470 MARINE FISHERIES OF NORTH CAROLINA 



subject of sustained and systematic research anjrwhere, so far as we know. 

 Therefore, we commend to the attention of the University the possibilities 

 for good that might come from an extensive and sustained study of the 

 senses and sense organs, perceptions of and responses to stimuli by aquatic 

 animals generally with a view to more effective means of finding and catch- 

 ing fish. Such studies should include the senses of hearing and the perception 

 of under water vibrations, reactions to light of mixed and single wave 

 lengths, the chemical senses of "taste," "smell," etc. The study should also 

 include the emission by fishes of various stimuli and responses thereto by 

 other animals, and the possible use by fishermen of these stimuli as means of 

 finding and catching fish. Considered in their larger aspects, such studies 

 should also include the teleological behavior of fishes generally, their 

 methods of finding food, pursuing prey, finding mates, defending and pro- 

 tecting themselves, the knowledge of all of which should be conducive to 

 the discovery of more and effective means of finding and catching fish. 



The sea herring of the North Atlantic is well known to be positively 

 phototropic, and for centuries has been caught by torching; possibly the 

 menhaden, of the herring family, may be phototropic, too; the flounders 

 have well developed color perception; scallops have eyes; many of the 

 North Carolina species of fish make sounds which probably are functionally 

 important. Advantage must be taken of any or all of these and similar facts 

 to increase the efficiency of fishing methods, and to devise new fishing 

 devices. It would be appropriate to carry on technical, experimental, and 

 engineering studies in the design of fishing gear, whether along radically 

 new lines as just suggested or the introduction and improvement of the more 

 conventional types. 



Aside from finding and catching fish, we do not recommend technological 

 research generally, such as freezing, canning, packaging, mechanization, 

 etc., as suitable for governmental or university research. This t5^e of research 

 is very expensive in both capital and operation and is best done by industry 

 in close contact with or as part of actual operations. The fisheries of North 

 Carolina can profit better, for the time being, by adopting technological 

 advances already made elsewhere. 



Finally, in closing this report, we point out that increased prosperity of 

 the North Carolina fisheries will depend on increased demand for and sales of 

 fish, and (except where culture is possible as with the oyster) a heavier draft 

 of the natural fishery resources of the State and by more efficient methods 

 all along the line from fisherman to retailer. The usual conflict of conservation 

 and exploitation will be encountered and must be frankly faced and resolved. 

 Where agriculture is now regarded as a source of wealth to be developed and 

 utilized with the greatest possible efficiency, the fisheries are subject to 

 confusion and contradiction on the part of the public and policy-making 



