Survey of the Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun) Sport Fishery of the Galveston Bay System

Date

1968

Authors

Benefield, R.L.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Abstract

A survey of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) sport fishery in Galveston Bay was conducted April through December of 1968. The survey area extended from Baytown, Texas to Rollover Pass, Texas, a linear distance of approximately 262 miles via survey checkpoints. A total of 6,599 sport crabbers was counted within the census area during the survey. Summer was the most productive time with July being the peak month. The average catch was 2.89 crabs per crabber. The estimated number of crabs caught was 99,375 with a range of 70,799 to 128,069 crabs at a 95% confidence level. Sports crabbing was found to be a local sport as 86% of the fishermen interviewed were from Harris and Galveston Counties.

Description

pages 35-44; available for download at the link below.

Keywords

blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, sport fishing, sport fishing statistics, crab fisheries, biological surveys

Citation