Effects of data sources and biological criteria on length-at-maturity estimates and spawning periodicity of the commercially important Hawaiian snapper, Etelis coruscans

Reproductive characteristics of a fish stock provide important tools for assessing population health. Change in length-at-maturity ( L 50 ) is potential indicator exploited populations but when criteria determining maturity classifications are inconsistent, it difficult to accurately assess change over time and space. Etelis coruscans commercially eteline snapper found throughout the Indo-Pacific, its region-specific reproductive information main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) sparse. The present study describes length-specific (fork length: FL) female this deep water context data-limited fishery. We explored use six classification based on functionally mature (containing vitellogenic oocytes capable spawning within season collection) or physiologically (gonadotropin-dependent maturation initiation) designation combined with seasonality inclusion additional phases. Of these classifications, largest therefore most conservative estimate was functional during period, September-December 50F = 65.8 cm ). Progressively smaller estimates occurred as we incorporated phases seasonality, smallest being physiological entire year 50PY 50.0 cm). Both valid estimating can yield drastically different parameter definition immature Fish that relatively slow growing, late mature, whose fisheries encompass wide size range, such E. , may be more subject unreliability development their indicators (length-at-maturity period) inconsistent executed time. discuss MHI, alternative estimation, impact resultant parameters estimates, life history implications future