Acknowledgments

         The present analysis of aging and reproduction of small serranid species inhabiting NEGOM deep reefs represents a joint federal-state contribution to scientific knowledge by USGS and FMRI.  Editor for reports in this series is Kenneth J. Sulak, USGS.  The present investigation was sponsored by funding from the USGS Outer Continental Shelf Studies Program, and was initiated and facilitated by USGS scientists from the Coastal Ecology and Conservation Research Group, Gainesville, Florida.  The Gulf Region Office of the MMS played a pivotal role in identifying the need for the present study of ecologically key forage fish species.  The laboratory analyses resulting in this research report was undertaken under Cooperative Agreement 01ERAG0017 from USGS Florida Integrated Science Center to the Florida Marine Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Collection of supplementary North Carolina material was supported by grants from the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration (S. W. Ross and K. J. Sulak, PIs).

       Numerous individuals and institutions contributed to the present study.  Lance Horn, NOAA National Undersea Research Center, University of North Carolina-Wilmington, operated the ROV, collecting very small and biologically valuable study specimens. Eric Robillard and Daniel Merryman, FMRI, assisted with otolith preparation. Histological sections were prepared by Louisiana State University personnel.  Undergraduate interns from the University of South Florida (USF), Eckerd College (EC), and University of Tampa (UT) assisting with sample processing included Shane Dunn and Adam Brame, USF; Sarah Yarborough and Kim Heater, EC; and Theresa Kanaska, UT. Shannon Whitaker, FMRI, assisted with sample collection and processing.  Chris Anderson, FMRI, prepared the map showing NEGOM reef study sites (Figure 2). Forrest Young (Dynasty Marine Associates) collected YOY samples and provided information concerning the marine ornamental fishery. Chris Cole (Chris's Marine LLC) also provided information concerning the marine ornamental fishery.

         During USGS missions to NEGOM study reefs, the following individuals prepared specimens for photography and obtained the digital images used in this report: Douglas Weaver and William Smith-Vaniz, USGS; and John Caruso, University of New Orleans.  Visual graphic images, including Plates I and II, were prepared by Jana M. Miller, Visual Graphics Specialist, USGS.

         The USGS NEGOM Project lead scientist and Project reports editor, Kenneth J. Sulak, gratefully acknowledges the critical peer review and comment of R. Allen Brooks, USGS; Steve W. Ross, University of North Carolina-Wilmington; Steve Szedlmayr, Auburn University; Jim Cowan, University of South Alabama; and John McGovern, South Carolina Marine Resources Institute.  The revised manuscript was greatly improved through their combined critique.

         Serranid life history research undertaken by P. Thurman during the present investigation forms a portion of his Master of Science thesis at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL.

Metadata & Voucher Material

         The USGS NEGOM project study plan, cruise reports, sampling station data, and taxonomic voucher specimens and images documenting this investigation are maintained at the USGS Center for Aquatic Resource Studies, Gainesville, FL: Contact scientist – Kenneth J. Sulak. Otolith preparations, gonad slide preparations, and data documenting this investigation are vouchered at the Florida Marine Research Institute, St. Petersburg, FL: Contact scientist - Richard McBride. An FMRI format metadata file documenting the research resulting in this report is found in Appendix I.