Data set of Lutjanus synagris (Linnaeus 1758) age-based life history using a multi-model inference approach for growth in the southern Gulf of Mexico

In southern Gulf of Mexico Lutjanus synagris (lane snapper) forms part of the grouper-snapper complex of which the principal fishing target species is Epinephelus morio (red grouper). Since the stock of red grouper is overexploited and suffers declining catch volumes, snapper catches have steadily increased. Northern red snapper, yellowtail snapper, and lane snapper are the main targets of the southern GoM snapper fishery, representing 85% of total snapper landing volume. In Mexico, lane and yellowtail snappers catch volume records are categorized together as “Rubia and Villajaiba”. Lane snapper, caught largely by small-scale fleet, represents approximately 843 annual metric tonnes of this volume. Despite their commercial importance, there are no regulatory instruments applied in Mexico’s snapper fisheries besides a controlled access through a commercial fishing permit and specific fishing gears. Lane snapper stock in southern GoM recent assessments indicate it to be overfished and, on the IUCN, red list, this specie appears as endangered (nearly threatened) with declining populations and fishery as the main threat. For the southern GoM, this study is the first to determine age and growth based on the annuli counts in otolith thin sections, the most accurate methodology for quantifying age in reef fish species, and to use a multi-model inference approach to determine growth. Also, it’s the first-time age at maturity is address for the specie in southern GOM. Population demography data derived from this study about life-history parameters such as maximum size, longevity, age at sexual maturity and natural mortality is essential for assessing productivity and vulnerability, both crucial parameters to develop fishery management tools for sustainable exploitation of the resource.