Trends in the relative abundance, size, and catch of selected finfish and shellfish from Galveston Bay: 1978-1996

Date

1999

Authors

Robinson, Lance

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Abstract

The recreational and commercial fisheries of Texas are a valuable resource to the citizens of Texas. For 1996 (the most recent year data from both fisheries are available) the total economic impact of these fisheries to Texas was $1.4 billion ($887.6 million recreational and $554.7 million commercial). Of this total, approximately one third can be attributed to the Galveston Bay system. This paper will examine the long-term trends in relative abundance, size, and catch for two popular recreational finfish species [red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and spotted sea trout (Cynoscion nebulosus)] and two commercial shellfish species [blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and oysters (Crassostrea virginica)].

Description

pgs. 255-256

Keywords

commercial fisheries, recreation, sport fishing, finfish fisheries, shellfish fisheries, harvesting, quality control, red drum, sciaenops ocellata, spotted sea trout, cynoscion nebulosus, blue crab, callinectes sapidus, oysters, sampling, habitat loss, degradation

Citation