Publications Dive in to our science. Whether just browsing or seeking deeper data, you can read the latest works published by our team of fisheries experts.
Stephens SA, Dance MA, Zapp Sluis M, Kline RJ, Streich MK, Stunz GW, et al. (2024) Spatial distribution and movement of Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) in the northern Gulf of Mexico. PLoS ONE 19(3): e0298394. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298394 PDF
Banks, K. G., Streich, M. K., & Stunz, G. W. (2024). Age, growth, and mortality of King Mackerel in the western Gulf of Mexico. Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science, 16, e10278. https://doi.org/10.1002/mcf2.10278 PDF
Binstock, A.L., T.M. Richards, K. Gibson-Banks, J. M. Drymon, R.J.D. Wells, and J.A. Mohan. 2023. Assessing ecological connectivity of blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) in the Gulf of Mexico using stable isotope analysis of multiple tissues. Fisheries Research 268:106849. doi:10.1016/j.fishres.2023.106849. PDF
Banks, K.G., M.K. Streich, J.M. Drymon, S.B. Scyphers, J.A. Mohan, R.J.D. Wells, A.L. Binstock, T.M. Richards, C.F. White, N.M. Whitney, and G.W. Stunz. 2023. Talk is cheap: Evidence of conservation-based changes in angler behavior. Conservation Science and Practice. 5:e13001. doi: 10.1111/csp2.13001. PDF
Binstock, A.L., T.M. Richards, R.J.D. Wells, J.M. Drymon, K. Gibson-Banks, M.K. Streich, G.W. Stunz, C.F. White, N.M. Whitney, and J.A. Mohan. 2023. Variable post-release mortality in common shark species captured in Texas shore-based recreational fisheries. PLoS ONE 18:e0281441. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0281441. PDF
Banks, K.G., M.K. Streich, J.M. Curtis, and G.W. Stunz. 2022. Influence of hurricane activity on acoustic array efficiency: A case study of Red Snapper within an artificial reef complex. Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science 14:e10220. doi: 10.1002/mcf2.10220. PDF
Anderson, T., E.N. Meese, J.M. Drymon, G.W. Stunz, B. Falterman, E. Menjivar, and R.J.D. Wells. 2022. Diel vertical habitat use observations of a scalloped hammerhead and a bigeye thresher in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Fishes 7:148. doi: 10.3390/fishes7040148. PDF
Hall, Q. A., D. M. Coffey, M. K. Streich, M. R. Fisher, and G. W. Stunz. 2022. Social media shines light on the “hidden” impact of nighttime guided-gigging charters on Texas’ Southern Flounder fishery: A stab in the dark. PLOS ONE 17:e0269397. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0269397. PDF
Banks, K.G., Curtis, J.M., Williams, J.A., Wetz, J.J., and Stunz, G.W. 2021. Designing Cost-Effective Artificial Reefs: Fine-Scale Movement and Habitat Use of Red Snapper around a Nearshore Artificial Reef Complex. North American Journal of Fisheries Management. DOI: 10.1002/nafm.10698 PDF
Dance, M.A., J.R. Rooker, R.J. Kline, A. Quigg, G.W. Stunz, R.J.D. Wells, K. Lara, J. Lee, and B. Suarez. 2021. Importance of low-relief nursery habitat for reef fishes. Ecosphere 12:e03542. DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3542. PDF
Gibson, K.J., Streich, M.K., Topping, T.S. and Stunz, G.W. 2021. New Insights into the Seasonal Movement Patterns of Shortfin Mako Sharks in the Gulf of Mexico. Front. Mar. Sci. 8:623104. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.623104 PDF
Scyphers, S.B., J.M. Drymon, K.L. Furman, E. Conley, Y. Niwa, A.E. Jefferson, and G.W. Stunz. 2021. Understanding and enhancing angler satisfaction with fisheries management: Insights from the “Great Red Snapper Count”. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 41:559-569. DOI: 10.1002/nafm.10579. PDF
