A summary of fish tagging in Texas Bays: 1975-1989

During November 1975 - December 1989, 80,599 fish (41 species) were tagged in Texas marine waters. Red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), and black drum (Pogonias cromis) constituted 33%, 24%, and 23% of the total tagged, respectively. Overall, 8% of all fishes tagged were returned; red drum had the highest return rate of 15%. Of 6,632 tagged fish returned, 72% were by sport fishermen, 21% were by commercial fishermen, and 4% were by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department personnel. Of all tags returned, 83% came from the same bay system where the fishes were tagged. The National Marine Fisheries Service paid $3,620 in rewards before December 1978. The Gulf Coast Conservation Association paid $10,177 in rewards during December 1978 - December 1989.