{"id":1524,"date":"2024-01-03T11:32:55","date_gmt":"2024-01-03T16:32:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mote.org\/?post_type=program&p=1524"},"modified":"2024-12-12T20:46:27","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T01:46:27","slug":"fisheries-ecology-enhancement","status":"publish","type":"program","link":"https:\/\/mote.org\/research\/program\/fisheries-ecology-enhancement\/","title":{"rendered":"Fisheries Ecology & Enhancement"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our Work<\/h2>\n
\"\"
Mote staff prepared juvenile snook for release at Mote Aquaculture Research Park as part of a partnership with CCA Florida and FWC. Photo by Stephannie Kettle\/Mote Marine Laboratory<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Fisheries Ecology & Enhancement Program advances science to support abundant, productive fish populations.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We develop innovative tools and methods to help natural resource managers and others replenish and monitor fisheries. \u00a0Our responsible stock enhancement approaches focus on improving fish survival and promoting important connections between fish and their ecosystems, and they are designed to benefit fish populations, habitats, fishers and the economies that depend on fisheries. Our projects involve both traditional and technological monitoring of fish and fisheries, from seine sampling in the tidal creeks to electronic monitoring<\/a> of coastal fisheries.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Why Fisheries Enhancement Matters<\/h2>\n
\"Dr.
Dr. Ryan Schloesser tagging snook in the field<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Saltwater recreational fishing contributes $8 billion annually to Florida\u2019s economy, and in general, productive coastal waters help communities thrive by providing economic stability and recreational value. However, fisheries in Florida and beyond face significant challenges, including degraded habitat, reduced water quality, overfishing of some species, harmful algal blooms and more.<\/p>\n

Fisheries enhancement (via stocking) involves raising juvenile fish in hatcheries and releasing them into the environment strategically, to improve fishery yields and\/or benefit species conservation. To be effective, stock enhancement must be done responsibly and be driven by the best available science.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

The Best Available Science<\/h2>\n
\"A
A bucket of hatchery reared common snook are released by Mote scientists.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mote scientists are working to resolve critical uncertainties about marine (saltwater) stock enhancement and help foster development of responsible and effective approaches to:<\/p>\n