Trends in ex-vessel value and size composition of reported May-August catches of brown shrimp and white shrimp from the Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama coasts, 1960-1978.

Exponential models were used to characterize (1) ex-vessel value (in dollars) per shrimp by size category (count; i.e., number of shrimp per pound, heads off); (2) size composition (expressed as cumulative ex-vessel value, in dollars, of the catch by size category) for reported May-August catches (inshore and offshore combined) of brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus) and white shrimp (P. setiferus) from the Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama coasts (statistical areas 10-21) from 1960 to 1978. Exponents of the models were used as indices to investigate trends in ex-vessel value per shrimp, size composition, and ex-vessel value composition of the May-August catches during this period. This approach to analysis of catch statistics can be used to monitor these fisheries, and the results can be compared with change that may be brought about the closure of the fishery conservation zone off Texas, as proposed by 1981 by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, in the fishery management plan for the shrimp fishery of the Gulf of Mexico.