Document Type
Report
Department/Program
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Publication Date
3-1994
Series
Special Scientic Report No. 124 V. 1986
Abstract
This report summarizes data collected by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) monthly trawl survey cruises for January-December 1986. The trawl survey is a long term, broad scope monitoring program. Its present primary goal is to produce annual indices of juvenile (young-of-year) abundance of commercially, recreationally and ecologically important marine and estuarine finfish and crustaceans. The objective is to provide indices of sufficient accuracy and precision for both immediate resource management needs and long-term understanding of environmental influences of fishery resources. A second important product of this effort is the documentation and monitoring of habitat utilization by juveniles and smaller adults of these species. The program also provides a sound framework for the procurement of biological samples for life history studies and other concurrent scientific investigations relevant to fishery resource management. In 1986 the program consisted of fixed station mid-channel transects in each of the three major Virginia tributaries: the York, James, and Rappahannock rivers (Wojcik and Van Engel, 1988a, 1988b, 1989). The river survey is based upon a sampling program initiated in 1955 (a random stratified design was used from 1973-79). Changes in gear type and sampling methods used over the history of the river survey are summarized in Figure 1. The following tables and figures include data for all finfish species and blue crabs caught during 1986. Data are also presented showing station locations and showing the atmospheric and hydrographic data collected at each station.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.25773/v2a7-ak68
Keywords
Fisheries, Management, Abundance, Virgina
Recommended Citation
Land, M. F., Geer, P. J., Bonzek, C. F., & Austin, H. M. (1994) Juvenile Finfish and Blue Crab Stock Assessment Program Bottom Trawl Survey Annual Data Summary Report Series Volume 1986. Special Scientic Report No. 124 V. 1986. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary. https://doi.org/10.25773/v2a7-ak68
