Impacts on shrimp yields of the 1981 fishery conservation zone closure off Texas.

A yield-per-recruit analysis and a simulation model of shrimp fishing show that an increase in brown shrimp yield was realized from closure of the Fishery Conservation Zone (FCZ) off Texas during May-July 1981. Yields were 11.7 million pounds greater (29 percent) than would have been expected with the FCZ open during May-August 1981. Some of the increase in yield was made at the expense of standing stock. Projections over the fishable lifespan of the shrimp indicate that yields will be increased 4 million pounds (7 percent) due to the FCZ closure.