Biological Report 82(11.99) TR EL.82.4~July 1989

AD-A213 090

Species Profiles: Life Histories andEnvironmental Requirements of Coastal Fishesand Invertebrates (South Atlantic) DTcZ

I |IBLACK SEA BASS

Coastal Ecology Group*Fish and Wildlife Service Waterways Experiment Station

U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

89 9 06 084

Bio o I -Rert 82111.99

01TR-EL24.July 9 \

Species Profiles: Life Histories and Environmental Requirementsof Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (South Atlantic)

BLACK SEA BASS

BY

Linda P. MercerNorth Carolina Division of

Marine FisheriesMorehead City, NC 28557

Project OfficerDavid Moran

National Wetlands Research CenterU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

I0Q Gause BoulevardSlldell, LA 70458

Performed for

CoastaEcology GroupU.S. Arm Corps of EngineersWaterw s Experiment Station

Vi ksburg, MS 39180

and

U.S. Department of the InteriorFish and Wildlife ServiceResearch and Development

National Wetlands Research CenterWashington, DC 20240

This series should be referenced as follows:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983-19- . Species profiles: life historiesand environmental requirements of coastal fishes and invertebrates. U.S. FishWildl. Serv. Biol. Rep. 82(11). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, TR EL-82-4.

This profile can be cited as follows:

Mercer, L.P. 1989. Species profiles: life histories and environmental re-quirements of coastal fishes and invertebrates (South Atlantic)--black seabass. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv. Biol. Rep. 82(11.99). U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers, TR EL-82-4. 16 pp.

PREFACE

This species profile is one of a series on coastal aquatic organisms,principally fish, of sport, commercial, or ecological importance. The profilesare designed to provide coastal managers, engineers, and biologists with a briefcomprehensive sketch of the biological characteristics and environmentalrequirements of the species and to describe how populations of the species may beexpected to react to environmental changes caused by coastal development. Eachprofile has sections on taxonomy, life history, ecologiral role, environmentalrequirements, and economic importance, if applicable. A three-ring binder isused for this series so that new profiles can be added as they are prepared.This project is jointly planned and financed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineersand the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Suggestions or questions regarding this report should be directed to one ofthe following addresses.

Information Transfer SpecialistNational Wetlands Research CenterU.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceNASA-Slidell Computer Complex1010 Gause BoulevardSlidell, LA 70458

or

U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment StationAttention: WESER-CPost Office Box 631Vicksburg, MS 39180

,_Accessljn For

J

Dis L"

iii

* la l il

CONVERSION TABLE

Metric to U.S. Customary

Multiply To Obtain

millimeters (mm) 0.03937 inchescentimeters (cm) 0.3937 inchesmeters (i) 3.281 feetmeters (m) 0.5468 fathomskilometers (km) 0.6214 statute mileskilometers (km) 0.5396 nautical miles

square meters (m2 ) 10.76 square feetsquare kilometars (km2 ) 0.3861 square mileshectares (ha) 2.471 acres

liters (1) 0.2642 gallonscubic meters (m3) 35.31 cubic feetcubic meters (m) 0.0008110 acre-feet

milligrams (mg) 0.00003527 ouncesgrams (g) 0.03527 ounceskilograms (kg) 2.205 poundsmetric tons (t) 2205.0 poundsmetric tons (t) 1.102 short tons

kilocalories (kcal) 3.968 British thermal units

Celsius degrees ('C) 1.8( 0C) + 32 Fahrenheit degrees

U.S. Customary to Metric

inches 25.40 millimetersinches 2.54 centimetersfeet (ft) 0.3048 metersfathoms 1.829 metersstatute miles (mi) 1.609 kilometersnautical miles (nmi) 1.852 kilometers

square feet (ft2 ) 0.0929 square meterssquare miles (mi2 ) 2.590 square kilometersacres 0.4047 hectares

gallons (gal) 3.785 literscubic feet (ft3 ) 0.02831 cubic metersacre-feet 1233.0 cubic meters

ounces (oz) 28350.0 milligramsounces (oz) 28.35 gramspounds (lb) 0.4536 kilogramspounds (lb) 0.00045 metric tonsshort tons (ton) 0.9072 metric tons

British thermal units (Btu) 0.2520 kilocaloriesFahrenheit degrees ('F) 0.5556 (OF - 32) Celsius degrees

iv

CONTENTS

Page

PREFACE .. .. ...... ....... ....... ....... .... iiiCONVERSION FACTORS .. ..... ...... ....... ........... ivACKNOWLEDGMENTS ... ...... ....... ....... ........ vi

NOMENCLATURE/TAXONOMY/RANGE. .. .... ....... ....... ..... 1MORPHOLOGY/IDENTIFICATION AIDS .. ..... ...... ....... .... 1REASON FOR INCLUSION IN THE SERIES ...................LIFE HISTORY .. .... ....... ....... ....... ....... 3

Spawning r iFecundity an Egs. ... ...... ....... ....... ..... 4Larvae. .. ....... ....... ...... ............. 5Juvenias ... .... ....... ....... ...... ....Adults. .. ....... ....... ...... ....... ..... 5

GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS. .. ....... ....... ...... ..... 6FISHERY .. .. ....... ...... ....... ....... ..... 7

Commnercial Harvest. ... ...... ....... ...... ...... 7Sport Fishing. .. .... ....... ....... ...... ..... 8Management .. ..... ...... ....... ....... ........

ECOLOGICAL ROLE ....... . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... 9ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS. .. ....... ....... ......... 10

Temperature .. .. ...... ....... ....... .......... 10Salinity. .. ....... ....... ...... ....... .... 11Substrate .. .. ...... ....... ....... ...... .... 11Depth. .. .... ....... ....... ...... ......... 11Contaminants. .. ....... ....... ...... ......... 11

LITERATURE CITED. .. ....... ...... ....... ........ 13

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am grateful to Charles S. Manooch, III, Gene Huntsman, and R.O. Parker,Jr., of the National Marine Fisheries Service, Beaufort Laboratory, and C. WayneWaltz of the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department for review-ing the manuscript.

vi

Figure 1. Black sea bass (from Goode 1884).

