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Resources & Publications: Handbooks

Boaters’ Checklist for Hurricanes & Severe Weather
Image: Boater's Checklist for Hurricanes & Severe Weather

# Pages: 2

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: boater_check.pdf (137KB)

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Bottom Longline Fishing Off Louisiana’s Coast: Techniques for Profits
Image: Bottom Longline Fishing Off Louisiana’s Coast

Author: Jerald Horst & David Bankston
Year: 1987
# Pages: 37

An increasing interest in fishery diversification among Louisiana fishermen and seafood dealers has led to the commercial growth of such fisheries as red snapper, grouper, and tilefish. This publication describes the results of a study to identify the extent of these and other fishery resources available for bottom longlining off Louisiana; to evaluate the effectiveness of bottom longlining as a harvesting method; to identify the most productive areas for bottom longlining; and to evaluate the profit potential in longlining. The text describes longlining techniques, discusses catch rates and characteristics, and provides information about costs and revenues.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsut87001.pdf (650KB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Camp and Houseboat Sanitation in Louisiana
Image: Camp and Houseboat Sanitation in Louisiana

Author: Sandy Conkern & J. David Bankston
Year: 2002
# Pages: 12

Louisiana has a long history of camp and houseboat usage by both recreational and commercial groups--especially in the coastal and swamp regions of the state. As the use of these privately-owned facilities increases, so does the need proper waste treatment. This booklet provides a comprehensive summary of the options available to camp and houseboat owners and the factors that help determine best treatment system in a given scenario. It also lists marinas, sanitarians, and other relevant resources in the state.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: camp_sanitation.pdf (2.97MB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Closing the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO): Environmental & Economic Considerations
Image: Closing the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet

Author: Rex H. Caffey & Brian LeBlanc
Year: 2002
# Pages: 4

Provides a synoptic overview of this 40 year-old navigation channel from project inception through modern day. Economic and environmental impacts related to the MRGO are documented for St. Bernard Parish and potential restoration scenarios are described. Additional information is provided on the time and financial resources required to fully address teh environmental degradation caused by the MRGO.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: close_missriver_outlet.pdf (687MB)

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Coastal Louisiana & South Florida: A Comparative Wetland Inventory
Image: Coastal Louisiana & South Florida: A Comparative Wetland Inventory

Author: Rex H. Caffey & Mark Schexnayder
Year: 2003
# Pages: 8

One of the biggest questions that has arisen in recent years involves the apparent disparity in federal restoration funding provided for the Florida Everglades versus that provided for coastal Louisiana. This document uses published reports and secondary data to develop a parallel comparison of Florida and Louisiana wetlands at the state, regional, program, and resource levels. A main finding of the report is that both Louisiana and Florida share many similarities regarding the historic causes of wetland loss at the state level. The two states also share somewhat common approaches to wetland restoration at the regional level. Reintroduction of freshwater inflows is the number one priority in both the Everglades and coastal Louisiana. However, stark differences begin to emerge as one considers the current and future status of wetlands in each region. Regulatory actions combined with agricultural conservation have all but halted wetland loss in the Everglades, but such policy has no effect in coastal Louisiana. Projecting current loss rates forward, the Everglades could possibly lose an additional 40 square miles of wetlands by the year 2050. Louisiana is expected to lose that amount in the next 18 months. Side-by-side comparisons utilized throughout the report include an assessment of 16 different environmental and socioeconomic factors. These assessments suggest that the “working wetlands” of coastal Louisiana are of tremendous national significance, especially from the standpoint of fisheries productivity, shipping and commerce, and petroleum infrastructure. The report concludes by explaining how Louisiana is beginning to follow Florida’s lead in the areas of programming, cost-share, and name recognition.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: compare_LA_FL.pdf (682KB)

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Community Stewardship Projects on Exotic Aquatic Species
Image: Community Stewardship Projects on Exotic Aquatic Species

Author: Valerie Eichman (editor)
Year: 2001
# Pages: 36

By discussing exotic aquatic species problems in the classroom, teachers were able to involve their students in activities that would make them more aware and motivate them to spread this awareness around their communities. This stewardship guide provides information about 15 community stewardship projects created by students. These projects gave the students a chance to become involved in an important cause, and by informing others it helped raise their self-esteem. This publication includes a number of approaches people can use to inform others in their communities.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: comm_stewardship.pdf (1.35MB)

