Resource managers use the data collected in all of these projects in making management decisions. Current research focuses on tarpon, bonefish, snook, spotted seatrout, red drum, Florida pompano, and dolphin. More data are needed to assess the population status of each of these recreationally important species. This information is vital for developing management plans at the state and federal levels. Reef Fish FMRI staff collect information on the age, growth, and reproduction of reef fish species in southeast Florida and the Florida Keys.
Current research concentrates on gray snapper, mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, and lane snapper.
Research on important species of groupers is also planned. This project provides fishery managers with necessary information on the life history and population dynamics of reef fish species. Genetic information about wild populations lets managers know if a species should be managed as a single population or if parts of the population should be managed separately. Genetic tags allow staff to distinguish released hatchery-raised fish and their offspring from fish in the natural population. This technique is used to evaluate the success of the stocking program.