The importance of the Loop Current and its role in the 

 circulation pattern on the shelf has been described by 

 Drennan (1968). Bottom salinities at all depths in the 

 three survey areas are similar and relatively constant 

 because of the influence of the Loop Current (Drennan 

 1968) (Figs. 6-8). Surface salinities vary within each sur- 

 vey area, indicating seasonal changes that can be at- 

 tributed to the discharge from the Mississippi River and 

 calm weather during the summer months (Drennan 

 1968). The Mississippi River flood period peaks in April 

 and May with a 17-yr average of 3,668 m Vs.* These flood 

 periods are reflected in lower surface salinities for SA2 

 (Fig. 7) and to some extent in SAl and SA3 for May and 

 June (Figs. 6, 8). 



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 



Our appreciation is extended to the Louisiana State 

 University Department of Marine Science for the use of 

 the Plessey STD unit and the assistance of Gene Turner 

 and Bob Allen. Also, thanks are extended to Elmer J. 

 Gutherz for his guidance, and to Tommy Strowd for 

 drawing the isohalines and isotherms on the charts. Ad- 



'Russell. M. 1977. Apparent effects of flooding on distribution and 

 landings of industrial bottomfish in the northern Gulf of Mexico. South- 

 east Fisheries Center. Pascagoula Laboratory, National Marine Fisheries 

 Service, NOAA, Pascagoula, Miss., 21 p. 



ditional thanks are given to the scientific party and crew 

 of the FRS Oregon II. 



LITERATURE CITED 



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