damage. Also, dredging that covers oyster beds or dislocates 

 oysters from the substrate can cause destruction of the oyster 

 reef . 



The catch and value of oysters in Louisiana was tabulated 

 for the years 1940 through 1974 (Table 3.3). In 1940, 12,412.1 

 thousand pounds of oysters were taken at a value of $694,875. 

 In 1963, 11,463.2 thousand pounds of oysters were valued at 

 $3,720,113 and in 1974, 9,971 thousand pounds were valued at 

 $6,347,912. The 1968 catch was the largest catch at 13,122 thou- 

 sand pounds and was valued at $5,305,000. The 1974 catch, after 

 processing would be valued at over $19 million. 



3.5 -- THE MENHADEN INDUSTRY 



Since its beginning in Louisiana in 1948, the menhaden 

 fishery has been an important commercial fishery in the state 

 and recently is second only to shrimp. The dominant species 

 caught is the Gulf menhaden ( Brevoortia patronus ) . 

 Industries use menhaden oil for manufacturing margarine and in 

 a wide variety of industrial products and processes. Menhaden 

 fish meal and solubles are used for agricultural purposes. 

 Louisiana's menhaden catch has greatly increased since 1948, 

 based on the market for the fish and unrelated to the oil 

 industry (Table 3.4). The processed value would be over 

 $118.5 million. The size of the menhaden purse-seine catch 

 apparently is not affected by the presence of oil and gas plat- 

 forms. Inshore, the degradation and loss of menhaden estuarine 

 nursery areas are related to man's activities, such as dredge 

 and fill and channelization. 



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