PROGRESS IN BIOLOGICAL INQUIRIES, 19 33 335 



FISHERY INVESTIGATIONS OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC AND GULF 



COASTS 



INVESTIGATION OF THE SPAWNING HABITS, LARVAL DEVELOPMENT, AND 

 RATE OF GROWTH OF FISHES 



The stucl}^ of collections of younfr fisli and field data collected 

 principally on the coast of North Carolina was continued during 

 the first several months of the year by Dr. Samuel F. Hildebrand 

 assisted by Louella E. Cable. A comprehensive manuscript, illus- 

 trated with drawings jDrepared by Miss Cable, on the spawning 

 habits, the larval development, and rate of growth of several species 

 of the family consisting of the croakers, drums, king whiting, and 

 weakfish or sea trouts (Sciaenidae) was completed and submitted 

 for publication. This paper includes keys for the identification of 

 young Sciaenidae of the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of all the 

 species for which the young are known. 



The study of the general collection of j-oung fishes from the South 

 Atlantic was continued. Complete or almost complete series, show- 

 ing the different stages of development, for several species were 

 found. Drawings were prepared for some of these series. 



A young tarpon only about 20 millimeters, in transition from the 

 leptocephalus to the adult stage, was found in the collection. The 

 young of this fish heretofore were unknown entirely. A descrip- 

 tion, with notes, of this young tarpon was prepared and submitted 

 for publication. 



A SUR^^ET OF THE FRESH WATERS OF MISSISSIPPI 



A general survey of the fresh waters of the State of Mississippi 

 was begun by Dr. Hildebrand in cooperation with the State Game 

 and Fish Commission. The investigation was conducted for the 

 purpose of determining the status of the fisheries and to study the 

 life histories and spawning habits of the fishes of the State, with 

 the view of gaining information that would be useful in preparing 

 proper regulatory measures and in building up and conserving the 

 fisheries. 



The fisheries in general were found to be in a fair to good condi- 

 tion. As Mississippi is still largely rural, the drain on the fisheries 

 has not been as pronounced as in some other States where there is 

 a greater concentration of population. Neither have the waters 

 been as seriously polluted in Mississippi as in many other States. 

 However, in some sections of the State the fisheries have suffered 

 severely because of deforestation and drainage. This has caused 

 fluctuations in the stages of the streams decidedly detrimental to 

 the fish fauna. 



A lively interest in fish and fishing was manifested in all sections 

 of the State visited, and an earnest desire prevails on the part of 

 many citizens to build up and conserve this resource. 



A report on the investigation embodying notes on the life history 

 and habits of the fishes, recommendations for the improvement of 

 certain waters, and suggestions for improved regulator}-^ measures 

 was prepared. The study of the fishes and data collected is being 