BLACK SEA BASS

NOMENCLATURE/TAXONOMY/RANGE populations of black sea bass mayoccur along the Atlantic coast,

Scientific name .......... Centropristis separated at Cape Hatteras, Northstriata (Linnaeus) (Figure 1) Carolina (Mercer 1978).

PreTerred common name ........ Black seabass (Robins et al. 1980)

Other common names .......... Blackfish, MORPHOLOGY/IDENTIFICATION AIDSblack bass, black will (Smith 1907)

Class ..................... Osteichthyes The following description wasOrder ..................... Perciformes given by Miller (1959): Dorsal X, 11;Family ...................... Serranidae anal Il1, 7; total gill rakers plus

tubercles usually 22-28 (20-29), lowerGeographic range: The black sea bass, limb usually 14 to 18 (14-19); scales

Centropristis striata striata, oc- large, lateral line scales 47 (46-49).curs along the A t lantic coast from Body robust, the back somewhat ele-Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to Cape vated anteriorly; head large; snoutCanaveral, Florida (Figure 2), and moderately pointed; mouth large,occasionally as far south as the oblique. Spinous and soft dorsal finsFlorida Keys (Fischer 1978). A sub- continuous, males having the notice-species, C. s. melana, occurs along ably higher fins; caudal fin roundedthe eastern an-northern coastal in juveniles, trilobed and withareas of the Gulf of Mexico. Two one upper ray extended in adults.01

NORTH CAROLINA

SOUTH CAROLINA

S*A ANN ATANICOCA

"N.4

:.4~......L %J Coastal disinbution

MILESI00 so 100 1

Z :~ 0 50 100

0 KI LOM E TERS

Figure 2. Distribution of black sea bass along the South Atlantic coast.

2

Breeding males develop an adipose hump using baited wire crab traps (Riverson the nape. 1966). Black sea bass comprises the

bulk of the North Carolina charterColor in life: smoky gray, dusky boat catch of reef fishes (Manooch

brown, or blue-black above, slightly et al. 1981) and is probably second inpaler below; centers of scales pale importance to red porgy (Pagrusblue or white, forming longitudinal arus) in the inshore catFhby

stripes along back and sides; sides CaroTna headboats (sport fishingsometimes mottled or with dark and boats having a passenger capacity oflight vertical crossbars. Breeding 30-75 anglers) (Huntsman 1976).males with vivid hues of fluorescent Management regulations for black seablue and green around eyes and bass caught in the Fishery Conserva-nape; females are lighter and brownish tion Zone (the area in which theor gray-blue instead of blue-black United States asserts exclusive(Hardy 1978). Link (1980) described fishery management authority and whichfour juvenile color phases: an overall extends seaward from 3 to 200 nm)light grayish phase peppered with were established in the Fisherysmall dark spots; a dark phase with Management Plan for the snapper-dull white spots; a striped phase with grouper fishery of the South Atlantica single horizontal dark stripe; and a Renion (Anonymous 1983). A minimumba,-red phase with six vertical bars. size limit of 203 mm TL (8 inches)

was adopted for black sea bass on theThe Atlantic subspecies of black basis of a yield-per-recruit analysis

sea bass differs from Gulf of Mexico that indicated the harvest is lesssubspecies in the following details: than the maximum possible.gill rakers and tubercles usually 25to 26, instead of 22-24; pectoral rays18 or 19, instead of 17 or 18; jaw LIFE HISTORYusually 16% or 17% of standard length,instead of 18%-19%; black spot at base Spawningof last dorsal spines distinct injuveniles, rather than indistinct to Black sea bass are protogynousalmost absent; dark blotches on jaws hermaphrodites. Most individualsusually absent ir young. Bortone function first as females, undergo(1977), who compared the osteology of sexual succession, and becomethree species of Centropristis, found functional males (Lavenda 1949).no obvious osteological dferences The process of sexual succession wasbetween C. s. striata and C. s. described from histological studies ofmelana. the gonads (Lavenda 1949; Reinboth

1965; Mercer 1978; Wenner et al.Other species of Centropristis 1986). Bands of testicular precursor

differ in being very pale to white, cells are found in various stages ofwith seven diffuse tc distinct dark development in the ovarian wall.vertical bars on side, fins pale, soft Sexual transition begins in thedorsal and caudal with dark to inky posterior region of the ovary and thespots (Miller 1959). proliferation of testicular tissue

proceeds forward.

REASON FOR INCLUSION IN THE SERIES Spawning of black sea bass ex-tends from January to June offshore in

The black sea bass is a valuable the South Atlantic region, peakingcommercial and recreational fish along from March to May (Cupka et al. 1973;the South Atlantic coast. Commercial Mercer 1978; Link 1980; Wenner etlandings increased sharply after 1960 al. 1986). Minor spawning occurs indue to the development of a fishery September and October. Spawning

*3

o-_urs later in the northern part of younger ages (Mercer 1978; Waltz etthe range. The frequency of occurence al. 1979; Link 1980; Wenner etof transitional individuals increases al. 1986). An increased frequency ofafter both spawning periods, indicat- males occurs between 200 and 240 mm SLing that sexual succession is primar- and ages IV and V. Individualsily a post-spawning process (Mercer undergoing sexual succession ranged in1978; Wenner et al. 1986). length from 118 to 327 mm SL and from

ages I to VIII; modes were at 200 mmSL and age III.

Black sea bass mature between ageI and IV (Mercer 1978; Link 1980;Wenner et al. 1986). Wenner et al. Fecundity and Eggs(1986) reported that the percentagesof females that were mature were 0 at Fecundity relationships for Southage 0, 48.4 at age I, 90.3 at age II, Atlantic black sea bass were deter-99.1 at age III, and 100 at all older mined by Cupka et al. (1973), Linkages. The smallest observed mature (1980), and Wenner et al. (1986) andfemales and males were 90-110 mm and by Mercer (1978) for Middle Atlantic100-110 mm SL, respectively (Mercer fish (Table 1). Estimates of fecun-1978; Wenner et al. 1966). Link dity ranged from 17,000 in a fish of(1980) reported that all females of 108 mm SL (age II) to 1,050,000 in aages I and II collected at depths fish of 438 mm SL of undetermined age<12 m were immature, whereas some (Wenner et al. 1986). Fecundity wasfemales of ages I-Ill collected at significantly related to length,depths >12 m werp mature, and all age weight, and age.IV females were mature.

