Browsing by Author "Simmons, Ernest G."

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Basic Survey of the Area Near Yarbrough Pass
(Texas Game and Fish Commission, 1959) Simmons, Ernest G.
Periodic proposals have been made that the upper Laguna Madre be connected to the Gulf of Mexico by means of a fish pass near old Yarborough Pass. Many theories have been advanced as to the probable effects of such a pass but little factual evidence is available other than the scant bite obtained during previous openings. At the time this project was initiated there was some possibility that the inlet might be opened; at the close of the project this possibility was remote. Nevertheless, such data as have been accumulated might be used at a later date, and certain difficulties encountered in this survey might result in modifications of future studies.
Biological Survey of the Upper Laguna Madre Quarterly Report - October 1, 1951 to December 31, 1951
(Texas Game and Fish Commission, 1952) Simmons, Ernest G.
It has been thought that the Laguna Madre is more prolific in piscatorail life than are other bay areas. A survey was begun to determine if this were true and if true to endeavor to determine why this phenomenon occurred. The survey was set up so that the following basic questions could be answered. I. Where are the fish?; II. Why are they in these particular locations?; III. Can we reproduce these conditions elsewhere in our bays, and get the same results, i. e., a very heavy population.
Biological Survey of the Upper Laguna Madre, Baffin Bay and Pass Area
(Texas Game and Fish Commission, 1959) Simmons, Ernest G.
Qualitative and quantitative survey of phytoplankton in waters ranging from brackish to hypersaline.
Contract Drum Removal Program 1960-1961
(Texas Game and Fish Commission Marine Laboratory, 1961) Simmons, Ernest G.
Harvest of excess drumfish from waters of the Laguna Madre in Cameron and Willacy Counties was successful in 1960-61. A Total of 805,912 pounds dressed weight was landed compared with 515,353 pounds in 1959-60. Catch per unit/effort followed a normal trend with heaviest catches at the start and lighter catches at the end of the season. No depletion was noted as there was no reduction in the average size fish caught. Catches of fish other than drum remained at a safe level - less than three percent of the total dead fish. Harvesting was limited by the fact that drum in their normal migrations moved northward into waters not open to contract fishing. The program could be improved by utilizing an entire bay system rather than portions thereof and by allowing more latitude in setting opening and closing dates.
Evaluation of Sportsfish Catch and Recall Methods of Survey - Biological Survey of the Waters of Region M-8
(Texas Game and Fish Commission, 1960-08-31) Simmons, Ernest G.
Objectives: To determine, as accurately as possible, the harvest of fishes from the waters of Region M-8 by means other than commercial. To gather data on species yield, total yield, sub-area yield, catch per unit effort, and possibly accuracy of recall type surveys. To determine, if possible, the per cent of the standing crop harvested, the escapement area, and the maximum sustained (or permissible) yield.
Fish Tagging, Mortality Evaluation and Population Studies - Biological Survey of the Waters of Region M-8
(Texas Game and Fish Commission, 1960-11-01) Simmons, Ernest G.
Objectives: To capture and tag as many fish as possible and to try to derive rough estimates of the proportions of the major species present. To conduct tests to determine mortality caused by net capture and by tagging.
Fish Trap Investigation
(Texas Game, Fish and Oyster Commission, 1950) Simmons, Ernest G.
For a number of years a clamor has been raised along the Texas coast that the lack of natural passes from the Gulf of Mexico to the bay areas is the limiting factor of the population of these bays. It has been believed by many that more passes should be cut through Mustang Island, Padre Island, St. Joseph's Island and Matagorda Island. Little heed has been given the fact that all attempts to dredge such channels have been dismal failures unless expensive jettying has accompanied the dredging operation. Silting and hurricane action inevitably nullify the effort. Nevertheless the theory still holds that the various species of marine life utilize the existing passes to repopulate the bays. It was primarily to test this theory that a fish trap was installed in Cedar Bayou. There were several other reasons for the installing of this trap, reason which may be summarized briefly.
Nutrient Analysis and Culture of Phytoplankton - Biological Survey of the Upper Laguna Madre, Baffin Bay and Proposed Pass Area
(Texas Game and Fish Commission, 1959) Simmons, Ernest G.
Objectives: To determine limiting factors of phytoplankton production by the use of enriched cultures.
Resurvey of the Macroscopic Flora and Fauna of the Upper Laguna Madre
(Texas Game and Fish Commission, 1959) Simmons, Ernest G.
During most of the period from 1951 to 1956 the upper Laguna Madre was strongly influenced by drought conditions which prevailed over the entire state. Reports were prepared showing what conditions prevailed during this period of low rainfall. This drought was alleviated by heavy rainfall in 1957 and 1958 and by March, 1958 the are under discussion was no longer hypersaline. The present resurvey was initiated in order to determine the magnitude of change in physical conditions and the effect of these changes on the flora and fauna of the region. It is not intended to be as comprehensive as the previous survey but rather to lay down a foundation for more specialized projects. However any other future projects should be supplemented by a continuation of the basic survey at least on a minor scale.
Survey of the Effects of a Natural Pass on Fish Population Quarterly Report - January 1, 1951 to March 31, 1951
(Texas Game and Fish Commission, 1951) Simmons, Ernest G.
The primary objectives of the fish trap have been stated in previous reports. Determination of the role played by a natural pass is the key objective.
Survey of the Effects of a Natural Pass on Fish Populations Quarterly Report - April 1, 1951 to June 30, 1951
(Texas Game and Fish Commission, 1951) Simmons, Ernest G.
The primary objectives of the fish trap have been listed in previous reports. Briefly, the trap was installed to determine the what, when, where and why of the movement of fish and other organisms.
Survey of the Effects of a Natural Pass on Fish Populations Quarterly Report - October 1, 1950 to December 31, 1950
(Texas Game and Fish Commission, 1951) Simmons, Ernest G.
During the previous months of the year it was observed that the south trap was not successful in taking sea trout (Cynoscion nebulosus) and redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus). These species would often move up to the trap but would not enter. It was decided to build a spiral trap to combat this situation.