Home > GCR > Vol. 36 > Iss. 1 (2025)
Alternate Title
The Effects of a River Closure on a Snook (Centropomus spp.) Nursery Community in the Rio Grande River, Texas
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Snook (Centropomus spp.) support important fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and populations are increasing in Texas. However, a primary snook nursery, the Rio Grande River, remains one of the most imperiled rivers in North America. In 2001—2002, low flows led to the formation of a sandbar and the complete blockage of the Rio Grande, eliminating exchange with coastal waters. Here, data collected by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department were used to determine how the Rio Grande closure affected juvenile and subadult snook and the estuarine community. Seine and trawl samples were collected prior to (1992—1997) and during (2001—2002) the closure. Snook size, seasonality and distribution were assessed. Additionally, multivariate analyses were used to describe community composition before and during the Rio Grande closure. Juvenile and subadult abundance was high and snook were observed year—round, suggesting that the Rio Grande functions as an important nursery. River mile (i.e., distance in miles from the mouth of the river) had a significant effect on snook abundance, with snook preferring upstream portions of the river with low salinity. Fish/invertebrate community results highlighted shifts in assemblage with decreased species richness and increased community dominance during the river closure, as well as decreases in abundance of species like white shrimp. Although snook persisted in the Rio Grande during the closure, community—wide impacts were observed and potentially impacted snook indirectly. As south Texas becomes more arid, managers may need to consider the likelihood of similar events affecting important sport fish like snook in the future.
First Page
7
Last Page
17
DOI Link
Supplemental Table S1
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Statement
No artificial intelligence (AI) was used in the preparation of this manuscript
Recommended Citation
Getz, E., P. Trial, C. Eckert and J. Anderson.
2025.
The Effects of a River Closure on a Snook (Centropomus spp.) Nursery Community in the Rio Grande River, Texas.
Gulf and Caribbean Research
36
(1):
7-17.
Retrieved from https://aquila.usm.edu/gcr/vol36/iss1/2
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18785/gcr.3601.2
