Predator-Prey Research and Shrimp Mortality

• Main Author: Minello, Thomas J.
• Other Authors: Proceedings of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center Shrimp Resource Review
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Galveston Laboratory 1992
• Subjects: shrimp; mortality causes; predation; environmental factors; nursery grounds; Red drum
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.3/25003

pgs. 38-42 In estuarine nurseries, predation by fishes appears to be a major cause of shrimp mortality. While natural mortality rates of juvenile brown shrimp during the spring in Galveston Bay can exceed 50% for two-week periods, mortality in predator exclusion cages has been measured below 5%. Southern flounder, spotted seatrout, and red drum are dominant predators on these juvenile shrimp. Many environmental and habitat-related factors appear to interact with predation. The presence of submerged and emergent vegetation, the type of substratum available, and the water clarity all affect predation rates on juvenile brown shrimp. Protective behaviors of shrimp, such as burrowing, are also affected by many environmental factors. Simulation models are being developed to describe burrowing behavior and eventually predict shrimp mortality. http://gbic.tamug.edu/request.htm