Just like bluebonnets and the heat, Texas is known for fantastic bay fishing, but along with popularity comes problems for economically-important fish like red drum and spotted seatrout. Dr. John R. Gold, Regents Professor and Harte Research Institute (HRI) Endowed Chair for Genetics and Biodiversity at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and Dr. Robert R. Vega, Marine Enhancement Director, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) have led a team of scientists to assess restoration enhancement programs for both red drum and spotted seatrout.“Saltwater recreational fishing in Texas is presently worth $2.2 billion per year and generates around 34,000 jobs,” said Vega. “The most popular species fished are red drum and spotted seatrout, collectively representing $570 million in economic revenue.”Because of the economic value ...![Sport Fishing Mag]()