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Culture of the Louisiana Soft Crawfish
Image: Culture of the Louisiana Soft Crawfish

Author: Dudley D. Culley & Leon F. Duobinis-Gray
Year: 1990
# Pages: 44

The technology for commercial production of soft-shelled crawfish became generally available in 1985. Soft crawfish are produced by holding and feeding large numbers of immature, hard (intermolt) red swamp crawfish in culture trays until they molt. By the 1987-1988 season, an estimated 150 producers were in operation. The first manual for the commercial production of soft crawfish rapidly became outdated as producers quickly incorporated existing technology and modified their culture systems to accommodate new technology. This manual is an update of research since the 1985 publication, and includes a considerable amount of information obtained by working closely with commercial producers. Discussed are pertinent aspects of the crawfish life cycle and pond management, current technology for the selection and collection of immature crawfish, types of facilities in use, the procedures for producing and packaging soft crawfish in a high-density culture system, and a guide for undertaking an economic analysis.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsut90002.pdf (2.99MB)

Available for purchase from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: $10

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Decision Guide to Individual Quota (IQ) Management of Fisheries
Image: Decision Guide to Individual Quota (IQ) Management of Fisheries

Author: Kenneth J. Roberts
Year: 1995
# Pages: 24

Individual quotas (IQ) is one fishery management approach in the Gulf of Mexico. The quotas are for a share of an allowable catch. An IQ can be for a fisherman or vessel. When the individual quota is transferable, it is called an individual transferable quota. Transfers to whom? Transferable in whole or in part? Transferred permanently or just leased to others? These alternatives can be confusing. This publication is designed to help fishermen and managers think about the elements of IQs, to make the topic of IQs less complex and less uncertain.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsuh95002.pdf (871KB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Design of High-Density Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
Image: Design of High-Density Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Author: R. F. Malone (editor)
Citation: A workshop proceeding September 25-27, 1991.
Year: 1991
# Pages: 112

This workshop proceedings incorporates 15 presentations. Three papers address economic aspects of recirculating systems; five discuss various filtration technologies and performances; support processes (foam fractionation, disinfection, oxygen absorption, carbon dioxide removal) are discussed in four papers; and an additional three treat disease control in closed systems.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsuw91001/lsuw91001index.html

(available in sections or entire document)

Available for purchase from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: $10

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Design of Recirculating Blue Crab Shedding Systems
Image: Design of Recirculating Blue Crab Shedding Systems

Author: Ronald F. Malone & Daniel G. Burden
Year: 1988
# Pages: 76

Commercial production of soft crabs depends on capturing crabs that are about to molt, keeping the animals healthy until they molt, and harvesting the soft crabs before their shells have had time to harden. This publication describes the shedding aspect of commercial production with emphasis on the design and maintenance of the shedding systems used to hold hard crabs until they molt. Though the manual presents design recommendations for the submerged rock filtration system, it introduces and describes design criteria for the newer and more powerful fluidized bed and upflow sand filtration systems.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsut88003.pdf (1.79MB)

Available for purchase from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: $10

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Design of Recirculating Soft Crawfish Shedding Systems
Image: Design of Recirculating Soft Crawfish Shedding Systems

Author: Ronald F. Malone & Daniel G. Burden
Year: 1988
# Pages: 74

Like the soft-shelled blue crab, the soft crawfish is a table delicacy that may be eaten whole. Although the availability of soft crawfish has been severely limited in the past by lack of production technology, recent developments now permit the production of soft crawfish for commercial markets. This publication describes the shedding aspect of commercial production with emphasis on the design and maintenance of the shedding systems that are used to hold hard crawfish while waiting for them to molt. Chapters cover critical water quality parameters, the major components of a recirculating system, descriptions of filtration systems, and methods of system management. Line drawings and tables illustrate system design, water quality guidelines, and flow rates.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsut88002.pdf (2.24MB)

Available for purchase from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: $10

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Elmer's Island Coastal Preference Survey Preliminary Report
Image: Elmer's Island Coastal Preference Survey Preliminary Report

