Species of fish larvae present in the survey area agreed closely 

 with Wheatland's (1956) data for central LIS. Larval densities were 



much greater in the present study. This was especially true for 

 clupeiformes, with more than 20/m-^ frequently encountered in July, 

 and a maximum of 56/m (compared to Wheatland's maximum of 3.6/m-'). 

 Perlmutter (19 38) had earlier reported only small numbers of larvae of 

 clupeiformes, rockling and windowpane flounder in west-central LIS. 

 BIS was found to be similar in larval fish populations except for the 

 presence there of larval cod ( Gadus morhua ) , yellowtail (Limanda 

 ferruginea ) and lumpfish ( Cyclopterus lumpus ) , and the absence of 

 rockling, winter flounder and Ammodytes sp. (Merriman and Sclar, 1952). 



The abundance of fish eggs and larvae in our study indicates that 

 the area is an important spawning and nursery grounds for a variety of 

 finfish. Diver observations also showed juvenile fish to be present, 

 particularly winter flounder and cunner. 



Trawl information indicates the adult groundfish population is 

 poor in abundance and variety. Because of limitation on the gear used 

 and the study design, these data may be misleading. Surveys of local 

 periodicals and interviews with fishermen and tackle store proprietors 

 indicate that the area is productive and provides an excellent sport 

 fishery for pelagic species such as striped bass (Morone saxatilis ) , 

 bluef ish ( Pomatomus saltatrix ) , blackf ish ( Tautoga onitis ) and winter 

 flounder (Fig. 23; from Freeman and Walford, Sandy Hook Lab,, 

 unpublished data). 



18 



