Relationship between pink shrimp production on the Tortugas grounds and water flow patterns in the Florida Everglades

Regression analysis indicated a relationship between landings of pink shrimp on the Tortugas grounds and freshwater runoff to the estuarine areas of Everglades National Park, as indexed by water levels in the park. A strong positive relationship between quarterly (3-month) landings and the average water level of the previous quarter was found for three quarters of the year. October through December water levels, followed by July through September water levels, may have had the greatest influence on annual landings. An inverse relationship between landings and water levels from April through June was not precluded. Information of this type is needed in order that the freshwater needs of estuarine-dependent marine organisms can be taken into account in water management planning.