Author: Rex H. Caffey, Krishna Paudel & Larry Hall
Year: 2003

Elmer's Island Coastal Preference Survey Preliminary Report:
Elmers_report.pdf
(390KB)

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Fish Trawling in Louisiana Inshore Waters
Image: Fish Trawling in Louisiana Inshore Waters

Author: John Supan & David Bankston
Year: 1988
# Pages: 18

This publication describes a trawling project conducted in Louisiana coastal waters. Its purpose was to experiment with different mesh sizes and trawl designs and compare their efficiency with the trawl developed by a New Orleans fisherman for use in southeast Louisiana. Descriptions are given of the vessel used, the gear required, and the methods employed in fishing; trawl diagrams are provided. Tables summarize the results of each of twelve trial tows.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsut88001.pdf (445KB)

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Fisheries Implications of Freshwater Re-Introductions
Image: Fisheries Implications of Freshwater Re-Introductions

Author: Rex H. Caffey & Mark Schexnayder
Year: 2002
# Pages: 8

Provides an overview of the historical aspects of Louisiana fisheries in teh context of pre- and post-levee construction on the Mississippi River. Data from the Caernarvon Freshwater Diversion is used to describe the relationship between freshwater re-introduction and estuarine fisheries productivity. The report characterizes the conflict between Louisiana's short-term and long-term goals of coastal resoration and coastal fisheries management.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: fisheries_reintro.pdf (831KB)

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A Fisherman’s Guide to Common Coastal Fishes
Image: A Fisherman’s Guide to Common Coastal Fishes

Author: Stephen Hein, Gerald Adkins, Martin Bourgeois & Ed Moss
Year: 1996
# Pages: 48

This publication, printed on sturdy, weatherproof paper, provides information about fish found in inshore and offshore waters of Louisiana and the northern Gulf of Mexico. It is not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather a layman's guide useful for field identification, especially for those fish under regulation and commonly misidentified. This easy-to-use pictorial guide will enable a user to identify an individual fish or a particular group of fishes. e.g., snappers, groupers, jacks, etc. The pictures are not drawings, but actual color photographs.

Available for purchase from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: $18 + $2 (shipping & handling)

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Freshwater Diversion: A Public Forum
Image: Freshwater Diversion: A Public Forum

Citation: Harvey, Louisiana; December 6, 1997.
Year: 1998
# Pages: 74

These conference proceedings, 17 presentations, aim to educate the public about freshwater diversion projects initiated in order to save Louisiana's coastal marshes. Topics include: oyster industry concerns, sediment availability in the Mississippi River, comparing restoration approaches, and salinity tolerances of fisheries species, among others. They were presented by scientists, land owners, and commercial and recreational fishermen.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download:
http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsuw97004.pdf (2.39MB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Functions & Values of Wetlands in Louisiana
Image: Functions and Values of Wetlands in Louisiana

Author: Marilyn Barrett-O’Leary
Year: 2004
# Pages: 14

Early in U.S. history, the contiguous 48 states contained an estimated 221 million acres of wetlands. Today, approximately 100 million acres of wetlands remain in this same area, and they continue to play a large role in the United States’ economic, social and ecological health. In those early years, few people realized that wetlands performed numerous functions for individuals and communities, and provided value to their lives. Today, many Americans support the need for wetland protection and restoration because they have seen the direct and indirect impacts of wetland loss in Louisiana and in many other parts of the country. This full-color booklet defines wetlands, identifies their major ecological, social and economic functions and values in Louisiana as a demonstration of their part in America’s social, economic and ecological health.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: WetlandFunctions.pdf (8.47MB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: $3 each (includes shipping and handling).

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The Gulf Oyster Industry: Seizing A Better Future
Image: The Gulf Oyster Industry: Seizing A Better Industry

Author: Elizabeth Coleman
Year: 2003
# Pages: 17

Oysters, a dominant part of the seafood industry, are susceptible to disease and other problems, and a challenge for those who grow and harvest them. This 17-page booklet describes the scientific progress made in addressing those problems by National Sea Grant's Gulf Oyster Industry Program.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: oyster.pdf (1.83MB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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HabTech 2000: A Conference Report
Image: HabTech 2000: A Conference Report

Author: Louisiana Sea Grant
Citation: Conference report, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; June 26-28, 2000
Year: 2000
# Pages: 52

The Gulf of Mexico is North America's most easily recognized geographic feature. The ninth largest body of water on the planet, the Gulf and its associated ecosystems are critical to the health and prosperity of natural resources and economies far beyond their boundaries. Increasingly, the means through which we appreciate or use the resources of the Gulf are coming into direct conflict. This conference was held to foster technologic, scientific, and business advancement in coastal habitat enhancement and restoration practice through promotion of positive interactions among involved regional stakeholders.

