Age, growth, mortality, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in roughtongue bass (Pronotogrammus martinicensis) were examined in the northern Gulf of Mexico following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Fish (N = 1090) were collected from September 2014 to July 2015 from the Alabama Alps (54 km from the spill site) and Roughtongue Reef (111 km from the spill site). Sites were dominated by the 2010 year-class. Growth rates were significantly lower for fish from Alabama Alps compared to Roughtongue Reef (p < 0.001) and likely linked to proximity of the Mississippi River discharge. Mean total PAH ± SD was 50 ± 52.6 and ranged from 0 to 220 ppb. These PAH levels were below a 300-ppb minimum effect level and not significantly different between sites. The dominant 2010 year-class, low PAH levels, and similar growth rates to pre-spill measures indicated that the Deepwater Horizon oil spill had little effect on roughtongue bass.

Depth range
68- 100 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
9 x (total of 7333 words)

Classification
* Presents original data
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'mesophotic coral ecosystem'

Fields
Ecology
Reproduction
Disturbances

Focusgroups
Fishes

Locations
USA - Gulf of Mexico

Platforms
Fishing