SFMA Map
In our area, gag grouper have been in the spotlight when studies are performed to determine the value of artificial reefs. Based on some of these earlier studies at the Suwannee Regional Reef System, it was determined that the gag grouper population stands to gain a great deal from these widely-scattered patch reefs. Here's why.
Gag grouper spawn offshore from December to May, with peaks on the full moons between February and early April. After hatching, the baby grouper are carried by wind-driven currents into near-shore seagrass beds and other coastal habitats (see map above).
With the cooler temperatures of fall, the small gag move out of their nursery grounds and into reef habitat on the shallow shelf to mature. At 3-5 years old, they join the spawning stock offshore where they continue to grow to more than 10 years old and an average size of over 40 inches. Scientists suspect that a big challenge in the life of gag is the long move from the sheltered nursery of inshore waters to the offshore spawning grounds. The seafloor in between is relatively flat and barren and does not present much in the way of shelter for these valuable, undersized fish. That’s where the Steinhatchee FMA comes in.
The Steinhatchee Fisheries Management Area (FMA) should be completed in about 4 years and will help the fish grow faster and increase their chances of reproducing. This means bigger fish and more of them. Across the sandy Gulf bottom, 1,000 reef cubes will be strategically placed in groups of four to increase the protection and growth for juveniles as they travel to deeper water. All gag less than 32 inches are female, so it is critical that they are able to grow safely to a large size for spawning, with some developing later into breeding males.
For more information, contact the Taylor County Marine Extension Agent, Justin Sapp, at (850) 838-3508 and visit Dr. Bill Lindberg's site at the University of Florida.
View more maps and find out more about the public fishing artificial reefs in the SFMA