Stunz, G.W. and Coffey, D.M. 2020. A Review of the Ecological Performance and Habitat Value of Standing versus Reefed Oil and Gas Platform Habitats in the Gulf of Mexico. Final Report, Gulf Offshore Research Institute. 40pp. PDF
Ajemian, M.J., J.M. Drymon, N. Hammerschlag, R.J.D. Wells, G. Street, B. Falterman, J.A. McKinney, W.B. Driggers III, E. Hoffmayer, C. Fischer, and G.W. Stunz. 2020. Movement patterns and habitat use of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) across ontogeny in the Gulf of Mexico. PLoS ONE 15:e0234868. PDF
Brewton, R. A., C. H. Downey, M. K. Streich, J. J. Wetz, M. J. Ajemian, and G. W. Stunz. 2020. Trophic ecology of red snapper Lutjanus campechanus on natural and artificial reefs: Interactions between annual variability, habitat, and ontogeny. Marine Ecology Progress Series 635:105-122. DOI: 10.3354/meps13210. PDF
Wetz, J.J., M.J. Ajemian, B. Shipley, and G.W. Stunz. 2020. An assessment of two visual survey methods for documenting fish community structure on artificial platform reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. Fisheries Research 225:105492. doi:10.1016/j.fishres.2020.105492. PDF
Gibson, K. J., M.K. Streich, T.S. Topping, G.W. Stunz. 2019. Utility of citizen science data: A case study in land-based shark fishing. PLoS ONE 14(2): e0226782. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226782 PDF
Curtis, J.M., A.K. Tompkins, A.J. Loftus, and G.W. Stunz. 2019. Recreational angler attitudes and perceptions regarding the use of descending devices in southeast reef fish fisheries. Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science 11:506-518. PDF
Topping, T.S., M.K. Streich, M.R. Fisher, and G.W. Stunz. 2019. A comparison of private recreational fishing effort for Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper during derby and extended seasons. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 39:1311-1320. doi: 10.1002/nafm.10368. PDF
Harwell, M.A., J.H. Gentile, L.D. McKinney, J. W. Tunnell Jr., W.C. Dennison, R.H. Kelsey, K.M. Stanzel, G.W. Stunz, K. Withers, and J. Tunnell. 2019. Conceptual framework for assessing ecosystem health. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management 15:544-564. doi:10.1002/ieam.4152. PDF
Rooker, J.R., M.A. Dance, R.J.D. Wells, M.J. Ajemian, B.A. Block, M.R. Castleton, J.M. Drymon, B.J. Falterman, J.S. Franks, N. Hammerschlag, J.M. Hendon, E.R. Hoffmayer, R.T. Kraus, J.A. McKinney, D.H. Secor, G.W. Stunz, and J.F. Walter. 2019. Population connectivity of pelagic megafauna in the Cuba-Mexico-United States triangle. Scientific Reports 9:1663. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-38144-8. PDF
Hall, Q.A., J.M. Curtis, J. Williams, G.W. Stunz. 2019. The importance of newly-opened tidal inlets as spawning corridors for adult Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus). Fisheries Research 212: 48-55. doi:10.1016/j.fishres.2018.12.002. PDF
Rezek, R.J., B. Lebreton, T.A. Palmer, G.W. Stunz, and J. Beseres Pollack. 2018. Structural and functional similarity of epibenthic communities on standing and reefed platforms in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Progress in Oceanography 168:145-154. doi:10.1016/j.pocean.2018.09.020. PDF
Wells, R.J.D., T.C. TinHan, M.A. Dance, J.M. Drymon, B. Falterman, M.J. Ajemian, G.W. Stunz, J.A. Mohan, E.R. Hoffmayer, W.B. Driggers, III, J.A. McKinney. 2018. Movement, behavior, and habitat use of a marine apex predator, the scalloped hammerhead. Frontiers in Marine Science 5: 1-14. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2018.00321. PDF