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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How To Interview A Scientist: A Guide For Outdoor Journalists
Image: How To Interview A Scientist

Author: Jerald Horst
Year: 1999
# Pages: 9

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: interview_scientist.pdf (445KB)

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Identification Guide to Selected Estuarine Fishes of Louisiana
Image: Identification Guide to Selected Estuarine Fishes of Louisiana

Author: Bruce A. Thompson
Year:
1986

The major physical characteristics of estuarine fishes are provided. Line drawings of major estuarine species are compared to clarify identification process. Text includes descriptions of several species of ladyfish, herring, anchovies, silversides, mullet, catfish, shad, menhaden, sheepshead, bluefish, perch, pinfish, seatrout, drum, kingfish, croaker, flounder, and sole.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: id_guide.pdf (14.85MB)

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Longlining for Yellowfin Tuna in the Gulf of Mexico
Image:  Longlining for Yellowfin Tuna in the Gulf of Mexico

Author: Charles A. Wilson
Year: 1988
# Pages: 15

The recent increases in Louisiana landings of yellowfin tuna by out-of-state fishing vessels and the rising dockside value of tuna have aroused the interest of the state's commercial fishing industry in the harvest of this fish. Although potentially profitable for Louisiana fishermen, yellowfin tuna longlining involves special fishing gear, fluctuating dockside prices, and user conflicts over by-catch. This document provides a summary of historical data on yellowfin tuna landings from the Gulf of Mexico and a description of the gear and methods of longlining for yellowfin tuna.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download:
http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsug88002.pdf (452KB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Louisiana Alligator Farming: 1990 Economic Impact
Image: Louisiana Alligator Farming: 1990 Economic Impact

Author: Darrell Brannan, Kenneth Roberts & Walter Keithly
Year: 1991
# Pages: 12

The production of farm-raised aligators increased from 2,886 in 1984 to 66,500 in 1989. In addition to production, the number of alligator farms in Louisiana steadily increased from seven in 1984 to 70 in 1989. Over 125 were in business by the end of 1990. Alligator farming in Louisiana has generated an impact of approximately $17 million in output, and $2.5 million in earnings, and created about 182 jobs for Louisiana. More impact could be realized by achieving more value-added processing within Louisiana, and by following production practices that permit more alligators to be raised to larger sizes.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsug91003.pdf (483KB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Louisiana Aquatic Nuisance Species Report

Year: 2000
# Pages: 4

Summarizes all Sea Grant research and outreach on aquatic nuisance species.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: la_aq_nuisance_rpt.pdf (2.67MB)

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Louisiana Blue Crab: Production, Processing, and Markets
Image: Louisiana Blue Crab: Production, Processing, and Markets

Author: Walter R. Keithly Jr., Kenneth J. Roberts & Andrea W. Liebzeit
Year: 1988
# Pages: 33

This report contains an analysis of the Louisiana crab industry, with emphasis on the wholesaling and processing sectors. Based on the results of a 1987 survey conducted by the authors, the information is helpful to established seafood wholesalers and processors; to potential investors in the crab industry; and to those in government and industry who are concerned with evaluating market legislation, management alternatives, and seafood promotion strategies.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsut88004.pdf (882KB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Louisiana License Statistics and Trends, 1987-2000
Image: Louisiana License Statistics and Trends

Author: Jerald Horst & Herb Holloway
Year: 2002
# Pages: 161

Commercial fishing is an important component of the Louisiana economy, and part of one of the largest sources of employment in the state. All commercial fish and wildlife activities are licensed and/or permitted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. Therefore, license sales, the source material for analysis, reflect the level of activitiy in a particular fishery.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: license_trends.pdf (6.27MB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Louisiana Marina Directory
Image: 2007 Louisiana Marina Directory

