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A S 0 0 CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES CC North Carolina Department of Environment, Heal th, and Natural Resources Division of Marine Fisheries Morehead City, NC 28557 May 1992 SH222 N8A88 1992 ASSESSMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES By North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Division of Marine Fisheries P.O. Box 769 Morehead City, NC 28557 Completion Report for Project 2-IJ-16 May 1992 This project was conducted under Title III of the International Fisheries Act and funded, in part, by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Marine Fisheries Service, underGrant Number NA 90AA-D-IJ249 NOAA/CCEH 1990 HOBSON AVE. CHAS, SC 29408-2623 TABLE OF CONTENTS JOB 1: LONG HAUL SEINE FISHERY ASSESSMENT Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Methods and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Results and Discussion .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Seasonality and Catch Composition . . . . . . . . . . 6 Species Landings, CPUE, Size and Age Composition . . . 7 Total Biomass and Scrap Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Literature Cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Appendix JOB 2: SCIAENID POUND NET FISHERY Abstract : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I Methods and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Results and Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Seasonal Catch Composition . . . . . ... . . . . . . . 4 Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1990 . . . . . . . . 5 CPUE, Landings and Size/Age Composition . . . . . . . 5 Atlantic Croaker . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 5 Weakfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Spot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Bluefish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Harvestfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Butterfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Spanish Mackerel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Flounder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Atlantic Menhaden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Aggregate Resource Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Scrap/Bait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Species Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Atlantic Croaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Weakfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Bluefish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Spanish Mackerel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Literature Cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Appendix JOB 3: WINTER TRAWL FISHERY ASSESSMENT Abstract. ' * * * ' * ' * ' * ' * * * * ' ' * * * * * * * * ii Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Methods and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Results and Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Nearshore Flounder Fishery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Seasonal Catch Composition . . . . * . * * * 7 Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1991 . . . . . . 8 Summer Flounder - CPUE, Landings and Size Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Deepwater Fishery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Seasonal Catch Composition . . . . . . I. . . . . 10 Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1991 . . . . . . 11 Scup - CPUE, Landings and Size Composition . . . 11 Black Sea Bass - CPUE, Landings and Size Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Summer Flounder - CPUE, Landings and Size Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Flynet Fishery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Seasonal Catch Composition (All Areas Combined) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 North of Cape Hatteras . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout . . . . . . . . . . 16 West of Cape Lookout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Catch Composition 1982-91 . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Weakfish - CPUE, Landings and Age/Size Composition . . . . 18 Atlantic Croaker - CPUE, Landings and Age/ Size Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Bluefish - CPUE, Landings and Age/ Size Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Spot - CPUE, Landings and Age/Size Composition. . 24 Scrapfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Sciaenid Bluefish Flynet Fishery . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Nearshore Flounder Fishery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Deepwater Fishery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Aggregate Resources Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Species Synopses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Summer Flounder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Weakfish ' * * * * * ' * * * * * ' * * * * * * * * * 31 Black Sea Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Scup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Bluefish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Atlantic Croaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Management Implications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Literature Cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Appendix JOB 4: SINK NET FISHERY ASSESSMENT Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Introduction .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Methods and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Results and Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Overall Seasonal Catch Composition . . . . . . . . . . 4 Trends in Overall Seasonal Catch Composition . . . . . 5 Sink Net Catches by Area Fished . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Comparisons of Sink Net Catches by Area Fished Between Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Spatial-Temporal Patterns in Sink Net Catches . . . . 7 Weakfish CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Composition . . 9 Bluefish CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Composition . . 11 Atlantic Croaker CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Composition 12 Anchored Gill Net Catches West of Bogue Inlet to Cape Fear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Management Implications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Literature Cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Appendix JOB 5: REEF FISH AND COASTAL PELAGIC FISHERIES ASSESSMENT Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Methods and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Results and Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Serranidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Lutjanidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Sparidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Malacanthidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Balistidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Haemulidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Percichthyidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Coastal Pelagic Component of the Reef Fish Fishery . . 12 Literature Cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 JOB 6: FLOUNDER POUND NET FISHERY ASSESSMENT Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I Methods and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Results and Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Literature Cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Appendix ASSESSMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES Completion Report for Project 2-IJ-16 May 1992 JOB 1 LONG HAUL SEINE FISHERY ASSESSMENT By Katy H. West and Christopher J. Wilson ABSTRACT The North Carolina long haul/swipe seine fishery is active from March- April until early November throughout much of the estuarine waters of North Carolina. Data from the 1988 through 1990 fishing seasons were collected and examined to determine: species and size composition of the catches; age composition of target species Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), spot (Lejostomus xanthurus), weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), and bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix); catch size; and proportion and species composition of the scrap component from catches. A total of 148, 114, and 103 samples were collected from culled and unculled catches for 1988, 1989, 1990, respectively. Results, in most cases, are reported by area (north, south and combined) of Bluff Shoal, a natural geographic bisector of Pamlico Sound. Averaged combined CPUEs for the long haul fishery were 3,143 kg/trip (1988), 2,552 kg/trip (1989), and 3,667 kg/trip (1990). Atlantic croaker, spot, weakfish, and occasionally bluefish and spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) dominated the marketable portion of the catches each year. Percent contributions of scrap fish to the total landings were 36%, 41%, and 35% for 1988 to 1990, respectively. The magnitude of unmarketable edible finfish in the scrap component from long haul catches was a management concern. Options for reducing the catch of these fish are being investigated by a Scrap Fish Committee formed by the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission. Gear restrictions (mesh sizes), culling devices, and area/season restrictions are being considered. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . METHODS AND MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . . . * * i : ' ' * * ' * ' * * ' ' ' * ' ' ' * * * 6 Seasonality and Catch Composit.lon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Species Landings, CPUE, Size and Age Composition . . . . . . . . . 7 Total Biomass and Scrap Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 APPENDIX INTRODUCTION The North Carolina long haul seine fishery (including swipe nets) operates throughout much of estuarine North Carolina from Bogue Sound to northern Pamlico Sound and in most tributaries of Pamlico and Core sounds (Figure 1) . The fishing season is March-April through early November, and the principle target species are Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), and weakfish (Cynoscion regal is), and occasionally bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) and spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus). The long haul fishery that operates in Pamlico Sound has two major areas of activity, one in northern Pamlico Sound and, the other in southern Pamlico Sound. These areas are divided geographically by Bluff Shoal, a 2.7-3.4 m deep shoal which bisects the Sound north to south and is surrounded by water 5.2-6.4 m deep (Figure 1). The two deep basins of Pamlico Sound on either side of Bluff Shoal have differences in species and size composition of their fish populations (Ross and Moye 1989). The long haul seine fishery technology has changed little since 1925 (Higgins and Pearson 1928). Nets averaging 1,006-1,372 m long, 3.7 m deep, and with 10.2-15.2 cm stretch wing net mesh are towed between two engine-powered boats. At the end of the fishing operation the net is generally pulled up onto shoals and brought together around a stake. This is called "footing up". The circle of netting enclosing the fish i.s slowly made smaller by alternately pulling one side at a time past the stake ("cutting out"), thus, gathering or "bunting" the net. When the net has been bunted as much as possible for a given catch, a heavier bunt net with smaller stretch mesh (about 2.5 cm) is drawn around the catch. The bunt net is constructed so that its lead line can be drawn together without distorting the float line. The catch is enclosed, hardened up, and subsequently dipped into an insulated run-boat for transport to the fish house. The whole operation of setting, pulling, and bunting the net often takes a full day, with fishing usually beginning before sunrise; rarely are two hauls made in one day. Guthrie et al. (1973) describes the long hauling operation in detail. Long hauling techniques do vary between different fishing areas. Along the Outer Banks, in southwestern Pamlico Sound, Core Sound, and their major tributaries the fishery depends on shoal areas (usually 1.5-3.0 m deep) with a firm bottom for bunting. Fishermen usually have to go overboard to "cut out" the 2 net. Northern Pamlico Sound fishermen generally set and pull their nets the same way, but utilize deeper nets (3.7-6.4 m) to fish in deeper water. They do not depend on shoals to "bunt up" their catches, instead using a longer footing stake and a bunt net that can be gathered so they do not need to go overboard. In the Pamlico County area short hauls are made with swipe nets (where only one boat is used), using techniques common to the shall,ow haul seine fishery. These rigs are occasionally used in other areas during the fall or winter for spotted seatrout. The greatest concentration of long haul fishing activity occurs in northern Pamlico Sound and Croatan Sound from Long Shoal northward. During 1988-1990, 10- 23 rigs have worked regularly during April-September in this area. This total includes four deep water rigs and two shallow water rigs from Wanchese, NC. Stumpy Point, NC had four deep water rigs. A single deep water rig operated out of Manns Harbor, NC. Three to six crews from Englehard, NC, including one shallow and 3-5 deep water rigs, generally fish north of Bluff Shoal during April-August and both north and south of Bluff Shoal during September and October. On the Outer Banks, three rigs operate out of Avon, NC, and three rigs from Hatteras, NC. Prior to 1987, these crews were half deep water and half shallow water rigs, but by 1987, all of the Outer Banks rigs were shallow water rigs. A second center of long hauling activity is in southern Pamlico Sound and Core Sound. Five to eight full-time crews based in Atlantic, Sea Level, and Davis, NC fish this area from April through early November. Royal Shoal, West Bay, Point of Marsh, northern Core Sound and the adjacent bays are fished early in the season with effort shifting to Core Sound, during late summer through early November. During this period four to eight crews from Harkers Island enter the fishery, working in southern Core Sound, North River, Back Sound, and Cape Lookout Bight. Pamlico County has one deepwater rig and one swipe net rig fishing in that area. This study, covering the 1988-1990 fishing seasons, was a continuation of a study and monitoring program begun by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) in 1978 (Sholar 1979, DeVries 1981, Ross et a]., 1986, Ross and Moye 1989). The objectives of this program are to 1) collect information on 3 areas fished, fishing methods, seasonality, and gear used in the long haul seine fishery, and 2) determine species and size composition of the catches, age composition of the target species (Atlantic croaker, spot, weakfish and bluefish), catch size, proportion of scrap fish in the catches, and species composition of the scrap component. The information collected is used by DMF and other fishery management agencies to reach management decisions. METHODS AND MATERIALS During the fishing season, long haul catches were sampled at the fish house where the catch was landed. Samples were primarily taken from unculled catches, with some samples taken from culled catches (sorted by market category). In unculled samples, at least one (though usually more) fish basket (22.7 kg) was randomly taken from each catch. All species in the sample were identified (excluding jellyfish) and measured to the nearest millimeter (mm) using fork length (FL), total length JQ, disc width (DW) or carapace width (CW). Each s pecies group was weighed to the nearest 0.1 kg. Species observed in the catch ut not present in the sample were noted. The total weight of the sampled catch was obtained from the dealer or fisherman. Trip ticket information was recorded when available. The crew or boat captain provided information on area fished and gear used. In culled samples, for each marketed species, as many random samples (usually cartons 22.7 kg) as possible were obtained from each market category (small, medium, large, etc.). More cartons of the larger grades were sampled to compensate for the fewer fish contained in them. Each sample was weighed to the nearest 0.1 kg, the individuals measured to the nearest mm JL or FL), and the total number of individuals recorded. The total weight of each size category of each species was obtained from the actual trip ticket, or if not available, then from the fisherman. Scra p fish were sampled in both culled and unculled samples by taking at least one-half fish basket samples of the scrap fish from each catch. Scrap fish were defined as those species not marketed for human consumption. It was either sold for bait or other uses, or discarded. In the scrapfish samples, lengths and bulk weights were taken on the marketable species (excluding Atlantic menhaden 4 (Brevoortia tyrannus)- enumerated and bulk weight only). Other miscellaneous species were enumerated and weighed by species. The weight of the scrap fish component was obtained from the trip ticket or estimated. The number of individuals, weight, and length frequency of each species in a subsample were expanded to represent the species quantities in the total catch. For example, the total length frequency of a species within a catch was derived by expanding the length frequency of the individuals measured in the subsample to the total weight of that species in the catch, i.e. the length distribution was weighted by the magnitude of the catch. Total weight of a species in the scrap fish samples, was calculated by determining the proportion of a species in the sample, and expanding that to the respective species proportional weight in the total scrap fish. The number of individual s/species in the scrap fish component was calculated by expanding the number of individuals in the sample to represent the total weight of the species in the scrap. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) was defined as the average catch per one day trip. Landings refer to commercial landings (kg) data derived from the North Carolina General Canvas Data collected through the DMF and the National Marine Fisheries Service Cooperative Commercial Statistics program. The long haul fishery that operates in Pamlico Sound has two major areas of activity, one in northeastern Pamlico Sound and one in southwestern Pamlico Sound. These areas are naturally divided by Bluff Shoal (The Bluff). The Bluff runs north from Royal Shoal inside Ocracoke Inlet to North Bluff Point which is south of Wysocking Bay on the mainland. North and south of The Bluff were analyzed separately because species compositions differ in the two areas and the percentage of scrap differs greatly in the two areas. Commercial landings data were partitioned by grouping county landings of long haul catches (including swipe nets) as follows: North = Dare County + Hyde County (April-August) South = Carteret, Craven, Pamlico, and Beaufort Counties + Hyde County (September-October) 5 The seasonal splitting of Hyde County landings both north and south of The Bluff was based on predominant fishing patterns observed by the fleet during the study peri od. Scale samples (30-60), when available, were taken each month for Atlantic croaker, spot, weakfish, and bluefish over the entire range of individuals sampled. Length (mm FL, or TL) and weight (kg) data were taken for each fish sampled. Aging criteria for determining annuli formation and age assignments was given by Ross (1988) for Atlantic croaker, DeVries (1981) for spot, Massmann (1963), Merriner (1973), and Hawkins (1988) for weakfish, and Wilk (1977) for bluefish. Length intervals of 20 mm were used to produce the age-length keys. Smaller intervals resulted in data gaps due to a lack of fish samples across the entire spectrum of sizes. Pooled age-length keys (combined years) were favored over annual keys, with the exception of bluefish, because the relatively small sample size of larger fish caused variation in proportion at age across years. Quarterly age length keys were produced for Atlantic croaker using monthly groupings of December-March, April-June, July-September, and October-November. Age assignments were made for scales collected from 1988 through March 1991. Historical age data (1979-1981) and study data were pooled in the following manners to generate age compositions from 1982 through 1990: 1982-1985 length frequencies (1979-1981 pooled age key); 1986-1987 length frequencies (1979-1981 and 1988-1991 pooled age key); and 1988-1990 length frequencies (1988-1990 pooled age key). Spot age length keys were produced using monthly groupings of September-December, June-August, April-May. Age assignments were made for scales collected from 1988 through March 1991. Historical spot age data (1979-1987) and study data were pooled to generate age compositions from 1982 through 1990 length frequencies. Semi-annual age length keys for weakfish were produced using monthly groupings of October-March of the following year and April-September. Age assignments were made for scales collected from 1988 through March 1991. Historical age data (1982-1984) and study data were pooled for keys in the following manners to generate weakfish age compositions from 1982 through 1990 length frequencies: 1982-1984 length frequencies (1982-1984 pooled age data); 1985-1987 length frequencies (1982-1984 and 1988-1990 pooled age data); and 1988- 6 1990 length frequencies (1988-1990 pooled age data). Annual age length keys (1982-1990) were produced for bluefish by using monthly groupings of April- October and merged with annual length frequency data to produce age composition. