Stock Enhancement as a science-based tool for fisheries management decision-making: Case studies from 10 years of red drum, striped bass, spotted seatrout and cobia stocking in Coastal South Carolina
Over the past 10 years, the integration of the hatchery-based aquaculture, population genetics, and independent fisheries monitoring scientific disciplines within the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has allowed the SCDNR Marine Stock Enhancement Research Program to follow "A Responsible Approach" in designing fisheries enhancement projects that address management objectives for stock enhancement (red drum), re-introduction (striped bass), restocking (spotted seatrout), and stock supplementation (cobia) of local species. With the application of genetic parentage analysis and progressive hatchery management, researchers have been producing genetically unique experimental units within each yearclass to serve as treatments for optimizing release strategies, increasing effective population size of hatchery releases, and answering specific scientific questions related to life history, population dynamics, and habitat utilization. The author will present case studies for each species that demonstrate how data developed by the program have improved our understanding of ecosystem function and informed management action at the state and federal level.