Compiled by : Jessica Schexnayder & Shane Foster
Year: 2007
# Pages: 38

The 2007 directory provides boaters with a comprehensive listing of marina facilities, services and supplies in Louisiana. The booklet also includes marina location and ownership information compiled from information provided by survey respondents in the marina industry. An outline of the Louisiana Clean Marina Program is included.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: MarinaDirectory07.pdf (1.59MB)

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Louisiana Oystermen …Surviving in a Troubled Fishery
Image: Louisiana Oystermen …Surviving in a Troubled Fishery

Author: Forrest A. Deseran & Carl Riden
Year: 2000
# Pages: 66

This paper reports findings from a 1998 survey of Louisiana commercial oyster harvesters. The primary purpose of the research was to identify factors that affect decisions to pursue or to abandon oyster harvesting as an occupation or way of life. The authors compare current commercial oyster license holders with those who do not currently hold licenses and present findings for current license holders according to fishing vessel size. The report contains information ranging from individual and family background characteristics to harvesters' opinions about major problems in the industry to alternative employment for harvesters and other family members.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsus00003.pdf (2.78MB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Louisiana Shrimp Fisherman and Local Economies: A Survey
Image: Louisiana Shrimp Fisherman and Local Economies

Author: Forrest A. Deseran
Year: 1997
# Pages: 24

This paper reports selected findings from a telephone survey of Louisiana shrimp fishermen. Summarized is information on vessel size, education, demographics, sales, experience, employment, economic and social well-being. By far the most pervasive concern was with the excessive amount of federal and state regulation. Other concerns high on the list were overfishing, environmental issues, and financial problems.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsus97001.pdf (702KB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Louisiana’s Waters: Our Responsibility
Image: Louisiana's Waters: Our Responsibility

Year:1998

Louisiana's abundant waterways are great places to pass a good time. But they are becoming crowded as more and more people use their boats to enjoy the state's natural resources. This book provides every boater with tips for protecting this playground so that future generations will be able to do the same. Topics covered include navigation safety, debris recycling, sewage disposal, fuel and oil management, wise boat maintenance, and advice on controlling invasive species.

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Marketing Soft-Shelled Crawfish
Image: Marketing Soft-Shelled Crawfish

Author: Samuel M. Gillespie
Year: 1990
# Pages: 11

The Louisiana soft-shelled crawfish is a relatively new seafood item available to food service and retail consumers. Currently, production exceeds consumer demand, though the product appears to have favorable consumer acceptance. Consumer demand appears to be less a problem of acceptance than one of marketing management. This booklet contains recommendations by seafood marketing specialists for marketing strategies for soft-shelled crawfish. It includes market description, strategies for building market channels, recommendations for finding distributors, and discussions of market pricing.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsut90001.pdf (529KB)

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Mississippi River Water Quality: Implications for Coastal Restoration
Image:  Mississippi River Water Quality

Author: Rex H. Caffey, Paul D. Coreil & Dennis Demcheck
Year:
2002
# Pages: 4

Provides information regarding chemical, biological, and physical parameters of Mississippi River quality and addresses public concern over the potential pollution associated with using the Mississippi River for coastal restoration projects. This collective analysis of scientific studies suggests that the River poses little or no threat of pollution in diverstion projects. Trade-offs between potential water quality risks and diversion benefits are presented.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: missriver_waterquality.pdf (389KB)

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Our Nation’s Fisheries: A Proud and Troubled Heritage
Image: Our Nation’s Fisheries: A Proud and Troubled Heritage

Year: 2001
# Pages: 36

The United States has made a concerted effort at the federal level over the past 130 years to find ways of maintaining the nation's marine and Great Lakes fisheries, and many of those efforts have been successful. However, as fisheries management has become increasingly complex, adequate information has not been fully available to achieve sustainability while maintaining environmentally sound and economically friendly policies. This document describes a nine-part initiative undertaken by Sea Grant that defines and plans for its role in these issues nationwide. Research needs and the specific role of Sea Grant are laid out for each of the nine areas. Because Sea Grant is a uniquely neutral party in the fisheries dialogue, it is in the position to facilitate the research and communication necessary in working toward solutions.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/tamu/tamuq01002/tamuq01002.html