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Seasonality and Catch Composition From April 1988 through October 1990, 448 long haul seine catches were sampled, with 193 catches from north of Bluff Shoal and 255 catches from south of Bluff Shoal (Table 1). Long haul seine landings were reported from April through November each year and December landings were also reported in 1988 (Table 2a-c). Peak landing months were from May through October, accounting for at least 98% of the landings each year. There was no single dominant month for landings or CPUEs; rather during the peak time frame, landings and CPUEs were generally evenly dispersed through the months. Higher landings and CPUEs (total catch and marketable portion) were reported from April through August north of Bluff Shoal, compared to south of Bluff Shoal . The reverse was true during September through November, with catches south of Bluff Shoal consistently higher (Tables 1-3). April and May were the only months where scrapfish landings and CPUEs were higher north of Bluff Shoal than south of Bluff Shoal (Tables 2a-c and 3). Species compositions by year are given in Tables 4a-c. In 1988, 148 long haul seine catches were sampled from April through October. Trip tickets only were obtained for an additional 21 catches. Total catch weights ranged from 47 to 26,624 kg/trip and averaged 3,143 kg/trip (Table 1). Marketable catch weights averaged 1,995 kg/trip. Comparing the Bluff Shoal areas, north to south, total catch weights averaged 3,843 versus 2,610 kg/trip and marketable catch weights averaged 2,791 versus 1,390 kg/trip (Table 3). Overall, the dominant species were Atlantic croaker, Atlantic menhaden, spot and weakfish, accounting for 91% and 92% of the sampled catches by weight and number, respectively (Table 4a). The dominant species group was the same both north and south of Bluff Shoal , although their relative contribution in each area differed (Table 5). The same was true on a monthly basis (Tables 6a and 7a). In 1989, 114 long haul seine catches were sampled from April through October. Trip tickets only were obtained from an additional 25 catches. Total 7 catch weights ranged from 5 to 18,010 kg/trip and averaged 2,552 kg/trip (Table 1). Marketable catch weights averaged 1,520 kg/trip. Average total catch and marketable weights were 2,692 and 1,893 kg/trip north of Bluff Shoal and 2,468 and 1,297 kg/trip south of Bluff Shoal (Table 3). Atlantic croaker, spot, Atlantic menhaden, pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), bluefish, and weakfish accounted for 94% and 95% of the sampled catches by weight and number, respectively (Table 4b). Pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera) was also a significant contributor to the catch weight north of Bluff Shoal (4%) and to a lesser degree south of Bluff Shoal (3%) (Table 5). All these species were also the dominant group on a monthly basis (Tables 6b and 7b). In 1990, 103 long haul seine catches were sampled from April through October. Trip tickets only were obtained from an additional 37 catches. Total catch weights ranged from 40 to 39,828 kg/trip and averaged 3,667 kg/trip (Table 1). Marketable catch weights averaged 2,328 kg/trip. Average total catch and marketable weights for north and south of Bluff Shoal were 3,645 versus 3,687 and 2,549 versus 2,120 kg/trip, respectively (Table 3). Dominant species in 1990 were Atlantic croaker, spot, Atlantic menhaden, weakfish, and bluefish, accounting for 94% and 91% by weight and number, respectively (Table 4c). These species were also dominant for both areas, north and south of Bluff Shoal, as well as on a monthly basis (Tables 5, 6c, and 7c). Species Landings, CPUE, Size and Age Composition Atlantic croaker has long been the dominant species in the long haul fishery. This was also true from 1988 to 1990 when it was the top species by weight each year, accou nting for 31%, 41%, and 57% of the sampled catches, respectively (Tables 4a-c). Atlantic croaker contributed 27%, 35%, and 33% to the long haul landings each year (Tables 2a-c). During the study the long haul fishery contribution to annual state Atlantic croaker landings was 37%, 51%, and 68% (Appendix A). Atlantic croaker consistently ranked first or second by weight each month from April through August in sampled long haul catches. It dropped in rank to 4th during September and 7th in October (Tables 6a-c) . North of Bl uf f Shoal yearly CPUEs and landings (unweighted average) were three and six times higher than those from south of Bluff Shoal (Tables 2a-c, 5). 8 Of the long haul scrap fish sampled from 1988 to 1990 Atlantic croaker contributed annually by weight 30%, 41%, and 57%, respectively. Atlantic croaker was the top contributor to scrap fish in 1989 and 1990 (424 and 902 kg/trip) and ranked second in 1988 (370 kg/trip) (Tables 8a-c). On average 36% by weight and 56% by number of Atlantic croaker landed were scrap fish. Atlantic croaker annual landings and CPUEs from 1982 to 1990 are shown in Figure 2. These values by area are shown in Appendix B. The two lines generally track one another since 1984. There is no significant upward or downward trend in either parameter. The length frequencies (TL) for Atlantic croaker (Figure 3, Appendix C) ranged from 115 mm to 375 mm with a modal peak at 225 mm to 245 mm and a less distinct peak at 145 mm in 1988. The lengths shifted slightly towards smaller fish in 1989 when fish ranged from 115 mm to 325 mm with a modal peak of 215 mm to 235 mm. Movement toward smaller fish also occurred in 1990, when lengths ranged from 105 mm to 305 mm, with a modal peak at 225 mm to 235 mm and a less distinct peak at 145 mm to 155 mm. Atlantic croaker in samples exhibited six age classes from 1982 through 1990 (Figure 4). Three age classes dominated catches annually. Age I fish consistently represented approximately 60% of the fish sampled, while age 0 and age 2 fish represented 12% and 22%, respectively. During the study period ages 0 and 1 fish dominated, comprising 28.9% and 53.4% (1988), 27.2% and 53.4% (1989), and 24.2% and 55.9% (1990). Ages 0 and 1 fish averaged 26.5% and 53.3% for 1988 through 1990. Although Atlantic croaker lengths have been shifting to smaller sized fish in recent years, the age composition has remained relatively constant within samples. Spot has generally been the next most important component of the long haul fishery. It was ranked second by weight in 1989 and 1990 and third in 1988, accounting for 23%, 26%, and 13% of the sampled catches by year from 1988 to 1990 (Tables 4a-c). Spot contributed 21%, 22%, and 21% to the long haul landings each year (Tables 2a-c). During the study the fishery contribution to annual state spot landings was 65%, 62%, and 69% (Appendix A). Each year spot ranked first 9 by weight in sampled catches during the months of September and October and was generally one of the top three in other months (Tables 6a-c). South of Bluff Shoal yearly CPUEs and landings were two and four times those north of Bluff Shoal (Tables 2a-c, 5). Spot annual landings and CPUEs from 1982 to 1990 are shown in Figure 2 and Appendix B. During 1989-1990, CPUEs declined and landings remained relatively constant. Between 1984 and 1988, the trends were generally similar. Through the nine year period there was no pronounced upward or downward trend. Spot contributed annually by weight 31%, 19%, and 14% to the long haul scrap fish sampled during the study. Spot was the top contributor to scrap fish in 1988 (386 kg/trip) and ranked second in 1989 and 1990 (199 and 229 kg/trip) (Tables 8a-c). Yearly CPUEs for spot from scrap fish catches south of Bluff Shoal were consistently higher than those north of Bluff Shoal (328 versus 227 kg/trip). However, the average percent contribution of spot to overall scrap fish was the same for each area, 22% (Table 9a-b). On average 37% by weight and 58% by number of the spot landed were scrap fish. The length frequencies (FL) for spot (Figure 5, Appendix D) ranged from 95 mm to 255 mm with a modal peak at 195 mm to 205 mm and a less distinct peak at 95 mm in 1988. The lengths remained stable in 1989 where fish ranged from 85 mm to 245 mm with a modal peak at 195 mm to 205 mm. A movement toward smaller fish occurred in 1990 where lengths ranged from 55 mm to 225 mm with a distinct modal peak at 185 mm to 195 mm and a peak at 95 mm. Five age classes of spot were present in samples from 1982 through 1990 (Figure 6). Three age classes dominated catches annually. Age 1 fish consistently represented approximately 63% of the fish sampled while age 0 and age 2 fish represented 16% and 20%, respectively. During the study period ages 0, 1 and 2 spot dominated samples comprising 9%, 62%, and 27% (1988), 8%, 66%, and 25% (1989), and 34%, 54%, and 12% (1990). Ages 0, 1, and 2 spot averaged 17%, 61% and, 21.5% for 1988 through 1990. 10 During 1988-1990, weakfish accounted for 11%, 4%, and 8% of the sampled catches by year (Table 4a-c). Weakfish contributed 14%, 6%, and 9% to the long haul landings each year (Tables 2a-c). The fishery contribution to annual state weakfish landings was 11%, 8%, and 18% (Appendix A). During the study weakfish ranked from first to seventh (average of fourth) on a monthly basis by weight and there was no pattern of predominance by either area or season (Tables 6a-c). Yearly CPUEs and landings both showed a similar pattern by area: higher values north of Bluff Shoal in 1988; about equal in 1989; and higher south of Bluff Shoal in 1990 (Tables 2a-c, 5). Weakfish annual landings and CPUEs from 1982 to 1990 are shown in Figure 2 and Appendix B. There was a marked decrease in the CPUEs from a high of 587 kg/trip in 1985 to a low of 109 kg/trip in 1989. In 1990 the CPUE rebounded to 301 kg/trip. Landings also showed a similar trend. Weakfish ranked fifth each year as a component of the scrap fish samples (78, 33, and 49 kg/trip from 1988 to 1990). They accounted for 6%, 3%, and 3% of the scrap fish sample weights by year (Tables 8a-c). Yearly CPUEs for weakfish from south of Bluff Shoal scrap fish catches were consistently higher than those north of Bluff Shoal (study unweighted average 77 versus 32 kg/trip) * The percent contribution of weakfish in the scrap fish samples was also higher south than north (Tables 9a-b). On average 21% by weight and 37% by number of the weakfish landed in long haul fishery were scrap fish. The length frequencies (FL) for weakfish (Figure 7, Appendix E) ranged from 165 mm to 505 mm with modal peaks at 205 mm to 215 mm and 235 mm to 255 mm in 1988. The lengths shifted to slightly smaller fish in 1989 when fish ranged from 135 mm to 555 mm with modal peaks at 185 mm and 215 mm to 225 mm. Smaller fish also occurred in 1990 when lengths ranged from 125 mm to 395 mm with a modal. peak at 215 mm to 265 mm. Weakfish in samples exhibited ten age classes from 1982 through 1990 (Figure 8). Ages 1 and 2 weakfish dominated age composition all years. Age 1 fish comprised approximately 56% of the fish from 1982 through 1987 while age 2 fish represented 36% of the fish from 1982 through 1988. During the study period ages 1 and 2 weakfish have dominated catches, comprising 34% and 35% (1988), 51% and 41% (1989), and 48% and 48% (1990). Age 0 fish peaked in 1988 at 19% but returned to low levels in 1989. Ages 0 and I weakfish averaged 56% and 38% for 1988 through 1990. Bluefish accounted for 2%, 5%, and 3% of the sampled catches by year (Tables 4a-c). Bluefish contributed 4%, 3%, and 3% to the long haul landings each year (Tables 2a-c). The fishery contribution to annual state bluefish landings was 12%, 8%, and 7% (Appendix A). Bluefish ranked from third to ninth by weight of the sampled catches on a monthly basis, for an overall average of fifth. Monthly CPUEs peaked in July 1988 and 1989, due to large catches south of Bluff Shoal. In 1990 October was the peak month, due to large catches north of Bluff Shoal. At other times bluefish CPUEs were relatively stable by month and area (Tables 6a-c, 7a-c). Bluefish annual landings and CPUEs from 1982 to 1990 are shown in Figure 9 and Appendix B. On a yearly basis the two lines show dissimilar trends. This could be due to misreported landings or an inadequate sample size to produce valid CPUEs. However, neither line shows a pronounced up or down trend throughout the nine year period. On average 12% by weight and 31% by number of the bluefish landed were scrap fish. Bluefish contributed by weight 1% each year of the scrap fish catches sampled, and it ranked eighth, seventh, and sixth each year, respectively. Annual bluefish CPUEs from the scrap fish samples ranged from 6 to 23 kg/trip and were generally slightly higher south of Bluff Shoal than north of Bluff Shoal (Tables 8a-c, 9a-b). The length frequencies (FL) for bluefish (Figure 10, Appendix F) ranged from 105 mm to 545 mm with pronounced modal peaks at 205 mm to 295 mm and 365 mm to 395 mm in 1988. The fish ranged from 135 mm to 605 mm with a modal peak at 275 mm in 1989. Smaller fish occurred in 1990 when lengths ranged from 115 mm to 485 mm with a modal peak at 215 mm to 225 mm and at 265 mm. 12 Bluefish in samples exhibited ten age classes from 1982 through 1990 (Figure 11). Ages 0 and I bluefish dominated age composition all years. Age 0 fish comprised approximately 42% of the fish from 1982 through 1990, while age I fish represented 54% of the fish from 1982 through 1990. For the nine year period age I bluefish was the dominant age with the exception of 1985 and 1988 (dominated by age 0 fish). During the study period ages 0 and I fish have dominated age composition, comprising 52% and 34% (1988), 38% and 57% (1989), and 43% and 52% (1990). Ages 0 and 1 fish averaged 56% and 38% for 1988 through 1990. Spotted seatrout, accounted for up to 1% of the sampled catches each year of the study period (Tables 4a-c) and less than 1% of the long haul landings (Tables 2a-c). The fishery contribution to annual state spotted seatrout landings was significant, accounting for 21%, 19%, and 18% by year, respectively (Appendix A). Spotted seatrout ranked from second to twelfth by weight of the sampled catches on a monthly basis, with a study average of eighth (Tables 6a-c). CPUEs by month and area were relatively stable throughout each year (Tables 7a- C). Spotted seatrout annual landings and CPUEs from 1982 to 1990 are shown in Figure 9 and Appendix B. Both parameters show a general decline to 1985, an increase to peak values in 1987/1988, and a decline in 1990. Spotted seatrout were 0.1% or less of the scrap fish samples each year (Tables 8a-c) Long haul seine catches of southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, and summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, were minor, accounting for approximately 0.1% by weight of the sampled catches each year (Table 2a-c). Most of the flounder came from samples south of Bluff Shoal . The fishery contributed approximately 1% each year of the study to the annual state flounder landings (Appendix A). Annual CPUEs and landings from 1982 to 1990 displayed contradictory trends (Figure 9). Possible reasons for this were described in the previous discussion for bluefish. Flounders were less than 0.1% of the scrap fish sampled each year (Tables 8a-c). 13 The length frequencies (TL) for summer flounder (Figure 12, Appendix G) ranged from 105 mm to 435 mm in 1988, from 85 mm to 275 mm in 1989, and from 125 mm to 445 mm in 1990. During the study period the legal size limit for flounder was 330 mm. Legal sized summer flounder in the samples ranged from none to 33% during the study period. Long haul seine catches of Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus, were minor, accounting for 0.1%-0.2% by weight of the sampled catches each year. The fishery contributed 9%, 12% and 3% each year from 1988 to 1990 to the annual Spanish mackerel landings (Appendix A). Annual CPUEs and landings from 1982 to 1990, shown in Figure 13, track well with one another; both steadily increased to a peak in 1989 (32,850 kg and 5.4 kg/trip) and dropped by about half in 1990. Spanish mackerel were approximately 0.1% of the scrap fish sampled each year (Tables 8a-c) . Harvestfish, Peprilus alevidotus, and butterfish, Peprilus triacanthus, were another minor marketable component of the long haul fishery, each accounting for up to 0.1% by weight of the catches sampled each year (Tables 2a-c). The fishery contributed 14%, 6%, and 9% each year to the harvestfish landings. Long hauls contributed 5%, 5%, and 17% each year to the butterfish landings (Appendix A). Annual CPUEs and landings from 1982 to 1990 for each species are shown in Figure 13 and Appendix B. Both parameters show a general downward trend during the nine year period for harvestfish. Values for butterfish were highly variable for both CPUEs and landings. On a yearly basis harvestfish were 0.1% or less by weight of the scrap fish sampled and butterfish were from 0.0 to 0.2% by weight of the scrap fish (Tables 8a-c). Atlantic menhaden were not targeted by the fishery but still accounted for 26%, 10%, and 12% by weight of the catches sampled each year (Tables 4a-c). Atlantic menhaden ranked second by weight in 1988 and third in both 1989 and 1990. Atlantic menhaden were strictly a component of the bait in the long haul fishery . In North Carolina commercial landings Atlantic menhaden was reported in the grouped category "unclassified for industrial/bait" and therefore, the specific contribution of Atlantic menhaden to the reported long haul landings is not available. Atlantic menhaden contributed annually by weight 20%, 15%, and 14 14% each year to the long haul scraip fish. It ranked second in 1988 and third in 1989 and 1990 (Tables 8a-c). Yearly CPUEs for Atlantic menhaden were consistently higher south than north of Bluff Shoal (1,058 versus 185 kg/trip) (Tables 9a-b). The length frequencies (FL) for Atlantic menhaden (Figure 14, Appendix H) ranged from 75 mm to 275 mm with bimodal peaks at 115 mm and 195 mm in 1988. In 1989 fish ranged in size from 105 mm to 255 mm with a modal peak at 135 mm to 145 mm. In 1990 lengths ranged from 95 mm to 225 mm with a modal peak at 175 mm Pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides, also was not targeted by the fishery but still accounted for 3% in 1988 and 1990, and 7% in 1989 of the sampled catches by weight in 1989 (Tables 4a-c). Pinfish also was strictly a bait component and was not normally reported as a species in the commercial landings, rather being one of the species grouped in the "unclassified for industrial/bait" category. Of the long haul scrap fish sampled during the study, pinfish contributed annually by weight 7%, 14%, and 7% each year and ranked fourth each year (Tables 8a-c). Yearly CPUEs for pinfish were consistently higher south than north of Bluff Shoal (181 versus 82 kg/trip). Total Biomass and Scrap Fish The long haul fishery contribution to annual state total marketable finfish landings (weight) was 14% in 1988 and 16% in 1989 and 1990. Its contribution has ranged from 7% to 17% since 1982 (Appendix A). As a contributor to marketable finfish in the state, it ranked third behind the gill net fishery (estuarine and oceanic) and the trawl fishery. Total landings and value in 1988 were 4,309 mt and $2.9 million; 4,112 mt and $3.0 million in 1989; and 5,299 mt and $3.5 million in 1990. Comparison of catches north and south of Bluff Shoal showed higher annual mean weight CPUEs for total and marketable finfish (study average of 3,394 versus 2,923 kg/trip for total finfish and 2,410 versus 1,603 kg/trip for marketable finfish) (Table 3). Annual landings and CPUEs for the long haul fishery from 1982 to 1990 are shown in Figure 15 and in Appendix B. Landings generally declined from 1982/1983 to a low in 1989 and increased slightly in 1990. CPUEs, on the other hand, rose to a high of 4,033 kg/trip in 1986, declined from 1987 to 1989, and then rebounded to 3,667 kg/trip in 1990. Total 15 finfish landings were 27.6% (1988), 31% (1989), and 11% (1990) below the nine year mean (1982-1990). During the study scrap fish from 330 long haul catches were sampled. The dominant species each year were Atlantic croaker, spot, Atlantic menhaden, pinfish and weakfish, accounting for 95% (unweighted study average) of the sampled scrap fish catches by weight and number (Tables 8a-c). The same species were dominant north and south of Bluff Shoal, although their relative contribution in each area differed (Tables 9a-b). The proportion of the scrap fish to the total catch each year was 36%, 41%, and 35%, respectively. This percent was consistently higher south versus north of Bluff Shoal (unweighted study average of 46% versus 26%) (Table 3). The scrap fish percentage was relatively