CAGE CULTURE OF SOME MARINE FISHES IN THE INTAKE AND DISCHARGE CANALS OF A STEAM — ELECTRIC GENERATING STATION, GALVESTON BAY, TEXAS

Abstract

ABSTRACTSeveral species of marine fishes were cultured in cages in the intake and discharge canals of the P. H. Robinson Generating Station on Galveston Bay, Texas. Survival in the intake canal cages of Atlantic croaker (Micropogon undulatus), pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus), white mullet (Mugil curema), spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), and black drum (Pogonias cromis) was on the average 70% or greater, while that of pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera), Gulf kingfish (Menticirrhus littoralis), and silver perch (Bairdiella chrysura) was less than 70%. With the exception of pinfish, survival of caged fish in the discharge canal was extremely poor. Gas‐bubble disease was the probable cause of their mortality. Only croaker and pompano adapted to surface feeding in cages. Croaker, pinfish, and pompano cultured in cages were rated acceptable by a 12‐member taste panel. Mean taste evaluation scores for croaker, pinfish, and pompano for the appearance, flavor, and overall satisfaction categories were not significantly different (P=0.01). After about 1 year in the water, most cages used in the intake canal were in goad condition, but those located in the discharge canal were in poor condition.