Black sea bass eggs are pelagic,Sex ratios of black sea bass are 0.9-1.0 mm in diameter and hatch

differ significantly from 1:1 in favor in about 75 h at 16 *C (Wilson 1891;of females at the smaller sizes and Smith 1907). Eggs from artificially

Table 1. Fecundity relationships for South Atlantic black sea bass, wheren=sample size, F=fecundity, SL=standard length (nn), TL=total length (mm), W=weight (g), and A=age.

Reference n Fecundity relationship NoSizeRefrene n Feundty eltioshi r range No. of eggs

(nmm SL)

Cupka et al. 18 log F = 0.308 + 1.973 log SL 0.67 139-250 29,770-121,500(1973)

log F = 3.349 + 0.629 log W 0.69log F = 4.543 + 0.784 log A 0.70

Link 18 log F = -2.10 + 3.03 log SL 0.94 137-335 26,938-370,443(1980)

Wenner et al. 115 log F = -0.309 2.318 log SL 0.65 108-438 17,000-1,050,000(1986) log F = -0.605 + 2.335 log TL 0.62

log F = 3.057 + 0.822 log W 0.65log F = 4.529 + 0.913 log A 0.33

4

spawned gulf black sea bass (C. s. berg (1972) collected young-of-the-melana) hatch in about 38 h after year black sea bass throughout thefe-rt-ilization at 23 °C under an 11 h the year in the lower reaches of aphotoperiod (Hoff 1970). Georgia estuary, mostly over shell

bottom. In the St. Johns River,Florida, Tagatz (1967) collected ju-

Larvae veniles (28-71 mm FL) in June and Julyat 14.5 to 24.7 ppt and 26.6 to

Little is known of the early life 27.4 °C. He collected larger individ-history of black sea bass. Larvae uals (91-176 mm FL) in February,(2-13 mm) have been collected from March, and November at salinities ofJune to November between Sandy Hook, 7.7-13.1 ppt and 11.0-17.4 0C.New Jersey, and Cape Lookout, NorthCarolina (Kendall 1972). The larvaewere collected in tows from the Adultssurface to a depth of 33 m, 4 to 82km from shore where water depths Adult black sea bass are found inranged from 15 to 51 m. The pelagic offshore areas in depths of 10 to 120existence of this fish is short. m; however, most are at 20 to 60 mLarvae longer than 13 mm SL were not (Struhsaker 1969; Bearden and McKenziecollected, presumably because they 1971; Cupka et al. 1973; Grimes et al.become demersal or estuarine near that 1982; Chester et al. 1984; Sedberrysize. It is not known what part of and Van Dolah 1984; Parker and Rossthe population remains at sea, nor 1986).are the routes and mechanisms oflarval transport known. Kendall Black sea bass are migratory in(1972) described armature, body shape, the northern part of their range,development of meristic characters, whereas south of Cape Hatteras, Northand pigment patterns of larvae 2.1 to Carolina, they are apparently resi-13.0 mm SL. dents in given areas year round. In

the Middle Atlantic Bight black seaJuveniles bass move inshore and northward in

spring and offshore and south in fall,Juvenile black sea bass occur in probably due to changes in temperature

saline areas of estuaries along the (Pearson 1932; Nesbit and Nevillecoast from Florida to Massachusetts 1935; Musick and Mercer 1977). Off(Kendall 1977) and in offshore areas South Carolina the lowest bottom(Cupka et al. 1973). Link (1980) temperatures recorded in the depthreported that young-of-the-year (30-50 range inhabited by adult sea bass aremm SL) appeared on inshore jetties in 10 'C or higher during all seasonslate May and early June. Within (Walford and Wicklund 1968). Taggingestuaries, juveniles are found around studies off South Carolina and alongjetties, piers, wrecks, and shell the east coast of Florida havebottom such as oyster reefs, indicated that black sea bass there

are essentially nonmigratory (ToppBlack sea bass have been col- 1963; Beaumariage 1964, 1969;

lected year round in North Carolina Beaumariage and Wittich 1966; Moeestuaries at salinities of I to 36 ppt 1966; Cupka et al. 1973). Although noand temperatures of 6 to 29 0C (Link seasonal movements were observed in1980; Schwartz et al. 1981). In South South Carolina waters, Cupka et al.Carolina estuaries juveniles (20-140 (1973) noted that larger specimensmm SL) were found at salinities of were found in deep water, which8.8 to 37.8 ppt and temperatures of suggests gradual offshore movements5.6 to 30.4 'C, mainly from July to with increasing age; however, reducedNovember (Cupka et al. 1973). Dahl- fishing pressure offshore away from

05

ports may be a factor. Waltz et al. not yet formed; they concluded that(1979) reported that average age the functionally derived correctionincreased with depth from 2.4 years at factor used in their study under-18-26 m to 4.8 years at 37-46 m. estimated the back-calculated length

in the younger age groups. Males werelarger than females at ages greater

GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS than one year.

Age and growth of black sea bass Von Bertalanffy growth parametershave been determined from otoliths are shown in Table 3. The low esti-(Cupka et al. 1973; Mercer 1978; Waltz mates of K (growth coefficient) indi-et al. 1979; Link 1980; Wenner et al. cate that black sea bass attains its1986). Analysis of marginal incre- maximum size slowly, as do other reefments indicates that annulus formation fishes (Huntsman and Manooch 1978).occurs in April and May. Ten age Link (1980), who used a logarithmicgroups were identified in the South function to describe growth of blackAtlantic Bight (Table 2). Mean back- sea bass, obtained values that werecalculated lengths at age were similar intermediate to those of other stu-in all studies except that of Cupka et dies.al. (1973) and ages I and II of Waltzet al. (1979). The larger size at age Length-weight regressions forfound by Cupka et al. (1973) may re- black sea bass were calculated byflect the condition of the population Cupka et al. (1973), Mercer (1978),of black sea bass in the South At- Waltz et al. (1979), and Link (1980)lantic Bight before heavy exploitation (Table 4). No sexual differences inbegan in 1969. Waltz et al.(1979) ob- length-weight relationships were foundserved 37 black sea bass of 45 to 130 in these studies. Slopes and inter-mm SL in which the first annulus had cepts were similar in all studies.

