30 years). Additionally, P. zonatus has a long spawning season and a short spawning interval, suggesting high reproductive output. Our results expand knowledge on Pristipomoides life history (fast early growth, moderately long-lived, high productivity), providing the necessary information for the management of P. zonatus in Guam.

Keywords: snappers, age and growth, mortality, reproduction, fisheries.


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