Estimation of Growth, Mortality and Yield Per Recruit for Lutjanus Synagris (Linnaeus) in Puerto Rico

Growth and mortality parameters of lane snapper Lutjanus synagris were estimated from length-frequency data collected from the Puerto Rican commercial fisheries using the ELEFAN method. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated as K = 0.23 year−1 and L∞ = 450 mm. The length-weight relationship was W (g) = 0.000061FL2.75. The growth parameters from Puerto Rico fall within reported growth values for lane snapper and lutjanids elsewhere. Total mortality rate was estimated using length-converted catch curve analysis Z = 1.65 year−1. Natural mortality was estimated by Ralston's empirical formula: M = 0.527 year−1. Fishing mortality, F, was 1.13 year−1. A Beverton-Holt yield-per-recruit model indicated that the current fishery harvests approximately 91% of the potential yield.