Ecology of Nursery Areas 



Anthony Inglis 



Reference has frequently been made to the importance of the estu- 

 arine habitat and specifically the "nursery" areas, in the life histories of 

 many of our commercial and sport fishes. To determine the role which the 

 various environmental factors play in the survival and growth of these species, 

 a study was initiated in 1958 in Clear hake, a shallow estuary emptying into 

 Galveston Bay. One year's intensive sampling of this area was completed, 

 and the results will soon be submitted for publication. 



Nursery areas 

 under study in 

 Galveston Bay. 



Since Clear Lake represents only one type of estuarine habitat, it 

 was decided to make a comparative study of another type during 1960-61. Of- 

 fats Bayou, closer to the mouth of Galveston Bay, was selected for compar- 

 ison as it differs from Clear Lcuke in several respects 



Though of comparable physiccd size, it is deeper amd more saline, 

 and its waters are considerably less turbid. It is within the boundaries of 

 the City of Galveston, and consequently is probably more directly influenced 

 by municipal development. Unlike Clear Lake, Offats Bayou supports a sport 

 fishery of some importance and, at the same time*, is far less productive of 

 shrimp ajid crabs. 