Table 2. Mean back-calculated lengths (mm SL) of black sea bass.

Age

Reference Sex I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X

Cupka et al. Combined 115 164 198 230 265 305 329(1973)

Mercer (1978) Female 93 143 176 199 218 208Male 90 145 183 215 238 269 286 294Combined 87 141 177 205 231 244

Waltz et al. Female 74 133 168 190 218 247 257 256 280 330(1979) Male 73 134 177 210 244 260 277 295 300 340

Link (1980) Female 92 142 187 231 247 260Male 99 155 202 244 272 277 293

Wenner et al. Combined 88 142 180 212 244 271 283 289 296 303(1986)

6

Table 3. Estimated von Bertalanffy THE FISHERYparameters describing the growth ofblack seabass. Commercial Harvest

The fisheries for black sea bass

Reference t K L. were reviewed by Rivers (1966), Cupka0 et al. (1973), Frame and Pearce

(1973), and Mercer (1978). In theMercer -0.183 0.219 352 South Atlantic region black sea bass(1978) are mainly harvested by a trap fish-

ery; small amounts are caught wit,Cupka et al. -1.330 0.088 625 trawls and hand lines. Smith (1907)(1973) reported that the fishery in the early

1900's was primarily a handline fish-Wenner et a]. -0.201 0.231 341 ery. The trap fishery, which devel-(1986) oped in 1960, operates year-round

along the 18 m contour. Wire-meshcrab pots are used, baited with men-ato = theoretical age at which length haden, herring, squid, mullet, spot,

is zero or croaker. Highest landings occur

K = rate at which length approaches from early winter to spring due to in-the asymptote creased participation in the fishery

Lo= asymptotic length at infinite by shrimp and sport fishermen. Fif-age. teen to 40 traps are set singly over

patch reefs. Fishing time ranges from20 to 45 minutes for each trap. Thisfishery differs considerably from thetrap fishery north of Cape Hatteras,North Carolina, which operates fromMay to December, and in which 400 to1,500 unbaited wooden slat traps areset out for the entire season in

Table 4. Weight-length regressions for black sea bass (loglOW = a + b [log OSL]where W = weight [g] and SL = standard length [mm]).

Reference n a b

Mercer (1978) 628 -4.4592 2.9617 0.99

Link (1980) 912 -4.5243 3.0024 0.99

Cupka et al. 412 -4.5761 3.0237 0.99(1973)

Waltz et al. 1,771 -4.4833 2.9870 0.99(1979)

Wenner et al. 12,284 -4.328 2.978 0.98(1986)

*7

strings of 10 or 20 traps per line, Table 5. Commercial landings (metricwith about 200 traps fished daily, tons) of black sea bass in the southTrawl catches of black sea bass are Atlantic region, 1950-1984 (fromprimarily landed north of Cape Fishery Statistics of the U.S.).Hatteras, North Carolina. Black seabass are also caught in the handline Statefishery for snappers and groupers. Year NC SC GA FL Total

Black sea bass landings (Table 5)increased sharply in the South At- 1950 34 115 - - 149lantic region after 1960 due to the 1951 43 84 - - 127development of the trap fishery. 1952 50 45 - - 95Cupka et al. (1973) reported that the 1953 37 35 1 - 73numbers of vessels fishing for black 1954 19 27 1 - 47sea bass in South Carolina increased 1955 9 8 - 6 23from 8 in 1959 to 62 in 1971. Annual 1956 36 15 1 3 55landings in North Carolina peaked at 1957 16 2 * 19 38904 t in 1967 and have fluctuated 1958 12 8 - 18 38since then. South Carolina landings 1959 19 17 * 21 57were highest in 1970, then declined, 1960 57 13 * 13 83and increased in the early 1980's. 1961 288 147 * 10 446Georgia and Florida contribute little 1962 584 122 - 21 726to South Atlantic black sea bass 1963 335 120 1 29 485landings. 1964 411 106 * 22 540

1965 494 38 2 22 556Sport Fishing 1966 575 62 1 28 666

1967 904 30 1 35 971The recreational catch of black 1968 541 93 5 31 670

sea bass has increased, partly due to 1969 475 327 4 32 838the development of the headboat fish- 1970 534 351 5 28 918ery in the mid-1960's (Huntsman 1976). 1971 339 233 20 42 634The black sea bass is the most abun- 1972 288 248 28 53 616dant species in the North Carolina 1973 310 130 12 31 484charter boat botto,, fishing catches of 1974 597 59 16 43 715reef fishes, accounting for 75% of the 1975 521 67 7 45 640catch by number and 64% of the catch 1976 260 40 9 53 362by weight (Manooch et al. 1981). The 1977 664 8 4 32 708estimated recreational catch of black 1978 515 25 9 30 579sea bass in the South Atlantic ranged 1979 624 100 4 28 756from 3.6 million fish and 1.9 million 1980 694 97 6 24 821kg in 1980 to 9.7 million fish and 1981 543 283 8 22 8563.7 million kg in 1984 (Anonymous 1982 368 232 6 29 6351984, 1985a,b, 1986 (Table 6). 1983 242 106 * 25 373

1984 449 72 6 36 563Management

= 1 metric ton.Mortality rates for black sea - = none reported.

bass captured off South Carolina andGeorgia from 1978 to 1981 were pre-sented by Low (1981) and Wenner et al. complete until age IV (Low 1981). The(1986). Catch curves for fish age at complete recruitment in deepercaught in traps at depths <40 m waters was about one year older. Lowindicated that females were fully (1981) reported instantaneous ratesrecruited to the fishery at age III, of total mortality that ranged frombut the recruitment of males was not 0.75 to 0.83 for fish caught in water

8

Table 6. Recreational landings of mortality), black sea bass were Sub-black sea bass for the South Atlantic jected to sufficient fishing mortal-region, 1980-1985 (Anonymous 1984, ity on the headboat grounds to account1985a, b, 1986). for 80% to 98% of the maximal YPR.

