Field Experiments on Survival Rates of Caged and Released Red Snapper

Survival of red snapper Lutjanus campechanus captured by hook and line and then released was evaluated by two methodologies: release into cages and surface release, Fish captured at a depth of 50 m off the northeastern Texas coast were placed in cages, lowered to a depth of 35 m, and monitored at irregular intervals by scuba divers for 10–15 d. Sixty-four percent of caged red snapper survived. There was no significant difference in survival due to size (<30 cm versus ≥ 30 cm fork length; P = 0.59, N = 55) or to gas bladder eversion from the oral cavity (P = 0. 13, N = 45). No predation on red snapper released at the surface was observed. Survival rates were 99%, 90%, and 56% for fish captured at depths of 21–24 m, 27–30 m, and 37–40 m, respectively. Survival rates varied significantly with depth (P = 0.00, N = 232), suggesting an inverse relationship between survival and capture depth.