Home range and movement patterns of red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) on artificial reefs

Red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) are associated with artificial habitats in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). However, fine-scale movements and use of artificial reefs by red snapper over diel periods is unclear. Both manual and passive telemetry were used to examine fine-scale movement patterns and residence time of red snapper around artificial habitats to evaluate the importance of these structures to this species. Red snapper (550–745 mm TL; n = 12) were manually tracked at artificial reefs in the northeastern GOM over 24-h periods. Fish stayed near the artificial reefs (<100 m, with 75% of locations within 30 m of the structure), but were significantly further from the reefs at night (mean = 27.5 m, SD = 7.1) than day (mean = 19.1 m, SD = 8.2). Based on manual tracking, home range and mean distance from the reef increased with fish size. These fish also showed long term residence of 332–958 d based on passive acoustic monitoring. The close proximity of these fish to the reef over 24-h periods and the long-term residency provides evidence that these artificial reefs are important habitat for red snapper and should be considered an effective management tool.

► We examined site fidelity and fine-scale movements of red snapper. ► Fish were manually tracked over 24-h periods. ► Fish remained at reef from 332 to 958 d. ► Fish had 75% of locations with 30 m of reef. ► Fish were further from reef at night than day.