Utilization of Constant Recording Monitors to Establish Patterns and Trends in Environmental Conditions

Hutcherson, B. M. (hutcherson_b@wlf.state.la.us) and T. L. Romaire (romaire_tl@wlf.state.la.us), Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000; 225/765-2950; FAX 225/765-2624

The monitoring of environmental water data in real-time has been useful for fisheries management in many ways, such as setting seasons, establishing the necessity to open and close areas to fishing, and identifying areas with the potential for outbreak of Vibrio in shellfish. During the summer of 1999, after a drier and warmer spring than usual, the data furnished the LDWF biologists with up-to-the-minute tracking of environmental conditions. The data received from the Louisiana Office of State Climatology is mirrored in the results from the data collection platforms along the coast which record water temperature, salinity, water elevation, wind speed, wind direction, and precipitation. Current research focus is turning to Harmful Algal Blooms in the Gulf of Mexico. Some species can cause animal mortality and problems for humans. The data from the DCP stations can be used in conjunction with other environmental data to establish patterns associated with HABs. This work was partially funded by Grant NA76FK0430 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or any of its sub-agencies.

Copyright © 1999
Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society
Last modified: 01/07/09 06:45:17 AM