PROPAGATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD FISHES, 1921. 39 
A rather unusual occurrence connected with the pollock work is 
the fact that the fish apparently sought new spawning grounds dur- 
ing the season. Heretofore practically all of the spawning fish have 
been taken in Massachusetts Bay, and all fish taken from spawning 
grounds to the eastward of Cape Ann have been barren of eggs. 
This year, however, large numbers of eggs were obtained from fish 
caught on the grounds lying from 20 to 30 miles eastward of 
Cape Ann. 
The season’s collection of cod eggs fell considerably below last 
year’s established record collection of 570,704,000. ‘Two reasons are 
ascribed for the falling off, (1) the comparatively small run of 
fish on the shore spawning grounds, and (2) the low market price 
for cod. Eggs were taken between January 15 and April 29, the 
total amounting to 210,040,000. Of these 151,530,000 were planted 
on the spawning grounds immediately after being fertilized, this 
method being resorted to at times during the spring months, when 
the low density of the sea water does not permit of making trans- 
fers to the hatchery. In addition to the local collections cod eggs 
to the number of 8,700,000 were transferred to Gloucester from the 
Woods Hole hatchery. The fry distribution from the station 
amounted to 50,900,000, 
Propagation of the haddock at the Gloucester station was emi- 
nently successful and is represented by a record collection of eggs 
of that species. The causes contributing to this result were favor- 
able weather, an abundance of fish on the spawning grounds through- 
out the season, and the comparatively high market price for haddock. 
The price was an important factor in attracting to this fishery a 
large number of fishermen who ordinarily follow the cod or other 
lines of fishing. The spawning period extended from January 22 
to April 25, and 629,120,000 eggs were taken. Of these, 182,120,000 
were deposited on the spawning grounds for the reason stated above. 
Since the mild winter suggested the probability of an early spawn- 
ing season for flatfish, nets were set as early as February 2 for the 
capture of a brood stock, but no fish were secured until March 14. 
During the first week of the season the take of adult fish was un- 
usually large, giving promise of a fine egg collection. With the 
beginning of active commercial fishing, however, the collection of 
fish for propagation work fell off rapidly, and the season’s opera- 
tions resulted in obtaining only 154,740,000 eggs. From this, stock 
132,070,000 fry were hatched and distributed. 
Because of the prominence the pole flounder has attained in the 
New England markets in recent years and the constantly increas- 
ing number of fishermen engaged in its capture, an investigation of 
the spawning habits of the fish was made with the view of under- 
taking its artificial propagation in the event that course seemed 
advisable. At the present time commercial fishing for the pole 
flounder begins in midwinter some 15 miles off Cape Ann. The fish 
appear to work slowly inshore, and by July fishing for them is In 
progress in the shoal waters of Ipswich Bay. The average daily 
eatch per boat is from 8,000 to 12,000 pounds. 
Large numbers of the fish were examined in April, but no ripe 
spawn was found until] May 22. From that date until June 30, 
when the work was brought to a close, 19,410,000 eggs were taken, 