Downey, C.H., M.K. Streich, R.A. Brewton, M.J. Ajemian, J.J. Wetz, and G. W. Stunz. 2018. Habitat-specific reproductive potential of Red Snapper: A comparison of artificial and natural reefs in the western Gulf of Mexico. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 147: 1030-1041. doi: 10.1002/tafs.10104. PDF
Rubio, K.S., M. Ajemian, G.W. Stunz, T.A. Palmer, B. Lebreton, and J. Beseres Pollack. 2018. Dietary composition of black drum Pogonias cromis in a hypersaline estuary reflects water quality and prey availability. Fish Biology. doi:10.1111/jfb.13654 PDF
Streich, M.K., M.J. Ajemian, J.J. Wetz, and G.W. Stunz. 2018. Habitat-specific performance of vertical line gear in the western Gulf of Mexico: A comparison between artificial and natural habitats using a paired video approach. Fisheries Research 204:16-25. doi:10.1016/j.fishres.2018.01.018 PDF
Ajemian, M.J., Mendenhall, J. Beseres Pollack, M.S. Wetz, G.W. Stunz. 2018. Moving Forward in a Reverse Estuary: Habitat Use and Movement Patterns of Black Drum (Pogonias cromis) Under Distinct Hydrological Regimes. Estuaries and Coasts 41:1410-1421. doi:10.1007/s12237-017-0363-6 PDF
Liu, B., L. Stokes, T.S. Topping, and G.W. Stunz. 2017. Estimation of Total from a Population of Unknown Size and Application to Estimating Recreational Red Snapper Catch in Texas. Journal of Survey Statistics and Methodology 5:350-371. doi.org/10.1093/jssam/smx006 PDF
Streich, M.K., M.J. Ajemian, J.J. Wetz, J.D. Shively, J.B. Shipley, and G.W. Stunz. 2017. Effects of a New Artificial Reef Complex on Red Snapper and the Associated Fish Community: an Evaluation Using a Before-After Control-Impact Approach. Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science 9:404-418. doi:10.1080/19425120.2017.1347116 PDF
Streich, M.K., M.J. Ajemian, J.J. Wetz, and G.W. Stunz. 2017. A comparison of fish community structure at mesophotic artificial reefs and natural banks in the Western Gulf of Mexico. Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science 9:170-189. doi: 10.1080/19425120.2017.1282897 PDF
Streich, M.K., M.J. Ajemian, J.J. Wetz, J.A. Williams, J.B. Shipley, and G.W. Stunz. 2017. A Comparison of Size Structure, Age, and Growth of Red Snapper from Artificial and Natural Habitats in the Western Gulf of Mexico. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 146:762-777. doi:10.1080/00028487.2017.1308884 PDF
Moulton, D.L., M.A. Dance, J.A. Williams, M.Z. Sluis, G.W. Stunz, and J.R. Rooker. 2017. Habitat partitioning and seasonal movement of Red Drum and Spotted Seatrout. Estuaries and Coasts 40:905-916. doi:10.1007/s12237-016-0189-7 PDF
Gain, I.E., R.A. Brewton, M.M. Reese Robillard, K.D. Johnson, D.L. Smee, and G.W. Stunz. 2017. Macrofauna using intertidal oyster reef varies in relation to position within the estuarine habitat mosaic. Marine Biology 164. doi:10.1007/s00227-016-3033-5 PDF
Ajemian, M.J., P. Jose, J.T. Froeschke, M.L. Wildhaber, and G.W. Stunz. 2016. Was everything bigger in Texas? Characterization and trends of a land-based recreational shark fishery. Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science 8:553-566. doi: 10.1080/19425120.2016.1227404 PDF
Brewton, R.A., M. J. Ajemian, P.C. Young, and G.W. Stunz. 2016. Feeding Ecology of Dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus in the western Gulf of Mexico. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 145:839-853. doi:10.1080/00028487.2016.1159614 PDF
