on U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
6. The average monthly destruction of undersized fish by long- 
haul seines is: Spotted trout, 4 per cent of the total number of that 
species caught; croakers, 8 per cent; and spots, 17 per cent. The 
average monthly destruction of undersized fish by pound nets is: 
Gray trout, 31 per cent; starfish, 59 per cent; butterfish, 6 per cent; 
croakers, 35 per cent; and spots, 51 per cent. 
7. Pound nets are highly destructive; long-haul seines are not un- 
duly destructive of undersized fish. 
8. The greatest wastage of all pound-net fish occurs in June. 
9. The greatest wastage of gray trout occurs in June and July 
and is most extensive on the northwest side of Pamlico Sound. 
10. Two-year-old gray trout are less than legal size during June 
and July, but by August they have grown so that most of them are 
legally marketable. 
11. Certain facts concerning the life history of the gray trout, as- 
certained in the course of this investigation, may guide our efforts 
at conservation. These are— 
(a) Spawning in 1925 reached its height by June 1 and was com- 
pleted by August 10. 
(b) Gray trout approximately 5 inches long in June are believed to 
be 1 year old; when 8 inches long, 2 years old; when 10 inches long, 
3 years old. 
(c) Gray trout spawn for the first time when 3 years old. 
(2) Immature fish remain in the sounds during the spring, summer, 
and fall. 
12. The present regulation establishing minimum size limits does 
not operate to conserve the fishery, for many are destroyed in order 
to market the few. 
13. Regulations increasing the size of mesh in pound nets or es- 
tablishing areas closed to pound-net fishing are undesirable. 
14. A closed season on pound netting in Pamlico Sound, from the 
end of the shad season until August 1, would prevent the destruction 
of undersized gray trout and protect ‘the spawning fish. This regu- 
lation is recommended. 
THE FISHERY 
The fishery with which this investigation is concerned is conducted 
chiefly by pound nets and long-haul seines during the summer season, 
beginning in the latter part of May and continuing into November. 
The duration of the fishing season, however, depends upon the 
weather, for the gear is frequently destroyed by storms during 
October and is not replaced. Six species constitute the bulk of the 
catch, which consists, in order of their importance, of squeteague or 
gray trout, croakers, spots, spotted trout, starfish or harvest fish, and 
butterfish. All of these species are taken by both types of gear 
but in different quantities. While the same species are taken by 
other types of gear, such as stake gill nets, drop gill nets, and short- 
haul seines, by far the greater part is taken by the two gears under 
consideration. 
The total yield of these species in the six counties surrounding 
Pamlico and Core Sounds amounted in 1923 to 8,225,000 pounds, 
valued at $337,475, or 58.5 per cent by weight of the total yield of 
all aquatic’ food products i in ihe State.” The gray trout was the most 

7 For detailed statistics of yield and valuation see Fishery Industries of the United States, by Oscar E. 
Sette, p.369 ff. Appendix II, Report United States Commissioner of Fisheries for 1925 (1926). Washington. 
