Specimens : 



This species enters Rhode Island rivers and streams in the early 

 spring. Large spawning runs appear in March, April and May in 

 Pettaquamscutt River. Specimens examined on this spawning run 

 averaged between 10 and 12 inches (TL). Females of this species 

 average 15 mm. more in length than males of the same age accord- 

 ing to Nichols and Breder (1927). 



Economic Importance: 



Since colonial times, the spawning run of this species has been 

 harvested with dip nets and seines. Some are smoked and marketed 

 as buckies, others are cured in salt and vinegar for making such 

 special products as bismark herring and rollmops. Large quantities 

 from the middle Atlantic states are canned. Pearl essence is made 

 from the scales and large quantities are utilized for fish meal. 

 Fluctuations of the Rhode Island alewife fishery during the last 

 decade are noted in Table 1, page 83. During 1957, 29,340 pounds 

 of alewives were taken from Rhode Island waters, valued at $242. 



(43) Pomolobus aestivalis (Mitchill) 1815 



Glut herring, blackback, blueback, greenback 



Specimens: 



This species is very similar to the alewife, but is less numerous. 

 It appears two weeks to a month later than the alewife. The glut 

 herring has a black peritoneum, whereas the alewife has a pale 

 peritoneum. When fresh, the dorsal surface of the glut herring ap- 

 pears darker than the alewife. Both species have similar spawning 

 habits and there is usually no commercial distinction made between 

 the glut herring and the alewife. 



Genus Alosa 



(44) Alosa sapidissima (Wilson) 1811 

 Shad 



Specimens: (PLATE 16) 



Shad one to two feet (TL) have been taken in the Point Judith 

 traps during April and May. Specimens of the same size are taken 

 occasionally by the draggers in Block Island Sound during the 



24 



