PROGRESS IN BIOLOGICAL INQUIRIES, 1939 27 
It is a matter of general knowledge that the largest hydroelectric 
development in the Southeastern States, the Santee-Cooper project, 
is now under way. It is proposed to divert at least one-half of the 
normal flow of the Santee River over a series of dams into the 
headwaters of the Cooper River, a tributary of Charleston Harbor. 
Although the Santee River system is not important from a fishery 
standpoint, important and perhaps far-reaching ecological changes 
will take place not only in the lower regions of the Santee but also 
in the Cooper River. So far, little has been said of the effects of 
the diversion with respect to the Cooper River, although the U. S. 
Bureau of Biological Survey realizes the effects of the project on 
the wildlife, particularly ducks, of the lower Santee River. 
The Cooper River, a relatively new and large coastal river created 
by man, now largely of estuarine character and possessing salt or 
brackish water, will become fresher with the incursion of fresh water 
from the Santee River. Aside from becoming a problem of immense 
interest from a strictly ecological standpoint, probably the most strik- 
ing change effected by man on an estuarine environment, certain 
features of practical consideration come to mind. The most valuable 
aquatic resource in South Carolina is the marine shrimp, Penaeus, 
and nearly 2 million pounds of this crustacean are taken annually in 
coastal waters of that State. Research has indicated that estuarine 
areas along the coast are essential nursery grounds for young shrimp 
after they have been spawned at sea and are carried into shallow in- 
shore estuaries. The young shrimp require salt or brackish water in 
a shallow, muddy environment for adequate survival and growth. 
The estuarine area of the Cooper River provides one of the important 
shrimp nurseries along the South Atlantic coast. Its contribution to 
the supply of shrimp in this region may be considerable because mil- 
lions of shrimp utilize this area for growth, shelter, and development. 
The investigative problem is to determine the effect of the constant 
influx of fresh water upon the environment, especially the nursery 
areas. Obviously, the salinity of the brackish areas will be reduced, 
and it is important to know whether this will cause any decrease in 
the annual catch of shrimp along the coast. 
Another secondary problem which could be pursued within the 
field of fishery biology at Charleston concerns the fishery for sea bass 
or blackfish. The latter are taken locally on coral reefs off the coast 
and are probably independent populations from those of more north- 
ern areas. The fish are captured solely by hook and line and com- 
prise the third most valuable fishery within the State. 
A study of the size and age composition of the catch, correlated 
with the location of the catch, might throw light on one basic point 
im modern fishery biology, e. g., does overfishing occur on some reefs, 
as might be indicated by a lower size and age composition of the fish 
population, when accompanied by a decrease in catch per unit of 
effort? Studies of the sea bass stocks to determine such fundamental 
facts might prove profitable. 
SUFFOLK COUNTY COOPERATIVE INVESTIGATION 
WILLIAM C. NEVILLE, in charge 
During the year 1938 a survey of the marine fisheries of Long 
Island waters was conducted by the New York Conservation Depart- 
