Survey of the North Floodway System of the Lower Laguna Madre

Date

1971

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Abstract

Seven sampling stations were established along the lower reaches of the North Floodway. These were sampled 13 times during a 9-month period. Hydrographic data collected at each station included air and water temperatures, turbidity, pH, and salinity. Biological samples were taken with a 60-foot bag seine. The purpose of the survey was to determine the value of the system to the marine fisheries of the Lower Laguna Madre. Results of the study indicate that the North Floodway serves as an excellent nursery area for the redfish, Sciaenops ocellatus. Species such as the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, and white shrimp, Penaeus setiferus, which utilize other drainage areas in the Laguna Madre were not found in anticipated quantities. Below normal volumes of fresh water in the Floodway during the study may have accounted for this.

Description

pages 93-106; available for download at the link below.

Keywords

ecology, hydrography, Lower Laguna Madre

Citation