Hall, Q.A., M.M. Reese Robillard, J.A. Williams, M.J. Ajemian, and G.W. Stunz. 2016. Reopening of a remote tidal inlet increases recruitment of estuarine-dependent nekton. Estuaries and Coasts 39:1769-1784. doi: 10.1007/s12237-016-0111-3 PDF
Froeschke, B.F., M.M. Reese Robillard, and G.W. Stunz. 2016. Spatial biodiversity patterns of fish within the Aransas Bay Complex, Texas. Gulf and Caribbean Research 27:21-32. doi: 10.18785/gcr.2701.03 PDF
Williams, J.A., G.J. Holt, M.M. Reese Robillard, S.A. Holt, G. Hensgen, and G.W. Stunz. 2016. Seagrass fragmentation impacts recruitment dynamics of estuarine-dependent fish. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 479: 97-105. doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2016.03.008 PDF
Johnson, M.J., S.L. Diamond, and G.W. Stunz. 2015. External attachment of acoustic tags to deepwater reef fishes: an alternate approach when internal implantation affects experimental design. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 144:851-859. doi:10.1080/00028487.2015.1042556 PDF
Curtis, J.M., M.W. Johnson, S.L. Diamond, and G.W. Stunz. 2015. Quantifying delayed mortality from barotrauma impairment in discarded Red Snapper using acoustic telemetry. Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science 7:434-449. doi:10.1080/19425120.2015.1074968 PDF
Ajemian, M.J, J.J. Wetz, B. Shipley-Lozano, J.D. Shively, and G.W. Stunz. 2015. An Analysis of Artificial Reef Fish Community Structure Along the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico Shelf: Potential Impacts of “Rigs-to-Reefs” Programs. PLoS ONE 10(5): e0126354. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126354 PDF
Ajemian, M.J., J.J. Wetz, J.D. Shively, and G.W. Stunz. 2015. Rapid assessment of fish communities on submerged oil and gas platform reefs using remotely operated vehicles. Fisheries Research 167:143-155. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2015.02.011 PDF
Reese Robillard, M.M., L.M. Payne, R.R. Vega, and G.W. Stunz. 2015. Best practices for surgically implanting acoustic transmitters in Spotted Seatrout. Transactions of American Fisheries Society 144:81-88. doi:10.1080/00028487.2014.965343 PDF
Oakley, J.L., J. Simons, and G.W. Stunz. 2014. Spatial and Habitat-Mediated Food Web Dynamics in an Oyster-Dominated Estuary. Journal of Shellfish Research 33:841-855. doi:10.2983/035.033.0319. PDF
Drumhiller, K.L., M.W. Johnson, S.L. Diamond, M.M.R. Robillard, and G.W. Stunz. 2014. Venting and rapid recompression increase survival and improve recovery of red snapper with barotrauma. Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science. 6:190-199. doi:10.1080/19425120.2013.920746. PDF
Hensgen, G.M., G.J. Holt, S.A. Holt, J.A. Williams, and G.W. Stunz. 2014. Landscape pattern influences nekton diversity and abundance in Seagrass meadows. Marine Ecology Progress Series 507:139-152. doi:10.3354/meps10818 PDF
Nevins, J.A., J. Beseres Pollack, and G.W. Stunz. 2014. Characterizing nekton use of the largest unfished oyster reef in the U.S. in comparison to marsh edge and nonvegetated estuarine habitats. Journal of Shellfish Research. 33:227-238. doi:10.2983/035.033.0122. PDF
Curtis, J.M., G.W. Stunz, R.D. Overath, and R.R. Vega. 2014. Otolith chemistry can discriminate signatures of hatchery-reared and wild spotted seatrout. Fisheries Research 153:31-40. doi:10.1016/j.fishres.2013.12.013 PDF
