Phillip Sánchez

• Hometown: Florida, USA

• Previous Education: University of Florida

• Degree obtained: B.S. in Zoology/Animal Biology

• Graduate Advisor: Dr. Richard Appledorn

• Area of Specialization: Biological Oceanography

• Research Interest: Black grouper spawning aggregation behavior, Fish acoustics and reproduction, Fisheries Ecology and Management

Transient spawning aggregations account for the majority of the reproductive effort of many Caribbean fish species. Often predictable in both space and time, individuals are highly vulnerable to increased fishing pressures and consequently high fishing mortality leading to failed reproductive events. Many of the most economically and ecologically important fishes are showing increasingly depleted stocks due to their removal in large numbers from spawning sites. 

Many aggregations occur at shelf edges and highly rugose isolated underwater structures. Researchers attempting to survey aggregations are subject to uncontrollable meteorological conditions that often make work impractical. Utilizing passive acoustics I am attempting to define call signatures and spatio-temporal patterns of fish aggregation behavior at such sites. Understanding patterns better can lead to the development of more effective management policies, both in restrictions and concerted enforcement efforts. Understanding the acoustic patterns will create a method of long-term, non-invasive management techniques. It will allow year round recording, incorporating multiple spawning events of individual species as well as many different species at multi-species aggregation sites. It can eliminate our dependence on favorable marine conditions to arrive at sties and variables associated with fish reactance to divers when in the water. It has the potential to be a more cost effective and more powerful of a methodology, helping to create lasting manageable stocks.