Red Drum
THE IMPORTANCE OF RED DRUM ON THE TEXAS COASTThe red drum is an important part of Texas coast. It faces many challenges to survive without the help of man. It has an interesting life cycle, which in itself limits the number of red drum who survive within the first week after hatching. In the 1970's, the red drum was almost faced with extinction. Many causes can be attributed to the decrease in numbers, the biggest factor being human interaction. Laws and regulations were passed to help the red drum maintain its numbers and the hatcheries have done a fine job in restoring the natural stock.Today, Texas has some of the best hatcheries in the United States (Colura 1990), which not only help numbers of the red drum population, but also inform the public of the importance of caring for natural resources. The restocking effort has done a lot to give the red drum an advantage, but the size and bag limits help keep red drum numbers high. With all the red drum offers anglers, it is not a surprise that it is one of the most coveted fish along the coast. Anglers spend lots of time and money in the search for a red drum. That commitment and interest translates into money for the government and into pri
(Matlock 1984) The most distinct marking is a black spot on the upper half of the tail. LIFE CYCLE AND HABITATRed drum live in shallow, grassy flats and bays for the first three years of their life. Also, in the 1970's the red drum was almost fished to extinction because of very slack regulations for sport anglers and commercial fishermen. Studies show that the restocking program is working. (Matlock 1986) The red drum is beginning to return. The body color ranges from a dark blackish, coppery color to a silvery color. The money anglers spend should go to maintain the program which brought the money to begin with. Fulfilling its mission, the GCCA/CPL Marine Development Center continues to produce quality red drum for stocking Texas bays. The bays offer protection from predators and plenty of food. This is the single most important step in the spawning process. The elusiveness also is a major attraction. In the hatchery there is a three-thousand-gallon saltwater spawning tanks. (Colura 1990) Today, red drum populations continue to rebound in response to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's coastal management plan. It could have been that industrial companies were rapidly destroying the red drum habitat. Three groups helped by the Sport Fish Restoration Act joined forces to form a unique public-private partnership put this hatchery together.
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