The South Atlantic Fishery ManagementCouncil concluded from YPR analysis

Year Number Weight (kg) that black sea bass are probably in(1000's) (1000's) the range of growth overfishing,

i.e., excessive harvesting of smallfish (Anonymous 1983). To control

1980 3,617 1,944 growth overfishing and preventrecruitment overfishing (excessive

1981 6,290 1,967 harvesting of spawners which decreasesrecruitment), a minimum size limit

1982 6,061 2,269 of 203 mm (8 inches) and restrictionson fish trap dimensions and trap

1983 5,028 1,101 fishing areas were adopted for blacksea bass caught in the South Atlantic

1984 9,703 3,676 Fishery Conservation Zone (Federalwaters south of Cape Hatteras).

1985 6,215 1,885 Minimum mesh size of traps is 1 by 2inches (rectangular) or 1 1/2 inches(hexagonal).

<40 m and from 0.60 to 0.61 for fishin deeper water. Wenner et al. (1986) ECOLOGICAL ROLEreported that the instantaneous rateof total mortality of age IV andolder black sea bass from catch curve Black sea bass are carnivorousanalysis, ranged from 0.72 in 1978 to bottom-feeders that eat crustaceans1.32 in 1981 for commercial fish (primarily crabs and shrimp), fish,traps and from 0.73 in 1979 to 1.43 mollusks, and echinoderms (Smith 1907;in 1981 for hook and line. From Hildebrand and Schroeder 1928; Cupka1978 to 1981, mortality rates in- et al. 1973; Link 1980; Steimle andcreased from 51.3% to 73.3% for trap- Ogren 1982). Adults eat mainly crabscaught fish and from 51.6% to 76.1% and fish, and the young eat shrimp,for hook and line-caught fish older isopods, and amphipods. Link (1980)than age IV. found that the diet of black sea bass,

based on frequency of occurrence, wasWenner et al. (1986) used composed primarily of crustaceans

Petersen mark-recapture techniques to (91%), mollusks (28%), and fishescalculate population densities of 14 (28%). Crabs occurred in about 51% ofto 125 individuals per hectare on the stomachs and shrimp in about 13%.two shallow-water patch reefs. Cupka et al. (1973) noted that theAbundance on both reefs declined from presence of barnacles and other ses-1981 to 1983. Powles and Barans sile organisms such as colonial(1980) estimated black sea bass tunicates were indicative of somedensities of 33 to 66 fish/ha and a grazing activity, particularly bybiomass of 5.1 to 9.9 kg/ha from adults. Results of feeding studies aretelevision transect data. Yield-per- affected by type of collection gear--recruit (YPR) models for black trawl-caught black sea bass had minimalsea bass presented by Huntsman et al. stomach eversion, but eversion was(1983) indicated that at the lowest significant in fish caught with hook-estimates of M (instantaneous natural and-line (Rogers et al. 1986).

09

Fish assemblages associated with cardinalfish (Apogon pseudomaculatus),hard bottom or reef habitats in the and jackknife-fish (Equetus lanceo-South Atlantic Bight have been des- latus).cribed in studies using submersibles,television and diver transects,trawls, and traps. Powles and Barans ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS(1980) found that black sea bass,along with round scad (Decapterus

uunctatus) and southern porgy Temperature(tenotomus aculeatus), dominatedthe fish assemblage of two inshore Differences in temperature regimereef areas (16-32 m deep) off South appear responsible for differences inCarolina. Television estimates of seasonal distribution and migratoryblack sea bass and southern porgy tendency of black sea bass between thedensity and biomass were greater than South Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic Bightstrawl estimates. Black sea bass (Musick and Mercer 1977). North ofoccurred singly, swimming near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, blackbottom among attached organisms. sea bass move south and offshore inChester et al. (1984) identified seven fall as inshore water temperaturesgroups of distributionally similar decline. Black sea bass have beenreef fish species on the continental caught at temperatures as low as 6 'Cshelf of North Carolina and South in winter, but largest catches wereCarolina, based on analyses of head- taken at bottom temperatures of 8-10boat and research cruise catch re- 'C and higher (Goode 1884; Nesbit andcords. Black sea bass was the domi- Neville 1935; Musick and Mercer 1977).nant member of an inshore community on Tagging studies off the South Atlanticthe inner shelf (<30 m) that was coast revealed that adult black seaalso characterized by the presence of bass were year-round residents inwhitebone porgy (Calamus leucosteus), given areas and, in contrast tospottail porgy (f-os holbrooki), Mid-Atlantic sea bass, did notsheepshead porgy Calamu ), undertake seasonal migrations. Thelongspine porgy (Stenotomus capr-us), lowest bottom temperatures off Southtomtate (Haemulon _aurolineatum, and Carolina in the depth range inhabitedpigfish (Orhprists chrysoptera). by adult black sea bass were 10 °CCluster aof summer and winter and higher during all seasons (Walfordtrawl collections in the South Atlan- and Wicklund 1968). Grimes et al.tic Bight grouped black sea bass with (1982) reported that a decrease inpinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), pi - temperature at live-bottom areas fromfish, and cubbyu (Equetus umbrosus), 22 to 8 'C from November 1975 toin winter, and pTanehead filefish February 1976 was accompanied by a(Monacanthus hispidus), northern sea- marked change in faunal compositionrobin (Prionotus carolinus), sand from a red porgy (Pa rus parus)-perch (Dip Tctrum formosum), inshore vermilion snapper URhombopliteslizardfish Snodus foetens), and aurorubens)-white grunt (Haemulonscrawled cowfish (Lactophrys guadri- plumieri) assemblage to a faunacornis), in summer (Sedberry and Van dominated by black sea bass, Atlantic"o"aT- 1984). Wenner's (1983) cluster spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber), andanalysis of a late spring sponge-coral tautog (Tautoga onitis).habitat trawl survey also groupedblack sea bass with cubbyu, northern In North Carolina estuaries,searobin, sand perch, and in addition, black sea bass were collected at 6 tobank cusk-eel (0phidion holbrooki), 29 °C (Link 1980; Schwartz et al.Atlantic midshipman Porichths ec- 1981). Cupka et al. (1973) reportedtrodon), bank seabass Centroprlstis that juvenile black sea bass wereocyurus), whitebone porgy, twospot taken in estuaries at water tempera-

