The fish life history analysis program is focused on collection and analysis of critical life history parameters of coral reef fishes and bottom fish species commonly harvested for recreation and…

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service awarded a $131,662.26 Formula Grant under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Department of Lands and Natural Resources (DLNR). The grant funds the FISH LIFE HISTORY ANALYSIS PROGRAM, which focuses on collecting and analyzing critical life history parameters of coral reef fishes and bottom fish species commonly harvested for recreation and subsistence in the CNMI. Key activities include collecting fish length and weight data, as well as extracting otoliths and gonads to determine age and reproduction of the studied fish species. This information will inform fisheries managers on the life span, age at maturity, and size at maturity of these fish populations to support sustainable management of the fisheries. The grant award period runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025.

The fish life history analysis program is focused on collection and analysis of critical life history parameters of coral reef fishes and bottom fish species commonly harvested for recreation and subsistence in the commonwealth of the northern mariana islands for management purposes. Essential data such as fish length and weight are collected, and otoliths and gonads are extracted for processing of life history parameters. Life history parameters such as age and reproduction of fishes inform fisheries managers about the life span, age at maturity, and size at maturity of fish that are studied. These data could then be applied to fish stock assessments, which is necessary for the sustainable management of fish species