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The Potential for a Stone Crab: Commercial Fishery in Barataria Bay, Louisiana
Image: The Potential for a Stone Crab

Author: Jerald Horst & David Bankston
Year: 1986
# Pages: 21

This booklet reviews the potential for a commercial stone crab (Menippe mercenaria) fishery. This species is often found as bycatch in blue crab traps in Gulf of Mexico waters between North Carolina and the Ycatan Peninsula. Only Florida has a commercial stone crab fishery. The researchers found three areas alond Louisiana's coast with possibilities for population density high enough for harvesting.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsut86002.pdf (354KB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Portrait of an Estuary
Image: Portrait of an Estuary

Author: Rex H. Caffey & Janis Breaux
Year:
2000
# Pages: 20

This description of the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary focuses on the functions of and within the system to take care of all inhabitants — human and animal. The value of these functions is also described.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: portrait_estuary.pdf (1.30MB)

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Proceedings of the National Symposium on the Soft-Shelled Blue Crab Fishery
Image: Proceedings of the National Symposium on the Soft-Shelled Blue Crab Fishery

Author: Harriet M. Perry (editor) & Ronald F. Malone (editor)
Citation: Biloxi, Mississippi; February 12-13, 1985.
Year: 1985
# Pages: 128

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsuw85002/lsuw85002index.html
(available in sections or entire document)

Available for purchase from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: $7

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Recreational Dwellings in the Louisiana Coastal Marsh
Image: Recreational Dwellings in the Louisiana Coastal Marsh

Author: Don L. Gary & D. W. Davis
Year: 1979
# Pages: 80

Human activity in Louisiana's coastal marshes was studied to clarify location, density, and type of impact on local ecology. Historical background provides information to contrast with the study findings.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsut79002.pdf (1.79MB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Red Swamp Crawfish
Image: Red Swamp Crawfish

Author: J. V. Huner & J. E. Barr
Year: 1991
# Pages: 128

Over 100,000,000 pounds of red crawfish are harvested annually in the U.S. from swamps, marshes, and cultivated ponds, mostly in Louisiana. The red crawfish is native to northern Mexico and the Mississippi Valley as far north as southern Illinois. It has been successfully introduced on both the east and west coasts of the U.S., as well as in a number of other countries. Since 1980, when this book was first written, crawfish culture has expanded greatly, and there is now a proliferation of research data available. The white river crawfish frequently appears with the red swamp crawfish and discussion here has been expanded to include this species. However, the majority of the book is still devoted to the management and culture of the red swamp crawfish, "Procambarus clarkii," the most cosmopolitan of the crawfish species. The text is not intended to be an all-encompassing technical treatment, but a practical guide for the crawfish culturist.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsut90003/lsut90003index.html
(available in sections or entire document)

Available for purchase from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: $10

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Sea Turtles: In Louisiana’s Coastal Waters
Image: Sea Turtles: In Louisiana’s Coastal Waters

Author: Deborah A. Fuller, Anne M. Tappan & Mary C. Hester
Year: 1987
# Pages: 39

Five of the seven species of sea turtles are found in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea; all five of these have been observed in Louisiana's coastal waters. At one time three of these species, the green turtle, hawksbill, and loggerhead, were very plentiful and had great commercial value. But over the past few decades, sea turtle populations have seriously declined. Three of the species are listed as endangered and two as threatened. This report briefly reviews the biological background of each of the five species of sea turtles inhabiting the Gulf of Mexico, discusses the chief causes of turtle mortality and the preservation measures being undertaken, and summarizes the results of an investigation of the status of sea turtles in Louisiana's coastal waters.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: seaturtles.pdf (2.42MB)

Available for purchase from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: $4

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Shrimp Facts
Image: Shrimp Facts

Author: Elizabeth Baron-Mounce, Walter Keithly & Kenneth J. Roberts
Year: 1991
# Pages: 22

