Absolute Abundance Estimates for Red Snapper, Greater Amberjack, and Other Federally Managed Fish on Offshore Petroleum Platforms in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Offshore petroleum platforms provide habitat utilized by an array of reef fish that are valuable to both commercial and recreational fishers. However, thousands offshore have been decommissioned in the Gulf Mexico over past decade, with many removals being accomplished using explosive severance methods. Here, we estimate impact platform removal on five stocks federally managed based percentage each stock is resident platforms. We conclude gulfwide will be relatively minor (1% 8% estimated abundance) for four species, Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus , Gray Triggerfish Balistes capriscus Vermilion Rhomboplites aurorubens Cobia Rachycentron canadum . In contrast, losses Greater Amberjack Seriola dumerili would potentially represent 45% known stock. An alternative explanation actual abundance much larger than most recent size estimate; either case, suggest this issue needs further examination. Removal impacts could also significant reef‐fish fisheries (especially fishery) areas where presently abundant but other high‐relief natural or artificial reefs not present. from these greatly local fisheries.