Assessment of Change in Commercial Size Limit of Channel Catfish, Fisheries Investigations, 1978

(1978) Assessment of Change in Commercial Size Limit of Channel Catfish, Fisheries Investigations, 1978. Natural Resources, Department of

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Abstract

Over-exploitation of channel catfish by co1T111ercial fishing has been documented in the Mississippi River, 1965 and Helms, 1967 and 1969). As a result of the nearly total harvest of channel catfish 13 inches total length or longer, many immature fish are removed via the fishery. The fishery is wholly dependent upon year class abundance and fluctuations in year class strength are reflected during subsequent seasons. Enabling legislation to permit change in the minimum length limit from statutory to administrative rule was submitted but remains in acted through this segment.