Blue Crab Investigation, 1949-50

Date

1950

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Game and Fish Commission

Abstract

Basically, the blue crab investigation for 1949-50 was conducted in a manner similar to that employed in 1947-48 and 1948-49 (Daugherty, 1948, 1949). Objectives were essentially this same, however, methods of collection were different. Crab pots and the fish traps in Cedar Bayou were used extensively in sampling. Several new stations were established and the original stations were checked only when it was deemed advisable. Deviation from the exclusive use of permanent stations and accentuation on new and varied areas gave gratifying results. A broad program was originally planned for 1949-50, but as the year progressed work was automatically channeled along the lines of spawning, hatching, and migration. Emphasis was placed on the collection of crabs infested with the Rhizocephalid, Loxothylacus texanus. The Marine Laboratory was fortunate in having Dr. Edward G. Reinhard of Catholic University, Washington, D.C., work on this phase of the crab problem during the summer of 1950. Fishing experiments using crab pots and trotlines had been planned, however, this work did not develop in light of increasing demands of the spawning, hatching, and migration portions of the investigation. It was possible, even so, to formulate hypothetical catch expectancies based on routine crab pot sampling.

Description

15 pages; available for download at the link below.

Keywords

fisheries management, blue crab stock assessment

Citation