Froeschke, B.F., P. Tissot, G.W. Stunz, and J.T. Froeschke. 2013. Spatio-temporal predictive models for juvenile Southern Flounder in Texas estuaries. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 33:817-828. doi:10.1080/02755947.2013.811129. Fisheries Research 108:291-298. PDF
Powers, S.P., F.J. Fodrie, S.B. Scyphers, R.L. Shipp, and G.W. Stunz. 2013. Gulf-wide decreases in the size of large coastal sharks documented by generations of fishermen. Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science 5:93-102. doi:10.1080/19425120.2013.786001. PDF
Froeschke, B.F., G.W. Stunz, M.M. Reese Robillard, J. Williams, and J.T. Froeschke. 2013. A Modeling and Field Approach to Identify Essential Fish Habitat for Juvenile Bay Whiff (Citharichthys spilopterus) and Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) Within the Aransas Bay Complex, TX. Estuaries and Coasts 36:881-892. doi:10.1007/s12237-013-9600-9. PDF
Froeschke, J.,G.W. Stunz, 2012. Hierarchical and interactive habitat selection in response to abiotic and biotic factors: The effect of hypoxia on habitat selestion of juvenile estuarine fishes. Environmental Biology of Fishes 93:31-41. PDF
Blandon, I.R., C. Morales, R.R. Vega, R.D. Overath, G.W. Stunz, and R. Ward. 2011. Development of primers for 29 microsatellite loci in spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus). Conservation Genetics Resources 3:123-126. PDF
Froeschke, B.F., B. Sterba-Boatwright, G.W. Stunz. 2011. Assessing southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) long-term population trends in the northern Gulf of Mexico using time series analyses. Fisheries Research. 108: 291-298. doi:10.1016/j.fishres.2010.12.023 PDF
Froeschke, J.T., G.W. Stunz, B. Sterba-Boatwright, and M.L. Wildhaber. 2010. An empirical test of the 'shark nursery concept' in Texas Bays using a long-term fisheries-independent data set. Aquatic Biology 11:65-76. doi: 10.3354/ab00290 PDF
Neahr, T.A., G.W. Stunz, and T.J. Minello. 2010. Habitat use patterns of newly-settled spotted seatrout in estuaries of the north-western Gulf of Mexico. Fisheries Management and Ecology 17:404-413. PDF
Reese Robillard, M.M., G.W. Stunz, and J. Simons. 2010. Relative value of deep subtidal oyster reefs to other estuarine habitat types using a novel sampling method. Journal of Shellfish Research 29:291-302. PDF
Rooker, J.R., G.W. Stunz, S.A. Holt, T.J. Minello. 2010. Population connectivity of red drum in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Marine Ecology Progress Series 407:187-196. PDF
Froeschke, J.T., G.W. Stunz, and M.L. Wildhaber. 2010. Environmental influences on the occurrence of coastal sharks in estuarine waters. Marine Ecology Progress Series 407:279-292. doi: 10.3354/meps08546 PDF
Stunz, G.W., T.J. Minello, L. Rozas. 2010. Relative value of oyster reef as habitat for estuarine nekton in Galveston Bay, Texas. Marine Ecology Progress Series 406:147-159. PDF
Larkin, P.D., K.L. Heideman, D.D. Burfeind, and G.W. Stunz. 2010. The effect of boat propeller scarring intensity on genetic variation in a subtropical seagrass species. Botanica Marina 53:99-102. PDF
Nañez-James, S. E., G.W. Stunz, and S.A. Holt. 2009. Habitat Use Patterns of Newly Settled Southern Flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, in Aransas-Copano Bay, Texas. Estuaries and Coasts 32:350-359. PDF
Reese, M.M., G.W. Stunz, and A.M. Bushon. 2008. Recruitment of Estuarine-Dependent Nekton Through a New Tidal Inlet: the Opening of Packery Channel in Corpus Christi, TX, USA. Estuaries and Coasts 31:1143-1157. PDF
