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Movement of Gulf Menhaden through Three Marshland Routes in Southwestern Louisiana
Author(s) -
Marotz Brian L.,
Herke William H.,
Rogers Barton D.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
north american journal of fisheries management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1548-8675
pISSN - 0275-5947
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8675(1990)010<0408:mogmtt>2.3.co;2
Subject(s) - menhaden , marsh , fishery , fish <actinopterygii> , environmental science , water column , hydrology (agriculture) , oceanography , geology , ecology , biology , geotechnical engineering , wetland , fish meal
The life history of gulf menhaden Brevoortia patronus and their movements through three routes between the marsh and the Gulf of Mexico were studied to determine ways to facilitate passage of these fish through existing and proposed water‐control structures. We used stationary traps at the water surface, mid‐depth, and bottom of the channels; most gulf menhaden were captured in the upper two‐thirds of the water column. Indirect evidence indicated that spawning occurred from late August to May. Apparently, low dissolved oxygen sometimes forced the fish to emigrate in summer. Compared to those of earlier studies done in more open‐water situations, our highest catches occurred at considerably higher salinities and lower temperatures. For fisheries, it may usually be best if water‐control structures are not installed. If installed, such structures should allow maximum migration past the structure. To allow aquatic species to escape from lethal conditions, the structures should have permanent openings below water level. The structures should have the maximum operational flexibility that is practical for a given installation.