2012 GA-SC-NC red snapper multi-gear CRP project

Surveys were completed at 1,656 locations, yielding 173 red snapper length and 159 red snapper age samples. Catches were greatest in waters off GA (n 133), and declined with increasing latitude off SC (n 39) and NC (n 5). Resulting size and age distribution data are available for planned 2014 stock assessment data workshops. Lengths ranged from 360 to 900 mm, with a mean length ( SD) of 612 115 mm and median of 620 mm. Ages ranged from 2 to 22 years, with a mean age ( SD) of 5.1 2.6 years and median of 5 years. These data will be combined with fishery-independent data from FL waters (collected in a separate but collaborative CRP-funded project to the FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FWC) to accurately characterize the age distribution of red snapper throughout their range in the U.S. South Atlantic. Additionally, red snapper catch locations have provided new stations to NMFS fishery-independent surveys.