10.1016/s0967-0653(98)81798-5

Abstract

Aspects of the life history of red porgy from the South Atlantic Bight (SAB) were examined for four periods (1972-74, 1979-81, 1988-90, and 1991-94), and annual changes in the age and growth of red porgy were described for data collected during
\n1988-94. The life history of red porgy during 1972-74 was assumed to represent
\nthat of an unfished population. although this population had been subject to light fishing pressure. From 1972-74 to 1979-81, the back-calculated size-at-age increased slightly for ages 2-8. By 1988-90 and 1991-94. however, the back-calculated size-at-age
\nfor the same age classes was significantly smaller than that in 1979-81. In addition, size-at-maturity and size-at-sexual-transition occurred at progressively smaller sizes for 1988-90 and 1991-94. The mean size-at-age (observed and back-calculated) declined
\nfor most ages between 1988 and 1994. Von Bertalanffy growth curves fitted to
\nthe mean back-calculated size-at-age for each year showed similar decreasing
\ntrends. Changes in life history may be a response to sustained 20-year
\noverexploitation that has selectively removed individuals predisposed towards
\nrapid growth and larger size.