compared to 414 larvae taken in 23 tows of 

 the silk net. As shown in figure 2, the 

 G-III samples contained larger specimens, 

 as well as over three times the number of 

 larvae. Contrary to what might be expected 

 from the much greater towing speed and metal 

 meshes of the G-III net, I found no differ- 

 ence in the condition of the catches of the 

 two nets. 



Half-meter No. 10 



silk net 94 tows 



One-meter No. 10 silk net. 



9 tows 



G-III Monel net No. 1 



mesh 131 tows 



G-IA Monel net No. 1 mesh. . 215 tows 



As a result of these findings and 

 because of its other advantages (durability 

 and ease of cleaning) , the G-III sampler was 

 used exclusively on subsequent cruises. 



Samples were first sorted for fish 

 eggs and larvae. Prior to volume determina- 

 tion all gross forms (medusae, sargassum 

 weed, etc.) were removed. 



During the period of field work aboard 

 the Alaska , a total of 449 tows were made 

 with different types of gear, as follows: 



Volumes were obtained after the first 

 four cruises by the following procedure: 



30- 



V) 



o 



|20 



O 

 o 



111 

 o 



at 



LlI 



q. 



0- 



— • 1/2 METER SILK NET 



— G-nr SAMPLER 



-o- 



_L 



7 8 9 10 II 12 13 14 15 

 LARVAE LENGTHS IN MILLIMETERS 



17 18 19 20 21 



Figure 2. — Length frequencies by percent of larvae taken by a conventional 

 half-meter silk net towed at one knot compared with those taken 

 by the G-III sampler towed at 4 to 5 knots during Cruise 4-2A 

 in January 1952. 



