In 2013, a larval survey was conducted north and east of the Bahamas aboard the NOAA Ship
NANCY FOSTER. Sampling areas were selected based on larval habitat model predictions, and
daily satellite analysis of surface temperature and ocean color. Samples were collected at 97
stations, and 18 larval BFT (Thunnus thynnus) were found at 9 stations. Six of these stations came
from oceanographically complex regions characterized by cyclonic and anticyclonic gyres. Larvae
ranged in size from 3.22mm to 7.58 mm, corresponding to approximately 5-12 days in age. Analysis
of satellite derived surface currents and CTD data suggest that these larvae were spawned and
retained in this area. Larval habitat models show areas of high predicted abundance extending east
to 650 W, but the actual extent of spawning in this area remains unknown.En prens
