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No abstract

Evidence is presented that suggests river discharge affected bottomfish distribution from January through June 1972 and 1973. Also, normal commercial concentrations of industrial bottomfish were not seen on the inshore grounds from Mobile Bay, Ala. to Trinity Shoal, La. during peak flood periods in 1973. Comparison between river runoff and annual bottomfish landings for the last 17 years, however, indicates that flooding may be beneficial to annual production, by increasing availability of nutrients and extending the estuarine nursery boundaries.