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Abstract:
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Abundance and distribution of the western Gulf stone crab (Menippe adina) in Galveston Bay were determined by sampling weekly from June through November 1987. Catch per unit effort (CPUE; # of crabs/trap/ 48-hr) was calculated for both sexes combined, each sex, and gravid females by month, habitat, and depth. CPUE valves exceeded 1.00 every month with peak catch rates above 2.00 from July -September in channel habitats. Highest overall CPUE values (1.94) occurred in waters greater than 2.4 m deep. Oyster reef and non-reef/channel habitats yielded low to moderate overall CPUE values of 0.12 and 0.68, respectively. |