Indications of Continued Overexploitation of Speckled Hind Along the Atlantic Coast of the Southeastern United States

From 1977 to 2007, speckled hind Epinephelus drummondhayi were sampled along the Atlantic coast of the southeastern United States from North Carolina to central Florida. In total, 1,365 speckled hind were obtained from two sources (fishery‐independent survey and commercial catches). The ages of specimens were estimated from increment counts on transverse sections of sagittal otoliths. Sex and reproductive state of specimens were determined by histological examination of gonads. Age of collected speckled hind ranged from 1 to 35 years, and total length (TL) ranged from 164 to 973 mm. The TL and age ranges were 169–730 mm and 1–13 years, respectively, for females; 366–730 mm and 2–13 years for mature females; 451–718 mm and 3–7 years for transitional individuals; and 500–930 mm and 4–35 years for males. There were several indications that the speckled hind population off the U.S. Atlantic coast continues to be overexploited despite a trip limit of 1 fish/vessel, which was established in 1994. The instantaneous total mortality rate (Z) and fishing mortality rate (F) increased from 1979–1981 (Z = 0.61; F = 0.48) to 2004–2007 (Z = 1.27; F = 1.14). Mean age and mean TL also decreased significantly from 7.2 years and 574 mm in 1979–1981 to 4.5 years and 462 mm in 2004–2007. No individuals above the age of 10 were collected during 2004–2007. Mean length at ages 4–6 decreased significantly from 1979–1981 to 2004–2007. During 2004–2007, 73% of specimens were immature females, and none of the sampled females was in spawning condition.