Louisiana historically leads all other states in shrimp landings. Shrimp is also Louisiana's most valuable commercial seafood. The information presented in this booklet has been compiled from several sources to best illustrate many aspects of the shrimp fishery in past years. The material is presented in charts and graphs to give the reader a quick and easy reference for trends occurring in the shrimp fishery. A brief narrative is provided at the beginning of each of the following sections: (1) shrimp species, (2) shrimping seasons in inshore and offshore waters, (3) shrimp size, (4) shrimping effort, (5) participation in the commercial shrimp fishery, (6) recreational shrimping, and (7) shrimp supply and processing.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsug91001.pdf (650KB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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So You Want To Be A Seafood Dealer
Image: So You Want To Be A Seafood Dealer

Author: Jerald Horst & Kenneth Roberts
Year: 1987
# Pages: 17

The future for seafood sales in this country has never looked better. The health benefits of eating seafood have been well-publicized, and eating seafood has become fashionable. This trend is of special interest to Louisiana, which is the largest producer of fishery products in the United States. Though there is certainly a potential for profit in marketing seafood, the business is not without its pitfalls and problems. The key is to plan well, proceedings only when you have developed an understanding of supply, market, and capital needed. This publication is designed to help potential investors make the decision whether to establish a seafood business.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsug87002.pdf (325KB)

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Soft-Shelled Crab Production: Options and Opportunities
Image: Soft-Shelled Crab Production

Author: Jerald Horst
Year: 1992
# Pages: 14

The shedding of blue crabs to produce the more commercially valuable soft-shelled form has been done for at least one hundred years in the United States. Soft crab prices have consistently been much higher than the prices for hard-shelled crabs. In spite of the best efforts of many researchers, no one has yet developed a profitable system for the culture of crabs from eggs to marketable animals. The supply of soft crabs depends upon the ability of commercial fishermen to catch and recognize crabs that are nearing the molt of their shells. This publication is designed to assist people who are considering shedding blue crabs. Although the sections on open systems and float cars are relatively complete, the reader will have to consult a much more detailed reference on closed systems.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsug92005.pdf (420KB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Stewardship Incentives for Louisiana's Coastal Landowners
Image: Stewardship Incentives for Louisiana's Coastal Landowners

Author: Rex H. Caffey, Kevin Savoie & Mark Shirley
Year:
2003
# Pages: 8

More than 75% of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands are privately owned, yet the majority of restoration funding provided through CWPPRA and other initiatives is directed towards large-scale, public restoration projects. This report begins by comparing the programmatic and economic differences between the coastal and inland models of wetland restoration that have evolved in Louisiana over the past decade. The report describes in detail the environmental, economic, and regulatory constraints faced by coastal landowners who want to engage in restoration on their own property. Using the model of farm conservation policy, the report examines the rationale and methodology of providing economic incentives to subsidize wetland restoration on private lands in the Louisiana coastal zone. Small scale, landowner-based restoration approaches are separated into market-based and program-based mechanisms. Alternatives include mitigation banking, carbon sequestration, creative leasing, de-coupled sales, tax incentives, easements, and cost-share programs for species control, species preservation, and coastal revegetation.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: landowners.pdf (633KB)

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Theme Teams

Image: Theme Teams

One page summaries on Sea Grant's involvement in these issues.

  • The Digital Ocean: Our Oceans on a Microchip
  • Healthy Coastal Ecosystems for a Healthy Economy
  • Marine and Aquatic Science Literacy: Educating the 21st Century Workforce
  • Reducing the Nation’s Vulnerability to Coastal Natural Hazards
  • Research and Outreach in Marine Biotechnology: Science Protecting and Creating New Value from the Sea
  • Research and Outreach Needs to Address the Nation’s Fisheries Problems  
  • Science Helping Coastal Communities & Economies Build a Sustainable Future
  • Science Supporting Sustainable Marine Aquaculture
  • Urban Coasts Face Multiple Challenges

Copies available online from the Sea Grant Association.
Download: http://www.sga.seagrant.org/docs/one-pagers.htm

Printed copies available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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User's Guide to Louisiana's Oyster Lease Relocation Program
Image: User's Guide to Louisiana's Oyster Lease Relocation Program

Author: Louisiana Sea Grant
Year: 2002

Since the Mississippi River was leveed, saltwater intrusion has caused waters that were once too fresh for oysters to become suitable for oyster farming. The State of Louisiana leased many of the new oyster grounds to oyster farmers. The recent implementation of freshwater diversion systems has been successful in returning marshes within the project areas to a semblance of their natural condition. While this is good for coastal restoration, it has been detrimental to oyster farming in those areas. This leaflet describes in detail the options available to oyster farmers whose leased grounds fall within restoration areas. It also distinguishes between 1998 and 2000 procedures, which apply to different areas.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: oyster_relocation.pdf (23KB)

