Specimens : 



Many specimens from four to eight feet (TL) were observed in 

 the fish traps at Point Judith and Newport during June and July, 

 1957. Trawl vessels frequently encounter this species in Block Island 

 Sound. 



Economic Importance: 



At present this species is of little economic importance. Small 

 specimens are sometimes utilized with the trash fish for fish meal. 

 At one time this and other shark species were fished for their hide 

 (shagrin) which was processed into leather. 



Family Isuridae 

 Genus Lamna 



(3) Lamna nasus (Bonnaterre) 1788 

 Porbeagle, blue shark, mackerel shark 



Specimens: 



This species has occasionally been observed by the writer in 

 traps at Point Judith during July and August in association with 

 mackerel and butterfish. It is also taken by trawl vessels in Block 

 Island Sound during the summer. Individual specimens observed 

 ranged in size from four to eight feet (TL). 



Economic Importance: 



This species is edible. Its flesh is white, resembling swordfish 

 in taste and appearance. Larger specimens are frequently dressed 

 and shipped to the New York market from Point Judith. Smaller 

 porbeagles are cut up and placed in with the trash fish or discarded. 



Genus Isurus 



(4) Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque IS 10 

 Mackerel shark, mako, Atlantic mako 



Specimens: (PLATE 2) 



It is a common visitor to Block Island Sound during summer 

 months. Six specimens were hooked on Nebraska Shoal off Charles- 

 town and Southwest Ledge off Block Island during the 1957 L nited 



s 



