HAWAII (Cont. ) 



4. Propagation and Culture of Tilapia zillii and Tilapia melanopleura 



Tilapia zillii and Tilapia melanopleura which were introduced recently 

 into the Territory are being reared under close observation to determine cul- 

 ture methods which are most suited for these species. The feeding habits of 

 these species indicate that they may be useful for controlling aquatic plant 

 growth in irrigation ditches and reservoirs. The possibility also exists that 

 these fishes may fulfil the requirements of a farm pond or game species or 

 act as forage fish for both the largemouth and smallmouth bass. 



Oahu; began August 1955, continuing; $1,500; Kenji Ego, Leader. 



Address inquiries to: Vernon E. Brock, as in No. 1 above. 



5. Fresh Water Game Fish Management Research 



This project which encompasses four phases has the following objectives: 

 (a) to study the spawning habits, feeding behavior, growth rate, migrational 

 pattern, population density and other aspects of the life history of the fresh 

 water goby that management measures may be instituted which will best con- 

 serve this diminishing resource; (b) to re-establish rainbow trout fishing and 

 to determine the most economical stocking method as well as the optimum 

 number of fingerlings or eggs to be planted in the various streams; (c) to 

 introduce and establish smallmouth bass, channel catfish and peacock-eye 

 cichlid in suitable bodies of fresh water and; (d) to develop fish shipping tech- 

 niques which can be used for introducing various species of fish into the 

 Territory. 



Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii; began November 1951, continuing; 

 $17,869; Kenji Ego, Carl Nemoto and Stanley Shima, Leaders. 



Address inquiries to: Vernon E. Brock, as in No. 1 above. 



U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Branch of Fishery Biology 



1. Factors in the Variable Response of Skipjack to Chum 



The objectives are: (1) To describe the response of skipjack schools to 

 livebait chum; (2) to determine the amount of variability in response; (3) to 

 find the causes of variation. Factors being investigated are state of hunger, 

 prey preference, prey-size preference, sexual state, time, location, and 

 weather conditions. 



Honolulu; began March 1956, to close September 1957; Heeny Yuen, Leader. 



Address inquiries to: Albert L. Tester, Director, Pacific Oceanic Fishery 

 Investigations, P. O. Box 3830, Honolulu, T. H. 



2. Distribution, Abundance, and Habits of Pelagic Sharks 



The objectives of the study are to further our knowledge of pelagic sharks 

 by studing their distribution, abundance, food habits, reproduction, mor- 

 phometry, and taxonomy. The basis for the study are the 1952-1955 longline 

 catch records for 6,118 specimens belonging to 12 species. Three of these 

 (great blue, whitetip, and brown) constituted 96 percent of the catch and have 

 received the most attention. Geographical scope of the study is the Pacific 

 Ocean from 50° N. to 20° S. , and from 110° W. to 175° E. 



Honolulu; began November 1955, closed November 1956; Donald W. 

 Strasburg, Leader. 



Address inquiries to: Albert L. Tester, as in No. 1 above. 



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