Center for Fisheries Research and Development
Research
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The Center for Fisheries Research and Development competes for extramural grants to conduct scientific studies.
Biologist in CFRD are actively investigating species habitat and movement patterns
in Mississippi coastal waters with acoustic telemetry. Numerous studies have been
conducted on sharks (bull and sharpnose) and fishes (red drum, tripletail, spotted
seatrout, flounder) in our local waters.
CFRD in conjunction with numerous stakeholder groups are collecting a growing body
of research material on billfish. Studies have included life history of swordfish
and blue marlin, satellite telemetry investigations to better define habitat preferences
and migratory patterns.
CFRD biologist are currently conducting studies to better define larval bluefin tuna
abundance and dispersal in the Gulf of Mexico. This work is being conducted with historical
samples that were previously collected to define early life history of this species
by members of CFRD.
The Mississippi Stock Assessment Panel was established in 2013 between the Mississippi
Department of Marine Resources and GCRL. CFRD conducts critical research to be implemented
in stock assessments to address immediate management concerns for the state of Mississippi.
Researchers in CFRD, in collaboration with multiple partners throughout the Gulf of
Mexico and along the U.S. East Coast, are conducting life history studies of spinner
sharks. These results are being coupled with population genetics to assess spinner
shark stocks within U.S. waters.
CFRD researchers are conducting studies on all life stages of tarpon in Mississippi
waters. Projects have included early life history, otolith microchemistry, habitat
preferences, and migratory patterns.
The CFRD research team conducts studies on the basic biology, behavior, and movement
patterns of whale sharks in the northern Gulf of Mexico. CFRD currently maintains
an active online database for reporting whale shark sightings in the northern Gulf
of Mexico. The ongoing research and sighting database allow for a more detailed examination
of whale sharks in the northern Gulf of Mexico.