Growth estimates from integrated analysis of tag-recapture and direct aging data for dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus)

The combination of age-at-length and tag-recapture data allowed for an integrated growth model to be explored for dolphinfish. Dolphinfish tag-recapture events (n = 266) were distributed throughout the Western Central Atlantic and Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean and otolith data (n = 124) were obtained from a study conducted in Puerto Rico. Age-at-length and length-increment data, when integrated, led to lower growth parameters for the Gompertz and Richards growth models. The estimated asymptotic size ( L ∞) for the different models varied between 130 and 136 cm (fork length (FL)) fit to only the otolith data and 128–147 cm FL when integrated with tag-recapture data. Maximum estimated age obtained through the length-increment model was 2.28 years. Predicted maximum longevity was 4 years. Nominal daily growth rates versus size at release and sex indicated a two-stage growth process up to 67 cm FL when growth rates steadily declined from peaks (female: 0.30 cm FL/day; male: 0.37 cm FL/d). When gender specific growth estimates were combined with tag-recapture events with indeterminate sex, nominal growth rates smoothed but still indicated a two-stage growth process for young fish. Overall, integrated nominal daily growth rate was 0.368 cm FL/day. For a species that has yet to have a stock assessment in the Atlantic Ocean, and routine assessments in the Pacific Ocean, this work can be used to contribute to better management advice for this important resource as growth assumptions have a great impact on stock assessment results and derived management quantities. Data graphic of age and size estimates for dolphinfish from post-hatch to juvenile (Perrichon et al. 2019), sub-adult to year-2 adult based on tagging data, and > year-2 large dolphinfish captured in Atlantic sport fisheries. • Growth estimates from integrated analysis of otolith and tag-recapture data. • Integrated analysis led to lower growth parameters ( L ∞, K , and T o ). • Two-stage growth process indicated for young fish from tag-recapture data. • The maximum estimated age obtained through the tagging data was 2.28 years. • Nominal daily growth rates declined from peaks around 67 cm fork-length.