BUREAU OF FISHERIES 105 



of the larvae, and the relations of spawning to physical conditions 

 have been thoroughly investigated, with the result that practical 

 guidance has been afforded the oyster growers in planting cultch at 

 the proper time in relation to tidal cj'cles to assure an abundance of 

 seed oysters. 



As previously noted, an investigation was started at Yorktown, 

 Va., to determine the effects, if any, of pulp mill wastes discharged 

 in the York River on the oysters of this region. Formerly a pro- 

 ductive ground not«d for oysters of superior quality, production in 

 the York River has in recent years dwindled alarmingly and oysters 

 produced have been very poor quality. Preliminary experiments 

 shoAv that the effluent from the pulp mill is not sufficiently toxic to 

 kill the oysters immediately, nor apparently is it responsible for a 

 reduction in the quantity of plankton food available. Whether it 

 exerts an influence interfering with the nutrition of the oyster or 

 whether other physiological processes are involved will require care- 

 ful experimentation ; and, if it is found that wastes from the sulphate 

 pulp process are harmful, corrective measures must be found. The 

 work had not progressed far enough at the close of the year to afford 

 positive evidence of these obscure points. 



In addition to studies of oyster culture, investigations of the life 

 cycle of the quahog clam were carried on at the experimental field 

 laboratory at Milford, Conn. Spawning, growth, feeding, reactions 

 to temperature and water salinity have been determined as a founda- 

 tion for more practical studies on artificial propagation and farming 

 of clams in the New England region. 



BLACK BASS AND ANGLERS DIVISION 



Evidence of violations of the black-bass law was obtained in a 

 number of cases, three of which were referred to the Solicitor for 

 prosecution in Federal court. Seizures of black bass illegally trans- 

 ported interstate were made in a number of instances. Information 

 showing violations of State laws w^as obtained in a number of investi- 

 gations and turned over to the State authorities for attention. 



While only a small number of State legislatures (11) met in regu- 

 lar session in 1936, some progress in black-bass legislation was made. 

 There are still, however, seven States where there is no closed season 

 on black bas, six States where black bass may be sold if imported 

 from other States, and four States where the sale is restricted only 

 during short periods of the year or from certain waters. Thirty- 

 eight States now absolutely prohibit the sale of black bass at all times 

 regardless of where they have been taken. 



Among the advances made in State legislation during the fiscal 

 year 1936, either by legislative enactment or regulation, may be 

 mentioned the fact that four States adopted the part-time angler's 

 license, two States reduced their daily limits, and three increased 

 protection by lengthening the closed season. These improvements 

 are in line with the Bureau's policies. 



Generally speaking, black-bass protection materially advanced dur- 

 ing the year. From reports received from deputy black-bass law 

 inspectors and others it is believed black bass have increased in the 

 past year, and fishing at the close of the fiscal year was much im- 

 proved, excepting in those waters affected by drought. 



