EVIDENCE OF BLUE MARLIN (Makaira nigricanS) SPAWNING IN BERMUDA WATERS AND ELEVATED MERCURY LEVELS IN LARGE SPECIMENS

The gonads of 11 adult female blue marlin ( Makaira nigricans Lacepede, 1803) caught mostly in July in Bermuda waters (2002–2005), and ranging in weight from 242–465 kg, were evaluated histologically for reproductive status. The gonadoso matic index (Si) of these specimens ranged from 0.70%–6.22%; specimens with a gSi ≥ 3 were reproductively active. Based on gonad histology, 70% of the females caught in July were actively spawning or in spawning...