75 - three-quarters full; stomach distended such that no folds seen 

 50 - half-full; partial stomach distention 



25 - one-quarter full; some ingested material, but little distention 

 - empty; no ingested material 



TTie stomach contents were sorted and classified to a major taxonomic grouping. A visual estimate was 

 made of the percentage of stomach contents for each taxon. The fullness point total for each stomach 

 was multiplied by the percentage of each taxon to give a point value for each food item and averages were 

 computed for each station. 



Movements and exploitation 



During February through July of 1973 and 1974, approximately 2,000 and 2,600 winter flounder, 

 respectively, were individually marked with a Floy anchor tag and released in various areas near Millstone 

 Point. The tagging study was performed by a consultant and initial tagging data are not available which 

 limits the usefulness of the study. However, tag returns that were reported in NUSCo (1975) may be 

 used to make inferences concerning movements and exploitation by the sport and commercial fisheries. 



From December 1980 through September 1983, almost 5,000 specimens larger than 20 cm were 

 marked with a Petersen disc tag. During tagging operations, length and sex information were recorded 

 along with location and date of release. A white 1.3-cm diameter disc uniquely numbered and printed 

 with information for its return was positioned on the nape of the right side of the fish and a red disc with 

 additional information was used on the left side. A nickel pin was pushed through the musculature, cut 

 to size, and its end was crimped over to connect the tags and hold them in place. Except for specimens 

 released specifically at the MNPS intakes, winter flounder were returned to the location of their capture. 

 Information requested at recapture included date, location, method of capture, length, sex, and additional 

 scales. A reward of $1.00 was given to all persons returning a tag. 



Stock identification 



A special study was undertaken for NU by the University of Rhode Island to determine if local 

 populations of winter flounder could be distinguished using a biochemical technique, direct tissue isoelectric 



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