constant on a monthly basis (Figure 16). Scrap fish from the long haul commercial landings appear under- reported. Except for Apri 1 , the percent of scrap f i sh i n the sampl ed catches was consistently higher than the percent of scrap fish in the reported long haul landings (Figure 16 and Tables 2a-c, 3). Scrap fish annual landings and CPUEs from 1982 to 1990 for the long haul fishery are shown in Figure 15 and Appendix B. Landings showed a general decline, while the CPUEs were stable. Under- reporting is one possible reason for the discrepancy in the trends. Scrap fish landings were 28.7% (1988), 33.6% (1989), and 5.7% (1990) below the nine year mean. Management The sciaenids (Atlantic croaker, spot and weakfish), which constitute the bulk of the long haul targeted catches, have experienced a coastwide decline in abundance since the peak landing years of the early 1980's. The specific causes of this decline are not known but probably include increases in fishing mortality, variable climatic conditions affecting spawning success, and changes in habitat and water quality. As a major fishery for these species, the long haul fishery will be impacted by management actions taken to address the recent decline. Historically the long haul fishery has been targeted for regulations because of the nonselective nature of the gear and the high scrap fish component 16 of the catches. Until recently, very few rules have been implemented because the target species stocks appeared to be healthy. The enactment of minimum size limits for weakfish (10 in), spotted seatrout (12 in), flounder (13 in), and red drum (18 in) has major implications for the fishery. Strict enforcement of the size limits at the fishing site would result in numerous violations and for all practical purposes close the fishery (the current practice of bulk loading the fish precludes individual culling). On the other hand enforcement only at the fish house defeats the purpose of the rule which is reduced mortality. Law enforcement should be at a level sufficient to bring about changes in fishing practices that result in reduced mortality. Changes in fishing practices might include the total release of catches with high portions of undersized fish or innovations in gear that release undersized fish. The magnitude of the scrap fish catch in the long haul fishery is a management concern. Gear changes such as minimum mesh sizes and culling panels, and season/area restrictions such as eliminating the fishery in secondary nursery areas are some management options. The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission has formed a Scrap Fish Committee to fully investigate all options through a series of public meetings and make recommendations to the full Commission. Data collected during this study will be critical to their analysis of the issue. Conflicts over space occur between long haul fishermen and crab potters, as well as other fishing practices. Rules hav e been enacted (designated. crab pot areas) to spatially separate the competing users. However, with the decline in the number of long haul gears the ability to allow crab potting in certain traditional long haul areas has been accomplished through proclamations issued by the DMF Director. The following recommendations concerning the study and the long haul fishery are presented for consideration: 1) Continued biological monitoring of the fishery is required to assess the fishery and the status of the stocks comprising the fishery. Mandatory access to biological sampling may be required in the future as stricter management rules erode the 17 current voluntary cooperation of the fishermen and seafood deal ers. 2) An increase in the number of hard parts collected by size and season for age determination is required. Currently, one cannot determine if yearly shifts in proportion at age are an artifact of a small sample size or a true response of the population to biological factors. 3) Variations in catch and size composition by area, gear type, and season must be considered when formulating management strategies for the long haul fishery. 4) The scrap fish component of the long haul fishery should be significantly reduced. An interactive combination of regula- tions (size limits, area restriction, etc.) and gear improvements could reduce juvenile mortality. DMF should actively pursue development of more selective gear in cooperation with the fishing industry. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are grateful to Lele Judy, Greg Judy, Steve Strasser, Doug Mumford, Jeff Camp, Alan Clark, Mike Pulley, Todd Kellison, Beth Burns, Tonya Stevens, John Zuoboni, Mike Millard, Kurtis Gregg, Rick Monaghan, Jim Francesconi, Jack Guthrie, Joe Andrews, and John Schoolfield for field and technical assistance. Jess Hawkins, Linda Mercer, Jeff Ross, and David Moye provided advice and support during the study. DMF Data Management staff provided invaluable help with computer processing and data retrieval. We are appreciative of Dee Willis, Christie Guthrie, and Portia Peed for their typing and organizing of the drafts leading to this report. Finally, we are especially grateful to the many commercial fishermen and seafood dealers who cooperated with this project. 18 Burns, B.L. LITERATURE CITED 1989. Assessment of the North Carol i na commerci al f i nf i sheri es, pound ent fishery, NC 1985-1987. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. Proj. 2-419-R. DeVries, D.A. 1981. Stock assessment of adult fishes in the Core Sound, NC area. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. 2- 326-R, 54 p. Goode, G.B. 1987 The fisheries and fishery industries of the United States. Section II: A geographical review of the fisheries industries and fishing communities for the year 1880. U.S. Comm. Fish. Fisheries. Guthrie. J.F., R.L. Kroger, H.R. Gordy, and C.W. Lewis. 1973. The long haul fishery of North Carolina. Mar. Fish. Rev. 1024: 27- 33. Hawkins, J.H. 1988. Age, growth, and mortality of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, in North Carolina with a discussion on population dynamics. M.S. Thesis. East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 86 p. Higgins, E., and J.C. Pearson. 1928. Examination of the.summer fisheries of Pamlico and Core sounds, NC with special reference to the destruction of undersized fish and the protection of gray trout, Cynoscion regalis (Bloch and Schneider) App. II Rep. U.S. Comm. Fish. (1927), 1019-:29-65. Massmann, W.H. 1963. Age and size composition of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, from pound nets in Chesapeake Bay, VA, 1954-1958. Chesapeake Sci. 4(l):43-51. Merriner, J.V. 1973. Assessment of the weakfish resource, a suggested management plan and aspects of life history in North Carolina. Ph.D.' Diss. NC State Univ., Raleigh, 201 p. Ross, J.L. 1991. Assessment of the sink net fishery along North Carolina Outer Banks, Fall 1982-Spring 1987, with notes on other coastal gill net fisheries. Spec. Sci. Rep., NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. 1989. Assessment of the North Carolina winter trawl fishery. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. Proi 2- 419-R. 19 Ross, J.L., D.A. DeVries, J.H. Hawkins, III, and J.B. Sullivan. 1986. Assessment of North Carolina commercial finfisheries. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. Proj. 2- 386-R, 418 p. Ross, J.L., and D.W. Moye. 1989. Assessment of North Carolina commercial finfisheries. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. Proj. 2- 419-R, 293 p. Ross, S.W. 1988. Age, growth, and mortality of Atlantic croaker in North Carolina, with comments on population dynamics. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 117:461- 473. Sholar, T.M. 1979. Adult stock assessment, In A Plan for Management of North Carolina's Estuarine Fisheries - P@Tase I, p. 11-27. Semi-annual report for North Carolina's Office of Coastal Zone Management Fisheries Assistance Program Grant, October 1979-February 1979. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Wilk, S.J. 1977. Biological and fisheries data on bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus). NMFS Tech. Ser. Rep. No. 11:56 p. Table 1. Monthly summary of sampling Long haut seine catches north and south of Bluff Shoat, and combined areas, Pamlico Sound area, Aprit-October 1988-1990; n--number of catches sampled (including trip ticket only information), sn = number of samples that contain biological information. Catch weight (kg) Sample weight (kg) Year Month Area n sn Mean Range Mean Range 1988 Apr North 6 6 2,413.6 197.4- 3,722.8 51.0 30.6- 83.1 South 0 0 - - - - Combined 6 6 2,413.6 197.4- 3,722.8 51.0 30.6- 83.1 May North 17 15 5,161.1 492.2-15,875.0 54.7 16.6-112.5 South 13 9 2,262.5 46.8- 6,403.9 97.6 30.2-154.0 Combined 30 24 3,905.0 46.8-15,875.0 70.8 16.6-154.0 Jun North 14 14 2,287.9 694.2- 4,683.8 53.4 40.4- 82.3 South 14 14 2,866.6 468.2-13,885.0 59.6 17.9-252.5 Combined 28 28 2,577.2 468.2-13,885.0 56.5 17.9 252.5 JUL North 13 12 2,918.0 454.1- 9,071.9 46.3 23.2- 77.3 South 19 13 1,680.5 195.5- 7,917.1 36.6 18.4-138.2 Combined 32 25 2,183.2 195.5- 9,071.9 41.3 18.4-138.2 Aug North 13 12 6,423.1 70.2-19,490.0 55.7 45.3- 77.9 South 24 20 2,054.7 529.0- 6,804.3 35.3 12.1-131.5 Combined 37 32 3,589.5 70.2-19,490.0 42.9 12.1-131.5 Sep North 5 4 2,982.9 439.6- 7,699.3 57.7 33.1- 78.2 C) South 18 17 2,479.8 189.1- 8,132.8 46.6 21.6-104.5 Combined 23 21 2,589.2 189.1- 8,132.8 48.7 21.6-104.5 Oct North 5 5 1,989.7 341.8- 4,309.1 45.3 27.3- 60.9 south 8 7 6,891.8 206.0-26,624.0 38.3 15.4-113.2 Combined 13 12 5,006.4 206.0-26,624.0 41.2 15-.4-113.2 1989 Apr North 5 5 1,578.5 5.5- 3,864.1 47.3 5.5- 83.8 South 0 0 - - - Combined 5 5 1,578.5 5.5- 3,864.1 47.3 5.5- 83.8 May North 8 8 1,582.7 491.6- 4,535.9 38.9 16.5- 93.8 South 3 3 1,532.5 67.0- 3,822.0 45.1 23.7- 73.8 Combined 11 11 1,569.0 67.0- 4,535.9 40.6 16.5- 98.8 Jun North 10 10 2,591.8 849.3- 5,941.8 48.8 22.8- 84.3 South 19 17 2,386.5 532.4- 7,509.5 58.8 11.8-171.8 Combined 29 27 2,457.3 532.4- 7,509.5 55.1 11.8-171.8 Jul North 9 9 4,775.9 718.2-13,676.0 45.5 24.8- 61.4 South 20 15 3,927.4 232.6-18,010.0 51.2 13.0-129.8 Combined 29 24 4,190.7 232.6-18,010.0 49.1 13.0-129.8 Aug North 14 12 2,822.5 377.9-14,842.0 50.1 24.4-123.6 South 21 14 2,042.7 442.2-10,346.0 49.5 14.2-107.6 Combined 35 26 2,354.6 377.9-14,842.0 49.8 14.2-123.6 Tabte 1. (Continued). Catch weight (kg) Sample weight (kg) Year month Area n sn Mean Range Mean Range Sep North 6 6 1,837.2 454.0-3,120.5 58.1 26.1- 95.8 South 11 7 1,629.8 64.4-7,246.6 45.1 16.9-166.8 Combined 17 13 1,703.0 64.4-7,246.6 51.1 16.9-166.8 Oct North 0 0 - South 13 a 1,956.7 24.5-5,937.2 37.5 22.2- 59.9 Combined 13 8 1,956.7 24.5-5,937.2 37.5 22.2- 59.9 1990 Apr North 5 5 215.1 106.2- 391.9 65.1 26.5-140.6 South 4 1 5,336.8 1,926.9-9,329.7 89.0 Combined 9 6 2,491.4 106.2-9,329.7 69.1 26.5-140.6 May North 13 12 5,246.1 39.9-20,292.0 36.5 12.8- 57.2 South 12 9 1,555.4 116.6-5,421.3 86.7 14.3-200.2 Combined 25 21 3,474.6 39.9-20,292.0 58.0 12.8-200.2 Jun North 12 12 7,914.4 223 6-39,828.0 63.6 25.9- 94.6 South 11 9 4,356.4 857 3-14,427.2 98.6 45.1-152.8 Combined 23 21 6,212.7 223.6-39,828.0 78.6 25.9-152.8 Jut North 12 12 2,015.6 612.3- 5,895.8 57.0 26.4- 88.0 South 19 7 2,290.9 164.0- 9,863.1 112.3 21.1-166.3 Comb i ned 31 19 2,184.4 164.0- 9,863.1 77.4 21.1-166.3 Aug North 12 10 2,963.2 288.7- 8,843.7 76.7 28.0-176.5 South 12 a 3,954.0 458.3- 6,533.6 93.2 15.1-198.1 Combined 24 18 3,458.6 288.7- 8,843.7 84.0 15.1-198.1 Sep North 10 10 1,623.6 939.5- 2,846.9 52.8 28.1- 63.6 South 10 3 6,435.2 884.9-37,494.4 114.0 76.3-145.2 Combined 20 13 4,029.4 884.9-37,494.4 66.9 28.1-145.2 Oct North 4 3 1,914.9 304.4- 3,880.5 52.4 28.2- 78.6 South 4 2 5,551.5 2,047.7- 9,706.1 121.7 86.0-157.3 Combined 8 5 3,733.2 304.4- 9,706.1 80.1 28.2-157.3 1988 Totat North 73 68 3,843.1 70.2-19,490.0 52.3 16.6-112.5 (annuat) South 96 80 2,610.0 46.8-26,624.0 49.4 12.1-252.5 Combined 169 148 3,142.6 46.8-26,624.0 50.7 12.1-252.5 1989 TotaL North 52 1 50-' 2,692.2 5.5-14,842.0 48.0 5.5-123.6 (annuaL) South 87 64 2,468.4 24.5-18,010.0 50.2 11.8-171.8 Combined 139 114 2,552.1 5.5-18,010.0 49.2 5.5-171.8 1990 TotaL North 68 64 3,645.4 39.9-39,828.0 57.3 12.8-176.5 (annuat) South 72 39 3,687.0 116.6-37,494.4 99.3 14.3-200.2 Comb i ned 140 103 3,666.8 39.9-39,828.0 73.2 12.8-200.2 lip Table 2a. Monthly and total commercial landings (kg) of selected species captured by Long haut seines north (N) and south (S) of Bluff Shoat and combined (C), including the percent each species contributed to the overalL long haut landing: north; south; and combined, 1988. Percent Species Area Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total total Atlantic croaker N 15,340 144,517 179,887 317,831 235,956 55,365 249 36 3 949,184 54.6 S 659 19,213 39,318 47,903 42,083 38,438 29,357 10,582 - 227,53 8.9 C 15,999 163,730 219,205 365,734 278,039 93,803 29,606 10,618 3 1,176,737 27.3 Weakfish N 23,505 35,970 24,636 44,639 106,416 96,034 26,687 8,632 1,017 367,536 21.1 S 1,118 17,043 28,615 22,642 12,535 67,146 60,450 31,853 - 241,402 9.4 C 24,623 53,013 53,251 67,281 118,951 163,180 87,137 40,485 1,017 608,938 14.1 Bluefish N 989 4,267 12,268 4,852 1,315 3,530 732 84 6 28,043 1.6 S 3,370 4,949 26,279 34,239 18,574 24,086 20,195 4,363 136,055 5.3 C 4,359 9,216 38,547 39,091 19,889 27,616 20,927 4,447 6 164,098 3.8 Spot N 3,037 15,504 36,931 40,991 37,341 52,996 1,485 84 - 188,369 10.8 S 2,103 10,268 47,820 96,107 57,865 132,917 339,335 20,919 - 707,334 27.5 C 5,140 25,772 84,751 137,098 95,207 185,913 340,820 21,003 - 895,703 20.8 N) Flounder N 20 28 220 355 2,508 466 30 47 - 3,674 0.2 S 50 757 1,940 6,304 7,182 10,095 7,498 375 34,201 1.3 C 70 785 2,160 6,659 9,690 10,551 7,528 422 37,865 0.8 Butterfish N - - 401 91 345 129 71 3 347 <.1 S - 2 - 345 - - 1,040 C - - 401 93 345 474 71 3 1,387 Harvestfish N - 231 912 344 237 298 1,818 - 3,840 0.2 S - 336 1,889 819 606 8,552 136 12,338 0.5 C - 567 2,801 1,163 843 8,850 1,818 136 16,178 0.3 Spanish mackerel N - 391 750 554 420 302 33 - 2,450 0.1 S - 281 2,323 2,222 2,275 1,425 4,573 2,127 15,226 0.6 C - 672 3,073 2,776 2,695 1,727 4,606 2,127 17.676 0.4 Florida pompano N - - 2 9 14 9 3 - 37 <.1 S - 8 45 247 358 25 683 <.1 C - 10 54 261 367 28 720 <.1 Table 2a. (Continued). Percent Species Area Apr May Jun Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total total Black seabass N 7 <.1 S <0.1 C 7 <.I Spotted seatrout N 3,210 92 T70 1.498 184 401 2,471 3,536 217 12,379 .7 S 1 3,709 5,886 3,OT7 5,138 2,653 2,668 - - 23,132 .9 C 3,211 3,801 6,656 4,575 5,322 3,054 5,139 3,536 217 35,511 .8 Bait N 25,692 13,744 46,515 24,807 27,029 10,658 - - - 148,445 8.5 S 43,107 51,760 148,506 134,148 195,520 231,579 247,664 35,147 - 1,087,431 42.3 C 68,799 65,504 195,021 158,955 222,549 242,237 247,664 35,147 - 1,235,876 28.7 Total N 71,878 217,254 314,898 442,689 418,219 228,208 32,442 12,479 1,243 1,739,310 40.4* S 50,461 109,389 306,460 361,912 355,176 535,662 739,859 110,373 259 2,569,551 59.6* C 122,339 326,643 621,358 804,601 M,395 763,870 772,301 122,852 1,502 4,308,861 - Total marketable N 46,186 203,510 268,383 417,882 391,190 217,550 32,442 12,479 1,243 1,590,865 51.8* S 7,354 51,629 157,954 227,764 159,656 304,083 492,195 75,226 259 1,482,120 48.2* C 53,540 261,139 426,337 645,64 550,846 521,633 524,637 87,705 1,502 3,072,985 Percent bait N 35.7 6.3 14.8 5.6 6.5 4.7 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 8.5 S 85.4 47.3 48.5 37.1 50.1 43.2 33.5 31.8 <0.1 42.3 C 56.2 20.1 31.4 19.8 28.8 31.7 32.1 28.6 <0.1 28.7 Percent contribution of north or south to the combined category. Table 2b. Monthly and total commercial Landings (kq) of selected species captured by Long haul seines north (N) and south (S) of Bluff Shoal and combined (C), including the percent each species contributed to the overall Long haul landing: north; south; and combined, 1989. Percent Species Area Apr May Jun Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Total total- Atlantic croaker N 16,709 141,484 443,418 475,949 173,559 29,525 261 - 1,280,905 57.1 S 1,432 10,569 23,207 35,711 34,328 29,239 11,695 - 146,181 7.8 C 18,141 152,053 466,625 511,660 207,887 58,764 11,956 - 1,427,086 34.7 Weakfish N 5,926 12,086 6,438 21,673 59,803 10,415 5,554 8 121,903 5.4 S 4,049 9,186 2,352 10,044 16,981 44,216 30,769 - 117,597 6.3 C 9,975 21,272 8,790 31,717 76,784 54,631 36,323 8 239,500 5.8 Bluefish N 19 701 5,030 8,126 24,765 2,093 1,005 73 41,812 1.9 S 35 137 9,183 20,124 28,473 12,424 23,906 - 94,282 5.1 C 54 838 14,213 28,250 53,238 14,517 24,911 73 136,094 3.3 Spot N 245 12,010 42,281 57,409 75,677 23,699 9,436 220,757 9.8 S 3,703 2,283 15,T78 129,669 66,964 137,812 325,580 681,789 36.5 C 3,948 14,293 58,059 187,078 142,641 161,511 335,016 - 902,546 22.0 F L ounder N 12 958 1,054 2,163 2,245 7,461 947 12 14,852 .7 S - 416 738 678 2,200 2,400 10,531 - 16,963 .9 C 12 1,374 1,792 2,841 4,445 9,861 11,478 12 31,815 .8 Butterfish N - 140 81 294 - - - - 515 <.1 S - - - - 40 - 40 <.1 C - 140 81 294 40 - - - 555 <.I Harvestfish N - 652 1,336 761 384 130 10 - 3,273 .2 S - 329 59 - - 460 2,116 - 2,964 .2 C - 981 1,395 761 384 590 2,126 - 6,237 .2 Spanish mackerel N - 3,355 2,878 9,247 784 475 14 - 16,753 .8 S 2 80 1,032 1,604 1,823 2,424 9,132 - 16,097 .9 C 2 3,435 3,910 10,851 2,607 2,899 9,146 - 32,850 .8 Florida pompano N - 21 199 270 231 37 13 T71 <.1 S - - 354 1 5 625 985 .1 C 21 199 624 232 42 638 1,756 <.1 Table 2b. (Continued). Percent Species Area Apr may Jun - --- Jul Au-q Sep Oct Nov Total total Spotted seatrout N 537 1,053 1,873 3,071 2,346 1,105 7,215 3,517 20,717 .9 S 159 48 828 2,254 2,779 2,332 1,490 - 9,890 .5 C 696 1,101 2,701 5,325 5,125 3,437 8,705 3,517 30,607 .7 Bait (scrap) N 10,210 63,865 95,422 142,568 108,509 7,381 8,224 - 436,179 19.4 S 18,195 46,213 58,517 89,081 58,782 165,337 277,975 714,100 38.3 C 28,405 110,078 153,939 231,649 167,291 172,718 286,199 - 1,150,279 28.0 Total N 33,685 242,993 615,055 737,973 471,093 94,960 45,611 3,665 2,245,035 54.6* S 27,753 70,216 112,945 294,087 228,290 405,960 727,395 - 1,866,646 45.4* C 61,438 313,209 728,000 1,032,060 699,383 500,920 773,006 3,665 4,111,681 Total marketable N 23,475 179,128 519,633 595,405 362,584 87,579 37,387 3,665 1,808,856 61.1* S 9,558 24,003 54,428 205,006 169,508 240,623 449,420 - 1,152,546 38.9* C 33,033 203,131 574,061 800,411 532,092 328,202 486,807 3,665 2,961,402 r@j Cn Percent bait N 30.3 26.3 15.5 19.3 23.0 7.7 18.0 0.0 19.4 S 65.6 65.8 51.8 30.3 25.8 40.7 38.2 0.0 38.3 C 46.2 35.2 21.1 22.5 23.9 34.5 37.0 0.0 28.0 Percent contribution of north or south to the combined category. Table 2c. Monthly and total commercial landings (kg) of selected species captured by tong haut seines north (N) and south (S) of Bluff Shoat and combined (C), including the percent each species contributed to the overall tong haut tanding: north; south; and combined. 1990. Percent Species Area Apr May Jun Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Total total Atlantic croaker N 10,955 390,581 357,229 410,987 351,966 13,342 162 - 1,535,222 62.8 S 11,368 36,623 41,691 31,202 46,515 43,606 18,151 4,535 233,691 8.2 C 22,323 427,204 398,920 442,189 398,481 56,948 18,313 4,535 1,768,913 33.4 Weakfish N 230 3,564 6,723 36,313 45,772 29,208 9,367 29 131,206 5.4 S 21,712 36,358 83,341 21,189 49,371 59,205 77,921 374 349,471 12.2 C 21,942 39,922 90,064 57,502 95,143 88,413 87,288 403 480,677 9.1 Bluefish N 1,316 2,264 12,154 9,407 8,385 9,244 2,031 432 45,233 1.9 S 1,518 2,293 14,351 16,696 25,137 16,085 16,554 1,153 93,787 3.3 C 2,834 4,557 26,505 26,103 33,522 25,329 18,585 1,585 139,020 2.6 Spot N 146 13,282 31,920 29,830 33,268 68,080 7,797 - 184,323 7.5 S 1,426 19,320 78,848 31,539 48,751 376,375 361,093 2,697 920,049 32.2 C 1,572 32,602 110,768 61,369 82,019 444,455 368,890 2,697 1,104,372 20.8 N) F i ounde r N 62 497 147 516 1,620 813 543 5 4,203 .2 S 30 89 1,034 1,166 4,048 3,196 4,914 - 14,477 .5 C 92 586 1,181 1,682 5,668 4,009 5,457 5 18,680 .4 Butterfish N - 84 593 27 905 80 16 1,705 <.1 S - 1,859 816 363 4,102 12,221 19,361 6.8 C a4 2,452 843 1,268 4,182 12,237 - 21,066 .4 Harvestfish N - 72 1,920 45 994 196 - - 3,217 .1 S 76 216 822 559 649 1,308 1,681 - 5,311 .2 C 76 278 2,742 604 1,643 1,504 1,681 - 8,528 .2 Spanish mackerel N - 103 394 2,288 654 122 24 3,585 .2 S 31 161 1,922 474 1,671 3,246 737 8,242 .3 C 31 264 2,316 2,762 2,325 3,368 761 11,827 .2 Florida pompano N - - 5 31 - - 36 S 1 - 87 896 324 1,308 C 1 5 118 896 324 1,344 oil M M M M M = = Tabte Ze.. lContinued). smcivs Area Apr May Jun Jul Percent Apg Sep Oct RO.V. Total totat Spotted seatrout N 1,220 496 1,654 1,79a 1,499 1,492 3,756 2,478 14,355 .6 S 84 81 339 748 824 1,508 2,1137 1,134 6,75S .2 C 1,304 577 1,993 2,534 2,323 3,000 5,793 3,612 21,140 .4 Bait N 70,124 114,771 145,IDD2 127,689 41,347 2,902 499,835 20.5 S 48,431 74,323 210,762 87,391 A39,018 264,123 810,816 1,134,864 39.8 C 48,431 144,447 325,533 230,393 266,707 305,470 313,718 1,634,699 %.9 Totak N 14,099 484,118 532,952 639.93T 578,728 164,665 27,016 2,955 2,444,470 44. A* S 84,811 169,876 440,116 199,078 327,876 793,523 828,932 10,424 2,854,636 53.9* C 98,910 653,994 973,068 839,015 9D6,604 958,188 855,948 13,379 5,299,106 Totat marWtable N 14,099 413,994 418,181 496,935 451,039 123,318 24,114 2,955 1,944,63S 53.1* S 36,380 95,553 229,354 111,W 188,858 529,400 518,166 10,424 1,719,772 4A_,90 C 50,479 509,S47 647,535 608,622 439,a97 6n,71O sl.;!, 250 ll,V9 3,664,407 Percent bait N - 14.5 21.5 22.k zz@l 25-1 10.7 0.0 20.5 N) S 57.1 43.8 47.9 43.9 42.4 33.3 37.5 0.0 39.8 C 49.0 22.1 33.5 V.5 29.4 31.9 36.7 0.0 30.9 Percent cwAribution of north or south to the combined category. Table 3. Monthly, areat, and overall mean weights for total catch, marketable, and scrap portions; range of percent scrap in long haut catches from Pamlico Sound area (N north of Stuff Shoat, S south of Bluff Shoat, C = combined areas), 1988-1990, n number of catches sampled. Mean catch Mean weight (kq) Percent scrap month Year Area n weight (kg) Marketable Scran Mean Range Apr 1988 N .6 2,413.6 1,440.6 973.0 33.3 0.0- 59.6 S 0 C 6 2,413.6 1,440.6 973.0 33.3 0.0- 59.6 1989 N 5 1,578.5 1,232.0 346.5 10.5 0.0- 35.2 S 0 C 5 1,578.5 1,232.0 346.5 10.5 0.0- 35.2 1990 N 5 215.1 215.