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| From the
1999 Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society Midyear Meeting held in
Chattanooga, Tennessee. |
Initial Findings in Assessment of
Alligator Gar Population in Alabama
Allyse M. Ferrara and Elise R. Irwin, Department of
Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn University, Alabama 36849; Voice 334-844-9318;
FAX 334-844-9208; E-Mail aferrara@acesag.auburn.edu, eirwin@acesag.auburn.edu
Keywords: alligator gar, life history strategy, metapopulation,
spawning periodicity, aging techniques
Age and growth, reproductive biology, and migratory patterns of
alligator gar are being utilized in the development of a management plan for Mobile Delta,
AL, alligator gar. As of September 1998, a total of 178 alligator gar ranging from 76 cm
to 215 cm TL have been collected using multifilament gill nets, floaters, bow and arrow,
and hook and line from Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Female alligator gar were
significantly larger in total length, weight, and girth than were males (p<0.05).
Highest GSI were observed in fall (mean=7.6+/-4.2) with lowest GSI occurring in summer
(mean=0.9+/-1.5). GSI were similar between males and females in spring and fall. Female
summer GSI (mean=1.6+/-2.1) was significantly greater than male summer GSI
(mean=0.3+/-0.2) (p<0.05). Current analyses include radioimmunoassay of plasma samples
to determine spawning periodicity, development of aging techniques using otoliths,
branchiostegal rays, and scales, fecundity estimates and deployment of radiotags.
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