V. Trends in the Fish Population 



The majority of the 215 species of fish in this report occur peri- 

 odically in the catch of Rhode Island commercial fishermen. Land- 

 ings of commercially caught fish and shellfish at Rhode Island 

 ports during 1959 totaled 116.6 million pounds valued at S4.0 

 million to the fishermen. During 1959, fish for industrial use (trash 

 fish) other than menhaden, totaled 75 million pounds, valued at 

 $621,149. 



Rhode Island commercial fishermen use a variety of methods in 

 capturing their catch. The chief method employed is the otter trawl 

 net which is used by trawl vessels. Approximately 84 per cent of 

 the state's fish catch in 1956 was taken in the otter trawl nets. 

 These nets, which are usually about 80 feet in length, are towed 

 along the ocean bottom and capture a variety of local and migratory 

 species. This method is selective for demersal fishes. During April, 

 1958, there were 44 trawlers fishing out of Point Judith, manned 

 by 126 men. Trawlers also operate periodically out of Wickford, 

 Newport and Block Island. Approximately 15 trawlers from Ston- 

 ington, Connecticut fish throughout the year off the Rhode 

 Island coast. 



Another device is the stationary floating trap. There are three 

 principal trap locations being fished in the state. They are, Point 

 Judith, with three traps; Newport, with two traps; and Sakonnet 

 Point, with two traps. These large floating traps arc particularly 

 adapted for the capture of pelagic species. In 1905, there were 265 

 fish traps being operated in Rhode Island waters; today, there are 

 less than a dozen fish traps in operation, and these are only in opera- 

 tion during the spring and part of the summer and fall. 



Thirdly, purse seines, from 250 feet to 2,000 feet, are used in 

 Rhode Island waters to capture schools of menhaden. The seines 



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