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Using the Bead Filter in Your Koi Pond: A Comprehensive Guide to Water Quality Management
Image: Using the Bead Filter in Your Koi Pond

Author: Ronald F. Malone & Kelly A. Rusch
Year: 1997
# Pages: 50

The desires of the owners for clear waters and the realities of the natural environment present a management situation unique to koi hobbyists. This manual is aimed at providing the koi hobbyist with (1) an overview of the important water quality parameters and their interrelationships, (2) a discussion of the basic principles of biological and physical filtration using floating bead filters, and (3) a presentation of the role of algae in aquatic ecosystems and suggestions for control.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsuh97001.pdf (1.53MB)

Available for purchase from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: $7

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Wastewater Treatment: Options for Louisiana Seafood Processors
Image: Wastewater Treatment

Author: Walter H. Zachritz & Ronald F. Malone
Year: 1991
# Pages: 76

This report has four specific objectives. These are to identify the major categories of Louisiana seafood processors by species, to define the environmental regulatory requirments that apply to seafood processors, to catalog available historical data for describing the wastewaters of major Louisiana seafood processors, and to develop treatment recommendations for the nontoxic biodegradable wastes produced by these faciliites for each pocessing category.

Copy available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download: wastewater_treatment.pdf (4.94MB)

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Willful Winds: Hurricane Andrew and Louisiana’s Coast
Image: Willful Winds: Hurricane Andrew and Louisiana’s Coast

Author: Glenn R. Guntenspergen & Beth A. Vairin
Year: 1996
# Pages: 16

In mid-August 1992, television and radio audiences were alerted to a potentially damaging hurricane that had formed in the Atlantic Ocean. On August 24, this hurricane struck the eastern coast of Florida, passed over the Florida peninsula, entered the Gulf of Mexico, and moved north-westerly until it slammed into the Louisiana coast on August 26. Hurricane Andrew caused over $27 billion worth of damage in Florida and Louisiana. It was not only the costliest storm to strike the U.S. mainland but it was also one of the most intense. This publication describes how hurricanes form and the immediate impact Andrew had on the coast. It also describes ongoing ecological studies of the short- and long-term effects on coastal barrier islands, wetlands, and swamps and bottomland hardwood forests in Louisiana and their wildlife.

Copy available online from the National Sea Grant Library.
Download: http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/lsu/lsug96001.pdf (2.48MB)

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Zebra Mussel Packet

Author: Rick Kastner, Greg Lutz & Marilyn Barrett-O'Leary
Year: 1997
# Pages: 20

The zebra mussel, an exotic mollusc native to temperate waters in southwestern Russia and Ukraine, has spread throughout most of Europe and has now entered North America. Their presence represents a potential problem to the warm water aquaculture industry. The Zebra Mussel/Critical Control Point (ZM/CCP) program is a proactive, common sense approach to address potential impacts of zebra mussels on warm water aquaculture. This packet outlines steps in the program as it applies to bait fish, catfish, crawfish, tilatia and hybrid striped bass.

  • The Zebra Mussel & Bait Fish Aquaculture
  • The Zebra Mussel & Catfish Aquaculture
  • The Zebra Mussel & Crawfish Aquaculture
  • The Zebra Mussel & Hybrid Striped Bass Aquaculture
  • The Zebra Mussel & Tilapia Aquaculture

Copies available online from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Download:

Printed copies available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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Zebra Mussel Awareness Survey on Toledo Bend Reservoir
Image: Zebra Mussel Awareness Survey on Toledo Bend Reservoir

Year: 1997
# Pages: 23

This study focuses on the dispersal of zebra mussels by overland movement of recreational watercraft from one body of water to another. It had two primary goals: first, to collect information about the patterns of movement of recreational boaters in and out of Toledo Bend Reservoir in the State of Louisiana, and, second, to determine the levels of awareness of the recreational boaters in this area on the subject of zebra mussels.

Printed copy available from Louisiana Sea Grant.
Price: Free

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