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 S 4 5,336.8 3,445.2 1,891.6 35.7 26.4- 39.4 C 9 2,491.4 1,650.7 840.7 15.9 0.0- 39.4 May 1988 N 17 5,161.1 2,769.3 2,391.8 44.7 2.3- 97.5 S 13 2,262.5 1,016.9 1,245.6 37.5 0.0- 89.2 C 30 3,905.0 2,009.9 1,895.1 41.6 0- 97.5 1989 N 8 1,582.7 719.9 862.8 50.2 2.3- 86.9 S 3 1,532.5 353.1 1,179.4 44.8 0.0- 83.1 C 11 1,569.0 619.9 949.2 48.7 0.0- 86.9 N) 00 1990 N 13 5,246.1 3,975.4 1,270.8 29.3 0.0-100.0 S 12 1,555.4 946.6 608.8 35.2 7.3- 79.2 C 25 3,474.6 2,521.6 953.0 32.1 0.0-100.0 Jun 1988 N 14 2,287.9 1,761.7 526.1 22.6 3.8- 39.2 S 14 2,866.6 1,511.4 1,355.2 41.2 7.8- 72.6 C 28 2,577.2 1,636.6 940.7 31.9 3.8- 72.6 1989 N 10 2,591.8 2,216.4 375.4 16.9 2.1- 36.7 S 19 2,386.5 1,180.7 1,205.8 48.6 24.8- 84.6 C 29 2,457.3 1,537.8 919.5 37.7 2.1- 84.6 1990 N 12 7,914.4 5,183.4 2,731.0 29.9 12.0- 68.2 S 11 4,356.4 1,722.2 2,634.2 54.9 13.3- 93.3 C 23 6,212.7 3,528.0 2,684.7 41.9 12.0- 93.3 Jut 1988 N 13 2,918.0 2,547.8 370.2 15.9 0.6- 35.1 S 19 1,680.5 1,072.9 607.6 39.7 3.0- 88.0 C 32 2,183.2 1,672.1 511.1 30.0 0.6- 88.0 1989 N 9 4,775.9 3,032.1 1,743.8 33.4 15.9- 60.0 S 20 3,927.4 1,927.1 2,000.3 51.2 4.7- 91.1 C 29 4,190.7 2,270.0 1,920.7 45.7 4.7- 91.1 1990 N 12 2,015.6 1,560.1 455.5 21.6 5.2- 56.3 S 19 2,290.9 1,414.8 876.2 47.6 13.1- 91.8 C 31 2,184.4 1,471.0 713.3 37.6 5.2- 91.8 Tabie 3. (Continued). Mean catch Mean weight (ka) Percent scrap Month Year Area n weight (kg) MarketabLe Scrap Mean Range Aug 1988 N 13 6,423.1 5,420.9 1,002.2 15.0 0.0- 37.7 S 24 2,054.7 1,038.9 1,015.8 48.3 12.3- 88.5 C 37 3,589.5 2,578.5 1,011.0 36.6 0.0- 88.5 1989 N 14 2,822.5 2,030.1 792.3 31.4 4.0- 86.5 S 21 2,042.7 1,154.9 887.8 53.1 0.0- 92.3 C 35 2,354.6 1,505.0 849.6 44.4 0.0- 92.3 1990 N 12 2,963.2 1,991.7 971.5 20.9 0.0- 76.2 S 12 3,954.0 2,350.1 1,603.9 43.5 8.6- 79.2 C 24 3,458.6 2,170.9 1,287.7 32.2 0.0- 79.2 Sep 1988 N 5 2,982.9 2,624.1 358.8 9.1 0.0- 26.2 S 18 2,479.8 1,465.2 1,014.6 46.6 8.3- 87.0 C 23 2,589.2 1,717.1 872.1 38.4 0.0- 87.0 1989 N 6 1,837.2 1,439.5 397.7 17.0 1.8- 51.3 s 11 1,629.8 911.1 718.8 49.3 21.1- 80.4 C 17 1,703.0 1,097.6 605.4 37.9 1.8- 80.4 1990 N 10 1,623.6 1,065.7 557.9 34.9 4.0- 66.6 S 10 6,435.2 4,487.0 1,948.2 41.0 6.3- 88.5 C 20 4,029.4 2,776.3 1,253.1 38.0 4.0- 88.5 Oct 1988 N 5 1,989.7 1,327.3 662.4 22.9 0.0- 69.3 S 8 6,891.8 3,427.5 3,464.4 44.7 0.0- 88.1 C 13 5,006.4 2,619.7 2,386.7 36.2 0.0- 88.1 1989 N 0 - - - - - S 13 1,956.7 1,274.6 682.1 34.8 0.0- 74.6 C 13 1,956.7 1,274.6 682.1 34.8 0.0- 74.6 1990 N 4 1,914.9 1,262.8 652.1 21.8 0.0- 46.8 S 4 5,551.5 2,149.5 3,402.0 58.8 50.7- 73.1 C 8 3,733.2 1,706.2 2,027.0 40.3 0.0- 73.1 Att 1988 N 73 3,843.1 2,790.9 1,052.2 25.2 0.0- 97.5 S 96 2,610.0 1,390.5 1,219.5 43.5 0.0- 89.2 C 169 3,142.6 1,995.4 1,147.2 35.6 0.0- 97.5 1989 N 52 2,692.2 1,892.9 799.3 28.2 0.0- 86.9 S 87 2,468.4 1,297.4 1,171.0 48.2 0.0- 92.3 C 139 2,552.1 1,520.2 1,031.9 40.7 0.0- 92.3 1990 N 68 3,645.4 2,548.3 1,097.1 24.8 0.0-100.0 S 72 3,687.0 2,119.9 1,567.1 45.0 6.3- 93.3 C 140 3,666.8 2,328.0 1,338.8 35.2 0.0-100.0 30 Table 4a. overall species coffposition (148 catches) of long haul catches smpLed in the Pamlico Sound area, Aprit-October 1988. Mean fish Percent Weight (kq) Number weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur Micropogonias unduLatus 1,286.1 31.3 8,478 25.0 0.152 91.2 Brevoortia tyrannus 1,052.9 25.6 12,624 37.2 0.083 70 Leiostomus xanthurus 947.0 23.1 8,034 23.7 0.118 98:9. Cynoscion regatis 437.0 10.6 2,194 6.5 0.199 84.5 Lagodon rhomboides 106.4 2.6 1,467 4.3 0.073 60.1 Pomatomus saLtatrix 97.3 2.4 222 0.7 0.439 73.0 Cynoscion nebuLosus 48.8 1.2 106 0.3 0.461 54.1 Orthopristis chrysoptera " .9 1.1 374 1.1 0.120 49.3 Menticirrhus americanus 18.3 0.4 62 0.2 0.297 37.8 RairdieLLa chrysoura 13.2 0.3 149 0.4 0.088 47.3 Paratich;7hvs Lethostigma 4.1 0.1 14 <0.1 0.290 28.4 CaLtinectes sapidus 4.0 0.1 42 0.1 0.096 51.4 Mustetus canis 3.8 0.1 5 <0.1 0.752 6.1 Dasyatis americana 3.5 0.1 8 <0.1 0.463 10.1 Peprilus atepidotus 3.4 0.1 31 0.1 0.107 19.6 Archosarqus probatocephatus 3.1 0.1 2 <0.1 1.837 12.8 Dasyatis sabina 2.9 0.1 3 <0.1 0.912 15.5 Dorosoma cepedian 2.7 0.1 7 <0.1 0.378 12.2 Scomberomorus macutatus 2.5 0.1 11 <0.1 0.219 20.9 Chaetodipterus faber 1.8 <0.1 5 <0.1 0.368 12.2 ParaLichthys dentatus 1.8 <0.1 16 <0.1 0.113 35.8 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 1.2 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.875 0.7 Prionotus evolans 0.9 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.327 5.4 Sphoeroides macutatus 0.9 <0.1 4 <0.1 0.196 14.9 Sciaenops oceltatus 0.8 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.647 11.5 ChiLomycterus schoepfi 0.8 4.1 3 <0.1 0.256 17.6 t@@ cepha(us 0.6 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.251 10.8 Caranx hippos; 0.6 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.325 4.1 Opisthonerm oqHn 0.6 <0.1 12 <0.1 0.046 12.2 Carcharhimis Leucas 0.5 <0.1 <1 <0.1 34.950 2.0 PepriLus triacanthus 0.5 <0.1 I <0.1 0.523 5.4 Hyporharmhus unifasciatus 0.5 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.300 0.7 Menticirrhus spp. 0.4 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.167 5.4 Larimus fasciatus 0.3 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.140 1.4 Menticirrhus saxatilis 0.3 <0.1 I <0.1 0.302 1.4 Monacanthus hispidus 0.2 <0.1 12 <0.1 0.018 12.2 Opsanus tau 0.2 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.084 6.1 ALosa ae7s-tivaLis 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.146 1;:4 Rachycentron canadurn 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 7.267 3 4 Mycteroperca microLepis 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.080 2.0 Prionotus carolinus 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.058 4.1 Atosa pseudoharengus 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.160 0.7 Paratichthy spp. 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.137. 4.7 Trachinotus carotinus 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.334 2.7 Selene voffer 0.1 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.032 6.1 Prionotus; spp. 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.209 0.7 Synodus foetens 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.160 2.7 Dasyatis spp. 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.050 0.7 Atuterus scripta <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.038 2.7 Trinectes maculatus <0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.024 7.4 Citharichthys spp. <0.1 <0.1 4 <0.1 0.011 0*7 Diplodus hoLbrooki <0.1 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.012 2.7 ALectis ciLiaris <0.1 <0.1 1 CO.I 0.045 2.0 LoLLiguncula brevis <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.020 1.4 Paralichthys atbigutta <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.121 6.8 Stenotomus caprinus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.045 0.7 ALuterus schoepfi <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.018 2.7 Pogonias cromis <0.1 4.1 <1 <0.1 2.300 2.0 Penaeus duorarum <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.006 2.7 Eucinostomus guta <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.010 0.7 Penaeus aztecus <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.010 2.0 31 lable 4a. IContinuedl, Species observed: Lotigo pealii Anchoa mitchilti LimuLus polyphemu Ariidae Carcharhinus obscurus Urophycis r1jil Carcharhinus Plurl*us Tylosurus crocodilus Carcharhinus Limbatus Prionotus tribuLs Aprionodon isodon Caranx crysos ScRialus acanthias SeLene setapinnis Raja spp. Gerreidae Raja eglanteria Eucinostomus argenteus Dasyatis sayi CaLamus calamus Rhinoptera bonasus Astroscoptis guttatus Etops saurus Citharichthys spiLopterus Atosa sapidissima Symhurus ptagiusa 32 Table 4b. Overall species composition (114 catches) of tong haul catches sampled in the Pamlico Sound area, ApriL-October 1989. Mean fish Percent Weight (kq) Number weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent NO occur Micropogonias undulatus 1,106.5 41.4 7,686 34.1 0.144 95.6 Leiostomus xanthurus 707.4 26.5 6,606 29.4 0.107 99.1 Brevoortia tyrannus 259.0 9.7 3,801 16.9 0.068 58.8 Lagodon rhomboides 180.3 6.8 2,256 10.0 0.080 81.6 Pomatomus saltatrix 135.9 5.1 315 1.4 0.431 78.9 Cynoscion regatis 109.0 4.1 657 2.9 0.166 66.7 Orthopristis chrysoptera 80.3 3.0 694 3.1 0.116 73.7 Cynoscion nebutosus 32.4 1.2 62 0.3 0.526 53.5 Bairdietta chrysoura 11.8 0.4 159 0.7 0.075 45.6 Caranx hippos 5.9 0.2 5 4.1 1.091 7.9 Scornberomorus macuLatus 5.4 0.2 20 0.1 0.276 38.6 Menticirrhus americanus 4.3 0.2 17 0.1 0.248 22.8 Paratichthy dentatus 4.1 0.2 19 0.1 0.211 28.1 Cattinectes sapidus 3.4 0.1 34 0.2 0.100 38.6 Dasyatis sayi 2.4 0.1 1 <0.1 1.653 3.5 Paratichthys Lethostigma 2.3 0.1 10 <0.1 0.238 27.2 Archosargus probatocephaLus 2.1 0.1 4 <0.1 0.516 14.0 Mustetus canis 1.4 0.1 1 <0.1 1.125 5.3 Sphoeroides macutatus 1.4 0.1 8 <0.1 0.183 24.6 Dorosoma cepedian 1.4 0.1 4 <0.1 0.379 6.1 ChiLomycterus schoepfi 1.3 <0.1 7 <0.1 0.179 28.9 Monacanthus hispidus 1.2 <0.1 43 0.2 0.127 24.6 Sciaenops oceltatus 1.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 5.375 14.0 Dasyatis sabina 1.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.582 19.3 Mytiabatis freminvilLei 0.9 <0.1 1 <0.1 1.400 2.6 Dasyatis americana 0.9 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.331 13.2 Tytosurus crocoditus 0.7 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.928 10.5 Mycteroperca microtepis 0.6 <0.1 5 <0.1 0.115 8.8 Opisthonema oglin 0.6 <0.1 17 0.1 0.135 14.0 Opsanus tau 0.5 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.166 9.6 Chaetodi@-terus faber 0.4 <0.1 7 <0.1 0.067 7.0 Selene vomer 0.4 <0.1 16 0.1 0.025 18.4 Peprilus atepidotus 0.4 <0.1 6 'CO.1 0.058 9.6 Paratichthy spp. 0.4 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.661 12.3 Trachinotus caroLinus 0.3 <0.1 I <0.1 0.564 8.8 Carcharhinidae 0.3 <0.1 <1 <0.1 30.800 0.9 EML cephatus 0.3 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.326 7.0 Alosa pseudoharengus 0.3 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.138 4.4 AbLennes hians 0.2 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.560 1.8 CaLtinectes 0.2 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.092 0.9 Dasyatis spp. 0.2 <0.1 I <0.1 0.181 4.4 PepriLus triacanthus 0.2 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.069 7.0 Prionotus carolinus 0.2 <0.1 4 <0.1 0.056 3 5 Larimus fasciatus 0.2 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.120 0:9 Prionotus scitutus 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.075 0.9 Prionotus evoLans 0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.099 7.0 Synodus foetens 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.121 4.4 ALuterus schoepfi 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.065 5.3 Citharichthys spp. 0.1 <0.1 6 <0.1 0.019 0.9 Pogonias cromis 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 2.620 1.8 Menticirrhus spp. 0.1 <0.1 <1 CO.1 0.186 2.6 Diptodu hotbrooki 0.1 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.022 5.3 Centropristis ohiladeLDhica <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.070 0.9 ALuterus 1EEj2SLa <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.032 1.8 Tautoga onitis <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.180 1.8 Lutianus anaLis <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.020 0.9 Rachycentron canadun <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.080 0.9 ALosa spp. <0.1 <0.1 <i <0.1 0.050 0.9 Chloroscombrus chrysurus <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.010 0.9 Prionotus tribuLus <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.004 1.8 Selene setapinnis <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.004 1.8 Penaeus duorarum <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.010 2.6 33 TabLe 4b. (Continued). S pecies observed: Crassotrea virginica Alosa ffediocris Penaeus aztecus Prionotus spp. Penaeus setiferus Centro@r-Tstis striata Rhizoprionodo terraenovae Caranx crysos Carcharhinus spp. Menticirrhus saxatitis Carcharhinus timbatus Citharichthys spilopterus Aprionoclon isodon Paralichthys aLbigutta Sphyrna tibure Scophthatmus aquosus RaNformes Trinectes maculatus Rhinoptera bonasus Monacanthus spp. ELops saurus Monacanthus ciLiatus Megatops atlanticus 34 Table 4c. Overall species composition (103 catches) of Long haul catches sampled in the Pamlico Sound area, April-October 1990. Mean Percent fish Weight (kq) Number weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur Micropogonias unduiatus 2,291.5 57.5 19,689 50.0 0.116 92:1 Leiostomus xanthurus 527.1 13.2 7,813 19.8 0.067 97 1 Brevoortia tryannus 489.1 12.3 6,201 15.7 0.079 46.6 Cynoscion LSatis 301.4 7.6 1,976 5.0 0.153 75.7 Pomatomus saLtatrix 130.9 3.3 376 1.0 0.348 88.3 Lagodon rhomboides 123.2 3.1 2,360 6.0 0.052 68.9 Orthopristis chrysoptera 43.7 1.1 419 1.1 0.104 63.1 Cynoscion nebuLosus 18.6 0.5 28 0.1 0.664 60.2 Sairdiella chrysoura 11.0 0.3 197 0.5 0.056 45.6 Mustelus canis 9.3 0.2 8 <0.1 1.124 5 8 Peprilus triacanthus 3.6 0.1 68 0.2 0.053 23 :3 Chaetodipterus faber 3.5 0.1 29 0.1 0.119 10.7 Scomberomorus maculatus 3.2 0.1 15 <0.1 0.209 40.8 Sciaenoos oceLtatus 3.1 0.1 2 <0.1 1.413 13 6 Menticirrhus americanus 2.6 0.1 14 <0.1 0.184 22:3 Peprilus alepidotus 2.4 0.1 46 0.1 0.052 22.3 Paralichthys dentatus 2.4 0.1 15 <0.1 0.160 41.7 Menticirrhus spp. 1.8 <0.1 8 <0.1 0.230 13.6 Archosargus Probatocephatus 1.6 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.941 21 1 Callinectes sapidus 1.3 <0.1 28 0.1 0.048 3::8 Paratichthys lethostigma 1.3 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.462 19.4 Pepritu spp. 1.0 <0.1 10 <0.1 0.100 4.9 Monacanthus hispidus 0.8 <0.1 37 0.1 0.022 24.3 Mugit cephaLus 0.7 CO.1 2 <0.1 0.298 5.8 Carcharhinus leucas 0.7 <0.1 'Cl <0.1 24.333 3.9 Selene vomer 0.6 <0.1 16 <0.1 0.034 16.5 Prionotus evolans 0.5 <0.1 5 <0.1 0.108 7.8 Sphoeroides macuLatus 0.5 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.442 1, ' ' Mycteroperca micraLepis 0.4 <0.1 .2 <0.1 0.185 5:8 Paratichthys spp. 0.2 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.703 10.7 Trachinotus caroLinus 0.2 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.170 8.7 Opsanus tau 0.2 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.155 5.8 Prionotus carolinus 0.2 <0.1 5 <0.1 0.034 9.7 Cattinectes simiLis 0.2 <0.1 4 <0.1 0.041 1.9 Opisthonema ogLin 0.2 <0.1 8 <0.1 0.021 9.7 Citharichthys spiLopterus 0.2 <0.1 9 <0.1 0.018 3.9 Caranx hippos 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.105 3.9 Prionotus tribuLus 0.1 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.038 3.9 Rachycentron canadum 0.1 CO.1 <1 <0.1 10.500 1.9 Menticirrhus saxatiLis 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.049 3.9 Dasyatis spp. 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.172 1.9 TyLosurus crocodiLus 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.620 7.8 Synodus foetens 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.120 1.0 Dorosoma cepedian 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.190 1.0 ChiLomycterus schoepfi 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.255 25.2 Tautoga onitis <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.145 7.8 Prionotus spp. <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.140 2.9 Atuterus schoepfi <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.038 3.9 Pogonias cromis <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 2.900 1.0 Trinectes maculatus <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.020 1.0 Alosa sapidissima <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 1.900 1.9 Hyporhamphus unifasciatus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.150 1.0 Eucinostomus argenteus <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.022 1.0 Selene setapinnis <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.030 1.0 Atectis ciLiaris <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.001 1.9 Atosa aestivatis <0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.001 1.0 Urophycjs regia <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.001 1.9 Observed species: Cnidaria Sphyrna tiburo Mytiobatis freminvitlei Caranx spp. Penaeus aztecus Raia eglanteria Rhinoptera bonasus Eucinostomus spp. Penaeus duorarum Dasyatis americana ELops saurus Trichiurus tepturus iih`izoprionodon terraenovae Dasyatis sabina AbLernes; hians Carcharhinus obscurus Dasyatis sayi Strormy(ura marina Tabie 5. Annuat species composition (top 99% of weight) of Long haut catches sampted in the Pamtico Sound area, north and south of Btuff Shoat, Aprit-October 1988-1990, incLuding mean catch/trip (kg) and mean number/trip; n = number of catches sampted. North South Mean Mean Weight (kq) number Weight (kq) number Year Species Mean Percent fish Species Mean Percent fish 1988 n=68 n=80 Micropogonias urxiiiatus 2,146.9 52.5 11,638 Brevoortia tyrannus 1,629.3 39.6 20,482 Leiostomus xanthurus 703.6 17.2 6,546 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,153.8 28.0 9,299 Cynoscion regatis 670.8 16.4 2,943 Micropogonias unduattus 554.5 13.5 5,793 Brevoortia tyrannus 374.7 9.2 3,379 Cynoscio regatis 238.2 5.8 1,557 Pomatomus saLtatrix 50.5 1.2 123 Lagodon rhomboides 172.5 4.2 2,482 Orthopristis chrysoptera 41.2 1.0 269 Pomatomus saltatrix 137.1 3.3 306 Cynoscion nebulosus 36.6 0.9 91 Cynoscio nebuLosus 59.3 1.4 119 Lagodon rhomboides 28.7 0.7 272 Orthopristis chrysoptera 48.0 1.2 464 Menticirrhus americanus 30.2 0.7 100 Sairdietta chrysoura 14.3 0.3 154 Mustetus canis 7.0 0.2 9 Dasyatis americana 6.4 0.2 14 PepriLus atepidotus 6.1 0.1 57 Dasyatis sabina 5.3 0.1 6 Paratichthys lethostigma 5.0 0.1 18 Cn Cattinectes sapidus 4.8 0.1 46 Dorosoma cepedia 4.6 0.1 12 Scomberomorus maculatus 3.9 0.1 17 1989 rr-50 n=64 Micropogonias undutatus 1,619.1 60.6 9,645 Leiostomus xanthurus 905.4 33.9 8,492 Leiostomus xanthurus 453.9 17.0 4,193 Micropogonias undulatus 706.0 26.4 6,155 Cynoscio regatis 121.0 4.5 690 Brevoortia tyranrus 375.6 14.1 5,274 Orevoortia tyranmis 109.7 4.1 1,915 Lagodon rhomboides 244.5 9.2 3,208 Lagodo rhomboides 98.2 3.7 1,037 Pomatomus sattatrix 169.7 6.4 400 Orthooristis chrysoptera 95.8 3.6 770 Cynoscion regatis 99.6 3.7 630 Pomatomus sattatrix 92.5 3.5 207 Orthopristis chrysog)tera 68.2 2.6 636 Cynoscion nebutosus 34.8 1.3 73 Cynoscion nebutosus 30.5 1.1 52 Caranx hippos 12.7 0.5 5 Bairdietta chrysoura 17.1 0.6 239 Cattinectes sapidus 7.4 0.3 70 Scomberomorus macutatus 6.7 0.2 24 Menticirrhus americanus 6.6 0.2 27 Paratichthys dentatus 5.6 0.2 23 Dasyatis sayi 4.3 0.2 3 Archosargus Probatocephatus 3.8 0.1 7 Paratichthys lethostigma 3.1 0.1 11 Tabie 5. (Continued). North South Mean Mean Weight (kg) number Weight (kg) number Year Species Mean Percent fish Species tie-an Per@e-nt fish 1990 n=64 n=39 Micropogonias undutatus 2,946.7 77.2 22,995 Micropogonias undulatus 1,216.3 28.5 14,263 Leiostomus xanthurus 307.6 8.1 4,263 Brevoortia tyrannus 1,170.3 27.5 14,217 Pomatomus saitatrix 144.7 3.8 359 Leiostamus xanthurus 887.2 20.8 13,638 Cynoscion regalis 123.9 3.2 865 Cynoscio regatis 592.8 13.9 3,800 Lagodo rhomboides 119.8 3.1 2,363 Lagodon rhomboides 128.8 3.0 2,355 Brevoortia tyrannus 74.0 1.9 1,316 Pomatomus sattatrix 108.1 2.5 403 .Orthopristis chrysoptera 44.8 1.2 368 Orthopristis chrysoptere 41.9 1.0 501 Cynoscion nebutosus 21.8 0.6 31 Mustetus canis 23.3 0.5 12 Bairdoetta chrysoura 15.0 0.4 319 Cynoscion nebutosus 13.3 0.3 23 PeprRus triacanthus 7.2 0.2 127 Chaetodipterus faber 6.6 0.2 9 Menticirrhus americanus 5.2 0.1 29 Pepritus atepidotus 4.6 0.1 83 37 Table 6a. Monthly species composition (top 99% of weight) of Long haul catches sampled in the Pamlico Sound area ApriL-October 1988, including mean catch/trip (Kg) and mean number/trip; n=number of catches sampled. Weight (kq) Mean Month Species Mean Percent number April Cynoscion regaLis 772.5 32.0 3,411 n=6 Micropogonias undulatus 596.4 24.7 5,342 Leiostomus xanthurus 491.1 20.3 6,216 Brevoortia tyrannus 381.6 15.8 2,833 Pomatomus saLtatrix 76.0 3.2 108 Cynoscion nebuLosus 59.6 2.5 299 Bairdiella chrysoura 23.7 1.0 275 May Micropogonias unduLatus 1,693.6 36.4 10,399 n=24 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,217.7 26.2 12,602 Brevoorti tyrannus 989.9 21.3 11,403 Cynoscion regalis 574.8 12.3 1,971 Pomatomus sattatrix 61.5 1.3 160 Cynoscion nebuLosus 55.4 1.2 147 Bairdiella chrysoura 25.7 0.6 269 Jun Micropogonias unduLatus 1,199.2 48.3 8,640 n=28 Leiostomus xanthurus 639.4 25.7 5,531 Lagodon rhomboides 160.3 6.5 2,113 Cynoscion regalis 123.6 5.0 652 Brevoortia tyrannus 114.0 4.6 1,458 Orthopristis chrysoptera 92.6 3.7 794 Pomatomus, saLtatrix 52.1 2.1 166 Cynoscion nebuLosus 36.5 1.5 95 BairdieLla chrysoura 12.9 0.5 145 Chaetodipterus faber 7.7 0.3 2 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 6.5 0.3 7 Dasyatis sabina 6.5 0.3 3 Callinectes sapidus 5.0 0.2 64 Jut Brevoortia tyrannus 4,185.3 63.6 49,837 n=25 Micropogonias undulatus 1,303.0 19.8 6,618 Leiostomus xanthurus 401.6 6.1 2,915 Pomatomus saLtatrix 312.2 4.7 469 Cynoscion regatis 138.2 2.1 752 Lagodon rhomboides 95.8 1.5 947 Orthopristis chrysoptera 43.2 0.7 253 Cynoscion nebulosus 39.9 0.6 94 Aug Micropogonias undulatus 2,262.8 56.9 13,796 n=32 Leiostomus xanthurus 621.8 15.6 6,340 Cynoscion regalis 538.0 13.5 2,581 Brevoortia tyrannuS 258.4 6.5 5,711 Lagodon rhomboides 110.4 2.8 1,584 Pomatomus saltatrix 46.0 1.2 180 Cynoscion nebutosus 32.9 0.8 60 Orthopristis chrysoptera 27.5 0.7 225 BairdietLa chrysoura 13.7 0.3 179 Mustetus canis 11.8 0.3 17 Menticirrhus americanus 10.3 0.3 35 Callinectes sapidus 9.8 0.2 89 Sep Leiostomus xanthurus 1,247.9 44.5 8,924 n=21 Cynoscion regatis 471.7 16.8 2,312 Brevoortia tyrannus 333.9 11.9 2,854 Micropogonias undulatus 270.8 9.7 4,641 Lagodon rhomboides 145.9 5.2 2,385 Pomatomus saltatrix 70.9 2.5 248 Cynosci nebulosus 60.3 2.2 72 Orthopristis chrysoptera 48.8 1.7 581 Menticirrhus americanus. 