Antigua and Barbuda Fisheries Division – Ever wondered how we determine the closed season for Parrotfish?

Well, we measure the total weight of the gonads (testes or ovaries) relative to the total body weight of individual Parrotfish species to obtain the peak spawning months expressed in the example below.

This is validated monthly by examining the ovaries and testes under magnification for signs of spawning such as the presence of ripe oocytes (roe or fish eggs) or milt (fish semen).

Note, data is collected monthly for an extended period such as greater than 5 years to account for factors such as environmental variability.

Respectfully,
Ian Horsford
Chief Fisheries Officer

Read more: https://safetysteps.org/2023/04/30/notice-of-lobster-and-parrotfish-closed-season/

Cover photo credit: The Environmental Awareness Group