Burfeind, D.D. and G.W. Stunz. 2007. The Effects of Boat Propeller Scarring on Nekton Growth in Subtropical Seagrass Meadows. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 136:1546-1551. PDF
James, J.T., G.W. Stunz, D.A. McKee, and R.R. Vega. 2007. Catch-and-Release Mortality of Spotted Seatrout in Texas: Effect of Tournaments, Seasonality, and Anatomical Hooking Location. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 27:900-907. PDF
Bushon, A.M., G.W. Stunz, and M.M. Reese. 2007. Evaluation of Visible Implant Elastomer for Marking Juvenile Red Drum. North American Journal of Fisheries Management. 27:460-464. PDF
Stunz, G.W. and D.A. McKee. 2006. Catch-and-Release Mortality of Spotted Seatrout in Texas. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 26:843-848. PDF
Burfeind, D.D. and G.W. Stunz. 2006. The effects of boat propeller scarring intensity on nekton abundance in subtropical seagrass meadows. Marine Biology 148:953-962. PDF
Levin, P.S. and G.W. Stunz. 2005. Habitat triage for exploited fishes: Can we identify essential fish habitat? Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 64:70-78. PDF
Stunz, G.W., T.J. Minello, and P.S. Levin. 2002. Growth of newly settled red drum Sciaenops ocellatus in different estuarine habitat types. Marine Ecology Progress Series 238:227-236. PDF
Stunz, G.W., T.J. Minello, and P.S. Levin. 2002. A Comparison of Early Juvenile Red Drum Densities Among Various Habitat Types in Galveston Bay, Texas. Estuaries 25:76-85. PDF
Stunz, G.W. and T.J. Minello. 2001. Habitat-related predation on juvenile wild-caught and hatchery-reared red drum Sciaenops ocellatus (Linnaeus). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 260: 13-25. PDF
Stunz, G.W., P.S. Levin and T.J. Minello. 2001. Selection of estuarine nursery habitats by wild-caught and hatchery-reared red drum in laboratory mesocosms. Environmental Biology of Fishes 61:305-313. PDF
Stunz, G.W., T.L. Linton, and R. L. Colura. 2000. Age and Growth of Southern Flounder in Texas waters, with Emphasis on Matagorda Bay. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 129:119-125. PDF
Petrik, R.L., P.S. Levin, G.W. Stunz and J. Malone. 1999. Recruitment of Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias undulatus: Do postsettlement processes disrupt or reinforce initial patterns of settlement? Fishery Bulletin 97:954-961. PDF
Attanasio, R., G.W. Stunz, R.C. Kennedy. 1994. Folding Patterns of Immunoglobulin Molecules Identified by Urea Gradient Electrophoresis. Journal of Biological Chemistry 269:1834-1838. PDF
Warren, R.Q., H. Wolf, G.W. Stunz, R.C. Kennedy. 1993. Antibody Reactivity to Synthetic Peptides Representing the Principal Neutralizing Determinant of HIV-1 in Mouse Strains following Repeated Immunization with Recombinant gp160. Experimental Clinical Immunogenetics 10:168-175. PDF
Attanasio, R., P. Kanda, G.W. Stunz, D.W. Buck, R.C. Kennedy. 1993. Anti-Peptide reagents identifies a primary-structure-dependent, cross-reactive idiotype expressed on heavy and light chains from a murine monoclonal anti-CD4. Molecular Immunology 30:9-17. PDF
Wolf, H., R.Q. Warren, G.W. Stunz, K. Shuler, P. Kanda, R.C. Kennedy. 1992. Fine specificity of the murine antibody response to HIV-1 gp160 determined by synthetic peptides which define selected epitopes. Molecular Immunology 29:989-998. PDF
Attanasio, R., R.E. Lanford, D. Dilley, G.W. Stunz, L. Notvall, A. B. Henderson, R.C. Kennedy. 1991. Immunogenicity of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Derived from the Baculovirus Expression Vector System: a Mouse Potency Study. Biologicals 19:347-353. PDF