18.8 0.7 60 Pepritus aLepidotus 16.4 0.6 130 Archosargus Probatocephatus 6.9 0.2 2 BairdietLa chrysoura 6.3 0.2 65 38 TabLe 6a. (Continued). Weight (kq) Mean Month Species Mean Percent ruTber Sep Dasyatis w*ricana 4.8 0.2 18 (Continued) ParaLichthys tethostigma 4.1 0.1 12 Mustelus canis 3.2 0.1 5 Larimus fasciatus 2.1 0.1 15 Dasyatis sabina 2.0 0.1 1 Sciaenoe� ocellatus 1.9 0.1 1 Menticirrhus saxatitis 1.7 0.1 5 Menticirrhus spp. 1.7 0.1 10 Sphoeroides maculatus 1.6 0.1 7 CaLLinectes sapidus 1.5 0.1 10 Chilomycterus schoepfi 1.3 <0.1 7 Caranx hippos 1.3 <0.1 11 Dorosoma cepedian 1.0 <0.1 2 Paratichthys dentatus 0.8 @COA a Scomberanorus macutatus 0.7 <0.1 5 Chaetodipterus faber 0.7 <0.1 5 Trachinotus caroLinus 0.7 <0.1 2 Prionotus spp. 0.6 <0.1 3 Paratichthys spp. 0.6 <0.1 2 Setene vomer 0.4 'CO.1 110 Opisthonem oglin 0.3 <0.1 10 Opsanus tau 0.1 <0.1 3 Prionotus evotans <0.1 <0.1 6 Oct Lefostonis xanthurus 2,827.6 55.2 19,273 n=12 Cynoscion regalis 1,017.2 19.9 7,399 Brevoortia tyramus 556.1 10.9 4,023 Lagodon rhoffboides 168.1 3.3 2,530 Micropogonias unduLatus 155.8 3.0 2,242 menticirrhus wericanus .128.7 2.5 393 Cynoscion nebulosus 100.3 2.0 157 Orthopristis chrysoptera 86.8 1.7 601 Powtomus sattatrix 20.4 0.4 84 Dasyatis wwricana 14.0 0.3 8 39 Table 6b. Monthly species composition (top 99% of weight) of Long haul catches sampled in the Pamlico Sound area Aprit-October 1989, including mean catch/trip (Kg) and mean number/trip; n=number of catches sampled. Weight (kq) Mean Month Species Mean Percent number April Micropogonias unduLatus 1,245.8 78.9 6,255 n=5 Leiostomus xanthurus 226.5 14.3 2,953 Cynoscion regatis 36.7 2.3 90 Brevoortia tyrannus 32.0 2.0 278 Cynoscion nebutosus 25.2 1.6 29 May Micropogonias undulatus 459.7 30.4 3,838 n=11 Brevoortia tyrannus 421.8 27.9 5,687 @-eiostoffus xanthurus 377.2 24.9 5,356 Cynoscion regatis 134.4 8.9 544 Cynoscion nebulosus 41.5 2.7 130 Lagodon rhomboides 29.1 1.9 387 Pomatomus sattatrix 16.1 1.1 53 CaLlinectes sapidus 10.8 0.7 89 BairdieLLa chrysoura 6.8 0.5 95 Jun Micropogonias unduLatus 1,415.4 55.3 9,349 n=27 Leiostomus xanthuru 537.2 21.0 5,605 Lagodon rhomboides 152.9 6.0 2,014 Brevoortia tyrannus 119.5 4.7 1,813 Pomatomus sattatrix 118.8 4.6 323 Orthopristis chrysoptera 79.7 3.1 707 Cynoscion regaLis 39.5 1.5 407 Cynosci nebuLosus 26.3 1.0 48 BairdieLla chrysoura 13.5 0.5 209 Paratichthys dentatus 10.8 0.4 15 Scomberomorus macutatus 10.2 0.4 30 Archosargus probatocephaLus 6.7 0.3 4 CaLlinectes sapidus 4.5 0.2 46 Jut Micropogonias undulatus 2,07.9 49.3 15,456 n=24 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,027.0 24.3 9,478 Brevoortia tyrannus. 346.4 8.2 5,760 Pomatomus saltatrix 312.9 7.4 676 Lagodon rhomboides 187.1 4.4 2,145 Orthopristis chrysoptera 86.7 2.1 797 Cynoscion regalis 77.9 1.8 460 Cynoscion nebutosus 34.1 0.8 67 BairdietLa chrysoura 16.4 0.4 220 Menticirrhus americanus 9.7 0.2 25 Mustelus canis 6.8 0.2 6 Aug Micropogonias undulatus 968.1 37.3 6,332 n=26 Leiostomus xanthurus 661.9 25.5 6,042 Brevoortia tyrannus 362.9 14.0 5,067 Cynoscion regalis 217.7 8.4 1,4" Lagodon rhomboides 154.7 6.0 1,913 Pomatomus saltatrix 70.9 2.7 218 Orthopristis chrysoptera 66.2 2.5 564 Cynosci nebutosus 27.8 1.1 47 Caranx hippos 25.0 1.0 17 BairdieLta chrysoura 12.3 0.5 144 Sep Leiostomus xanthurus 524.2 33.2 4,999 n=13 Lagodon rhomboides 301.5 19.1 3,696 Pomatomus saltatrix 210.0 13.3 362 Brevoortia tyrannus 131.8 8.3 1,903 Micropogonias undutatus 91.3 5.8 905 Cynosci regaLis 90.6 5.7 486 Orthopristis chrysoptera 85.2 5.4 758 Cynoscion nebutosus 64.1 4.1 88 Dasyatis sayi 13.7 0.9 5 Bairdietta chrysoura 10.5 0.7 112 Sciaenops oceltatus 8.2 0.5 1 40 Table 6b. (Continued). Weight (kg) Mean Month Species Mean Percent number Sep ParaLichthy Lethostigma 6.1 0.4 35 (Continued) Monacanthus hispidu 4.9 0.3 1" Dasyatis mvericana 4.8 0.3 16 Myoteroperca microlepis 4.4 0.3 34 Darosoma cepedian 4.0 0.3 22 Chaetodipterus faber 3.8 0.2 52 Paratichthys dentatus 3.4 0.2 30 Oct Leiostomus xanthurus 1,522.8 56.4 9,825 n=8 Lagodon rhomboides 458.6 17.0 6,145 Orthopristis chrysoptera 257.1 9.5 2,000 Brevoortia tyrannus 254.7 9.4 3,2111 Cynoscion regatis 123.0 4.6 318 Micropogonias undulatus 51.4 1.9 364 Bairdietta chrysoura 7.3 0.3 ill 41 Table 6c. Monthly species composition (top 99% of weight) of long haul catches sampled in the Pamlico Sound area ApriL-October 1990, including mean catch/trip (Kg) and mean number/trip; rv--mirber of catches sampled. Weight (kg) Mean Month Species Mean Percent number April Micropogonias undutatus 226.6 49.0 2,421 n=6 Cynoscion nebulosus 95.5 20.6 94 Pomatomus sattatrix 74.6 16.1 71 Cynosci regatis 52.3 11.3 321 Archosargus probatocephalus 5.4 1.2 5 Leiostomus xanthurus 4.9 1.1 72 May Micropogonias unduLatus 3,097.0 75.7 20,802 n=21 Leiostomus xanthurus 515.0 12.6 6,855 Cynoscion regatis 261.5 6.4 2,079 Brevoortia tyrannus 108.4 2.7 2,347 Lagodon rhomboides 35.9 0.9 674 Pomatomus saLtatrix 13.7 0.3 56 Orthopristis chrysoptera 10.2 0.3 104 Peprilu triacanthus 9.3 0.2 160 Jun -Micropogonias undutatus 5,367.5 66.7 42,127 n=21 Brevoortia tyrannus 1,500.5 18.6 18,227 Cynoscion regaLis 474.6 5.9 3,266 Leiostomus xanthurus 457.3 5.7 5,955 Lagodon rhomboides 73.6 0.9 1,246 Orthopristis chrysoptera 46.0 0.6 600 Mustetus canis 43.2 0.5 22 Pomatomus saLtatrix 39.8 0.5 195 Jul Micropogonias undutatus 1,313.0 60.0 9,707 n=19 Leiostomus xanthurus 221.5 10.1 2,744 Brevoortia tyrannus 220.2 10.1 4,426 Pomatomus saLtatrix 166.2 7.6 621 Cynoscion regaLis 143.7 6.6 875 Lagodon rhomboides 52.3 2.4 622 Orthopristis chrysoptera 23.9 1.1 203 Chaetodipterus faber 13.1 0.6 9 Bairdielta chrysoura 9.3 0.4 159 Scomberomorus macutatus, 6.1 0.3 13 Aug Micropogonias undutatus 1,446.1 42.7 24,148 n=18 Leiostomus xanthurus 588.6 17.4 16,394 Cynoscion regatis 492.7 14.6 3,210 Brevoortia tyrannus 303.3 9.0 3,389 Lagodon rhomboides 217.1 6.4 4,591 Pomatonvus saltatrix 177.2 5.2 558 Orthopristis chrysoptera 54.1 1.6 514 Cynoscion nebutosus 21.7 0.6 44 BairdielLa chrysoura 8.7 0.3 130 Menticirrhus americanus 7.4 0.2 42 Scomberomorus maculatus 7.0 0.2 56 Sciaenops ocettatus 4.2 0.1 2 Menticirrhus spp. 3.3 0.1 14 Archosargus probatocephatus 3.0 0.1 2 PepriLus atepidotus 1.9 0.1 20 CaRinectes sapidus 1.7 0.1 28 Paratichthys lethostigma 1.7 @COA 3 Selene vomer 1.6 <0.1 29 Paralichthys dentatus 1.4 @Co. 1 5 Sep Leiostomus xanthurus 1,179.9 46.1 11,787 n=13 Micropogonias undutatus 421.9 16.5 4,821 Lagod rhomboides 248.4 9.7 5,766 Cynoscion regaLis 214.1 8.4 936 Pomatomus saltatrix 164.3 6.4 470 Brevoortia tyrannus 146.8 5.7 1,398 Orthopristis chrysoptera 95.4 3.7 820 Cynoscion nebulosus 23.9 0.9 29 42 TabLe 6c. (Continued). Weight (kq) Mean month Species mean Percent ruyber- Sep Bairdielta chrysoura 17.0 0.7 304 (continued) Chaetodipterus faber 7.7 0.3 208 Monacanthus hispidus 5.3 0.2 227 Carcharhinus leucas 4.7 0.2 <1 Menticirrhus spp. 4.5 0.2 20 Oct Brevoortia tyramus 1,007.5 29.3 8,672 n=5 Te-iostomus xanthurus 739.2 21.5 6,966 Pomatomus saLtatrix 684.6 19.9 1,004 Lagod rhomboides 449.7 13.1 6,628 Cynoscion regaLis 178.7 5.2 562 Orthopristis chrysoptera 130.5 3.8 915 Micropogonias undutatus 89.4 2.6 2,033 Cynoscion nebulosus 69.5 2.0 72 Sciaenops ocetlatus 29.9 0.9 30 Prionotus evotans 10.3 0.3 79 Mycteroperca microlepis 6.4 0.2 32 Menticirrhus spp. 6.2 0.2 27 Table 7a. Monthly species composition (top 99% of weight) of long haul catches sampled in the Pamlico Sound area, north and south of Bluff Shoal, April- October 1988, including mean catch/trip (kg) and mean number/trip; n number of catches sampled. NORTH SOUTH Mean Mean Weight (kg) number Weight 00 number Year Month Species Mean Percent fish Species iean Percent fish 1988 Apr n=6 n=O Cynoscion regatis 772.5 32.0 3,411 No samples Micropogonias undulatus 596.4 24.7 5,342 Leiostomus xanthurus 491.1 20.3 6,216 Brevoortia @MUT 381.6 15.8 2,833 Pornatomus sattatrix 76.0 3.2 108 Cynoscion nebutosus 59.6 2.5 299 Bairdietta chrysoura 23.7 1.0 275 May n=15 n--9 Micropogonias undulatus 2,260.9 38.9 12,491 Micropogonias undutatus 748.1 27.4 6,911 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,526.7 26.3 16,123 Leiostomus xanthurus 702.7 25.7 6,734 Brevoortia tyrannus 1,215.3 20.9 11,609 ortia tryannus 614.1 22.5 11,058 Cynoscion regalis 712.1 12.3 2,1T7 Ey-noscion regatis 345.9 12.6 1,628 Pomatomus saltatrix 42.9 0.7 53 Cynoscion nebutosus 109.2 4.0 243 Pomatomus saltatrix 92.5 3.4 339 Bairdietta chrysoura 52.0 1.9 519 Lagod rhomboides 28.1 1.0 343 Menticirrhus americanus 15.4 0.6 76 4@A Jun n=14 n=14 Micropogonias undulatus 1,296.2 56.7 7,450 Micropogonias undutatus 1,102.3 41.1 9,830 Leiostomus xanthurus 488.9 21.4 4,371 Leiostomus xanthurus 790.0 29.5 6,690 Cynoscion regalis 191.1 8.4 966 Lagodo rhomboides 274.0 10.2 3,776 Orthopristis chrysoptera 80.4 3.5 682 Brevoortia tyrannus 176.2 6.6 2,475 Pornatomus saltatrix 56.4 2.5 190 brthopristis chrysoptera 104.8 3.9 905 Brevoortia tyrannus 51.9 2.3 440 Cynosci nebutosus 56.8 2.1 133 Lagodon rhomboides 46.7 2.0 449 Cynosci regatis 56.2 2.1 338 Cynoscio nebutosus 16.2 0.7 57 Pomatomus sattatrix 47.9 1.8 142 Chaetodipterus faber 15.1 0.7 4 Bairdietta chrysoura 13.4 0.5 141 Bairdietta chrysoura 12.4 0.5 149 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 13.0 0.5 15 Cattinectes sapidus 8.4 0.4 101 Dasyatis sabina 12.9 0.5 6 Scomberomorus macutatus 7.0 0.3 21 Jul n=12 n=13 Micropogonias undulatus 2,304.9 75.4 10,747 Brevoortia tyrannus 8,006.5 81.4 95,445 Leiostomus xanthurus 311.3 10.2 2,143 Fw-atomus sattatrix 560.0 5.7 805 Cynosci regalis 218.2 7.1 1,185 Leiostomus xanthurus 485.0 4.9 3,629 Orthopristis chrysoptera 51.1 1.7 273 Micropogonias undulatus 378.2 3.8 2,807 Brevoortia tyrannus 45.7 1.5 428 Lagod rhomboides 167.9 1.7 1,683 Pomatomus saltatrix 43.7 1.4 105 Cynosci regatis 64.4 0.7 352 Cynosci nebulosus 25.6 0.8 72 Cynosci nebuiosus 53.1 0.5 115 Archosargus Probatocephatus 18.8 0.6 7 Orthopristis chrysoptera 35.9 0.4 235 Lagod rhomboides 17.7 0.6 149 Tabie 7a. (Continued). NORTH SOUTH Mean Mean Weight (kg) number Weight (kg) number Year Month Species Mean Percent fish Species Mean Percent fish 1988 Aug n=12 n=20 Micropogonias unduaitus 5,058.9 72.7 26,559 LeiostorFus xanthurus 726.3 33.3 8,329 Cynosci regatis 1,270.7 18.3 6,098 Micropogonias undulatus 585.2 26.8 6,138 Leiostomus xanthurus 447.5 6.4 3,025 Brevoortia tyrannus 366.6 16.8 8,628 Brevoortia tyrannus T7.9 1.1 849 Lagod rhomboides 160.0 7.3 2,348 Lagod rhomboides 27.6 0.4 311 Cynoscion regalis 98.5 4.5 471 Bairdietta chrysoura 26.9 0.4 336 Pomatomus sattatrix 62.2 2.8 230 Cynosci nebulosus 51.6 2.4 93 Orthopristis chrysoptera 33.2 1.5 296 Mustelus canis 18.8 0.9 27 Menticirrhus awricanus 16.1 O.T 54 Caltinectes sapidus 15.3 0.7 131 Dasyatis americana 12.4 0.6 32 Dorosoma cepedian 7.1 0.3 19 Bairdielta chrysoura 5.8 0.3 84 Paratichthys lethostigma 4.5 0.2 15 Sep n=4 n=17 Cynoscion regatis 1,721.3 47.6 9,566 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,307.1 50.0 9,251 Leiostomus xanthurus 996.2 27.5 7,534 Brevoortia tyrannus 393.9 15.1 3,373 Micropogonias unduattus 417.1 11.5 4,301 Micropogonias undualtus 236.3 9.0 4,721 4@, Pomatomus saltatrix 179.5 5.0 372 Cynosci regatis 177.7 6.8 605 4@:- Cynoscio nebulosus 92.4 2.6 97 Lagodon rhomboides 164.2 6.3 2,800 Brevoortia tyrannus 78.7 2.2 648 Cynosci nebutosus 52.8 2.0 65 Lagodon rhomboides 68.1 1.9 621 Orthopristis chrysoptera 51.0 2.0 662 Orthopristi chrysoptera 39.3 1.1 236 Pomatomus sattatrix 45.4 1.7 218 Menticirrhus americanus 21.9 0.8 66 Pepritus atepidotus 20.2 0.8 161 Archosargus probatocephatus 8.6 0.3 3 Bairdietia chrysoura 7.3 0.3 76 Dasyatis americana 5.9 0.2 22 Mustelus canis 3.9 0.2 6 Paratichthys Lethostigma 3.4 0.1 8 Larimus fasciatus 2.6 0.1 19 Dasyatis sabina 2.4 0.1 1 Sciaenops ocettatus 2.4 0.1 1 Menticirrhus saxatitis 2.1 0.1 6 Menticirrhus spp. 2.0 0.1 12 sphoeroides macuLatus 1.9 0.1 9 Chitomycetrus schoepfi 1.7 0.1 9 Caranx hippos 1.6 0.1 13 Dorosoma cepedian 1.2 <0.1 2 Scomberamorus maculatus 0.9 <0.1 6 Trachinotus carotinus 0.9 <0.1 3 Prionotus spp. 0.8 <0.1 4 Paratichthys epp. 0.7 <0.1 3 Setene yomer 0.5 <0.1 12 Caltinectes sapidus 0.5 <0.1 6 Tabte 7a. (Continued). NORTH SOUTH Mean Mean Weight (kg) number Weight (kg) number Year Month Species Mean Perc@n-t fish Species Mean Percent fish 1988 Sep (continued) Opisthonema ogtin 0.3 <0.1 12 Paralichthys dentatus 0.3 <0.1 2 Chaetodipterus faber 0.2 <0.1 5 Opsanus tau 0.1 <0.1 3 Oct n=5 n=17 Cynosci regatis 574.7 28.9 1,572 Leiostomus xanthurus 4,552.5 61.9 31,235 Brevoortia tyrannus 487.3 24.5 2,917 Cynosci regalis 1,333.2 18.1 11,561 Leiostomus xanthurus 412.9 20.8 2,526 Brevoortia tyrannus 605.2 8.2 4,813 Cynoscion nebutosus 171.5 8.6 182 MicropogoniZ -undulatus 221.9 3.0 3,447 Orthopristis chrysoptera 137.8 6.9 647 Lagodon rhomboides 219.4 3.0 3,742 Lagodon rhomboides 96.2 4.8 834 Renticirrhus americanus 216.6 2.9 660 Micropogonias undulatus 63.2 3.2 556 Orthopristis chrysoptera 50.4 0.7 567 Pomatomus saltatrix 14.6 0.7 70 Cynosci nebulosus 49.5 0.7 140 Sphoeroides macutatus 6.8 0.3 22 Pomatomus sattatrix 24.5 0.3 94 Menticirrhus americanus 5.6 0.3 20 Dasyatis americana 24.0 0.3 14 Ln Tabte Tb. Monthty species composition (top 99% of weight) of tong haut catches sampted in the Pamtico Sound area, north and south of Btuff Shoat, ApriL- October 1989, incLuding mean catch/trip (kg) and mean number/trip; n number of catches sampted. NORTH SOUTH Mean Mean Weight (kq) number Weight (kQ) number Year Month Species Mean Percent fish Species Mean Percent fish 1989 Apr n=5 n=O Micropogonias undutatus 1,245.8 78.9 6,255 (No samptes) Leiostomus xanthurus 226.5 14.3 2,953 Cynoscion regalis 36.7 2.3 90 Brevoortia tyrannus 32.0 2.0 278 Cynoscion nebutosus 25.2 1.6 29 May n=B n=3 Micropogonias undulatus 486.1 32.3 3,184 Brevoortia tyrannus 671.9 43.8 6,504 T-eiostomus xanthurus 421.9 28.0 5,804 Wic-ro 25.4 5,584 po-gonias undutatus 389.4 Brevoortia tyrannus. 328.0 21.8 5,380 Leiostomus xanthurus 258.1 16.8 4,160 Cynoscion regatis 152.3 10.1 499 Cynosci regatis 86.8 5.7 662 Cynoscio nebutosus 55.8 3.7 176 Lagodon rhomboides 38.4 2.5 571 Lagodon rhomboides 25.6 1.7 318 Pomatomus sattatrix 36.0 2.3 81 CaLtinectes sapidus 14.8 1.0 123 BairdieLt chrysoura 20.1 1.3 311 Pornatomus sattatrix 8.7 0.6 42 Paratichthys dentatus 12.8 0.8 108 orthopristis chrysoptera 9.7 0.6 121 Jun n=10 n=17 Micropogonias undulatus 1,844.7 71.2 9,029 Micropogonias undutatus 1,162.9 45.8 9 538 4-@ Leiostomus xanthurus 410.5 15.8 3,766 Leiostomus xanthurus 611.7 24.1 6:686 0" orthopristis chrYsoptera 123.1 4.7 956 Lagodon rhomboides 194.5 7.7 2,755 Lagod rhomboides 82.1 3.2 755 irevoortia tyrannus 189.4 7.5 2,876 Pomatows saltatrix 48.0 1.9 155 Pomataws sattatrix 160.5 6.3 422 Cynoscion nebuLosus 36.6 1.4 83 Cynoscion regatis 59.4 2.3 629 Cattinectes sapidus 12.2 0.5 125 Orthopristi chrysoptera 54.2 2.1 560 Scomberomorus macuLatus 6.1 0.2 18 BairdieLta chrysoura 21.3 0.8 328 Cynosci regatis 5.9 0.2 28 Cynoscion nebutosus 20.3 0.8 28 Paratichthys dentatus 14.6 0.6 12 Scomberomorus macutatus 12.6 0.5 38 Archosargus Probatocephatus 10.6 0.4 7 Tylosurus crocoditus 5.0 0.2 5 Jul n=9 n=15 Micropogonias undutatus 3,883.7 81.3 24,927 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,388.5 35.8 12,919 Leiostomus xanthurus 424.4 8.9 3,743 micropogonias undutatus 994.5 25.6 9,774 Orthopristis chrysoptera 130.4 2.7 1,110 Brevoortia tyrannus 504.5 13.0 8,445 Lagod rhorrhoides 93.1 1.9 880 Pomatows saltatrix 471.3 12.1 973 Brevoortia tyrannus 82.8 1.7 1,284 Lagod rhomboides 243.5 6.3 2,904 Cynoscion regalis 62.7 1.3 394 Cynosci regatis 87.1 2.2 499 Pomatomus sattatrix 49.0 1.0 181 Orthopristis chrysoptera 60.4 1.6 608 Cynosci nebulosus 23.6 0.5 59 Cynosci nebutosus 40.4 1.0 72 Bairdietta chrysoura 25.7 0.7 347 Menticirrhus americanus 14.0 0.4 35 Mustetus canis 10.9 0.3 10 Aug n=12 n=14 Micropogonias undutatus 1,401.9 50.0 8,887 Leiostomus xanthurus 763.a 31.6 7,686 Leiostomus xanthurus 543.0 19.4 4,124 Micropogonias undutatus 596.2 24.7 4,142 Cynosclon regaLis 278 - @m 9&E -jimevoorlia-Lyrenrus- 51ft Ift NWII M Table 7b. (Continued). NORTH SOUTH Mean Mean WeiAht (kq) number Weight (kg) number Year Month Species Mean Percent fish Species Mean Percent fish 1989 Aug Orthopristis chrysoptera 121.2 4.3 989 Lagodon rhomboides 187.4 7.8 2,370 (continued) Pomatomus sattatrix 118.3 4.2 310 Eynoscion regatis 165.9 6.9 1,061 La-god rhomboides 116.5 4.2 1,380 Cynoscion nebutosus 30.5 1.3 58 Brevoortia tyrannus 114.8 4.1 2,448 Pomatomus sattatrix 30.2 1.3 139 Caranx hippos 51.6 1.8 11 Orthopristis chrysontera 19.0 0.8 200 Cynoscion nebutosus 24.6 0.9 34 Bairdietta chrysoura 15.5 0.6 184 Bairdietia chrysoura 8.7 0.3 99 Menticirrhus americanus 11.7 0.5 72 Sep n=6 n=7 Leiostomus xanthurus 624.5 34.0 4,606 Leiostomus xanthurus 438.1 32.2 5,336 Pomatomus sattatrix 368.5 20.1 518 Lagodon rhomboides 325.8 23.9 4,407 Lagodo rhomboides 273.1 14.9 2,866 Brevoortia tyrannus 163.1 12.0 2,056 Orthopristis chrysoptera 153.7 8.4 1,165 Micropog7nias undutatus 81.9 6.0 1,076 Cynoscion regatis 114.3 6.2 594 Cynosci nebutosus 76.9 5.6 114 Micropogonias undutatus 102.3 5.6 705 Pornatomus sattatrix 74.2 5.5 227 Brevoortia tyrannus 95.3 5.2 1,724 Eynosci regatis 70.3 5.2 393 Cynosci nebutosus 49.1 2.7 58 Orthopristis chrysopterus 26.4 1.9 410 Bairdietta chrysoura 20.6 1.1 219 Dasyatis sayj 25.4 1.9 8 Mycte ca microtepis 7.1 0.4 51 Sciaenops ocettatus 13.3 1.0 1 Cattinectes sapidus 4.8 0.3 70 Paratichthys lethostigma 11.4 0.8 65 Chaetodipterus faber 3.8 0.2 9 Dasyatis americana 9.0 0.7 29 Dorosoma cecoedianum 6.7 0.5 26 Paratichthys dentatus 6.4 0.5 56 Monacanthus hispidus 6.2 0.5 225 Dasyatis sabina 4.5 0.3 16 Cattinectes spp. 3.9 0.3 42 Chaetodipterus faber 3.8 0.3 89 Oct n=O n=8 (No samptes) Leiostomus xanthurus 1,522.8 56.4 9,825 Lagod rhomboides 458.6 17.0 6,145 Orthopristis chry optera 257.1 9.5 2,000 Brevoortia tyrannus 254.7 9.4 3,211 Cynoscion reAatis 123.0 4.6 318 Micropogonias undulatus 51.4 1.9 364 Bairdietta chrysoura 7.3 0.3 ill Table 7c. Monthly species composition (top 99% of weight) of Long haul catches sampled in the Pamlico Sound area, north and south of BLuff Shoat, Aprit-October 1990, including mean catch/trip (kg) and mean number/trip; n = nurber of catches sampled. NORTH SOUTH Mean Mean Weight (kq) number Weight (kg) number Year Month Species Mean Percent fish Species Mean Percent fish 1990 Apr n=5 n=1 Cynoscl nebulosus 114.6 53.3 113 Micropogonias undulatus 1,354.3 79.6 14,510 Pomtomus sattatrix 89.5 41.6 85 Cynoscion regatis 313.7 18.4 1,924 Archosargus Probatocephatus 6.5 3.0 6 Teiostomus xanthurus 21.6 1.3 369 Leiostomus; xanthurus 1.6 0.7 12 Lagodon rhomboides 1.2 0.5 19 May n=12 n=9 Micropogoniss undutatus 4,841.0 85.2 31,292 Micropogonias undutatus 771.6 39.2 6,816 Leiostomus xanthurus 546.2 9.6 7,045 Cynosci regatis 535.0 27.2 3,946 Brevoorti tryrannus 165.6 2.9 3,823 Lejostomus xanthurus 473.5 24.1 6,601 Cynoscion regatis 56.4 1.0 678 Lagodon rhomboides 49.1 2.5 896 Lagod rhomboides 26.1 0.5 508 Brevoortia tYrannus 32.1 1.6 379 Pomatomus sattatrix 23.5 1.2 104 Pepritus triacanthus 15.4 0.8 188 Orthopristis chry tera 15.1 0.8 161 Pepritu atepidotus 11.9 0.6 201 h!MA cephatus 8.0 0.4 25 Cynoscion nebutosus 7.7 0.4 18 Bairdietta chrysoura 6.2 0.3 81 00 Jun n=12 n=9 Micropogonias undulatus 7,416.2 93.7 53,154 Brevoortis tyrannus. 