Table 5. Estimated recreational catch (pounds) of marine finfish in Alabama 

 during 1975 (Wade 1977). 



Note: A new saltwater sport fishing survey is due to be conducted in October 

 1984 (W. Tatum, Alabama Department of Conservation, Marine Resources Division, 

 July 1984; pers. comm.). 



tions is presented in Figure 6. Location and data on artifact fishing reefs 

 is included in the socieconomics narrative. 



Florida Pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) 



Juvenile pompano are very abundant along the gulf beaches of Alabama from 

 May to September (Swingle 1977), but most migrate southward later in the fall 

 and few adult fish are caught in this area of the gulf. All netting within 

 1.6 km (1 mi) of the Alabama coast is prohibited from May 1 to Labor Day, 

 except for shrimp trawls and purse seines. This fishery will probably remain 

 relatively minor in the state (Swingle 1977). 



Mackerels (Scomberomorus spp.) 



Spanish mackerel ( S. maculatus ) and king mackerel ( S. cavalla ) are found 

 along the gulf coast of Alabama, especially in the spring and summer months. 

 Because of their proximity to shore, Spanish and king mackerel are the most 

 abundant fishes (by weight) caught by recreational fishermen (Wade 1977). 

 Spanish mackerel play an insignificant part in the total commercial harvest, 

 as most are caught incidentally by shrimp trawls (Swingle 1976). King 

 mackerel have been harvested commercially in Florida and Louisiana since 1981 

 (Swingle 1983). 



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