Current stock assessments for both the Warsaw Grouper Hyporthodus nigritus and the Snowy Grouper H. niveatus are based on age‐structured population models determined using traditional otolith‐based aging techniques. However, recent studies using bomb radiocarbon validation have shown that many deepwater fishes live much longer than previously estimated when relying on conventional age determination methods. In this study, we conducted bomb radiocarbon age validations of Warsaw Grouper and Snowy Grouper from the Gulf of Mexico. Radiocarbon age validation supported annual growth increment formation for all Warsaw Grouper size classes and medium‐sized Snowy Grouper. Conversely, ages of larger, older Snowy Grouper were greatly underestimated due to difficulty in discriminating annuli. This bomb radiocarbon analysis validates a minimum 56‐year longevity for both Warsaw Grouper and Snowy Grouper, increasing the currently published longevities of 41 and 54 years, respectively.

Chemical markers in otoliths have been used to assess the stock structure of many marine fishes, but these natural markers have yet to be widely evaluated or applied to demersal fishes in offshore habitats where physicochemical gradients are generally less pronounced relative to nearshore waters. To address this, we quantified trace elements (Li, Mg, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ba) and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O) in otoliths of Warsaw grouper Hyporthodus nigritus from 4 regions in the Gulf of Mexico (Texas, Louisiana, Alabama-NW Florida, and SW Florida). Region-specific differences in otolith chemistry were observed, and notable differences in several influential markers (Mn:Ca, Sr:Ca, and Ba:Ca ratios and δ18O) were present, particularly between the most distant regions investigated (Texas/Louisiana and SW Florida). Distinct regional signatures were observed for Warsaw grouper across 3 life history stages: first year (otolith core), most recent years (otolith edge), and lifetime (whole otolith), suggesting that individuals within certain regions share common environmental histories that may represent unique contingents or sub-populations. Findings also demonstrate that spatial variability within these markers was consistent enough to overcome any temporal variability within the geographic domains investigated for all 3 life history stages, highlighting their potential value for assessing the natal origin, exchange, and population structure of this species and potentially other members of the deepwater fish assemblage.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the USA, yet is highly preventable and detectable at an early stage through screening. Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) implemented a worksite colon cancer awareness program to increase colorectal cancer screening rates and preventive lifestyle behaviors among its employees. The Colon Cancer-Free Zone program is designed using best practice principles of worksite health programs and includes information sessions covering the topics of colorectal cancer, screening guidelines, insurance coverage, and preventive lifestyle behaviors. It is conducted in a campaign format that includes a strategic communication strategy targeting relevant screening barriers and facilitators, peer champions, and incentives. The program was implemented with VCE employees statewide utilizing a web-based system for the information sessions, and resulted in broad participation, a significant increase in screening self-efficacy (4.15 ± 0.64 vs 3.81 ± 0.76, ρ = 0.006), changes in diet and physical activity (50% and 40% of participants, respectively), and a 20.6% increase in the employee colorectal cancer screening rate. A Colon Cancer-Free Zone toolkit was developed for use by Extension Agents to implement the program at worksites in their service communities.

Snowy GrouperHyporthodus niveatus are long-lived, slow-growing demersal fish that occur throughout most of the western Atlantic Ocean. Currently, Snowy Grouper in U.S. territorial waters are managed as two stocks, one along the eastern Atlantic coast and one in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), though population connectivity throughout the region is unknown. The population structure of juvenile Snowy Grouper in U.S. territorial waters was assessed with otolith chemistry analysis, both trace element ( 7 Li, 24 Mg, 55 Mn, 88 Sr, and 137 Ba) and stable isotope (δ 13 C and δ 18 O), from three life stages (core [first-year deposition], edge [most recent deposition], and life [mean of lifetime deposition]) across four geographic regions (northwest GoM, northeast GoM, southeast GoM, and U.S. East Coast). Dissimilar element : Ca signatures were evident across regions for all three life history stages, with regional patterns in individual markers following expected differences in environmental chemistry based on the geographic location of dominant mesoscale features (Mississippi and Atchafalaya River system, Loop Current, and Gulf Stream) and associated physicochemical conditions. Moderate classification success of Snowy Grouper to collection region with lifetime signatures indicated that the population along the U.S. East Coast experienced different physicochemical conditions than individuals inhabiting the GoM. The close adherence in regional patterns of otolith chemistry with expected environmental chemistry indicates that movement of individuals is limited and population connectivity constrained in U.S. territorial waters.