10

tures of 5.6 to 30.4 °C, but were most (Link 1980) to depths of 73 to 165 mabundant in waters above 10 0C. offshore in winter north of Cape

Hatteras, North Carolina (PearsonSalinity 1932; Musick and Mercer 1977). Numer-

ous studies of the South AtlanticAlthough the black sea bass is a Bight reef fish communities indicatedmarine species, juveniles and year- that black sea bass were most abundantlings inhabit high salinity sections at depths of 16 to 38 m (Struhsakerof estuaries as nursery grounds. 1969; Powles and Barans 1980; GrimesIn North Carolina estuaries, black sea et al. 1982; Chester et al. 1984;bass were collected at salinities of Sedberry and Van Dolah 1984; Parker1.0 to 36.0 ppt but most often at and Ross 1986). Black sea bass were>14.0 ppt (Link 1980; Schwartz et al. caught as deep as 46-51 m off a rocky1981). Cupka et al. (1973) reported ledge on the Georgia coast in Junethat the most important sea bass 1986 (Wayne Waltz, S.C. Wildlife &nurseries were in high salinity (>30 Marine Resources Dep.; pers. comm.).ppt) reef areas, and Dahlberg (1972) Sedberry and Van Dolah (1984) reportedfound juvenile sea bass mostly in the that they were more abundant in summerlower reaches of a Georgia estuary, than in winter at inner shelf stations

(16-22 m), but seasonal differences inSubstrate abundance were minor at middle shelf

stations (25-38 mn).The black sea bass is a dominant

species associated with the hard- orlive-bottom sponge-coral habitat in Contaminantsthe South Atlantic Bight (Struhsaker1969; Powles and Barans 1980; Grimes Stone et al. (1975) used tires toet al. 1982; Wenner 1983; Chester et construct a simulated artificial tireal. 1984; Sedberry and Van Dolah 1984; reef to determine if pollutants wouldParker and Ross 1986). This habitat, leach from the tires and affect blackwhich is located on the open shelf sea bass. No significant increase infrom depths of 18 to 55 m, consists of concentrations of zinc, organochlo-low rock ridges, outcroppings, coral ride insecticides, or polychlorinatedpatches, and shipwrecks (Struhsaker biphenyls (PCB's) was found. Hall et1969; Parker and Ross 1986). The al. (1978) determined the concentra-black sea bass is also one of the most tions of 15 trace elements in blackabundant species on artificial reefs sea bass muscle and liver tissue, butalong the South Atlantic coast did not report information on accept-(Buchanan 1973; Buchanan et al. 1974). able or safe levels. Fair and Fortner

(1987) found that the hydrocarbonDepth benzo(a) pyrene (a compound found inpetroleum) consumed by seabassBlack sea bass occur at depths as increased muscle tissue concentrations

shallow as 1 m in estuarine waters of cadmium fed to the fish.

. . . . . . ..l I I I I II I 1 1

LITERATURE CITED

Anonymous. 1983. Fishery management Beaumariage, D.S. 1964. Results fromplan, regulatory impact review, and the 1963 Schlitz tagging program.final environmental impact statement Fla. Board Conserv. Mar. Res. Lab.for the snapper-grouper fishery of Tech. Ser. 43. 34 pp.the South Atlantic region. SouthAtlantic Fishery Management Councilin coop. with National Marine Beaumariage, D.S. 1969. Returns fromFisheries Service. Charleston, S.C. the 1965 Schlitz tagging program.89 pp + Appendices. Fla. Board Conserv. Mar. Res. Lab.

Tech. Ser. 59. 38 pp.

Anonymous. 1984. Marine recreationalfishery statistics survey, Atlantic Beaumariage, D.S., and A.C. Wittich.and gulf coasts, 1979 (Revised)- 1966. Returns from the 1964 Schlitz1980. Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Curr. tagging program. Fla. Board Con-Fish. Stat. No. 8322. 239 pp. serv. Mar. Res. Lab. Tech. Ser. 47.

50 pp.

Anonymous. 1985a. Marine recreation-al fishery statistics survey, At- Bortone, S.A. 1977. Osteologicallantic and gulf coasts, 1981-1982. notes on the genus CentropristisNatl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Curr. Fish. (Pisces: Serranidae). Northeast GulfStat. No. 8324. 215 pp. Sci. 1(1):23-33.

Buchanan, C.C. 1973. Effects of anAnonymous. 1985b. Marine recreation- artificial habitat on the marine

al fishery statistics survey, At- sport fishery and economy of Mur-lantic and gulf coasts, 1983-1984. rells Inlet, South Carolina. U.S.Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Curr. Fish. Nat]. Mar. Fish. Serv. Mar. Fish.Stat. No. 8326. 222 pp. Rev. 35 (9):15-22.

Buchanan, C.C., R.B. Stone, and R.O.Anonymous. 1986. Marine recreation- Parker, Jr. 1974. Effects of arti-

al fishery statistics survey, At- ficial reefs on a marine sportlantic and gulf coasts, 1985. fishery off South Carolina. U.S.Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Curr. Fish. Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Mar. Fish.Stat. No. 8327. 130 pp. Rev. 36(11):32-38.

Chester, A.J., G.R. Huntsman, P.A.Bearden, D.M., and M.D. McKenzie. Tester, and C. S. Manooch III.

1971. An investigation of the off- 1984. South Atlantic Bight reefshore demersal fish resources of fish communities as represented inSouth Carolina. S.C. Wildl. Resour. hook-and-line catches. Bull. Mar.Dep. Tech. Rep. 2. 19 pp. Sci. 34 (2):267-279.