3,393.8 41.2 40,723 Leiostomus xenthurus 197.3 2.5 1,879 Micropogonias undulatus 2,635.9 32.0 27,425 Cynoscion regatis 91.7 1.2 583 Cynoscion regatis 985.1 12.0 6,844 Brevoorti tyrannus 80.6 1.0 1,355 Leiostomus xanthurus 804.1 9.8 11,389 Lagodon rhomboides 50.6 0.6 586 Lagodon rhomboides 104.3 1.3 2,124 Mustelus canis 100.8 1.2 50 Orthopristis chrysoptera 73.3 0.9 1,089 Bairdletta chrysoura 46.9 0.6 986 Jut n=12 n=7 Micropogonjas undutatus 1,330.8 72.0 9,206 Micropogonias undutatus 1,282.5 46.3 10,565 Cynosci regalls 118.6 6.4 841 Brevoortia tyrannus; 468.9 16.9 10,440 Pomatomus sattatrix 118.2 6.4 453 Leiostomus xanthurus 405.0 14.6 5,560 Leiostomus xanthurus 114.5 6.2 1,101 Pomatomus sattatrix 248.5 9.0 909 Brevoortia tyrannus 75.2 4.1 918 Cynoscion regatis 186.7 6.7 933 Lagodo rhomboides 41.4 2.2 541 Lagodon rhomboldes 71.0 2.6 760 Orthopristis chrysoptera 27.1 1.5 222 Chaetodipterus faber 35.6 1.3 23 Bairdietta chrysoura 9.1 0.5 145 5rthopristis chrysoptera 18.4 0.7 170 Tc@)-Weromorus macutatus 14.9 0.5 30 Bairdietta chrysoura 9.7 0.3 182 Ewi7i-tus triacanthus 5.9 0.2 83 Tebte 7c. (Continued). NORTH SOIJTH Mean Mean WeiAht (kg) number WeiAht 00 number Year Month Species Mean Percent fish Species Mean Percent fish 1990 Aug n=10 n=8 Micropogonias undulatus 2,141.2 64.0 29,788 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,023.1 29.8 29,083 Cynosci regatis 365.4 10.9 2,562 Cynoscion regatis 651.8 19.0 4,021 Leiostomus xanthurus 240.9 7.2 6,243 Brevoortia tyrannus 613.4 17.9 6,719 Lagodon rhomboicles 239.9 7.2 5,289 Micropogonias undulatus 577.3 16.8 17,098 Pomatomus saltatrix 173.8 5.2 519 Lagod rhomboides 188.5 5.5 3,717 Brevoortia tyrannus 55.2 1.7 725 Pomatomus sattatrix 181.5 5.3 608 Orthopristis chrysoptera 53.3 1.6 492 Orthopristis chrysoptera 55.1 1.6 541 Cynoscion nebutosus 21.3 0.6 47 Cynosci nebutosus 22.1 0.6 39 Bairdietta chrysoura 13.9 0.4 195 Menticirrhus americanus 14.4 0.4 80 Scomberomorus macuLatus 11.2 0.3 90 Sciaenops ocellatus 8.0 0.2 1 Menticirrhus spp. 7.4 0.2 32 Setene vomer 3.1 0.1 48 Balrdietta chrysoura 2.2 0.1 48 Scomberawrus macutatus 1.7 <0.1 13 Paratichthys lethostigma 1.4 <0.1 3 Opisthonema ogtin 1.3 <0.1 32 Paratichthys spp. 1.2 <0.1 2 Paralichthys dentatus 0.5 <0.1 4 Mugil cephatus 0.4 <0.1 3 Peprilus triacanthus 0.3 <0.1 3 Monacanthus hisvidus 0.2 <0.1 16 '-0 Sep n=10 n=3 Leiostomus xanthurus 523.0 30.4 7,661 Leiostomus xanthurus 3,369.5 63.0 25,543 MicropoAonjas undutatus 411.5 23.9 4,999 Cynoscion regalis 601.6 11.2 2,587 Lagodon rhomboicles 256.4 14.9 6,069 Brevoortia tyrannus 531.0 9.9 4,811 Pomatomus sattatrix 195.8 11.4 526 Micropogonjas undulatus 456.7 8.5 4,226 Orthopristi chrysoptera 109.7 6.4 901 Lagodon rhomboides 221.5 4.1 4,755 Cynoscion regalis 97.8 5.7 441 @omatomus saltatrix 59.6 1.1 284 Brevoortia tyrannus 31.6 1.8 374 Orthopristis chrysoptera 47.9 0.9 551 Cynoscion nebulosus 30.3 1.8 37 Carcharhinus leucas 20.6 0.4 1 Bairdietta chrysoura 21.5 1.3 302 Chaetodipterus faber 9.9 0.6 260 Monacanthus hispidus 6.7 0.4 263 Pepritus spp. 4.3 0.3 43 Menticirrhus americanus 4.1 0.2 17 act n=3 n=2 Pomatomus sattatrix 1,068.9 43.6 1,551 Brevoortia tyrannus 2,513.8 51.2 21,653 Lelostomus xanthurus 581.8 23.7 4,474 Leiostomus xanthurus 975.3 19.9 10,703 Lagod rhomboides 427.4 17.4 5,966 Lagod rhomboides 483.0 9.8 7,621 Orthopristis chrysoptera 176.0 7.2 1,148 Cynoscion regatis 399.1 8.1 1,352 Cynoscion nebutosus 52.8 2.2 51 Micropogonias undulatus 223.6 4.6 5,081 Sciaenops oceUatus 49.9 2.0 49 Pomatomus saitatrix 108.2 2.2 184 Cynosci regtatis 31.8 1.3 35 Cynoscion nebutosus 94.6 1.9 104 Mycteroperca microlepis 10.7 0.4 53 Orthopristis chrysoptera 62.3 1.3 565 Prionotus evotans 10.4 0.4 90 Paratichthys dentatus 9.8 0.4 18 @roides macutatus 9.5 0.4 18 50 Tabte 8a. Species conposition of scrap fish in 132 PamLico Sound area Long haut catches, 1988. Mean fish Weight (kg) Nunber weight Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) Leiostomus xanthurus 386.7 31.2 4,541 30.1 0.09 Micropogmias undutatus 370.0 29.8 4,324 28.7 0.09 Brevoortia tyrannus 245.2 19.8 3,052 20.2 0.08 Lagodon rhomboides 92.9 7.5 1,662 11.0 0.06 Cynoscion regatis 78.4 6.3 832 5.5 0.09 Orthopristis chrysoptera 19.0 1.5 247 1.6 0.08 BairdieLLa chrysoura 13.8 1.1 162 1.1 0.09 Pomatomus saLtatrix 12.9 1.0 T7 0.5 0.17 Mustetus canis 4.1 0.3 8 0.1 0.53 Dorosoma cepedian 2.2 0.2 6 <0.1 0.39 Dasyatis sayi 1.6 0.1 2 0.1 0.89 Cattinectes saoidus 1.4 0.1 13 0.1 0.10 Atosa sapidissima 1.0 0.1 3 <0.1 0.32 Scomberanorus macuLatus 0.9 0.1 8 0.1 0.12 Paratichthys dgntatus 0.9 0.1 is 0.1 0.06 Opisthonefm ogLin 0.9 0.1 16 0.1 0.06 Menticirrhus americanus 0.7 0.1 7 <0.1 0.10 PepriLus alepidotus 0.7 0.1 13 0.1 0.05 Cynoscion nebuLosus 0.6 <0.1 6 <0.1 0.10 Symphurus Ptagiusa 0.5 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.19 Monacanthus higpisus 0.5 <0.1 32 0.2 0.02 Hyporhmphus unifasciatus 0.5 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.30 ALosa Pseudoharengus 0.5 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.24 Paralichthys Lethostigma 0.5 'CO.1 4 <0.1 0.12 Chaetodipterus faber 0.5 <0.1 7 <0.1 0.06 Mycteroperca microLepis 0.4 <0.1 4 <0.1 0.09 Sphoeroides macuLatus 0.4 <0.1 I <0.1 0.28 Atosa aestivatis 0.3 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.20 Prionotus caroLinus 0.3 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.10 Chitomycterus schoePfi 0.3 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.17 Caranx hippos 0.2 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.12 Dasyatis mericana 0.2 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.27 Larimus fasciatus 0.2 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.18 Synodus foetens 0.2 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.17 ELops saurus 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.97 Prionotus spp. 0.1 <0.1 1 0. 1 0.21 Setene vomer 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.04 Citharichthys sop. 0.1 <0.1 5 <0.1 0.01 Prionotus evotans; 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.11 ALectis ciliaris 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.03 Diplodus holbrooki 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.02 ALuterus scripta 0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.04 Prionotus tribulus <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.07 Trinectes macutatus <0.1 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.01 Lottiguncula brevis <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.05 Atuterus schoe%)fi <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.05 Dasyatis sabina <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.47 Urophycis regia <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.10 Opsanus tau <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.06 Gerreidae <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.02 Caranx crysos; <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.01 Eucinostomus argenteus <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.02 Selene setapinnis <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.01 Penaeus aztecus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.02 Eucinostomus quLa <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.01 51 Table 8b. Species composition of scrap fish in 107 Pamlico Sound area tong haul catches, 1989. Mean fish Weight (kg) Number wei ght Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) Micropogonias undutatus 424.3 41.5 4,435 35.6 0.096 Leiostomus xanthurus; 199.3 19.5 2,868 23.0 0.069 Brevoortia tyrannus 149.2 14.6 2,357 18.9 0.063 Lagodon rhomboides 143.3 14.0 1,750 14.1 0.082 Cynoscion regatis 33.0 3.2 270 2.2 0.123 Orthopristis chrysoptera 29.5 2.9 345 2.8 0.085 Pomatomus saltatrix 14.0 1.4 92 0.7 0.152 BairdieLLa chrysoura 11.3 1.1 158 1.3 0.071 Callinectes sapidus 4.5 0.4 29 0.2 0.153 Paratichthys dentatus 1.6 0.2 17 0.1 0.097 Archosargus probatoce aLus 1.5 0.1 2 <0.1 0.625 Dorosoma cepedian 1.3 0.1 3 <0.1 0.400 Cynoscion nebutosus 1.0 0.1 7 0.1 0.149 Chilomycterus schoepfi 1.0 0.1 5 <0.1 0.224 Scomberomorus macuLatus 0.9 0.1 9 0.1 0.109 Monacanthus hispidu 0.7 0.1 24 0.2 0.028 MusteLus canis 0.6 0.1 5 <0.1 0.127 Caranx hippos 0.6 0.1 6 <0.1 0.105 Opisthonem oqLin 0.6 0.1 is 0.1 0.041 Dasyatis sayi 0.4 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.719 Menticirrhus americanus 0.4 <0.1 4 <0.1 0.108 Selene vomer 0.4 <0.1 10 0.1 0.038 Paratichthys lethostigma 0.4 <0.1 5 0.1 0.078 Prionotus evotans 0.3 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.103 Dasyatis americana 0.3 <0.1 I <0.1 0.500 Sphoeroides macutatus 0.2 <0.1 5 <0.1 0.045 Mycteroperca microlepis 0.2 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.124 Pepritus atepidotus 0.2 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.052 Citharichthys spp. 0.1 <0.1 6 <0.1 0.021 ALosa mediocris 0.1 <0.1 1 4.1 0.180 Prionotus, carotinus 0.1 <0.1 3 <0.1 OiO4O Rajiformes 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.610 Aluterus schoepfi 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.088 Chaetodipterus faber 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.045 Prionotus scituLus 0.1 <0.1 1 CO.1 0.092 Diplodus holbrooli 0.1 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.022 Trachinotus carotinus 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.092 Tautoga onitis 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.145 Synodus foetens 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.135 PepriLus triacanthus <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.046 Caranx crysos <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.050 Dasyatis spp. <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.200 Penaeus duorarum <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.019 Monacanthus spp. <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.025 entropristis striata <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.060 Alosa pseudoharenqu <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.222 CCaLtinectes <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.018 Selene setapinnis <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.020 Monacanthus ciLiatus <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.014 Opsanus tau <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.050 ChLorosc@rus chrysurus <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.010 Penaeus; aztecus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.020 Prionotus spp. <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.010 Trinectes macuLatus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.010 ScophthaLmus aquosus C0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.020 52 TabLe 8c. Species conposition of scrapfish in 91 PamLico Sound area tong hauL catches, 1990. Mean fish Weight (kq) Number weight Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) Micropogonias unduLatus 902.0 56.8 11,884 48.5 0.08 Leiostomus xanthurus 229.4 14.5 5,861 23.9 0.04 Brevoortia tyramus 228.9 14.4 2,997 12.2 0.08 Lagodon rhomboides 119.5 7.5 2,274 9.3 0.05 Cynoscion regaLis 49.3 3.1 617 2.5 0.08 Orthopristis chrysoptera 18.4 1.2 263 1.1 0.07 Pomatomus saLtatrix 16.7 1.0 112 0.5 0.15 BairdietLa chrysoura 12.6 0.8 222 0.9 0.06 Pepritus triaclnthus 3.1 0.2 50 0.2 0.06 Chaetodipterus faber 1.0 0.1 36 0.1 0.03 PepriLus alepidotus 1.0 0.1 33 0.1 0.03 Cattinect2i sapidus 1.0 0.1 11 'CO.1 0.09 Monacanthus hispiclus 0.9 0.1 39 0.2 0.02 Mustetus canis 0.7 <0.1 5 <0.1 0.14 Selene vomer 0.5 <0.1 15 0.1 0.03 Paratichthys dontatus 0.5 <0.1 6 <0.1 0 07 Scomberanorus macutatus 0.5 <0.1 4 <0.1 0:11 Opisthonema ogtin 0.2 <0.1 13 <0.1 0.02 Prionotus evoliIns 0.2 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.16 Menticirrhus ameriarvis 0.2 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.10 Caltinectes simiLis 0.2 <0.1 5 <0.1 0.04 Citharichthys spilopterus 0.2 <0.1 10 <0.1 0.02 Chilomycterus schoepfi 0.2 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.23 Caranx hippos 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.08 Menticirrhus saxatitis 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.05 Raja egianteria 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.11 Prionotus carolinus 0.1 <0.1 4 <0.1 0.02 Prionatus tributus 0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.05 Eucinostomus spp. 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.03 Urophycis regia <0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.03 MuqiL cephatus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.14 Sphoeroides maculatus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.25 SeLene setapinnis <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.08 Eucinostomus argenteus <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.02 MYcteroperca microtepis <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.09 ALectis ciliaris <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 <0.01 Penaeus duorarLgn <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.01 ALosa aestivatis <0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 <0.01 Paratichthys tethostigma <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.02 53 Tabie 9a. YearLy species composition (top 99%) of scrap fish in Long haut catches north of BLuff Shoat (PamHcO Sound), 1988-1990; n = number of scrap catches sampLed. Percent weight Percent number Mean Within Mean Within Year Species weight (kq) area Statewide number area Statewide 1988 Micropogonias undutatus 400.7 39.2 14.9 3,797 35.3 11.6 n=61 Leiostomus xanthurus 360.9 35.3 13.5 4,340 40.4 13.3 Brevoorti2 tyrannus; 159.1 15.6 5.9 1,586 14.7 4.9 Cynoscion regalis 47.4 4.6 1.8 476 4.4 1.5 Lagodon rhomboides 17.8 1.7 0.7 194 1.8 0.6 SairdielLa chrysoura 9.5 0.9 0.4 114 1.1 0.3 Orthopris is chrysoctera 9.1 0.9 0.3 98 0.9 0.3 Pomatomus saltatrix 6.6 0.6 0.2 41 0.4 0.1 Alosa sapidissima 2.1 0.2 0.1 6 0.1 <0.1 1989 Micropogonias undutatus 420.6 50.2 17.7 4,153 42.7 14.3 n=46 Leiostomus; xanthurus 183.8 21.9 7.7 2,425 24.9 8.4 Brevoortia tyrannus 95.2 11.4 4.0 1,736 17.8 6.0 Lagodon rhomboides 58.5 7.0 2.5 640 6.6 2.2 Cynoscion regaLis 25.2 3.0 1.1 228 2.3 0.8 Orthopristis chrysoptera 24.0 2.9 1.0 265 2.7 0.9 Pomatomus saLtatrix 9.4 1.1 0.4 65 0.7 0.2 BairdieLLa chrysoura 5.3 0.6 0.2 57 0.6 0.2 CaLlinedtes saDidus 3.6 0.4 0.2 34 0.3 0.1 ChiLomycte-rus schoepfi 1.8 0.2 0.1 8 0.1 <0.1 Cysnocio nebutosus 1.8 0.2 0.1 9 0.1 <0.1 Scomberomorus macutatus 1.3 6.2 0.1 11 0.1 <0.1 1990 Micropogonias unduLatus 970.6 72.6 36.9 11,817 62.2 29.2 n=55 Leiostomus xanthurus 139.3 10.4 5.3 3,182 16.8 7.9 Lagodon rhcmboides 106.7 8.0 4.1 2,098 11.0 5.2 Brevoortia tyrannus 55.1 4.1 2.1 949 5.0 2.3 Cynoscion regaLis 24.4 1.8 0.9 349 1.8 0.9 Pomatomus saLtatrix 12.5 0.9 0.5 74 0.4 0.2 BairdieLla chrysoura 10.2 0.8 0.4 142 0.7 0.3 Orthopristis chrysoptera 8.2 0.6 0.3 135 0.7 o.3 54 Table 9b. Yearly species composition (top 99%) of scrap fish in long haul catches south of Bluff Shoat (Pamlico Sound), 1988-1990; n = number of scrap catches sampled. Percent weight Percent number Mean within Mean Within Year Species weight Ckq) area Statewide number area Statewide 1988 Leiostomus xanthurus; 408.8 28.6 17.7 4,714 25.1 16.8 n=71 Micropogonias undutatus 343.5 24.1 14.9 4, T77 25.4 17.0 Brevoortia tyrannus 319.3 22.4 13.8 4,313 22.9 15.4 Lagodon rhomboides 157.5 11.0 6.8 2,924 15.6 10.4 Cynoscion regalis 105.0 7.4 4.6 1,139 6.1 4.1 Orthooristis chrysoptera 27.5 1.9 1.2 375 2.0 1.3 Pomatomus sattatrix 18.3 1.3 0.8 108 0.6 0.4 ia-irdietta chrysoura 17.5 1.2 0.8 204 1.1 0.7 Mustelus canis 7.7 0.5 0.3 14 0.1 0 *I Dorosoma cepedia 3.6 0.3 0.2 9 <0.1 <0 1 Dasyatis sayi 3.0 0.2 0.1 3 <0.1 <0.'l Scomberomorus macutatus 1.4 0.1 0.1 11 0.1 <0.1 1989 Micropogonias unduLatus 427.1 36.8 23.8 4,648 32.0 21.3 n--61 Leiostomus xanthurus; 211.0 18.2 11.8 3,202 22.1 14.7 Lagodon rhomboides 207.4 17.9 11.6 2,587 17.8 11.8 Brevoortia tyrannus 190.0 16.4 10.6 2,826 19.5 12.9 Cynoscion regaLis 39.0 3.4 2.2 302 2.1 1.4 Orthopristis chrysoptera 33.6 2.9 1.9 406 2.8 1.9 Pomatomus saLtatrix 17.3 1.5 1.0 112 0.8 0.5 BairdieLLa chrysoura 15.8 1.4 0.9 234 1.6 1.1 CaLLinectes saoidus 5.1 0.4 0.3 26 0.2 0.1 Archosargus probatocephaLus 2.6 0.2 0.1 4 <0.1 -CO. 1 1990 Micropogonias undutatus 797.2 40.5 19.9 11,986 36.5 19.4 n=36 Brevoortia tyrannus 494.3 25.1 12.3 6,127 18.6 9.9 Leiostomus xanthurus 367.2 18.6 9.1 9,954 30.3 16.1 Lagodo rhomboides 139.0 7.1 3.5 2,542 7.7 4.1 Cynoscion regalis 87.4 4.4 2.2 1,027 3.1 1.7 Orthopristis chrysoptera 33.8 1.7 0.8 459 1.4 0.7 Pomatomus sattatrix 23.0 1.2 0.6 169 0.5 0.3 Sairdietta chrysoura 16.2 0.8 0.4 345 1.0 0.6 55 Albemarle Sound WANCHIESE :.Oregon Inlet STUMPY. POINT' RO ANTHE 'ENGLEHA.R. 0 Pu-190 R. -v, C1 35* 20' rsoc Ing day AVON' Cc j v h 8luff Point PA IM @l C HATTkRAS SOUND I Cape Hot teras \Paist of Royal Marsh shoo/\ % ATLANT IC OCEAN sou d. qua so Cape Lookout Trloo, 76*100' Figure 1. Fishing grounds (hatched areas) of North Carolina's long haul seine fishery. 56 2.500 2,500 Atlantic croaker P 2.000- 2.000 1.500- 1.500 1.000 -1.000 500- -500 0- 0 1.800- Spot 1.000 1.600-. 1.-400- -800 bm U) 1.200 - 600 1.000- 0 16 - 0 C 800- -400 C C15 e0o - M 400- -200 200- 0 -0 1,000- 700 Weakfish 800- -600 -500 600 400 go 400- 300 -200 200- -100 L 0 -i 0 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 Year Landings -0- CPUE Figure 2. Commercial landings (kg x 1000) and CPUE (kg/trip) of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), spot (Lejostomus xanthurus), and weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1982-1990. 57 14 12- 1988 7 n 12.965 10- 45 - 7 7" 2 0 1-4- 12- 7 n=9,604 (L 2- 0- 20- 1990 15- n 16.840 10- 5- 0- 95 125 155 185 215 245 275 305 335 355 395 425 Total Length (mm) Figure 3. Expanded length frequencies of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1988-1990. 58 60- 58.01 1982 n=7,6SB 40- 22.78 - 20 17.52 0 1.62 -0. 07 0.01 60- 67.97 1983 n= 11,199 40- 20- 14.36 - 15.83 0 F77-7-7--71 1.87 0.08 0.01 60- 67.79 1984 40- n = 20, 909 20- 14.30 15.83 0 1.87 0.18 0.04 68.18 19as 60- n = 10,940 40- 22.63 20- 7.36 1.69 0.13 0.01 0 - I - @ 60- 58.88 1986 (D n = 14,249 0 40- 26.40 20- 8.52 7 5.45 0.71 0.03 0 F7@ - - 60- 6-2.86 1987 40- 21.46 n = 11,530 20- 11.59 3.72 0.37 0.01 0 60- 50.04 1988 40- 28.90 n = 12,985 20- 10.95 8.72 1.31 0.09 0 F7777771 - F@ r 60- 53.35 1989 40- 27.19 n = 9.604 20- 12.48 5@ 6.23 0.74 0.02 0 60- 55.88 1990 40- 5@-@ n = 16,840 24.20 20- 13.09 5.98 F7777-7 F777A < 0.01 1 0 2 3 4 5 F-:;@ @@77' Age Figure 4. Age composition of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1982-1990. 59 20- 1988 n13.654 15- X X 5- 25 1989 n=11.604 20- 15- 10- 7/ X X 5- 0 /U7/1 12 1990 10- n=12.109 7 X X X 4- 2- X X X 0 45 75 105 135 165 195 225 255 285 71 X 71 71 X 71 X X X X 7 7-1 71 X //71 X Fork Length (mm) Figure 5. Expanded length frequencies of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1988-1990. 60 56,50 1982 60 - n =9.833 40- 20 22 20.09 0.75 0 60 712.04 1983 n 10,301 40- 20- i A 32 11.31 0.33 0 .I - - 7 1 1 60- 61 .00 1984 40- 23.06 20- 5 F-177-- 77. 0.79 0 -7-77 60- 62.83 1985 n =7,8 17 40- 96 20.78 20- 1.54 < 0.01 0 53.70 60- 1986 10,333 Q 40- 20- 1 @2 24.55 -7-777 1.02 < 0.01 66.00 1987 60- - n = 11,249 40- 17.37 20- -@;z ^ I- -- - 1 @2 0.61 < 0.01 0 1r - 61.63 1988 60- n = 13,654 40- .4 20- 9.27 1.82 < 0.01 0 1 1 60- 66.29 1989 n = 1 1.604 40- 24.54 20- 3.25 0 0.93 < 0.01 60- 53.60 1990 40- 33.94 1-< n=12.109 20- F-71 - .1-1.98 77771 0.48 0 0 2 3 4 Age Figure 6. Age composition of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1982-1990. 61 n 4.553 r4 4 ol rA 14 - ol 12 - 1989 n 2.038 10 - C: 8 0 6 4 @A. o/I 'j 2 0 12 10 1990 8 n - 6,035 o/I 6 eo 4 11 oe oe 0 95 155 215 275 335 395 455 515 575 Fork Length (rnrn)i Figure 7. Expanded length frequencies of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1988-1990. 62 nn Q'I 1982 60- n = 2,830 '- 1@ 1 40- 28.24 2w - 1.70 2-34 0.71 0.17 < 0.01 0-- , -1 1 61.77 1983 60- n=4,354 40- 33. 1 a 20- 2.32 . ..... 2.40 0.24 0.08 0 @ --I 60- 58.64 1984 40- 35.41 =5,755 20- 0.37 4.31 0.99 0.25 0.01 0 60- 1985 40.43 n=4,278 40- 20 1.03 5.60 0.95 0.29 0 C: 60- 67.31 1985 n=4,573 40- 29.23 20- 0.74 2.27 0.38 0.07 0 60- 1987 n=5,626 40- 28.99 20- 0 4.44 2.94 0.34 0.06 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 60- 1988 40- 34.38 35.03 n=4,553 7 FA r 77- 77- 1 1.34 0.03 20 10.07 0 60- 51.41 1989 41.22 n = 2,03a 40- 20- 1.41 5.02 0.91 0.03 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 0- 1990 60- 48.04 47.96 n=8,035 40- 20- 0- 0.20 3.60 0.20 < 0.01 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Age Figure 8. Age composition of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1982-1990. 63 250 Bluefish 300 200--" -250 -200 150- -150 100- C23 - CEO -100 50- -50 0 0 40- 60 Spotted seatrout -50 30- -40 W Cy) .C 20- -30 c c ccll Ci- 20M -10 -Co. -- CEM -10 0 '0 50- 18 Flounder -16 40- -14 -12 30- -10 -8 20- 0. -6 10- CEO. 4 -2 0 0 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 Year Landings -0- CPUE Figure 9. Commercial landings (kg x 1000) and CPUE (kg/trip) of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), and flounders (Paralichthys sp.) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1982-1990. 64 1988 n=1,013 4- ol o' 0' oe ol/.1 ol 3 00/00 Oe 0' o' o' ol o' o' o'/ ///ol o' 11 o'// /ol 2 o'///"o@' 'o o'/ /// o'/o' o'/ / ol ol o' / ol oo o' o' ol o' ol "/o' ol ol 01 o@'/eo,o' '0 o' ol ol ol le 11 ol o' o' o' 0'"0' oo ol ooo 0 IVI 4. 4, V. o'. o' 1989 n=1.151 o@ ol C: / /o' ol 0' oe o' ?o @O//o' 4 oe"0' 01 01 00 o' lo Oo o@ 11 ol oo/ 0 o@ '0"o' o' o' ol oe (L .1 ol @O 01 o' o' o' 01 oo/ / / o' 0@ oe oo ol 0' 0' 2- o' ol ol 01 o' ol 09 T770- - - o' o/, 0, oo" oe -7- 12 10 1990 n=2,357 8 - 0' 001 6 - e" 0'" /0' 11"O'el /"//0' '4 '0 4 - 00//Oe '0 0@ 01/01 0@ 01 /11/ lo 01 Oe 0' 0'1/"" 2 /"@o ,,"0@ 0, 0, 0' 0' 0' 0" 95 155 215 275 335 395 455 515 575 Fork Length (mm) Figure 10. Expanded length frequencies of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1988-1990. 