Gregory W. Stunz

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

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Matthew J. Ajemian

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Matthew K. Streich

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Jennifer J. Wetz

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Megan M. Reese Robillard

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

J. Marcus Drymon

Mississippi State University

R. J. David Wells

Texas A&M University

Judson M. Curtis

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Jason A. Williams

Western EcoSystems Technology (United States)

Kesley Gibson Banks

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Jennifer Beseres Pollack

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Cooperative Institutions

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University at Galveston

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Mitchell Institute

Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies

The University of Texas at Austin

Texas Biomedical Research Institute

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Freshwater Inflow and Salinity Shape Nekton Diversity and Community Structure Within Texas Estuaries

Estuaries of the world (2025)

Daniel M. Coffey Gregory W. Stunz Paul A. Montagna

Nekton

Freshwater inflow

Inflow

10.1007/978-3-031-70882-4_14

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Citations (0)

Macrofauna using intertidal oyster reef varies in relation to position within the estuarine habitat mosaic

Marine Biology (2016)

Isis E. Gain Rachel A. Brewton Megan M. Reese Robillard K. D. Johnson Delbert L. Smee

Spartina alterniflora

Ecosystem engineer

Eastern oyster

Intertidal ecology

10.1007/s00227-016-3033-5

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Citations (35)

Habitat use patterns of newly settled spotted seatrout in estuaries of the north‐western Gulf of Mexico

Fisheries Management and Ecology (2010)

T. A. NEAHR Gregory W. Stunz Thomas J. Minello

Abstract This study examined habitat use patterns of newly settled spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus (Cuvier) across several Gulf of Mexico estuaries. Intensive sampling using an epibenthic sled was conducted in three Texas bays and among three potential habitat types. A long‐term data set (1982 to 1997) from the National Marine Fisheries Service was also used to examine C. nebulosus habitat use patterns in both marsh and seagrass‐dominated bay systems for broad regional comparisons along the north‐western Gulf of Mexico. Vegetated habitat types such as seagrass and marsh supported the highest densities and use was dependent upon availability of particular vegetated habitat types. In laboratory mesocosm experiments, both wild‐caught and hatchery‐reared C. nebulosus , showed strong selection for structured and vegetated habitat types. These field and laboratory results suggest that seagrass meadows and marshes may be functioning as important habitat for C. nebulosus in Gulf of Mexico, and other habitat types such as oyster reef need further evaluation.

Marine habitats

10.1111/j.1365-2400.2010.00733.x

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Citations (35)

Anti-peptide reagent identifies a primary-structure-dependent, cross-reactive idiotype expressed on heavy and light chains from a murine monoclonal anti-cd4

Molecular Immunology (1993)

Roberta Attanasio Patrick Kanda Gregory W. Stunz David Buck Ronald C. Kennedy

10.1016/0161-5890(93)90421-7

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Citations (9)

Artificial Reefs as Surrogate Habitats for Red Snapper in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico: A Fishery-Independent Comparison of Artificial and Natural Habitats

AGUOS (2016)

Matthew K. Streich Jennifer J. Wetz Matthew J. Ajemian Gregory W. Stunz

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Citations (1)

Spatial distribution and movement of Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) in the northern Gulf of Mexico

PLoS ONE (2024)

Shane Stephens Michael A. Dance Michelle Zapp Sluis Richard J. Kline Matthew K. Streich

Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) are capable of long-distance migrations (hundreds of kilometers) but also exhibit resident behaviors in estuarine and coastal habitats. The aim of this study was to characterize the spatial distribution of juvenile tarpon and identify migration pathways of adult tarpon in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Spatial distribution of juvenile tarpon was investigated using gillnet data collected by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) over the past four decades. Generalized additive models (GAMs) indicated that salinity and water temperature played a significant role in tarpon presence, with tarpon occurrences peaking in the fall and increasing over the past four decades in this region. Adult tarpon caught off Texas (n = 40) and Louisiana (n = 4) were tagged with acoustic transmitters to characterize spatial and temporal trends in their movements and migrations. Of the 44 acoustic transmitters deployed, 18 of the individuals were detected (n = 16 west of the Mississippi River Delta and n = 2 east of the Mississippi River Delta). Tarpon tagged west of the Mississippi River Delta off Texas migrated south in the fall and winter into areas of south Texas and potentially into Mexico, while individuals tagged east of the delta migrated into Florida during the same time period, suggesting the presence of two unique migratory contingents or subpopulations in this region. An improved understanding of the habitat requirements and migratory patterns of tarpon inhabiting the Gulf of Mexico is critically needed by resource managers to assess the vulnerability of each contingent to fishing pressure, and this information will guide multi-state and multi-national conservation efforts to rebuild and sustain tarpon populations.