O 13

Cupka, D.M., R.K. Dias, and J. Tucker. Hardy, H.D., Jr. 1978. Serranidae-1973. Biology of the black sea sea basses. Pages 35-68 in Develop-bass, Centropristis striata (Pisces: ment of fishes of the Mi-d-AtlanticSerranidae), from South Carolina Bight. An atlas of egg, larval andwaters. S.C. Wildl. Mar. Resour. juvenile stages. Vol. 3. Aphredo-Dep. Unpubl. MS. 93 pp. deridae through Rachycentridae.

U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv. Biol. Serv.Program FWS/OBS-78/12. 394 pp.

Dahlberg, M.D. 1972. An ecological

study of Georgia coastal fishes. Hildebrand, S.F., and W.C. Schroeder.U.S. Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Fish. 1928. Fishes of Chesapeake Bay.Bull. 70(2):323-353. U.S. Bur. Fish. Bull. 43. 366 pp.

Hoff, F.H., Jr. 1970. ArtificialFair, P.H., and A.R. Fortner. 1987. spawning of black sea bass, Centro-Effect of ingested benzo(a) pyrene pristes striatus melanus Ginsburg,and cadmium on tissue accumulation, ai by chorionic gonadotrophichydroxylase activity, and intestinal hormones. Fla. Dep. Nat. Resour.morphology of the black sea bass, Mar. Res. Lab. Spec. Sci. Rep.Centropristis striata. Environ. Res. No. 25. 17 pp.42:185-195.

Huntsman, G.R. 1976. Offshore head-boat fishing in North and South

Fischer, W., ed. 1978. FAO species Carolina. U.S. Natl. Mar. Fishidentification sheets for fishery Serv. Mar. Fish. Rev. 38(3):13-23.purposes. Western Central Atlantic.FAO, Rome, Vol. 4. Huntsman, G.R., and C.S. Manooch I1.

1978. Coastal pelagic and reeffishes in the South Atlantic Bight.

Frame, D.W., and S.A. Pearce. 1973. Pages 97-106 in R.H. Stroud, ed.A survey of the sea bass fishery. Marine recreato-nal fisheries 3.U.S. Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Mar. Sport Fishing Institute., Wash-Fish. Rev. 35(1-2):19-26. ington, D.C. 176 pp.

Goode, G.B. 1884. The fisheries and Huntsman, G.R., C.S. Manooch III, andfishery industries of the United C.B. Grimes. 1983. Yield per re-States. Sect. I. Natural history cruit models of some reef fishes ofof useful aquatic animals. 895 pp. the U.S. South Atlantic Bight. U.S.

Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Fish. Bull.81(4):679-695.

Grimes, C.B., C.S. Manooch, and G.R.Huntsman. 1982. Reef and rock Kendall, A.W., Jr. 1972. Descriptionoutcropping fishes of the outer of black sea bass, Centropiiscontinental shelf of North Carolina striata (Linnaeus), larvae and theirand South Carolina, and ecological occurrences north of Cape Lookout,notes on the red porgy and vermilion North Carolina, in 1966. U.S. Natl.snap ,r. Bull. Mar. Sci. 32(1):227- Mar. Fish. Serv. Fish. Bull. 70(4):289. 1243-1260.

Hall, R.A., E.G. Zook, and G.M. Mea- Kendall, A.W., Jr. 1977. Biologicalburn. 1978. National Marine Fish- and fisheries data on black seaeries Service survey of trace ele- bass, Centropristis striata (Lin-ments in the fishery resource. naeus). Nat]. Mar. Fish. Serv.,U.S. Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Spec. NEFC Sandy Hook Lab., Tech. Ser.Sci. Rep. Fish. 721. 313 pp. Rep. No. 7. 29 pp.

14

Lavenda, N. 1949. Sexual differences Bur. Fish. Fish. Circ. No. 18.and normal protogynous hermaphrodit- 12 pp.ism in the Atlantic sea bass, Cen-tropristes striata. Copeia 1949(3)1851944 Parker, R.O., Jr., and S.W. Ross.

1986. Observing reef fishes fromLink, G.W., Jr. 1980. Age, growth, submersibles off North Carolina.

reproduction, feeding and ecological Northeast Gulf Sci. 8(l):31-49.observations on the three species ofCentropristis (Pisces: Serranidae) Pearson, J.C. 1932. Winter trawlin North Carolina waters. Ph.D. fishery off the Virginia and NorthThesis. University of North Caro- Carolina coasts. U.S. Bur. Fish.lina, Chapel Hill. 277 pp. Invest. Rep. No. 10. 31 pp.

Low, R.A., Jr. 1981. Mortality rates Powles, H., and C.A. Barans. 1980.and management strategies for black Groundfish monitoring in sponge-sea bass off the southeast coast of coral areas off the Southeasternthe United States. N. Am. J. Fish. United States. U.S. Natl. Mar.Manage. 1(2):93-103. Fish. Serv. Mar. Fish. Rev. 42(5):

21-35.Manooch, C.S., III, L.E. Abbas, and

J.L. Ross. 1981. A biological and Reinboth, R. 1965. Sex reversal ineconomic analysis of the North Caro- the black sea bass Centropristeslina charter boat fishery. U.S. striatus. Anat. Rec. 151:4 03Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Mar. Fish. (Abstr.).Rev. 43(8):1-11.

Rivers, J.B. 1966. Gear and tech-Mercer, L.P. 1978. The reproductive nique of the sea bass trap fishery

biology and population dynamics of in the Carolinas. Commer. Fish.black sea bass, Centropristis stri- Rev. 28(4):15-20.ata. Ph.D. Thesis. The ColleiofWiliam and Mary, Williamsburg, Va.196 pp. Robins, C.R., R.M. Bailey, C.E. Bond,

J.R. Brooker, E.A. Lachner, R.N.Miller, R.J. 1959. A review of the Lea, and W.B. Scott. 1980. A list

sea basses of the genus Centro- of common and scientific names ofr istes (Serranidae). Tulane Stud. fishes from the United States and

(2):35-68. Canada. Am. Fish. Soc. Spec. Sci.Publ. No 12. 174 pp.

