A SURVEY OF THE RECREATIONAL BLUE-CRAB FISHERY IN TERREBONNE-PARISH, LOUISIANA

Several complementary surveys were conducted to quantify the 1989 recr eational blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) fishery in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana: (1) a roving intercept survey of land-based crabbers; (2) an access point intercept survey of recreational shrimp trawlers; (3) a mail survey of individuals purchasing a saltwater angling license in Terrebonne Parish; and (4) a mail survey of Louisiana recreational cr ab trap license holders. Catch per unit effort (CPUE), effort, harvest , and other associated parameters were characterized for four distinct fishing modes: land-based and boat-based crabbers using gear other th an crab traps, shrimp trawlers retaining crab bycatch, and crabbers us ing crab traps. The over-all effort and harvest were estimated at 71,7 90 trips and 1,307,580 crabs weighing 876,700 kg, or 4.1% of the repor ted commercial catch of the Parish.