65 60- 83.71 1982 n = 1.053 40_ 20- 13.82 2.47 1983 60- 41.93 51.83 n=384 40- :20- a. 17 0.04 0.04 0- 51.08 1984 60- 4a.75 n = 1.846 140- 120- 1.91 0.15 0.04 0.04 63.56 1985 60- @@- 34.87 n=337 40- 20 M 1.77 0 60- 52.53 1986 a) n=398 Q 40- 29.33 20- 12.14 0 60- aO.17 1987 n=519 40- 27.47 20 - 12.37 1988 60- 51-SO n=1,013 40 - 33.46 20 14.93 0.12 0- E771 60- 57.44 1989 40 - 38.25 n=1,151 1120 4.02 0.30 60- 52.91 1990 43.a3 n=2,357 40- 20- 3.13 0.05 0.04 0.02 < 0.01 0.01 < 0.01 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Age Figure 11. Age composition of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1982-1990. U U 14- 1988 n=80 12- 10- 8- 6- oo, o" 4- / I oo, 0, 2 o o" r@' o/1' o/o, o/01 0 14 1989 n=48 12 4-0 C 10 ooo oe 4- o0o oe 2- 0 20 1990 n=112 is- 10- oe oe o' 0, o' /. oo o' 0 /,4 75 13S 195 255 316 375 435 495 Total Length (mm) Figure 12. Expanded length frequencies of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1988-1990. 67 35- 6 Spanish mackerel 30- -5 25- -4 20- -3 15- 2 10- 5- 0 .... 0 so Harvestfish 25 40 -20 (1) 30- -15 cm. 0 C _0 20 -10 C: M CU --l 10- -5 0 'EM -0 25- 4 co Butterfish co 20- -3 15- 2 10- 5- 0 - 0 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 Year Landings -3- CPUE Figure 13. Commercial landings (kg x 1000) and CPUE (kg/trip) of Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus), harvestfish (Peprilus alepidotus), and butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1982-1990. 14 12- 1988 n 2.607 8- 7,- 2 0 25 1 gag 20- n=1,909 C: (1) 15- Q -to- 5- _,rip E2 0- NNE 35 1990 ;7 n 1.478 25 X 20- 15- 10- 5- 0 65 Q5 125 155 185 215 245 275 305 71 7A X, 7-2 7'1 X X 7-2 71 x X X X X 7@ X X X Fork Length (mm) Figure 14. Expanded length frequencies of Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1988-1990. 69 3,000 1,400 Scrap fish.' -1,200 2,500- -1,000 2,000 -800 1,500- -600 1,000- -400 500- 200 M 0 -0 0 10,000 - - 5,000 V C CO Total finfish M 8,000 - 4,000 6,000 - 3,000 4,000 - 2,000 2,000 - 1,000 0 0 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 Year Landings -CR- CPUE Figure 15. Commercial landings (kg x 1000) and CPUE (kg/trip) for scrap fish and total catch from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1982-1990. 70 50- North 40- 20- 0<x 7 T< 7 777 < 10- XD0< < 0 g:@.k I South 70- Go- C so- a) 0 40- 30- < 20- 101 0 60- Combined 50 - <><X 40- 77 20- 10- 0 Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct All Month 00 DOO Fkandin'gs Samples_ Figure 16. Monthly and total (All) percentage of scrap fish (mean 1988-1990) in reported commercial landings and individual catches sampled by area (north of Bluff Shoal and south of Bluff Shoal) and combined for the North Carolina long haul fishery. I I I I I I I I A P P E N D I X I I I I I .I I I I I I . 2 3 4 PPENDIX A. Seasonal conmerciat Landings of sciaenid pound net Long haul , ocean gitt net (gitt net) ,and winter trawl fisheries in North Carolina for 1982-1990 fishing seasons (season = May-Aprit), including total tandings/species (mt), total value of state landings (value in 1000s of dollars) and relative contribution of the three fisheries/species (percent). May 82-Apr 83 May 83-Apr 84 May 84-Apr 85 May 85-Apr 86 May 86-Apr 87 May 87-Apr 88 May 88-Apr 89 - May 89-Apr 90 May 90-Apr 91 Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- VaLue/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Decies ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ttantic croaker 4,475 $3,572 3,697 $3,099 4,707 $3,278 4,211 $3,204 3,757 $2,909 3,552 $3,133 3,164 $3,036 2,787 S3,201 2,550 $2,749 Pound net 863 19.3 292 7.9 443 9.4 567 13.5 234 6.2 579 16.3 451 14.2 244 8.8 218 8.5 Long haul 2,064 46.1 1,883 50.9 1,339 28.4 1,114 26.4 1,392 37.0 679 19.1 1,177 37.2 1,427 51.2 1,769 69.4 Trawler 547 12.2 478 12.9 1,359 28.9 1,069 25.4 721 19.2 761 21.4 653 20.7 436 15.7 154 6.1 Gilt net 385 8.6 540 13.3 1,219 25.9 1,252 29.7 1,204 3.0 1,283 36.1 636 20.1 385 13.9 304 11.9 eakfish 5,163 S4,695 5,486 $3,936 4,728 $3,874 6,626 $4,458 5,276 $4,152 6,561 $4,717 5,298 $5,041 2,854 $3,320 2,759 $2,803 Pound net 126 2.5 73 1.3 167 3.5 192 2.9 88 1.7 199 3.0 232 4.4 58 2.0 74 2.7 Long haul 737 14.3 704 12.8 762 16.1 508 7.7 586 11.1 412 6.3 608 11.5 240 8.4 481 17.4 Trawler 3,054 59.5 2,740 49.9 1,760 37.2 2,570 38.8 1,971 37.4 2,364 36.0 1,590 30.0 1,168 41.1 1,220 44.4 Gilt net 846 16.4 1,555 28.4 1,565 33.1 2,654 40.1 2,277 43.2 3,253 49.6 2,440 46.1 1,202 42.2 842 30.5 iuefish 3,470 $914 1,618 $565 1,344 $509 1,734 $513 1,712 $732 2,603 $755 1,417 $538 1,761 $678 2,150 $ 740 Pound net 89 2.6 31 1.9 38 2.9 51 3.0 30 1.8 41 1.6 35 2.5 14 0.8 14 0.7 Long haul 194 5.6 153 9.5 M 11.7 216 12.5 212 12.4 214 8.2 164 11.6 136 7.7 139 6.5 Trawler 1,776 51.2 465 28.7 359 26.7 353 20.3 185 10.8 564 21.7 234 16.5 206 11.7 124 5.6 Gilt net 970 28.0 637 39.4 561 41.8 744 42.9 979 57.2 1,357 52.1 683 48.2 1,193 67.8 1,293 60.1 pot 2,214 $1,063 1,388 $699 1,562 $809 1,843 $900 1,473 $742 1,296 S663 1,378 $666 1,464 $785 1,590 S 805 4 Pound net 150 6.8 30 2.1 89 5.7 56 3.1 22 1.5 51 3.9 33 2.4 33 0.2 19 1.2 PJ Long haul 1,556 70.3 885 62.3 938 60.1 1,126 61.1 865 58.8 529 40.8 896 65.0 903 61.7 1,104 69.4 Trawler 36 1.6 69 5.0 50 3.2 75 4.1 38 2.6 37 2.8 37 2.7 63 4.3 33 2.1 Gilt net 37 1.7 65 4.7 131 8.4 150 8.2 213 14.5 268 20.7 142 10.3 232 15.9 113 7.1* lounders 3,970 $5,486 6,027 $7,293 6,403 $10,132 4,231 $9,304 3,256 $7,993 4,571 $10,957 3,927 $9,649 2,637 $9,685 3,003 $9,554 Pound net 55 1.4 34 0.6 53 0.8 34 0.8 99 3.0 163 3.6 257 6.5 150 5.7 76 2.5 Long haul 28 0.7 36 0.6 27 0.4 29 0.7 43 1.3 12 0.3 38 1.0 32 1.2 19 0.6 Trawler 2,888 72.8 4,769 79.1 5,185 81.0 2,891 68.3 1,825 56.1 3,219 70.4 2,326 59.2 1,105 41.9 1,686 56.2 Gilt net 0.2 <0.1 6 <0.1 9 0.2 6 0.1 6 0.2 4 0.1 2 0.1 6 0.3 <0.1 <0.1 triped bass 110 $451 185 $356 211 $365 101 $170 135 297 54 $119 43 $96 77 $212 50 S 156 Pound net - - - - - 0.2 0.2 - - - - - 0 0 Long haul 0.1 <0.1 - - - 0 0 Trawler 2 1.5 6 3.3 - 10 <0.1 3 6.0 Gilt net 22 20.3 0.3 0.2 - - - - - - - - 34 0.1 0 0 utterfish 5 135 $76 53 $43 so $64 63 $47 79 S72 62 $53 26 $28 104 $67 122 S 97 Pound net 11 8.1 1 2.7 7 8.6 14 22.2 10 12.6 5 7.3 7 26.9 0.9 0.9 15 1.2 Long haul 4 2.7 4 8.4 2 2.9 0.2 0.3 13 16.3 0.6 1.0 1 5.4 0.5 5.3 21 17.2 Trawler 74 55.0 38 71.7 52 64.6 34 53.6 39 49.3 32 51.6 10 38.5 71 69.3 41 33.6 Gilt net 38 28.4 6 10.6 13 15.7 9 14.4 11 14.1 11 18.2 3 11.5 16 15.5 12 9.8 APPENDIX A. (Continued). May 82-Apr 83 May 83-Apr 84 May 84-Apr 85 May 85-Apr 86 May 86-Apr 87 May 87-Apr 88 May 88-Apr 89 May 89-Apr 90 May 90-Apr 91 Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Species ings percent ings percent ings percent Ings percent ings mrcent ings, percent ings percent ings percent ings percent Harvestfish 5 199 $123 101 $60 110 $97 186 $200 137 S167 115 $158 114 $164 100 $129 98 $135 Pound net 34 17.2 17 16.8 32 28.9 86 46.5 34 24.6 38 32.7 34 29.8 18 18.0 24 24.5 Long haul 41 20.6 20 19.4 21 19.5 16 8.8 33 23.9 33 28.5 16 14.3 6 6.2 9 9.2 Trawler 34 17.2 7 7.1 5 4.7 43 23.0 7 4.8 6 4.8 8 7.1 22 22.0 13 13.3 Gilt net 42 21.1 6 6.0 5 4.7 18 9.5 11 8.3 13 11.0 5 4.4 13 13.3 16 16.3 Spanish mackerel 86 $61 19 $15 58 $42 79 $67 105 $81 229 $145 199 $141 268 $215 380 $318 Pound net 3 3.6 3 14.2 6 10.9 10 12.4 16 15.2 81 35.6 75 37.7 71 26.5 22 5.8 Long haul 0.9 1.1 1 7.9 3 4.5 5 6.3 13 12.4 15 6.4 18 8.9 33 12.3 12 3.2 Trawler 0.4 0.4 - - - - 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.1 <0.1 0.2 0.1 3 1.1 0.7 0.2 Gilt net 30 34.7 4 20.3 14 24.4 27 34.1 41 38.9 50 21.9 43 21.6 114 42.5 143 37.6 Florida poqmno 14 $33 2 $4 4 $11 11 $32 17 $41 9 $24 3 $9 9 $28 14 $24 Pound net 3 23.5 0.1 M 0.4 8.9 1 9.0 3 16.3 2 24.4 0.4 13.3 5 55.6 0.5 3.6 Long haul 6 38.9 0.4 18.7 2 56.6 5 48.4 4 24.3 2 19.7 0.7 18.9 2 18.6 1 7.2 Trawler - - - - - - - - - - .002 <0.1 - Gilt net 0.7 4.7 - - 0.6 13.7 0.1 1.4 2 11.2 0.5 5.5 0.3 10.0 <0.1 <0.1 Spotted seatrout 42 $72 72 $120 68 $123 65 $171 85 $157 156 $277 167 $326 161 $345 110 $219 Pound net 5 11.6 5 6.8 4 6.0 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.3 2 1.5 0.2 0.1 - - 0.3 0.3,4 Long haul 15 35.6 19 25.6 15 22.3 9 14.9 10 11.8 36 23.2 35 21.1 31 19.0 21 19.1 W Trawler 0.4 1.0 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.6 2 2.8 6 6.7 2 1.4 0.7 0.4 a 4.8 <0.1 <0.1 Gilt net 2 5.4 4 5.8 4 6.1 16 24.4 10 11.5 17 11.0 22 13.2 10 6.3 10 9.1 Red drum 22 $11 146 $81 91 $60 77 $113 104 $109 115 $149 99 $124 118 $164 82 $105 Pound net 0.3 1.5 2 1.1 0.8 0.9 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 19 16.4 4 4.0 5 4.2 1 1.2 Long haul 5 20.4 9 6.5 7 7.7 2 2.8 32 30.9 16 13.8 11 11.1 25 21.6 8 9.8 Trawler 6 27.7 13 9.0 6 7.1 2 2.1 2 1.5 1 1.3 2 1.9 1 1.1 0.2 0.3 Gilt net 5 24.0 37 25.1 21 22.8 19 24.4 9 8.4 11 9.6 9 9.1 12 10.4 5 6.1 Black sea bass 213 $343 446 $619 544 $976 503 $1,002 267 $519 495 $979 452 $1,118 509 $1,384 285 $1,042 Trawler 71 33.5 266 59.7 363 71.4 296 58.9 95 35..7 315 63.6 206 45.7 205 40.3 60 21.1 Scup or porgies 658 $840 835 $997 505 $759 188 $212 Ill $186 61 $65 15 $11 47 82 71 $60 Trawler 304 46.2 477 57.2 267 52.9 171 90.8 ill 99.7 58 94.3 15 100.0 47 99.6 71 100.0 Bait 4,302 S354 4,430 $376 4,695 $381 3,437 $230 2,836 $201 4,084 $300 2,596 $168 2,167 S159 2,566 $177 Pound net 349 8.1 201 4.5 421 9.0 549 16.0 123 4.3 329 8.1 271 10.4 306 14.1 341 13.3 Long haul 1,879 43.7 1,901 42.9 1,884 40.1 1,148 33.4 1,386 48.9 1,474 36.1 1,078 41.5 1,112 51.8 1,635 63.7 Trawler 1,364 31.7 1,613 36.4 1,728 36.7 1,620 47.1 905 31.9 2,109 51.1 794 30.6 195 9.0 78 3.0 Gilt net 62 1.5 1.0 100 2.1 13 0.4 23 0.8 7 0.2 127 4.9 6 0.3 1 @PENDIX A. (Continued). May 82-Apr 83 May 83-Apr 84 May 84-Apr 85 May 85-Apr 86 May 86-Apr 87 May 87-Apr 88 May 88-Apr 89 May 89-Apr 90 May 90-Apr 91 Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Vatue7 Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Lard- Value/ Lard- Value/ pecies Ings percent ings percent. ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent- Ings percent ings percent DtaL finfish (w/out menhaden) 31,767 $23,406 32,776 $23,639 37,030 $28,220 32,319 $27,182 25,462 $25,399 31,772 $30,301 25,225 $29,622 20,905 $41,836 24,812 $28,731 Pound net 1,699 5.4 706 2.2 1,285 3.5 1,553 4.8 684 2.7 1,558 4.9 1,432 5.7 935 4.5 827 3.3 Long haul 6,579 20.7 5,649 17.2 5,175 14.0 4,250 13.2 4,714 18.5 3,353 10.6 4,308 17.1 4,112 19.7 5,299 21.4 Trawler 10,367 32.6 11,779 35.9 11,899 32.1 9,850 30.5 6,493 25.5 10,256 32.3 6,099 24.2 4,481 21.5 4,081 16.4 GM net 2,671 8.4 3,071 9.4 3,825 10.3 5,157 16.0 5,067 19.9 6,698 21.1 4,430 17.6 3,555 17.0 3,548 14.3 Dtal marketable (w/out menhaden) 27,465 $23,092 28,346 $18,994 32,336 $23,263 28,882 $26,952 22,626 $25,197 27,688 $29,884 22,629 $29,454 18,738 $41,677 22,246 $28,554 Pound net 1,350 4.9 505 1.8 864 2.7 1,003 3.5 561 2.5 1,229 4.4 1,161 5.1 630 3.3 468 2J Long haul 4,700 17.1 3,748 13.2 3,291 10.2 3,102 10.7 3,328 14.7 2,074 7.5 3,230 14.3 2,991 16.0 3,665 16.5 Trawler 9,003 32.8 10,166 35.9 10,177 31.5 8,230 28.5 5,588 24.7 8,147 29.4 5,304 23.4 4,285 22.9 4,056 18.2 Gill net 2,613 9.5 3,028 10.7 3,725 11.5 5,144 17.8 5,043 22.3 6,691 24.2 4,303 19.0 3,549 18.9 3,547 15.9 Pound net landings include Dare County (annuat timeframe). Long haul landings: Long haul landings include April through December from Dare, Hyde, Carteret, Craven, Pamlico and Beaufort counties (annual timeframe). Winter trawl Landings include: Dare, Hyde, Pamlico, Beaufort, Craven, Carteret, Brunswick and Onstow counties. ocean gill net landings include all state landings September through April. North Carolina commercial landings combined harvestfish and butterfish landings in 1985 are harvestfish; for the purpose of this presentation, we extrapolated out butterfish Landings based an monthly relative proportions of the two species in our samples. 4@h APPENDIX B. Long haut seine total commercial landings (kg) and catch/trip (CKJE, kg) north (N), south (S) and combined (C) areas of Bluff Shoat, Pamlico Sound area for the predominant species, 1982-1990. Species Area 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 Atlantic croaker N Landings 1,789,581 1,722,516 1,177,131 966,083 1,205,537 479,195 949,184 1,280,905 1,535,222 CPUE 1,118.4 1,530.9 3,108.4 2,217.2 2,564.4 1,727.5 2,146.9 1,619.1 2,946.7 S Landings 376,405 206,589 296,977 147,892 186,364 199,472 227,553 146,181 233,691 CPUE 628.3 791.2 702.0 614.1 895.1 716.7 554.5 706.0 1,216.3 C Landings 2,165,986 1,929,104 1,474,108 1,113,975 1,391,901 678,667 1,176,737 1,427,086 1,768,913 CPUE 835.2 1,131.7 1,874.4 1,485.3 2,225.0 1,258.9 1,286.1 1,106.5 2,291.5 Bluefish N Landings 84,792 58,044 26,254 47,584 29,581 30,890 28,043 41,812 45,233 CPUE 67.4 37.2 48.8 34.3 37.4 52.0 50.5 92.5 144.7 S Landings 113,254 95,349 89,900 168,629 182,088 183,041 136,055 94,282 93,787 CPUE 439.3 61.2 79.8 69.0 282.7 128.3 137.1 169.7 108.1 C Landings 198,046 153,393 116,154 216,213 211,670 213,941 164,09B 136,094 139,020 CPUE 282.3 52.0 64.7 50.1 95.7 87.4 97.3 135.9 130.9 Spot N Landings 363,726 130,230 175,293 143,367 289,113 106,162 188,369 220,757 184,323 CPUE 325.7 478.0 296.2 386.3 623.6 423.2 703.6 453.9 307.6 S Landings 1,214,852 731,952 737,278 982,436 576,360 422,411 707,334 681,789 920,049 CPUE 854.2 1,345.3 1,011.6 1,266.0 1,222.1 897.4 1,153.8 905.4 887.2 C Landings 1,578,579 862,182 912,572 1,125,804 865,473 528,573 895,703 902,546 1,104,372 CPUE 631.1 846.4 663.1 788.4 T76.8 643.0 947.0 707.4 527.1 @4 Flounders N Landings 6,293 6,058 5,280 4,438 16,874 2,076 3,674 14,852 4,203 Ln CPUE 1.0 10.6 2.5 4.4 3.8 3.7 4.8 3.5 9.2 S Landings 22,097 30,305 21,872 24,252 26,389 9,519 34,201 16,963 14,477 CPUE 21.2 41.4 10.8 13.9 4.3 8.2 6.9 8.7 2.9 C Landings 28,390 36,363 27,152 28,690 43,263 11,595 37,865 31,815 18,680 CPUE 12.7 15.6 6.8 4.4 1.6 4.2 6.0 6.4 3.6 Butterfish N LANDINGS 3,611 851 364 211 12,699 530 347 515 1,705 CPUE CO. I <0.1 0.8 <0.1 -CO. 1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 S Landings 59 3,234 1,971 - 136 93 1,040 40 19,361 CPUE 2.2 6.4 0.6 - 0.2 5.5 4. 1 (0.1 7.2 C Landings 3,670 4,085 2,335 210 12,835 623 1,387 555 21,066 CPUE 1.3 3.5 0.7 <0.1 0.1 2.55 0.5 0.2 3.6 Harvestfish N Landings 8,627 3,803 2,985 3,456 13,104 4,338 3,840 3,273 3,217 CPUE 1.4 3.2 0.5 6.9 3.0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 S Landings 32,315 15,711 18,431 12,905 19,688 28,318 12,338 2,964 5,311 CPUE 16.7 40.9 8.4 19.3 28.4 3.7 6.1 <0.1 4.6 C Landings 40,942 19,513 21,416 16,361 32,792 32,656 16,177 6,237 8,528 CPUE 10.3 22.8 4.6 12.6 9.0 1.7 3.4 0.4 2.4 Spanish mackerel N Landings 628 9 179 1,366 6,786 2,242 2,450 16,753 3,585 CPUE 0.5 <0.1 0.2 1.9 0.5 1.2 <0.1 <Q.1 <0.1 S Landings 297 1,471 2,398 3,587 6,272 12,325 15,226 16,097 8,242 CPUE 0.4 0.4 <0.1 1.1 <0.1 2.0 3.9 6.7 <0.1 C Landings 925 1,480 2,577 4,952 13,657 14,567 17,676 32,850 11,827 CPUE 0.4 0.2 0.1 1.6 0.4 1.6 2.5 5.4 3.2 APPENDIX B. (Continued). Species Area 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 Spotted seatrout N Landings 7,522 13,829 10,808 5,408 2,818 13,591 12,379 20,717 14,385 CPUE 5.0 10.7 3.3 1.3 14.2 24.6 36.6 34.8 21.8 S Landings 7,865 7,702 4,526 3,944 7,261 22,514 23,132 9,890 6,755 CPUE 19.9 22.5 15.6 1.6 14.6 33.4 59.3 30.5 13.3 C Landings 15,387 21,532 15,335 9,352 10,079 36,105 35,511 30,607 21,140 CPUE 13.6 17.6 9.6 1.5 14.6 28.7 48.8 32.4 18.6 Weakfish N Landings 241,346 286,955 294,119 257,379 217,913 133,122 367,536 121,903 131,206 CPUE 201.4 552.9 683.3 784.4 366.8 405.3 670.8 121.0 123.9 S Landings 518,049 430,088 494,388 250,429 368,348 278,956 241,402 117,597 349,471 CPUE 431.9 625.3 422.5 351.9 873.3 478.8 238.2 99.6 592.8 C Landings 759,395 717,042 788,507 507,808 586,260 412,078 608,938 239,500 480,677 CPUE 334.6 584.9 549.5 587.0 493.1 439.4 437.0 109.0 301.4 Bait* N Landings 286,632 1,312,279 876,022 283,494 503,573 338,365 148,445 436,179 499,835 CPUE - - - 1,026.6 705.3 1,052.2 799.3 1,097.1 S Landings 1,652,425 1,177,289 1,505,136 920,441 1,304,659 1,426,678 1,087,431 714,100 1,134,864 CPUE - - - - 2,024.4 1,426.5 1,219.5 1,171.0 1,567.1 C Landings 1,939,057 2,489,568 2,381,158 1,203,935 1,808,232 1,760,043 1,235,876 1,150,279 1,634,699 CPUE - - - 1,260.7 1,039.7 1,147.2 1,031.9 1,338.8 Total fish N Landings 2,592,427 5,094,876 3,837,148 2,922,525 3,897,382 1,569,501 1,739,310 2,245,035 2,444,470 -4 CPUE 1,850.3 2,584.2 3,973.2 3,667.6 3,929.6 2,434.8 3,843.1 2,692.2 3,645.4 S Landings 4,362,433 3,071,921 3,036,761 3,019,109 3,247,497 3,221,927 2,569,551 1,866,646 2,854,636 CPUE 2,977.8 4,166.0 3,003.7 2,918.7 4,368.7 3,057.77 2,610.0 2,468.4 3,687.0 C Landings 6,954,860 8,166,798 6,873,909 5,941,634 7,144,879 4,791,428 4,308,861 4,111,681 5,299,106 CPUE 2,514.3 3,441.0 3,517.5 3,307.1 4,032.6 2,723.6 3,142.6 2,552.1 3,666.8 Biological sanpLing of bait in long haul catches began in 1986. APPENDIX C. Monthly (A; 1988-1990), areal (B; 1985-1990), and scrap (C; 1985-1990) expanded length frequencies of Atlantic croaker (Micropoganias undulatus) from long haul catches; n = number of individuals measured; en = exparded nLuA*r of individuals. Percent frequency size class (TL. mm) 151- 176- 201- 226- 251- 276- 301- 326- 351- 376- Year Month n en <151 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 350 375 400 >400 A. 1988 Apr 417 30,687 1.1 25.5 21.6 14.4 15.0 11.5 7.2 2.7 0.2 0.8 May 2,422 249,007 0.2 2.0 9.9 22.5 34.3 18.1 7.7 3.0 1.8 0.6 <0.1 Jun 3,537 249,2BB 0.3 0.6 14.4 42.1 24.8 10.9 4.4 1.9 0.5 0.1 <0.1 Jut 2,275 165,451 0.4 0.5 5.3 23.1 32.8 21.0 9.9 4.0 1.6 1.1 0.3 Aug 3,460 443,417 6.0 4.6 4.1 20.3 33.5 18.3 8.4 3.2 1.1 0.3 <0.1 Sep 669 97,676 20.2 41.5 19.8 8.2 4.7 3.1 1.6 0.7 0.2 0.1 Oct 185 27,029 3.0 9.7 45.5 23.6 15.4 1.8 0.5 0.3 0.3 1989 Apr 807 31,276 <0.1 0.4 1.0 5.9 33.7 38.1 14.8 4.7 1.2 0.1 May 641 41,314 0.1 12.6 28.4 14.1 21.9 19.8 3.o 0.1 <0.1 0.0 Jun 3,7BB 251,220 Q.j 2.3 13.2 31.6 26.0 18.3 7.1 1.3 0.1 0.0 Jut 2,349 369,895 2.0 1.8 16.4 33.7 27.0 14.9 3.5 0.7 <0.1 Aug 1,725 164.612 6.7 8.1 4.7 29.8 34.7 12.4 3.3 0.2 0.1 Sep 184 11,716 4.9 31.9 30.1 8.9 11.3 8.5 1.5 2.6 0.1 0.2 Oct 110 5,452 <0.1 25.2 64.8 6.4 3.5 1990 Apr 346 14,109 22.2 32.5 30.6 12.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 May 2,762 433,432 0.7 2.8 6.0 17.3 45.9 23.9 3.3 0.1 <0.1 Jun 5,843 882,159 2.2 2.9 14.0 30.2 39.3 10.6 0.8 0.0 Jut 4,100 198,527 4.2 0.8 4.9 28.6 46.9 13.4 1.0 0.2 <0.1 Aug 2.810 372,658 38.5 14.7 10.3 16.9 14.3 4.4 0.8 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 @4 Sep 805 62,436 10.9 51.0 8.0 5.0 15.0 7.8 1.9 0.4 0.1 -4 Oct 174 10,133 13.8 83.8 1.9 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 Percent frequency size class (TL. mm) 151- 176- 201- 226- 251- 276- 301- 326- 351- 376- Year Month en <151 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 350 375 400 >400 B. 1985 North 7,766 617,470 0.4 1.4 1.7 17.9 48.3 23.9 5.6 0.8 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 South 3,174 234,425 1.8 25.2 45.6 17.4 8.0 1.6 0.2 0.1 0.1 Combined 10,940 851,895 0.8 7.9 13.8 17.8 37.2 17.8 4.1 0.6 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 1986 North 12,878 1,143,514 0.1 0.3 2.0 18.8 45.2 25.7 6.4 1.3 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 South 1,371 214,253 8.7 19.0 32.2 30.9 6.8 1.8 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 Combined 14,249 1,357,767 1.5 3.3 6.8 20.7 39.2 21.9 5.4 1.1 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 1987 North 8,109 661,520 0.8 3.8 4.7 20.2 42.9 22.2 4.5 0.7 0.1 <0.1 South 3,421 302,840 14.6 24.9 32.4 19.5 4.9 0.9 0.1 <0.1 Combined 11,530 964,360 1.4 7.2 11.1 24.0 35.5 16.8 3.4 0.5 0.1 <0.1 1988 North 8,350 790,135 1.0 2.1 3.9 19.4 34.2 22.2 10.6 4.2 1.7 0.6 0.1 South 4,615 472,417 8.7 13.1 20.2 32.8 19.7 4.3 0.9 0.3 0.0 <0.1 <0.1 Combined 12,965 1,262,552 3.9 6.2 10.0 24.4 28.8 15.5 7.0 2.8 1.1 0.4 0.1 <0.1 1989 North 4,873 482,269 0.7 1.0 3.5 22.3 36.0 26.7 8.2 1.5 0.2 <0.1 South 4,731 393,212 3.9 8.0 26.5 39.4 17.7 3.6 0.6 0.2 0.1 <0.1 Combined 9,604 875,481 2.2 4.1 13.8 30.0 27.8 16.3 4.8 0.9 0.1 <0.1 1990 North 11,067 1,428,276 7.7 4.2 5.3 22.6 42.3 16.0 1.8 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 South 5,773 545,169 13.3 14.2 24.3 26.7 18.0 3.2 0.3 0.0 <0.1 Combined 16,1140 1,973,445 9.2 7.0 10.5 23.7 35.6 12.4 1.4 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 APPENDIX C. (Continued). Percent frequency size ciass (TL, mm) 151- 176- 201- 226- 251- 276- 301- 326- 351- 376- Year Month n en <151 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 350 375 400 >400 C. 1985 North 923 923 1.5 6.6 6.0 51.1 34.5 0.3 South 479 479 1.5 34.2 48.4 15.2 0.6 Combined 1,402 1,402 1.5 16.0 20.5 38.9 22.9 0.2 1986 North 2,177 2,177 1.2 2.8 7.7 59.3 28.5 0.4 South 122 122 10.7 42.6 41.8 4.1 0.8 Combined 2,299 2,299 1.2 3.2 9.6 58.4 27.2 0.4 1987 North 1,748 24,646 5.8 46.7 28.3 15.3 3.9 0.1 South 1,104 13,544 8.5 48.4 19.8 22.0 1.3 <0.1 <0.1 Combined 2,852 38,190 6.8 47.3 25.3 17.7 2.9 <0.1 <0.1 1988 North 2,612 5,419 2.0 2.8 9.5 45.7 38.1 1.9 South 2,091 135,549 11.3 25.7 20.4 30.5 10.7 0.9 0.2 0.1 Combined 4,703 141,013 11.0 24.8 20.0 31.1 11.8 1.0 0.2 0.1 1989 North 1,278 5,543 0.5 49.0 36.6 7.5 2.9 3.6 South 1,854 139,691 4.9 7.7 36.3 43.8 7.2 0.1 Combined 3,132 145,234 4.7 9.3 36.3 42.4 7.1 0.2 1990 North 2,604 158,923 64.4 30.7 3.0 1.5 0.3 <OJ Oa South 2,125 419,793 17.2 18.2 27.7 29.3 7.5 0.1 Combined 4,729 5780716 30.2 21.6 