^ORTY-FIRST BIENNIAL REPORT 



51 



KiGniiK 10. Landings (jf I'acific and jack mackerel Cur the past Id seascms. The 

 mackerel season Is considered to start in May and end in April. 



cateli ill tlie 1948-1:9 season was nearly :)(i,()(){),()()() and in I!)!!)-.')!) about 

 (i(),(){)0, ()()(). Los Angeles region landings jjiodnced hv far the greatest 

 tonnage: a])ont 4:i()()(),()()() ponnds in li)4H-49 and over 54,()()(),()()() in 

 194f)-r)(). Tlic IMonterey I'egion re]i()rted landings of api^roxiinately 

 9 and 4 million pounds in the two seascuis and the (Santa Barbara region 

 i-oughly 4 and 1 million. 



Investigations of the jack mackerel, begun on a limited basis in 1947, 

 were gradnally intensified. The original progi-am inelnded studies of 

 the size and age composition of the commercial catch. This work is being 

 continued on a routine basis. In 1948, a study of the i)ox)ulations in the 

 Central and Southern California areas was inaugurated. This led to a 

 broader study of the distribution of the s})ecies along the entire Pacific 

 Coast. A considerable body of data bearing on these problems was ob- 

 tained and was being analysed at the close of the biennium. Maturity 

 studies were started in 1949. These must be continued for at least another 

 year before any conclusions can be reached. Finally, a survey of fishing 

 localities is being made as time permits. 



BOTTOM FISH 



The otter trawl fishing for sole, sand dabs, flounder, turbot, rockfish, 

 and other bottom fish takes a greater tonnage of fish than any other fresh 

 fish industry of the State. The landings of flatfish and rockfish for the 

 last ten years are shown in Figure 11, but this graph does not tell the 

 entire story. Rockfish used to be taken primarily by means of hook and 

 line, but a type of trawl was developed which was quite satisfactory 

 for catching theme in quantity. This, combined with the almost unlimited 

 demand for fish products during World War II, resulted in the boom 

 of the rockfish fishery which reached its peak in 1945. The subsequent 



