Summary: | An ichthyoplankton survey was carried on in Florida Bay and adjacent waters that focused on the abundance and distribution of larvae of four target species--red drum (Sciaenops ocellata), snook (Centropomus undecimalis), gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus), and spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus). Twenty sampling stations were established--eight to document larval entry into Florida Bay and adjacent estuarine waters, and 12 within Florida Bay and adjacent estuarine waters, to provide insight into larval fish distribution and movement. Spotted seatrout was the only target species whose larvae were regularly collected; gray snapper snook, and red drum apparently spawn outside of the park. Other findings include an abundance of gobiid larvae throughout the study sites. Maps of the study sites showing larvae distribution are included. An ichthyoplankton survey was carried on in Florida Bay and adjacent waters that focused on the abundance and distribution of larvae of four target species--red drum (Sciaenops ocellata), snook (Centropomus undecimalis), gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus), and spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus). Twenty sampling stations were established--eight to document larval entry into Florida Bay and adjacent estuarine waters, and 12 within Florida Bay and adjacent estuarine waters, to provide insight into larval fish distribution and movement. Spotted seatrout was the only target species whose larvae were regularly collected; gray snapper snook, and red drum apparently spawn outside of the park. Other findings include an abundance of gobiid larvae throughout the study sites. Maps of the study sites showing larvae distribution are included. Includes bibliographies. Electronic reproduction. s FI06708701 cab
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