Monitoring of Texas coastal blue crab resources, September 1979 - August 1981

Abstract

Trends in relative abundance and size of blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun) in Texas bay systems were monitored during September 1979 - August 1981 utilizing bag seines and trawls. Bag seine samples were taken in seven bay systems (Galveston, Matagorda, San Antonio, Aransas and Corpus Christi Bays and the upper and lower Laguna Madre), while trawl samples were taken in four bay systems (Galveston, Matagorda, San Antonio and Aransas Bays). Highest annual catch rates with bag seines (173.38/ha) occurred in the lower Laguna Madre. Coastwide trends in annual abundance showed no apparent pattern of increasing or decreasing abundance. Monthly and annual changes in mean sizes for blue crabs were not apparent. Highest annual catch rates with trawls (14.9/h) occurred in Aransas Bay. Coastwide trends in annual catch rates indicated a decline from 1978-79 through 1980-81. Monthly and annual changes in mean sizes for blue crabs were not apparent.