altered five-fold since 1948, mostly by bulkheading and invasion of two 
exotic tree species (Evans and Evans 1988). 
Shallow, protected waters and once-widespread seagrasses supported 
an abundance of shellfish, sport and commercial fishes and unique 
vertebrate species. The shellfish resources of the bay were based on 
hard clams, oysters, and scallops (Estevez and Bruzek 1986). Scallops 
have disappeared from the bay, not having been landed commercially since 
1964. Oyster landings ended in 1967 and hard clam landings ended in 
1971, but both are still present in the bay, and there are probably 
enough hard clams to support a renewed harvest (Figure 5). Actual 
harvesting would be limited to 2 areas conditionally approved by the 
state for adequate sanitation (Palma Sola Bay^; Longboat Key bayside) 
unless pollution abatement allowed new areas to be opened. 
Blue crab, stone crab, and (pink) bait shrimp are also taken from 
the bay (Stevely, Estevez and Culter 1988). There are 153 commercial 
blue crab permits and 180 stone crab permits issued for the two county 
area. Blue crab landings show marked, continual declines from 177,000 
lbs/yr in the 1950’s to about 30,000 lbs/yr today. Overfishing and 
habitat loss are believed responsible for the decline. Stone crab 
landings (of claws only) have increased from 6,400 lbs/yr to 24,000 
lbs/yr over the same period due to increased demand. Bait shrimp 
landings have fallen precipitously, causing some to regard the fishery as 
completely collapsed -- but this may be an artifact of reporting 
(Stevely, Estevez and Culter 1988). Some commercial bait fishing 
currently occurs in the bay. 
Sarasota Bay’s finfish resources are mullet (commercial only), red 
drum and spotted seatrout (commercial and sport), and snook (sport only) 
(Edwards 1988). Mullet represents the largest fishery, with 2 to 6 
million lbs landed annually. Whole fish are sent to local markets and 
manufacturers of fish products. Mullet roe has become a major byproduct, 
shipped to oriental markets (Haddad 1988). There may be some decline in 
mullet landings, but trends are indefinite. Spotted sea trout landings, 
however, have fallen six-fold from 300,000 lbs/yr in the 1950’s, due to 
the destruction of seagrasses and probably overfishing. Red drum 
landings peak at about 200,000 lbs/yr and vary widely. In the 1980’s, 
landings have been near 50,000 lbs/yr. The status of red drum has been 
declining throughout Florida, and last year seasons were adopted for 
their protection. Snook is a highly prized sport fish for which there 
are no landing data, but concern over their diminishing number has caused 
the adoption of seasons, plus limits to size, gear, and catch. Declines 
in snook stocks are attributed to habitat loss and overfishing (Edwards 
1988). 
2palma Sola Bay has been closed since 1981 because of excess 
coliform from runoff and septic tank leakage. 
193 
