| Spotted
seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus, support important recreational
fisheries in the South Atlantic. In Florida in particular, where
the fish is highly accessible, spotted seatrout is often the most
sought after and exploited gamefish. The number of fish taken coastwide
by anglers varies from year to year, but has averaged 1.3 million
fish annually (1.76 million pounds). The commercial fishery is smaller,
averaging less than 350,000 pounds over the last ten years, about
half of what the fishery averaged the preceding 10 years.
Increased coastal development
and the resulting loss of estuarine habitat, coupled with heavy
fishing pressure, have effected spotted seatrout populations.
The extent of anthropogenic effect is unclear as there is no coastwide
stock assessment for the species and local assessments vary by
state. Spotted seatrout are also susceptible to inshore calamities
such as winter freezes, excessive fresh water, hurricanes, and
red tide conditions. Fortunately, seatrout have a life history
trait that helps maintain population size – the ability
to reproduce prolifically. Compared to other marine gamefish,
spotted seatrout enjoy one of the longest spawning seasons.
Fishery regulations
are restricted to size and possession limits in most states. The
Commission’s Fishery Management Plan (FMP) recommends a
minimum size limit of at least 12 inches, which all six states
with a declared interest in the species (Maryland to Florida)
have implemented. In addition, each state has either initiated
data collection programs for spotted seatrout or modified other
programs to gather information on this species to improve current,
and add additional, state-specific stock assessments. <species
profile> <stock
status> <UPDATED:
commercial
and recreational landings> <state
regulations> <habitat
fact sheet>
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