74 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
which usually lasts until August. Jt has been estimated that between 
60 and 70 percent of the sheepswool sponges were destroyed and that 
yellow and grass sponges were almost completely wiped out. Re- 
ports from Cape Sable estimated about 80 percent mortality of 
sheepswool sponges. 
Chemical and biological investigations established the striking sim- 
larity between the conditions found in the Bahamas and in the Key 
West area. There was nothing abnormal in the composition of sea 
water, plankton, and microplankton. On the other hand, micro- 
scopic examination of the diseased sponges showed the presence of 
a fungus morphologically identical with the microorganism found 
in the “dying sponges of the West Indies. 
During the spring, fishing in the Tarpon Springs area continued 
normally. None of the divers interviewed at that time reported any 
unusual conditions on sponge grounds. Rumors were persistent, 
however, of the presence of diseased sponges on some of the bars 
in the northeastern corner of the Gulf. Finally, one diver reported 
the presence of a large number of diseased sponges on the bars be- 
tween Cedar Keys and Carabelle. Through the courtesy of Captain 
Maurice Gay, who offered free of charge the facilities of his boat, 
diving equipment, and the services of his crew, a survey was made 
of the affected area. Diseased sponges were found on the bars off 
Carabelle at the depths between 5 and 6 fathoms. The infection 
was light, however, and resulted only in a partial destruction of the 
sponge body. At the time of the investigation there was no pro- 
nounced mortality among these sponges. Because of lack of funds 
for sponge investigations ‘field studies were discontinued, but arrange- 
ments were made with C aptain Gay and the Florida Department ‘of 
Conservation for collecting and preserving additional diseased 
sponges which were forwarded to the Woods Hole and Washington lab- 
oratories for microscopical examination. Throughout the summer 
and fall samples of diseased wool sponges were studied. A high 
percentage of them were found to be infected by fungus. In the 
meantime, reports received in the Wastinepoe office indicated the 
spread of the disease to the Tarpon Springs area. Increased mor- 
tality of commercial sponges on all deep-w SS grounds become so 
pronounced that in December fishing on bars situated below 8 fathoms 
was discontinued, and an unusually large number of sponge boats 
concentrated in a comparatively sh Allon area off Cedar Keys. At 
the end of the year, the number of sponges brought to the Tarpon 
Springs Sponge Exchange noticeably diminished, a and the sponge fish- 
ermen and Been were oveatly concerned regarding their only means 
of livelihood. The future of this unique and highly specialized indus- 
try appears to be quite dark. Comprehensive plans for investigation 
and conservation of valuable sponge fishery resources have been pre- 
pared. Their execution depends, however, on the appropriation of 
necessary funds. 
AQUICULTURAL INVESTIGATIONS 
Dr. H. 8S. Davis, im charge 
The ever-increasing popularity of sport fishing has resulted in in- 
creased demands on our lakes and streams which can only be met by 
the development of scientific methods of fish conservation and man- 
Pa 
