A Survey of Bycatch in the Louisiana Gulf Menhaden Fishery

A survey was made of incidental catch in the Louisiana gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) purse seine fishery. Samples were taken in 1980 and 198 I at plants located at Empire, Dulac, and Cameron. Overall the bycatch comprised 2.68% by number and 2.35% by weight of the catches sampled. The most abundant species were Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), seatrout (Cynoscion spp.), threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) , Atlantic bumper (Chloroscombrus chrysurus), hardhead catfish (Arius felis), and spot (Leiostomus xanthurus). Differences in species composition and abundance of bycatch among plants were found. The effects of the gulf menhaden fishery on other fisheries was considered insignificant.