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Fishery Bulletin 102(3) 



Gulf. These studies included estuarine-dependent spe- 

 cies and consisted of smaller individuals. Because our 

 estimates were limited to age 40-139 d individuals, the 

 lack of smaller fishes precluded any mortality estimates 

 of younger S. dumerili. These estimates provide baseline 

 information on mortality of YOY S. dumerili; however, 

 more detailed studies will be needed to adequately de- 

 termine mortality rates of YOY S. dumerili. 



Based on observed patterns of distribution and 

 growth in the NW Gulf of Mexico, early life survival of 



S. dumerili may depend on pelagic Sargassum. Results 

 of this study suggest that S. dumerili are associated 

 with this habitat over a limited size range and exhibit 

 rapid growth during the first six months. Addition- 

 ally, S. dumerili were more abundant and exhibited 

 higher growth in offshore areas where potential spawn- 

 ing may occur. Thus, Sargassum appears to provide 

 nursery habitat for YOY S. dumerili, and may influ- 

 ence the recruitment potential of this valuable fishery- 

 species. 



