REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OP FISHERIES ' XXXVII 



farther south to any appreciable degree, as was popularly supposed. 

 A study of the commercial runs indicates that this species is greatly 

 influenced by weather conditions, which not only affect their migra- 

 tions but in all probability the abundance of the fish. Fluctuation in 

 abundance from year to year is a characteristic of the species, and it 

 is not improbable^ that the present studies, if carried on annually, will 

 make possible reliable predictions as to the abundance of runs in 

 future years. Knowledge of the spawning habits and early develop- 

 ment of the species will aid in the formulation of effective regulation 

 of the fishery. 



One of the most serious problems, and in all probability one of 

 the most fruitful causes of depletion, is the destruction of immature 

 fish that are unmarketable, and hence economically worthless, but 

 which possess high potential value. Certain types of fishing gear 

 are known to be extremely destructive of these small fish, and 

 millions are destroyed annually in the inshore fishery. The serious- 

 ness of the situation was recognized in North Carolina, where exten- 

 sive seine and pound-net fisheries are conducted in the shallow 

 waters of the sounds. At the request of the State fisheries 

 commission, and with its cooperation, an investigation of the 

 destruction caused by various types of gear was undertaken. Care- 

 ful analysis of the catches of both pound nets and seines throughout 

 the fishing season showed that a most amazing waste of immature 

 gray trout or squeteague occurred in the pound-net fishery, while 

 haul seines were remarkably free from blame in this respect. In 

 some parts of Pamlico Sound in June as many as 78 per cent of 

 the gray trout taken were below the legal minimum size limit of 9 

 inches, while the average amount wasted in the entire pound-net 

 fishing area was 54 per cent by number. Other valuable fish also 

 were destroyed in surprisingly large proportions. This waste de- 

 creased during the early summer and reached the more reasonable 

 figure of but 10 per cent in August. From a consideration of facts 

 in (.he life history of the fish, brought out in the course of the investi- 

 gation, and from economic considerations as well, it was concluded 

 that this destructive practice should be abated by the imposition of 

 a closed season during May, June, and July. As such a period coin- 

 cides with the spawning season of the squeteague, and as the tre- 

 mendous waste of young individuals would thus be eliminated, it 

 is confidently believed that the resident stock of these fish, or those 

 that annually visit the sounds, would be materially increased in a 

 few years to the economic benefit of all concerned. Specific rec- 

 ommendations to this effect were made to the State authorities. 



The most important fishes of the coast of Texas are the spotted 

 trout or squeteague, the redfish, and the black drum, all of which are 

 esteemed by the sportsmen and the commercial fishermen. It is 

 popularly supposed that these species are declining in abundance 

 to an alarming extent, and the bureau was called upon to make an 

 investigation and suggest remedial measures. A preliminary survey 

 was undertaken and a report that affords a foundation for a more 

 thorough investigation was prepared. All available records of the 

 past and present status of the fisheries were studied, the known habits 

 of the commercial species were reviewed, and a plan of biological 

 research was outlined. A revision of the present method of adminis- 

 tering the fisheries and the application of a rational policy of con- 



