Ecosystem modeling to improve fisheries management in the Gulf of Mexico.

The project focuses on implementing ecosystem-based approaches to develop multi-species management reference points, quantify ecosystem effects of environmental and anthropogenic stressors, and evaluate size and placement of marine protected areas in the Gulf of Mexico. The scope of this project is the entire northern Gulf of Mexico from Brownsville, Texas to the Florida Keys, with the ultimate goal to develop decision support tools for fisheries management. Specific management needs that are addressed with this project include those for Gag (Mycteroperca microlepis) and Gulf Menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) fisheries. 

Chagaris, D., Sagarese, S., Farmer, N., Mahmoudi, B., De Mutsert, K., VanderKooy, S., Patterson, W. III, Kilgour, M., Schueller, A., Ahrens, R., and M. Lauretta. 2018. Management challenges are opportunities for fisheries ecosystem models in the Gulf of Mexico. Marine Policy https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2018.11.033