Bottom-up conservation: using translational ecology to inform conservation priorities for a recreational fishery

Abstract

Translational ecology defines a collaborative effort among scientists and stakeholders to rapidly translate environmental problems into action. This approach can be applied in a fisheries management context when information needed to inform regulations is unavailable, yet conservation concerns exist. Our research uses a translational ecology framework to assess the stock status and develop research priorities for the Crevalle Jack (Caranx hippos) in the Florida Keys, U.S.A., a currently unregulated species. Interview data that compiled expert fishing guide knowledge were used to develop hypotheses tested using existing fisheries-dependent datasets to check for agreement among sources and assess the consistency of observed patterns. Six hypotheses were developed concerning the status and trends of the Crevalle Jack population in the Florida Keys, and four of these hypotheses received clear support, with agreement between guide observations and one or more of the fisheries-dependent datasets. The results of our study outline an effective translational ecology approach for recreational fisheries management designed to rapidly recognize potential management needs as identified by fishing guides, which allows for actionable science and proactive management.

Age, growth and diet of crevalle jack (Caranx hippos) in the Gulf of Mexico

“…Saloman and Naughton (1984) sampled many large crevalle jack from northwest Florida, so a lack of larger crevalle jack may not apply to that region. Clearly, further research is necessary to understand size and age distribution patterns, particularly in light of stakeholder concerns over crevalle jack populations in south Florida (Gervasi et al, 2021).…”

“…Additionally, although most crevalle jack caught by recreational anglers are released after capture, post‐release mortality of the species is presently unknown. Given the importance of crevalle jack as coastal sportfish (Gervasi et al, 2021) and predators, additional research is essential to address these and other knowledge gaps before future management measures are initiated for the species.…”

“…As an unregulated species in Florida, crevalle jack defaults to a recreational bag limit of two fish or 100 pounds per person per day, whichever is greater (Florida Statutes, Title XXVIII, Chapter 379, 379.361 Licenses). However, stakeholder concern about the Florida Keys crevalle jack population (Gervasi et al, 2021) has prompted the state to consider proactive management action(s) for the stock (Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2020).…”

“…Lastly, while Saloman and Naughton (1984) examined a robust sample size of 3643 stomachs across a broad sampling region, none of their sampling was in estuaries, no fish were collected from Mississippi or Alabama, and the study was conducted almost 30 years ago. Given the emerging stakeholder concern for crevalle jack and their prominent roles as sportfish and voracious predators in coastal ecosystems, these fundamental knowledge gaps must be addressed to provide a basis for potential future management measures (Gervasi et al, 2021). The objectives of this study were to generate baseline population dynamics parameters for Gulf of Mexico crevalle jack Caranx hippos and examine the foraging habits of Mississippi and Alabama crevalle jack.…”

“…However, stakeholder concern about the Florida Keys crevalle jack population (Gervasi et al, 2021) has prompted the state to consider proactive management action(s) for the stock (Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2020).…”