Cohort-specific Winter Growth Rates of YOY Bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, in Northeast Florida Estuaries: Implications for Recruitment

Age and growth were determined from otoliths for 181 juvenile bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix ), collected using a variety of gear in northeast Florida during 2003 and 2005. Three distinct cohorts were identified recruiting to the near shore waters during spring, summer and autumn. Growth rates were high regardless of cohort or season. To compare pre- and post-recruitment growth rates, models were fit to individual growth trajectories using change point analysis. Post-estuarine growth rates were generally higher. Growth rates and hatching times were within the range of those obtained in other bluefish studies conducted at higher latitudes. As this is the only area where winter recruitment of bluefish has been observed, coastal Florida habitats may be essential for the bluefish stock and will need to be carefully monitored in future studies.