Length-based risk analysis of management options for the southern Florida USA multispecies coral reef fish fishery

Exploitation impacts and management options for 15 coral reef fish species central to the commercial recreational fisheries of southern Florida USA ecosystem were evaluated using a length-based risk analysis (LBRA) framework. Population abundance-at-length composition data obtained from several regional federal-state sampling programs. These updated life history demographic integrated into numerical cohort model generate LBRA fishery sustainability metrics probabilistic perspective. Three five groupers, eight snappers, two grunts below 40% spawning potential ratio (SPR) stock minimum; ten these stocks are at < 20% their historical biomass, some as low 5%. Therefore, ameliorate overfishing 13 with risks ? 98%, requires increased minimum sizes first capture Lc significant reductions in fishing mortality F. To achieve reduce area-time protections also needed. While lack often limits evaluation options, this paper establishes benchmarks which data-limited approaches can move forward. In addition, approach be used cross-check other data-rich analyses. A goal work is effectively balance production mitigate likelihoods increase probability sustainable fisheries.