32 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



Many collecting trips were made and observations gathered re- 

 garding the life histories and habits of fishes. An attempt was 

 made to build up a representative series of the local fish fauna for 

 future reference. Several species were obtained which had not 

 hitherto been recorded from the vicinity of Key West. Observations 

 of the markets were regularly made and reported, and it was found 

 that, regardless of the handicap occasioned by the hurricane which 

 destroyed or damaged many fishing boats, the catch of fish during 

 the fiscal year 1920 was greater than during the preceding year, 

 the increase applying particularly to kingfish and Spanish mackerel. 



Investigation of the spawning of the mullet, Mugil c&phalus, was 

 made in the vicinity of the Ten Thousand Islands in December and 

 January, but, although both nearly ripe and spent fish were found 

 in course of the investigation, definite information of the time, place, 

 and manner of spawning was not forthcoming. Observations upon 

 the spiny lobster were continued as long as was practicable. 



Examination was made of the quahaug or hard-clam beds in the 

 vicinity of the Ten Thousand Islands and many data were obtained 

 in regard to the abundance of clams, the manner and methods of 

 catching them, and their commercial utilization. The investigation 

 revealed the presence of such extensive resources in clams in this 

 vicinity that an economic circular was prepared and issued by the 

 Bureau to the trade," 



All positions connected with the Key West station, except that of 

 engineer, became vacant in the course of the year, and the scientific 

 work was therefore brought to a close in February. Since that time 

 the station has remained inactive and in the charge of the engineer 

 as caretaker. Regular incumbents for the positions at this station, 

 including that of superintendent, have been unobtainable through the 

 Civil Service Commission. 



" Clam Resources of the Ten Thousand Islands, Fla. Economic Circular 46, 5 pp. 

 Washington, 1920. 



