Marine fish distribution shifts inferred from a recreational fishing survey along the U.S. East Coast

Abstract

Objective: Monitoring shifts in fish distributions is important for effective fisheries management. Failure to recognize and react to these shifts can affect harvest sustainability and result in economic loss. Along the U.S. East Coast, collecting long-term, consistent data that cover enough area to monitor fish distribution shifts is challenging. One of the few standardized surveys that covers the coastline area from Calais, Maine, to Key West, Florida, is the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP); MRIP began in 1981 and continues to this day, having collected a consistent core set of data elements throughout. Methods: Analysis of the dockside intercept portion of the survey was undertaken to examine latitudinal shifts in fish distribution. The patterns of distributional shifts inferred from intercept data included a range of outcomes, indicating latitudinal range contractions and expansions as well as shifts to the north and south over time. Results: Results indicated a higher-than-expected number of significant shifts to the north for 80 of the most frequently intercepted fish species. Some of the shifts may correspond to changes from fishing, while others may be driven by changes in the environment. Conclusions: Continued monitoring of the intercept data from the MRIP survey may prove useful for managers and scientists in identifying important distribution shifts and maintaining healthy fish stocks.