GULF FISHERIES 



Theexvessel value of landings was a record $108.2 million — an Increase of 7 percent com- 

 pared with 1969. The average price declined, however, from 50 cents per pound in 1969 to 47 cents 

 In 1970, probably because shrimp supplies were abundant . Jumbo and large shrimp (under 15 to 30 

 tails per pound) averaged 6 to 12 cents less per pound than in 1969; medium shrimp (31 to 50 tails 

 per pound) were 10 to 11 cents less; and most of the smaller shrimp were 4 to 8 cents less per 

 pound . 



Fishing on most of the major grounds improved compared with 1969. Record catches from 

 the Inshore and offshore waters between the Mississippi River and the Louisiana-Texas border con- 

 tributed substantially to the greater production. The 59.5 million pounds (heads-off) taken from 

 these waters increased 19 percent compared with 1969, and 14 percent compared with 1963, the 

 former record year. Waters from three areas yielded catches that increased 26 percent each com- 

 pared with 1969 — off Texas (44.4 million pounds), off the Mexican coast west of long. 94 W. 

 (5.2 million), and off the northwest coast of Florida (2.5 million pounds). The Sanibel-Tortugas 

 grounds produced 11.4 million pounds — a 16-percent gain compared with 1969. Catches declined 

 slightly on the Obregon-Campeche grounds and from Pensacola to the Mississippi River. 



The species composition was about the same as in 1969. Brown shrimp were 56 percent of 

 the total landings; white, 32 percent; pink, 11 percent; and sea bobs and royal red shrimp, 1 

 percent. Jumbo and large shrimp accounted for 38 percent of the landings, compared with 33 per- 

 cent in 1969; medium shrimp were 27 percent, compared with 29 percent in 1969; and small shrimp 

 were 35 percent, compared with 38 percent in 1969. 



Hard blue crabs . Landings of 34.0 million pounds worth $2.8 million increased 2 percent in vol- 

 ume, but declined 9 percent in value compared with 1969. Florida, West Coast landings of 14.8 

 million pounds were 3.2 million greater than in 1969 and accounted for most of the gain. Missis- 

 sippi landings (2 million pounds) increased 16 percent compared with 1969. Louisiana landings of 

 10.3 million pounds was 12 percent less than in 1969, but the third best yield since 1955. Land- 

 ings in Texas of 5.5 million pounds were only slightly less than the record 6. 3 million taken in the 

 previous year. Alabama landings of 1.4 million pounds were the smallest since 1963. 



Oysters . Landings of 17.7 million pounds of meats were 2.1 million less than in 1969 and the 

 smallest landings since 1966. Compared with 1969, landings declined in all States except Texas. 

 Landings along the West Coast of Florida (3.6 million pounds) declined 27 percent, principally 

 because oysters were scarce on the major reefs of Florida near Apalachicola . A poor fall season 

 contributed to the decline. Alabama landings of 279 ,000 pounds were 42 percent less than in 1969 

 and the smallest landings in 40 years. Many oyster reefs had only partially recovered from the 

 devastating effects of hurricane Camille in 1969, and in addition the Alabama oyster fishery had 

 been hindered for some time by pollution. In Mississippi, landings of 548,000 pounds declined 

 62 percent--principally because the oyster beds had been decimated by hurricane Camille in 1969. 

 Louisiana landings of 8.6 million pounds were 6 percent less than in 1969 — reflecting the shortage 

 of oysters on many reefs. In Texas, landings of 4.7 million pounds increased 24 percent. Texas 

 producers profited by the shortage of oysters in other areas and trucked considerable quantities to 

 Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana . 



Spiny lobsters . Record landings of 7 . 1 million pounds worth a record $4.2 million were 2.4 mil- 

 lion pounds (52 percent) and $882,000 (27 percent) more than in 1969. The average price per pound 

 declined from 71 cents in 1969 to 60 cents in 197 0. 



In 1969, United States fishermen made substantial catches in waters off the Bahama Is- 

 lands. In 1970, however, they could no longer fish for lobsters in these productive areas because 

 the Bahamian Government had established a 12-mile territorial sea limit which was enforced rig- 

 orously. Consequently, U.S. flag vessels searched other fishing grounds for lobsters and found 

 an abundance of them off the coasts of Central and South America. A few of the catches taken off 



