Trends in population levels of the American oyster Crassostrea virginica Gmelin on public reefs in Galveston Bay, Texas

Date

1977

Authors

Hofstetter RP
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (USA)
Danyulite G

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Abstract

Trends in setting, growth, survival and abundance of oysters (Crassostrea virginica) on public reefs in Galveston Bay, Texas were determined from oyster population samples collected in 1961-72, supplemented by data obtained from limited sampling in 1952-60. The parasite Labyrinthomyxa marina has been widely distributed in Galveston Bay oysters. It is associated with, and primarily responsible for, annual losses of 10% to 50% of the market oysters. The Galveston Bay oyster harvest has fluctuated considerably since the early 1900's. It was largest in the 1960's, ranging around 1 . 4 million kg (3 million pounds) of meats each season. Reduction of the legal size to 76 mm (3-inches) in 1963, an influx of out-of-state fishermen who took well over half the catch each season, and better collection of catch data were factors contributing to the higher yields

Description

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Keywords

abundance, ASW,USA,Texas, bibliographies, Crassostrea, Crassostrea virginica, fishermen, Galveston Bay, growth, Labyrinthomyxa marina, levels, overfishing, Oysters, paras, population levels, Population number, Q1 01441 Population structure, reefs, Sampling, Survival, Texas, USA, Yield

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