Larval distribution and abundance of Engraulidae, Carangidae, Clupeidae, Lutjanidae, Serranidae, Sciaenidae, Coryphaenidae, Istiophoridae, Xiphiidae and Scombridae in the Gulf of Mexico

"The Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) has conducted ichthyoplankton surveys in U.S. waters of the Gulf of Mexico since 1982, to determine the distribution and abundance of pelagic eggs, larvae and juveniles of fishes for the purpose of management for protection and conservation of critical fishery habitats. This reports on the results of the 1986 survey. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and participating components from Alabama Marine Resources (AMR); Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR); Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF); Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Lab (GCRL) conducted sampling throughout 1986 except the months of January, February, March and August. A total of 19 cruises were done using seven vessels. Seventeen of the 19 cruises employed oblique tows using a 60 cm bongo with 333 m mesh nets, which were sent to 200 meters or within 5 meters of the bottom and towed to the surface. One cruise by LDWF used a 20 cm bongo with 333 m mesh, for oblique tows in shallow coastal waters. In addition to the bongos, fourteen of the 19 cruises used a 1 x 2 meter neuston net which was towed at the surface for ten minutes. One two station cruise by AMR employed only a neuston net"--Page 1, paragraph 1.

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