winter and early spring. Young shad have been observed in the 

 Pawcatuck, Pettaquamscutt and Warren Rivers. The largest ob- 

 served by the writer was 27 inches (TL), weighing eight pounds. It 

 was taken in a trap off the Point Judith breakwater during May, 

 1956. The shad is the largest member of the herring family. 



During 1957, 4,483 pounds of shad valued at $208 were landed 

 at Rhode Island ports. The shad is one of our better food fishes and 

 its roe is highly prized as a delicacy. Fifty years ago shad was 

 among the top three species of fish on the Atlantic coast in pounds 

 landed. It has declined to thirtieth position with regard to poundage 

 during 1957. The three major causes of the shad decline are over- 

 fishing, pollution and erection of dams which prevent the fish from 

 reaching their spawning grounds. 



Genus Opisthoncma 



(45) Opisthonema oglinum (LeSueur) 1817 

 Thread herring, hairy-back, shad-herring 



Specimens: 



This tropical species is plentiful in the West Indies and occa- 

 sionally strays to the Massachusetts coast. The type specimen of 

 this species was taken at Newport. Tracy (1910) mentions a speci- 

 men taken by the United States Fish Commission at Newport 

 which is in the United States National Museum. This very rare 

 species has appeared several times in the fish traps at Newport and 

 Point Judith during the past decade, according to the fishermen. 

 However, no specimens were actually observed in this survey. 



Genus Brevoortia 



(46) Brevoortia tyr annus (Latrobe) 1802 

 Menhaden, bonyfish, pogy, bunker 



Specimens: (PLATE 17) 



The menhaden is the most abundant of the migratory species 

 which visit Rhode Island waters. During 1957, 19,777,660 pounds 

 were taken chiefly in Block Island Sound. The peak of abundance 

 occurs in August and September. The greatest part of the catch is 

 taken by purse seiners. Draggers and trap fishermen also land 

 considerable quantities. 



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