Study of Texas Shrimp Populations, 1968

In spring, the growth of brown shrimp, Penaeus aztecus, in Texas bays, including Galveston Bay, was delayed by cold water. Low salinity patterns of upper coastal bays confined the young to more saline lower regions of estuaries. The gulfward migration began in late May. By July most had left the bays. Heavy rainfall and runoff may have been beneficial to white shrimp, Penaeus setiferus. They were abundant in samples and over 12 million pounds were landed commercially.