Moe, M.A., Jr. 1966. Tagging fishes

in Florida offshore waters. Fla.Board Conserv. Mar. Lab. Tech. Ser. Rogers, S.G., H.T. Langston, and T.E.No. 49. 40 pp. Targett. 1986. Anatomical trauma to

sponge-coral reef fishes captured byMusick, J.A., and L.P. Mercer. 1977. trawling and angling. U.S. Natl.

Seasonal distribution of black sea Mar. Fish. Serv. Fish. Bull. 84:697-bass, Centropristis striata, in the 704.Mid-Atlantic tight wit-- omments onthe ecology and fisheries of thespecies. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 106 Schwartz, F.J., W.T. Hogarth, and M.P.(1):12-25. Weinstein. 1981. Marine and fresh-

water fishes of the Cape FearNesbit, R.A., and W.C. Neville. 1935. Estuary, North Carolina, and their

Conditions affecting the southern distribution in relation to environ-winter trawl fishery. Bull. U.S. mental factors. Brimleyana 7:17-37.

*15

,edberry, G.R., and R.F. Van Dolah. Board Conserv. Mar. Res. Lab. Prof.1984. Demersal fish assemblages Pap. Ser. No. 5. 76 pp.associated with hard bottom habitatin the South Atlantic Bight of the Walford, L.A., and R.I. Wicklund.U.S.A. Environ. Biol. Fish. 11(4): 1968. Monthly sea temperature241-258. structure from the Florida Keys

to Cape Cod. Serial Atlas of theMarine Environment. Folio 15. Amer-

Smith, H.M. 1907. The fishes of North ican Geographical Society, N.Y.Carolina. N.C. Geol. Econ. Surv.II. 423 pp.

Waltz, W., W.A. Roumillat, and P.K.Steimle, F.W., Jr., and L. Ogren. Ashe. 1979. Distribution, age

1982. Food of fish collected on structure, and sex composition ofartificial reefs in the New York the black sea bass, CentropristisBight and off Charleston, South striata, sampled along the south-Carolina. U.S. Natl. Mar. Fish. eastern coast of the United States.Serv. Mar. Fish. Rev. 44(6-7):49-52. S.C. Mar. Resour. Cent. Tech. Rep.

No. 43. 18 pp.

Stone, R.B., L.C. Coston, D.E. Hoss,

and F.A. Cross. 1975. Experimentson bom possible effects of tire Wenner, C.A. 1983. Species associa-reefs on pinfish (Lagodon rhom- tions and day-night variability ofboides) and black sea. (Cen-tro- trawl-caught fishes from the inshore

_s striata). U.S. NatlM.la-r. sponge-coral habitat, South AtlanticFT2$WServ. Mar. Fish. Rev. 37(3): Bight. U.S. Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv.18-20. Fish. Bull. 81(3):537-552.

Struhsaker, P. 1969. Demersal fishresources: composition, distribu- Wenner, C.A., W.A. Roumillat, and C.W.tion, and commercial potential of Waltz. 1986. Contributions to thethe continental shelf stocks off life history of black sea bass,Southeastern United States. U.S. Centropristis striata, off theFish Wildl. Serv. Fish. Ind. Res. Southeastern United States. U.S.4(7):261-300. Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Fish. Bull.

84(3):723-741.Tagatz, M.E. 1967. Fishes of the St.

Johns River, Florida. Q. J. Fla.Acad. Sci. 30(1):25-59. Wilson, H.V. 1891. The embryology of

the sea bass (Serranus atrarius).Topp, R. 1963. The tagging of fishes U.S. Fish Comm. Bull. for 189,in Florida, 1962 program. Fla. 9:209-277.

16

5 0272 -101

REPORT DOCUMENTATION I. REPORT NO. *

. faCO~ets Accesi,on NoPAGE Biological Report 82(11.99)*

4. Title and Subtitle S Report Date

Species Profiles: Life Histories and Environmental Requirements July 1989of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (South Atlantic)--Black Sea Bass .

7. Author(s) 8. Performing Organization RePt. No.

Linda P. Mercer9. Performing Organization Name and Address 10. Project/Task/Work Unit No.

11. Contract(C or Grant(G) No.

(C)

(G)12. Sponsonng Organization Name and Address

U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 3. Tye of Repot&PeriodCovredFish and Wildlife Service Waterways Experiment StationResearch and Development P.O. Box 631National Wetlands Research Center Vicksburg, MS 39180 14.

Washington, DC 20240

IS. Suoplementary Notes

*U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Report No. TR EL-82-4

16. Abstract (Limit: 200 words)

- Species profiles are literature summaries on the taxonomy, morphology,range, life history, and environmental requirements of coastal aquaticspecies. They are designed to assist in environmental impactassessment. The black sea bass, Centropristis striata, is an abundantspecies associated with the inshore sponge-coral habitat in the SouthAtlantic Bight (Cape Hatteras to Cape Canaveral). It is a protogynoushermaphrodite (each individual is first a female and then a male) thatspawns from January to June on the Continental Shelf. Juveniles utilizeestuaries, as well as offshore areas, for nurseries. It is a slowgrowing species with a life span of about 10 years. Juveniles andadults are bottom-feeding carnivores. Adults have been collected attemperatures as low as 6 °C but are most abundant at temperatures of 8to 10 °C and above. Juveniles tolerate lower temperatures and greatersalinity ranges than adults. Black sea bass are primarily harvested bythe recreational hook and line fishery and the commercial trap fishery.Yield-per-recruit analyses indicate that the harvest of black sea bassis less than the maximum possible due to a conbination of high fishingpressure and harvest of small fish.

17. Document Analysis a. Descriptors

Estuaries TemperatureFishes SedimentsFisheries Feeding habitsSalinity Life cyclesGrowth , , Contaminants

b. Identlfirl/Ogen.Ended Terms

Black sea bass' Environmental requirementsCentropristis striata

C. COSATI Field/Grouo

1L Availability Statement i19 Security Class (This Report) 21. No. of Pages

Un imi ted Unclassified 1620. Security Class (This Page) 22. Price

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