same as those for the pot fishery (fig. 26). 

 The survey area marks the southern edge of 

 the range for cod. 



Catch 



Total recorded production of cod by 

 trawl lines within the survey area for the per- 

 iod 1946 through 1953 is shown in figure 33. 

 From a peak of over 1.0 million pounds in 1946, 

 the yield during the 8 -year period declined al- 

 most steadily, and by 1953 had fallen to less 

 than 10,000 pounds. 



40.0 



Figure 33. --Trawl line landings of cod, 

 1946-1953 



Cod is the important species among the 

 fishes taken by trawl lines within the area. Red 

 hake, white hake, whiting, conger eel, tautog, 

 anglerfish, skates, and sharks occur in the 

 catch. Over the period considered, however, 

 the combined catch of all other species did not 

 exceed one percent during any year . 



The fishery is pursued from November 

 through April, with January and February rep- 

 resenting months of peak production (fig. 34). 



No index of abundance was calculated 

 for the trawl line fishery. 



AS0NDJFMAM 



MONTH 



Figure 34. --Trawl line landings, in monthly 

 percentages, 1946-1953 



HAND AND TROLL LINE FISHERIES 



Hand- and troll -line fishing from small 

 boats have been two of the common methods em- 

 ployed commercially along the Atlantic seaboard 

 since colonial times. A great number of part- 

 time and seasonal fishermen contribute to the 

 catch using these simple methods. In 1953, the 

 estimated total production by hand and troll 

 lines within the survey area amounted to about 

 170,000 pounds with an estimated value of nearly 

 $30,000 to the fishermen. 



Vessels, Fishing Gear, and Methods 



Vessels, construction of gear, and meth- 

 ods of fishing vary considerably in different 

 localities, and no generalized account would 

 satisfy the numerous innovations. Motor launches 

 and various other small power boats up to about 

 35 feet in length are used. In addition, pot, 

 charter, and party boats are employed in these 

 fisheries when not engaged in their primary 

 activity. The only special equipment required 

 are the outriggers for attaching the troll lines 

 and a meat grinder for preparing chum . 



43 