10.1371/journal.pone.0298394

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Citations (1)

Habitat‐Specific Reproductive Potential of Red Snapper: A Comparison of Artificial and Natural Reefs in the Western Gulf of Mexico

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society (2018)

Charles H. Downey Matthew K. Streich Rachel A. Brewton Matthew J. Ajemian Jennifer J. Wetz

Abstract Energy exploration in the Gulf of Mexico (hereafter, Gulf) has resulted in the addition of numerous oil and gas production platforms that create structurally complex habitat in an area otherwise dominated by barren mud/sand bottom. How these artificial structures affect fish populations is largely unknown, and there is ongoing debate regarding their value as surrogate habitats for ecologically and economically important reef fish species. Thus, the purpose of this study was to characterize trends in Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus reproductive potential in the western Gulf at oil and gas platform reefs relative to reproductive potential at natural banks. Red Snapper ( n = 1,585) were collected during 2013–2015 from standing platforms, decommissioned platform artificial reefs, and natural banks by using standardized vertical line gear. Comparisons of gonadosomatic index, male : female ratios, batch fecundity, annual fecundity, spawning frequency, and number of spawning‐capable individuals indicated that Red Snapper reproductive biology was similar among natural bank, standing platform, and artificial reef habitats. These results suggest that in terms of reproductive output, fish inhabiting artificial reefs are functionally similar to similar‐aged fish on natural banks. This work can be used to make informed management decisions and suggests that there are benefits to converting decommissioned platforms into designated artificial reefs. Future studies should consider site‐specific characteristics, such as depth, vertical relief, and proximity to other structures, to elucidate how habitat characteristics may influence reproduction, ultimately improving future artificial reef deployments for fisheries enhancement in the western Gulf.

Artificial reef

Gonadosomatic Index

10.1002/tafs.10104

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Citations (23)

Age and growth of southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) from Matagorda Bay, Texas

Gregory W. Stunz

Paralichthys

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Otolith chemistry can discriminate signatures of hatchery-reared and wild spotted seatrout

Fisheries Research (2014)

Judson M. Curtis Gregory W. Stunz R. Deborah Overath Robert R. Vega

Hatchery

10.1016/j.fishres.2013.12.013

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Citations (23)

Venting or Rapid Recompression Increase Survival and Improve Recovery of Red Snapper with Barotrauma

Marine and Coastal Fisheries (2014)

Karen L. Drumhiller Matthew W. Johnson Sandra L. Diamond Megan M. Reese Robillard Gregory W. Stunz

Abstract Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus are the most economically important reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico and a heavily targeted fishery. When brought to the surface from deep water, this species often suffers pressure‐related injuries collectively known as barotrauma. This trauma results in high discard mortality and has affected recovery of the fishery. In laboratory experiments using hyperbaric chambers, we assessed sublethal effects of barotrauma and subsequent survival rates of Red Snapper after capture events from pressures corresponding to 30 and 60 m deep. We then evaluated the use of rapid recompression and venting to increase survival and improve recovery after release in this controlled environment. Vented fish in simulated surface release and rapid‐recompression treatments had 100% survival. Fish released at the surface that were not vented had 67% survival after decompression from 30 m but only 17% survival from 60 m, while nonvented rapidly recompressed fish had 100% survival from 30 m and 83% survival from 60 m. Fish that were vented upon release at the surface showed significantly better ability to achieve an upright orientation and evade a simulated predator. Results showed clear benefits of venting or recompression. Our data also show strong depth effects resulting in increased barotrauma injuries, more impaired reflexes, and greater mortality as depth increases. Overall, our data support venting or rapid recompression as effective tools for alleviating barotrauma symptoms, improving predator evasion, and increasing overall survival. Received January 31, 2014; accepted April 7, 2014

Fish mortality

10.1080/19425120.2014.920746

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Citations (45)