56 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
starfish 3.7 per cent, croakers 15.7 per cent, and spots 12.5 per cent. 
With the exception of spotted trout, these species bring the fishermen 
from 2 to 4 cents per pound. Spotted trout, however, are more in 
demand, bringing the fishermen 8 to 12 cents per pound. ‘The trout, 
therefore, are a staple market fish in North Carolina; and although 
starfish are subject to a greater destruction of undersized fish, gray 
trout must be considered of greatest value as a natural resource. 



MBER 

139 FilsH 



E . 30 + Ue 
5 10 15 20 
Fic. 13.—Length frequencies of spotted trout in long-haul seine catches in Pamlico and Core 
Sounds, N. C., 1925 
We are faced, therefore, with the problem of affording the gray 
trout maximum protection from wasteful and excessive exploitation, 
at the same time disrupting as little as possible the operations of the 
fishing industry. The protection of the species, however, depends 
upon many facts in the life history and habits of the fish, which must 
be considered in drafting effective regulations. 
