Investigations of Localized Mollusk and Echinoderm Harvest Along the Texas Coast and Possible Management Implications

	Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society

From the 2000 Joint Meeting of the Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas Chapters of the American Fisheries Society held in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Investigations of Localized Mollusk and Echinoderm Harvest Along the Texas Coast and Possible Management Implications
Blankinship, D. R. and P. F. Trial, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, 95 Fish Hatchery Road, Brownsville, Texas 78520
Hammerschmidt, P., Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744

Concerned citizens and an environmental group have brought the unregulated harvest of live mollusks and echinoderms from the marine environment to the attention of fishery resource managers in Texas. Of particular concern is the taking of these animals from unique and easily accessible habitats where local populations of mollusks and echinoderms could be severely impacted. Resource managers in Texas are working to characterize this fishery and determine the need for a fishery management plan and possible regulation. Stakeholders have been instrumental in educating potential fishery participants. An update on the investigation's findings and fishery characterization will be presented.

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