20.9 21.7 5.5 0.1 APPENDIX D. Monthly (A; 1988-1990), areal (B; 1985-1990), and scrap (C; 1985-1990) expanded length frequencies of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) from tong haul catches; n = number of individuals measured; en = expanded number of individuals. Percent frequency size class (FL, mm) 121- 136- 151- 166- 181- 196- 211- 226- Year Month n en <121 135 150 165 180 195 210 225 240 >240 A. 1988 Apr 556 37,416 0.2 5.6 9.5 20.1 31.2 25.2 7.2 0.8 0.2 May 3,529 301,232 0.1 1.5 5.6 16.3 25.0 29.1 17.4 4.6 0.3 <0.1 Jun 2,861 160,922 0.1 0.5 7.3 19.9 32.4 31.4 7.5 O.B 0.1 JUL 1,493 72,885 2.2 1.8 1.3 1.4 5.8 23.4 41.3 21.5 1.2 <0.1 Aug 2,283 205,085 25.1 5.4 4.2 3.a 4.2 12.6 26.1 14.1 3.5 0.9 Sep 1,985 186,824 6.9 3.9 3.5 4.o 4.7 7.6 28.8 33.3 6.7 0.6 Oct 947 144,270 3.3 2.0 0.5 1.1 4.3 20.8 32.4 28.0 7.3 0.4 1989 Apr 217 14,955 9.0 12.8 11.3 29.8 29.1 7.6 0.5 May 1,242 58,288 2.7 13.3 22.4 16.3 17.7 19.5 7.6 0.5 -CO.1 Jun 2,740 150,345 0.5 5.0 11.3 13.8 15.4 27.2 21.9 4.5 0.2 0.3 JUL 2,660 227,291 2.5 0.8 2.4 9.1 19.5 28.0 31.5 6.2 <0.1 <0.1 Aug 2,233 157,430 7.8 1.8 1.8 4.2 9.7 27.4 35.2 11.0 1.1 <0.1 Sep 1,469 65,045 9.6 10.8 5.7 10.8 8.9 13.8 20.6 15.5 4.1 0.2 Oct 1,043 78,586 2.1 2.8 1.4 1.8 3.4 9.2 31.5 34.4 12.7 0.7 1990 Apr 21 419 42.3 30.3 2.9 16.0 6.7 1.9 May 2,658 143,055 0.5 7.2 19.5 23.5 25.1 20.3 3.6 0.2 <0.1 <0.1 Jun 2,378 110,310 3.6 3.9 14.8 25.7 18.8 22.8 9.5 0.8 <0.1 <0.1 -4 Jul 1,837 50,125 9.9 7.4 10.5 10.7 21.5 23.4 13.8 2.7 0.1 <0.1 Aug 2,174 292,243 67.9 7.4 3.4 4.6 5.0 6.9 3.6 1.2 0.1 Sep 2,249 153,236 12.2 11.1 6.4 4.6 4.5 22.1 29.5 9.2 0.5 <0.1 Oct 792 35,471 15.9 4.1 4.1 2.6 3.8 26.6 31.5 11.0 0.3 Percent frequency size class (FL. mm) 121- 136- 151- 166- lai- 196- 211- 226- Year Area n en <121 135 150 165 180 195 210 225 240 >240 B. 1985 North 2,629 187,135 2.8 5.6 8.3 11.2 19.1 28.9 18.9 4.8 0.4 0.1 south 5,188 409,697 7.7 6.1 8.0 11.0 11.3 19.3 17.7 12.8 5.3 0.8 Combined 7,817 596,832 6.1 5.9 8.1 11.1 13.8 22.3 18.0 10.3 3.8 0.6 1986 North 8,264 440,404 0.7 2.4 5.2 8.2 15.6 30.6 26.5 9.5 1.3 0.1 South 2,069 304,015 12.0 8.9 8.2 9.5 15.9 21.4 17.6 5.7 0.7 <0.1 Combined 10,333 744,419 5.3 5.1 6.4 8.7 15.7 26.8 22.8 8.0 1.1 <0.1 1987 North 6,164 311,205 0.4 3.9 9.1 16.5 21.0 24.4 18.2 6.0 0.5 south 5,085 442,432 6.2 11.3 9.1 9.6 17.2 22.4 19.0 4.4 0.7 0.1 Combined 11,249 753,637 3.8 8.2 9.1 12.4 18.8 23.2 18.7 5.1 0.6 0.1 1988 North 5,615 445,603 0.5 2.1 4.3 10.5 21.1 25.9 22.1 11.1 1.9 0.5 south 8,039 663,034 10.4 3.0 2.9 6.0 8.0 18.2 28.9 18.7 3.8 0.2 Combined 13,654 1,108,637 6.4 2.7 3.4 7.8 13.2 21.3 26.2 15.6 3.0 0.3 1989 North 4,691 209,505 1.4 4.9 6.7 .8.5 13.2 25.4 27.1 11.1 1.5 0.3 south 6,913 542,437 4.7 3.7 5.7 9.2 14.4 23.3 27.1 9.7 2.1 0.1 Combined 11,604 751,942 3.7 4.0 6.0 9.0 14.1 23.9 27.1 10.1 2.0 0.2 APPENDIX D. (Continued). Percent frequency size class (FL. mm) 121- 136- 151- 166- 181- 196- 211- 226- Year Area n en <121 135 150 165 180 195 210 225 240 >240 1990 North 4,590 274,054 22.0 9.3 9.7 11.8 14.3 18.1 11.5 3.2 0.2 <0.1 South 7,519 510,807 33.7 6.5 8.7 11.1 10.0 15.6 11.4 2.9 0.1 <0.1 Caribired 12,109 7B4,861 29.6 7.4 9.0 li.3 11.5 16.5 il.4 3.0 0.2 <0.1 Percent frequency size ctass (FL, m) 121- 136- 151- 166- 181- 196- 211- 2F6 - Year Area n en <121 135 150 165 180 195 210 225 240 >240 C. 1985 North 477 4T7 1.5 7.1 14.5 20.1 29.4 24.3 3.1 South 775 775 9.9 4.5 12.3 26.3 23.9 18.5 4.3 0.4 Cwbi ned 1,252 1,252 6.8 5.5 13.1 24.0 26.0 20.7 3.8 0.2 1986 North 3,137 3,137 1.2 5.1 10.0 14.7 31.2 31.7 5.9 0.1 South 164 164 13.4 6.1 9.1 18.9 20.7 26.8 4.9 Cwbined 3,337 3,337 1.8 5.2 10.0 15.0 30.7 31.5 5.8 0.1 1987 North 2,443 16,962 <0.1 9.1 13.2 9.7 12.8 38.3 16.6 <0.1 South 1,265 15,455 3.5 10.7 28.2 14.5 5.4 21.8 16.0 Combined 3,708 32,417 1.6 9.9 20.4 12.0 9.3 30.4 16.3 <0.1 00 CD 1988 North 2,458 4,152 0.7 1.8 2.7 5.0 24.9 54.7 9.9 0.3 <0.1 South 2,638 70,833 12.3 5.6 9.9 27.6 20.2 15.1 8.8 0.5 Combined 5,096 74,985 11.6 5.2 9.3 26.4 20.4 17.3 8.9 0.5 <0.1 1989 North 2,013 20,023 7.7 14.5 14.0 12.5 22.6 26.9 1.8 <0.1 South 2,003 57,271 8.4 3.6 11.3 26.8 28.2 14.3 6.5 0.9 0.1 Combir*d 4,016 77,294 8.1 6.4 12.0 23.1 26.8 17.6 5.3 0.7 0.1 1990 North 1,298 91,659 63.5 19.1 7.5 5.1 3.1 1.7 <0.1 <0.1 South 1,686 330,297 52.0 9.8 11.4 15.2 8.6 2.7 0.2 Combirwd 2,984 421,956 54.5 11.8 10.5 13.0 7.4 2.5 0.1 <0.1 APPENDIX E. Monthly (A; 1988-1990), areal. (B; 1985-1990), and scrap (C; 1985-1990) expanded length frequencies of weakfish (Cynoscion regatis) from long haut catches; n number of individuals measured; en expanded number of individuals. Percent frequency size class (FL, mm) 151- 201- 251- 301- 351- 401- 451- 501- Year Month n en <151 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 >550 A. 1988 Apr 448 20,462 1.5 22.3 50.3 18.8 5.9 1.0 0.2 May 1,090 47,153 1.2 12.8 37.6 28.8 15.3 3.5 0.5 0.2 0.2 Jun 442 19,184 5.0 32.5 45.4 11.1 4.4 1.5 0.1 Jut 325 18,897 1.7 42.5 47.1 5.0, 1.6 0.7 1.4 <0.1 <0.1 Aug 1,002 82,808 2.2 31.3 46.3 13.4 4.2 2.2 0.3 0.1 Sep 868 48,954 0.3 16.6 12.7 49.9 15.7 3.5 1.1 0.1 0.1 Oct 378 87,577 <0.1 11.5 67.6 11.8 5.4 1.7 1.2 0.6 0.2 1989 Apr 12 448 31.7 31.7 31.7 0.8 1.7 2.5 May 143 5,957 12.8 37.2 16.1 22.1 4.4 4.8 1.3 1.3 Jun 313 10,902 0.4 49.3 38.9 9.4 1.7 0.4 Jut 478 11,006 2.0 0.1 49.1 38.1 7.3 0.2 2.0 1.1 <0.1 Aug 730 37,400 9.1 55.9 27.9 5.9 0.9 0.4 Sep 207 6,405 9.1 29.5 47.9 12.9 0.5 0.1 Oct 155 1,894 7.3 16.4 38.5 27.3 0.3 10.2 1990 Apr 63 854 34.6 27.7 9.1 25.1 3.5 May 1,191 42,000 0.5 21.8 47.8 26.5 3.1 0.2 <0.1 <0.1 Jun 1,800 68,584 0.6 12.8 47.3 34.1 3.9 1.3 <0.1 00 Jut 607 16,701 3.6 54.6 31.0 6.9 2.8 0.9 0.1 Aug 1,334 57,543 2.9 0.1 54.4 37.8 4.5 0.3 0.1 Sep 748 11,546 2.3 14.8 66.2 15.8 0.9 Oct 292 2,991 5.7 44.7 35.5 7.3 2.2 4.6 Percent frequency size class (FL, mm) 151- 201- 251- 301- 351- 401- 451- 501- Year Area n en <151 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 >550 B. 1985 North 3,527 190,660 0.1 10.4 31.1 40.5 13.2 3.1 1.1 0.3 .0.2 South 749 56,256 0.1 6.3 34.4 33.2 16.9 8.2 0.7 0.2 0.1 combined 4,276 246,915 0.1 9.4 31.9 38.8 14.1 4.2 1.0 0.3 0.2 1986 North 3,628 227,281 <0.1 13.3 66.2 14.2 4.5 0.8 0.4 0.5 <0.1 <0.1 South 945 103,951 0.7 1.6 45.3 41.5 8.6 1.6 0.2 0.4 0.1 Combined 4,573 331,232 0.2 9.6 59.7 22.7 5.8 1.0 0.4 0.5 0.1 <0.1 1987 Worth 3,520 193,879 <0.1 4.3 66.5 22.6 5.3 0.8 0.3 0.1 0.1 <0.1 South 2,106 115,003 0.9 3.9 ".0 40.4 8.1 2.0 0.5 0.3 Combined 5,626 308,1182 0.3 4.1 58.1 29.2 6.3 1.2 0.4 0.2 <0.1 <0.1 1988 North 2,816 200,437 0.1. 5.3 23.4 44.8 16.5 6.8 2.5 0.5 0.1 South 1,737 124,598 9.3 55.6 23.2 8.8 2.1 0.6 0.2 0.1 0.1 Combined 4,553 325,035 <0.1 6.8 35.8 36.5 13.5 5.0 1.8 0.4 0.1 <0.1 1989 North 855 34,708 0.8 1.2 56.5 26.5 11.3 1.7 1.5 0.2 <0.1 0.2 South 1,183 39,302 24.7 38.6 27.8 5.8 1.9 0.4 0.8 <0.1 <0.1 Combined 2,038 74,010 0.4 13.7 47.0 27.2 8.4 1.8 0.9 0.5 <0.1 0.1 APPENDIX E. (Continued). Percent frequency size ciass M, mm) 151- 201- 251- 301- 351- 401- 451- 501- Year Area n en 051 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 >550 1990 North 1,009 55,636 0.1 11.3 55.8 26.4 3.7 2.1 0.2 <0.1 0.2 South 5,026 144,583 1.5 8.9 44.3 38.6 6.0 0.5 0.1 <0.1 Combined 6,035 200,219 1.2 9.6 47.5 35.2 5.4 1.0 0.1 <0.1 0.1 Percent frequency size ciass M, mm) 151- 201- 251- 301- Year Area n - en <151 200 250 300 350 C. 1985 North 165 165 1.8 40.6 54.5 3.0 South 35 35 34.3 65.7 Combined 200 200 1.5 39.5 56.5 2.5 1986 North 1,085 1,085 0.1 23.2 75.3 1.2 0.2 South 17 17 17.6 70.6 11.8 Combined 1,102 1,102 0.1 23.1 75.2 1.4 0.2 1987 North 537 2,880 1.6 97.8 0.6 South 127 3,567 28.4 0.6 68.8 2.2 <0.1 Combined 664 6,447 15.7 1.0 81.7 1.5 <0.1 CO M 1988 North 529 529 0.4 31.2 59.2 8.9 0.4 South 140 4,209 34.3 64.9 0.8 Combined 669 4,738 <0.1 44.0 64.3 1.7 <0.1 1989 North 97 602 33.1 66.1 0.8 South 116 1,160 0.1 1.2 98.5 0.3 Combined 213 1,762 0.1 12.1 87.3 0.5 1990 North 175 175 41.7 54.9 3.4 South 205 36,163 6.1 33.8 56.5 3.5 Combined 380 36,338 6.1 33.9 56.5 3.5 APPENDIX F. Monthly (A; 1988-1990), area( (B; 1985-1990), and scrap (C; 1985-1990) expanded length frequencies of Atlantic bluefish (Pomatomus sattatrix) from long haut catches; n number of individuals measured; en = expanded number of individuals. Percent frequency size class (FL. mm) 151- 201- 251- 301- 351- 401- 451- 501- A. Year Month n en <151 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 >550 1988 Apr 8 647 18.8 62.3 18.8 May 312 4,165 45.1 23.3 13.0 8.1 5.3 1.8 3.3 0.1 Jun 249 5,775 1.1 10.9 23.0 49.1 9.4 3.7 1.5 0.5 0.6 0.1 Jut 105 11,666 2.0 0.7 1.2 19.2 18.3 38.0 18.3 2.4 Aug 118 6,368 4.3 39.5 21.1 15.6 12.1 5.1 0.4 1.9 Sep 213 5,125 1.2 10.6 46.7 20.8 8.0 7.3 3.7 1.7 Oct 8 917 27.5 10.5 54.0 8.0 1989 Apr 3 11 100.0 May 50 543 64.2 14.2 10.5 9.2 1.9 Jun 370 8,840 3.6 29.7 48.6 9.8 4.9 0.9 <0.1 0.2 2.3 Jut 244 16,484 0.7 7.8 6.5 19.1 50.4 11.3 4.1 Aug 326 5,745 2.9 9.1 29.4 27.4 14.7 14.1 2.4 Sep 158 4,681 12.1 9.4 22.1 9.7 24.5 18.5 2.9 0.9 1990 Apr 116 426 2.8 2.8 53.9 24.7 4.7 0.7 10.3 May 200 1,150 0.3 44.7 26.5 14.8 8.3 2.6 1.2 0.5 0.3 0.7 Jun 421 4,514 4.8 53.8 34.5 6.5 0.4 Jut 681 10,716 0.3 6.3 31.3 54.1 6.7 1.1 0.1 0.2 00 Aug 575 8,362 0.3 4.1 39.4 29.7 15.7 7.3 2.8 0.6 Sep 257 5,746 19.5 19.9 28.9 16.6 5.4 9.7 Oct 107 4,924 7.8 20.8 15.3 25.3 25.8 5.0 Percent frequency size class (FL, mm) 151- 201- 251- 301- 351- 401- 451- 501- B. Year Area n en <151 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 >550 1985 North 147 7,327 24.6 40.3 21.9 8.3 4.3 0.5 South 190 9,622 0.3 10.5 31.0 39.8 14.1 3.5 0.9 Combined 337 16,949 0.2 16.6 35.0 32.1 11.6 3.9 0.7 1986 North 300 13,302 17.0 28.4 23.1 24.0 6.7 0.8 South 98 11,331 0.9 8.2 4.6 16.6 28.7 26.0 9.0 2.4 3.5 Combined 398 24,633 0.4 13.0 17.5 20.1 26.2 15.6 4.6 1.1 1.6 1987 North 349 13,076 8.7 31.2 38.9 10.5 7.3 2.9 0.5 South 170 12,657 2.3 8.9 14.7 31.8 17.1 11.1 13.1 0.8 Combined 519 25,733 1.2 8.8 23.1 35.4 13.8 9.2 7.9 0.7 1988 North 238 10,123 2.5 12.5 17.6 31.7 17.4 10.6 4.4 1.7 1.6 South 775 24,542 2.6 10.6 23.6 20.3 11.2 20.4 9.5 1.2 0.5 <0.1 Combined 1,013 34,665 2.6 11.2 21.9 23.6 13.0 17.6 8.0 1.4 0.8 <0.1 1989 North 327 10,925 1.5 8.1 19.8 27.5 13.8 17.6 10.1 1.2 0.4 South 824 25,379 0.5 7.1 15.8 28.1 35.6 9.4 2.6 0.0 0.1 0.8 Combined 1,151 36,304 0.8 7.4 17.0 27.9 29.0 11.9 4.9 0.4 0.2 0.6 APPENDIX F. (Continued). Percent Year irea en 201- 3ul- 351- -4TJ --451 - 501-- 200--- 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 >550 1990 North 1,184 23,461 6.6 23.2 36.5 13.4 9.6 9.0 1.4 <0.1 0.2 South 1,173 12,377 0.5 10.6 44.2 33.4 8.0 2.4 0.7 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 Combined 2,357 35,838 0.2 8.0 30.4 35.5 11.6 7.1 6.1 1.0 <0.1 0.1 PercenL F V uenc slZe c aqq Irl -% 15 1- 201- 42 1 5ul- 351- C. Year Area n -- <15L.- 200 250 300 350 400 1985 North 24 24 50.0 50.0 South 21 21 52.4 47.6 Combined 45 45 26.7 51.1 22.2 1986 North 166 166 1.8 37.3 52.4 7.8 0.6 South 12 12 16.7 8.3 25.0 50.0 Combined 178 178 2.8 35.4 50.6 10.7 0.6 1987 North 131 1,811 14.3 14.3 28.6 14.3 28.6 South 42 157 3.8 1.3 8.9 86.0 Combined 173 1,968 0.3 13.3 13.9 33.1 13.2 26.3 Oc Pb 1988 North 66 66 24.2 47.0 27.3 1.5 South 191 3,261 3.2 15.5 64.7 16.1 0.5 Combined 257 3,327 3.1 15.7 64.3 16.3 0.5 1989 North 122 319 0.3 6.6 62.1 31.0 South 101 2,003 1.0 11.1 77.0 8.6 0.1 2.3 Combined 223 2,322 0.9 10.5 74.9 11.7 <0.1 2.0 1990 North 213 215 0.5 18.1 71.6 9.8 South 81 6,034 0.4 19.6 78.7 0.5 0.7 Combined 294 6,249 0.4 19.6 78.5 0.8 0.6 APPENDIX G. Monthly (A; 1988-1990), areat (B; 1985-1990), and scrap (C; 1985-1990) expanded length frequencies of summer flounder (ParaLichthys dentatus) from long haul catches; n = rtimber of individuals measured; en = expanded number of individuals. Percent frequency size class (TL, mm) 151- 201- 251- 301- 351- 401- Year Month n an <151 200 250 300 350 400 450 >450 A. 1988 May 9 74 40.6 40.6 14.5 2.9 1.3 Jun 17 697 64.1 8.2 6.1 0.4 4.8 16.4 Jut 14 519 28.5 31.9 14A 6.4 12.7 6.4 Aug 13 1,059 27.0 44.9 7.8 20.3 Sep 3 157 99.4 0.6 Oct 4 141 47.5 52.5 1989 Apr 1 140 100.0 May 4 390 90.2 9.8 Jun 5 545 36.7 63.3 Jut 19 481 58.8 7.1 34.1 Aug 7 465 29.9 35.6 34.4 Sep 48 2,416 100.0 1990 May 4 217 37.2 18.1 44.2 0.5 Jun 58 610 0.2 3.9 15.0 80.1 0.8 Jut 24 833 80.3 10.5 1.5 4.2 3.6 Aug 13 178 0.6 0.6 14.1 2.8 11.0 71.0 Sep 12 336 89.6 9.8 0.3 0.3 00 Oct 1 110 100.0 Ln Percent frequency size class (TL, mm) 151- 201- 251- 301- 351- 401- Year Area n en <151 200 250 300 350 400 450 >450 B. 1985 North 31 1,805 18.7 76 *.7 2.5 2.1 South 26 1,698 11.2 43.5 25.7 18.5 1.1 Combi ned 57 3,503 9.6 44.9 22.4 12.5 10.1 0.5 1986 North 57 2,920 40.8 50.7 3.4 0.7 1.3 3.1 South 22 1,073 59.1 36.4 4.5 Combined 79 3,993 45.7 46.8 2.5 0.5 2.2 2.3 1987 North 20 1,281 31.1 46.4 21.7 0.1 0.7 South 21 978 33.4 20.4 21.6 24.6 Combined 41 2,259 32.1 35.1 9.3 23.0 <0.1 0.4 1988 North 27 1,318 43.6 13.8 22.4 2.5 10.1 5.0 2.5 South 33 1,330 23.0 41.2 11.6 1.0 8.7 14.3 0.2 0.1 Combined 60 2,648 33.3 27.5 17.0 1.8 9.4 9.7 1.3 @Co. 1 1989 North 15 929 21.6 19.5 58.9 South 33 1,487 9.4 26.1 64.6 Combined 48 2,416 5.8 24.4 47.2 22.6 1990 North 34 2,122 31.5 22.1 1.6 3.3 6.6 35.0 South 78 160 0.6 1.5 15.7 7.2 64.0 8.0 3.0 Combined 112 2,282 29.3 20.6 2.5 3.6 10.6 33.1 0.2 APPENDIX G. (Continued). Percent frequency size ciass (TL. mm) 151- 201- 251- Year Area n en <151 200 250 300 C. 1985 Worth 17 17 17.6 70.6 5.9 5.9 South 0 0 Combined 17 17 17.6 70.6 5.9 5.9 1986 North 88 88 46.6 45.5 6.8 1.1 South 1 1 100.0 Combined 89 89 46.1 44.9 7.9 1.1 1987 North 32 619 49.0 49.0 1.0 0.8 South 7 89 1.1 97.8 1.1 Combined 39 708 43.1 55.2 1.0 0.7 1988 North 19 19 26.3 52.6 10.5 10.5 South 39 58 17.2 22.4 56.9 3.5 Combined 58 77 19.5 29.9 45.5 5.2 1989 North 20 172 0.6 25.6 68.0 5.8 South 20 359 88.0 12.0 Combined 40 531 0.2 67.8 30.1 1.9 co 1990 North 10 10 50.0 20.0 30.0 M South 1 24 100.0 Combined 11 34 14.7 5.9 70.6 8.8 APPENDIX H. Monthly (A; 19118-1990) and areal (B; 19B5-1990) expanded length frequencies of Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) from Long haul catches; n number of individuals measured; en = expanded number of individuals. Percent frequency size class (FL, mm) 91- 121- 151- 181- 211- 241- 271- A. Year Month n en <91 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 >300 19BB Apr 189 16,519 0.7 6.2 8.1 50.6 14.4 16.1 3.6 0.3 May 758 261,799 3.0 5.6 25.3 18.6 36.4 7.6 3.1 0.3 <0.1 Jun 134 27,519 7.0 60.4 21.3 8.1 1.6 1.6 Jut 314 44,526 10.5 8.4 19.8 57.8 2.7 0.4 0.3 Aug 708 189,988 36.7 39.0 12.5 10.3 1.2 0.1 0.2 Sep 354 16,578 3.8 13.2 30.6 45.1 5.4 1.3 0.6 Oct 150 15,781 0.3 13.0 52.0 30.2 4.5 1989 Apr 20 1,360 13.4 10.5 52.3 23.9 May 492 59,618 2.4 25.3 62.5 7.2 2.2 0.3 @CO. I Jun 129 32,887 52.5 38.9 8.6 Jut 178 33,039 16.9 20.8 50.1 12.2 Aug 591 75,373 26.1 49.5 13.6 10.3 0.4 Sep 246 10,758 36.0 51.2 12.5 0.4 Oct 253 16,071 4.8 46.9 28.5 12.6 7.2 1990 May 141 18,260 3.7 68.5 21.8 6.1 Jun 282 46,635 9.2 52.8 38.0 00 JUL 561 83,585 0.1 0.5 1.7 67.3 30.3 -CO. 1 @4 Aug 276 47,698 1.0 54.8 42.1 2.0 Sep 32 2,083 3.1 71.9 25.0 Oct 186 42,845 6.5 89.8 3.8 Percent frequency size class (FL., mm) 91- 121- 151- 181- 211- 241- 271- B. Year Area n en <91 120 ISO 180 210 240 270 300 >300 1985 North 1,050 80,993 12.2 54.8 25.5 7.2 0.2 0.1 South 1,697 168,345 5.0 20.5 59.9 13.6 0.9 C omb 1 ned 2,747 249,338 7.4 31.7 48.8 11.5 0.7 <0.1 1986 North 1,072 109,961 5.5 34.8 33.1 24.7 1.4 0.4 0.1 South 558 65,695 10.6 30.2 56.7 2.5 Combined 1,630 175,656 3.4 25.7 32.1 36.7 1.8 0.2 0.1 1987 North 1,105 77,629 9.5 43.3 18.0 23.3 5.7 0.1 <0.1 South 1,048 77,506 0.7 8.3 47.0 38.9 5.0 0.1 Combined 2,153 155,135 5.1 25.8 32.5 31.1 5.3 0.1 <0.1 1988 North 932 204,307 3.9 6.0 5.5 14.5 50.7 13.0 5.7 0.8 0.1 South 1,675 368,402 21.6 41.5 17.9 17.2 1.5 0.3 0.1 Comb f ned 2,607 572,709 1.4 16.0 28.6 16.7 29.2 5.6 2.2 0.3 <0.1 1989 North 599 62,083 2.3 34.1 50.7 9.2 3.3 .0.3 <0.1 South 1,310 167,021 0.5 28.8 43.7 19.3 7.6 0.2 Combined 1,909 229,104 1.0 30.2 45.6 16.6 6.4 0.2 <0.1 '1990 North 528 50,628 1.3 33.2 53.9 11.1 0.4 South 950 190,476 <0.1 0.2 1.0 46.2 51.3 1.3 Combined 1,478 241,104 <0.1 0.5 7.8 47.8 42.8 1.1 ASSESSMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES Completion Report for Project 2-IJ-16 May 1992 JOB 2 SCIAENID POUND NET FISHERY By Beth L. Burns ABSTRACT The sciaenid pound net fishery is active along the Outer Banks of North Carolina from May through October. The fishery targets Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) and weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), but harvests a diversity of species including spot (Lejostomus xanthurus), bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix),harvestfish(Peprilusalepidotus), butterf i sh (Pepri I us tri acanthus), summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), southern flounder (Paralicht@ys lethostigma), and Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus). Catch per unit effort, size-age composition of the catches, and commercial landings were assessed for 1988-1990, and compared with catches from 1982 to 1987. Atlantic croaker has been the primary species, but their relative abundance has declined in recent years. The CPUEs and landings reached their lowest values in 1990 and 1988, respectively. Age I fish dominated catches. Length frequency distributions indicate that growth overfishing has occurred. Croaker was the dominant species in the scrap. Weakfish was the second most important species caught by sciaenid pound nets. Catches and landings were less during 1988-1990 than during 1982-1987. Age 1 and age 2 weakfish dominated catches. The relative abundance of weakfish in the bait decreased from 11% in 1987 to 2% in 1990. Spot were abundant in sciaenid pound net catches. The CPUEs remained stable, but landings have declined since 1982. Unmarketable-sized and age 1 spot dominated catches. Spot was the third most abundant species in the scrap, and accounted for as much as 12% of the scrap weight. Total fish biomass, marketable fish, and bait captured and landed by sciaenid pound nets fluctuated from 1982 to 1987. Since 1987, landings of total and marketable fish decreased, but landings and CPUEs of bait increased. During 1988-1990, sciaenid pound nets landed 827-1,432 mt of finfish, accounted for only 3-6% of the total marketable finfish but 10-14% of the reported bait landed in North Carolina. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 METHODS AND MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Seasonal Catch Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 CPUE, Landings and Size/Age Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Atlantic Croaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Weakfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Bluefish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Harvestfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Butterfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Spanish Mackerel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Flounder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Atlantic Menhaden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 AGGREGATE RESOURCE TRENDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . 13 SCRAP/BAIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . 15 SPECIES SYNOPSIS . 16 Atlantic Croake'r* 16 Weakfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Bluefish . * ' ' ** ' * * * * ' ' * * ' * * * * * ' ' * * * * ' ' 19 Spanish Mackerel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 APPENDIX INTRODUCTION Pound nets harvest fish which inhabit inshore waters along the middle Atlantic coast. These nets were first introduced in Chesapeake Bay in 1858 (True 1887) as they revolutionized Virginia's fisheries by increased landings and diversity of species. Pound nets have been utilized in North Carolina since 1870 with effort concentrated in Pamlico, Core, and Albemarle sounds and the Pamlico and Neuse rivers (Higgins and Pearson 1927; McDonald 1887). In recent years, the number of pound nets decreased and no longer exist in historically noted areas. During the mid-1970s, effort concentrated in the Hatteras area, and that area has remained the center of the North Carolina sciaenid pound net fishery. No other areas of the state have ongoing pound net fisheries that are directed towards sciaenids, as pound nets fished in other regions concentrate on other species: Albemarle Sound (river herring, perch, catfish), Croatan Sound (bait, flounder), lower Pamlico Sound (flounder), and Core Sound (flounder) (Ross 1986). Pound nets are stationary gear that direct fish into enclosures or pounds by means of leads. A typical sciaenid pound net consists of lead, heart, and pound. A crew (2-3 men) generally sets three or four pounds, attached to gum stakes, and interconnected by leads (300-500 yards). The nets are nylon and dipped in a copper solution annually to prevent fouling. The mesh sizes are usually 6-inch stretched mesh for leads, 2-inch stretched mesh in the tunnel and heart, and 1 3/4-inch stretched mesh in the pound. Sciaenid pound nets are currently fished along the Outer Banks of North Carolina between Ocracoke Island and Rodanthe, with the majority of the nets northeast of Hatteras Inlet in Pamlico Sound (Figure 1). The season typically begins in May and continues into late September or early October, depending on weather conditions. Sciaenid pound netting occurs in depths of 16-20 feet and over muddy bottoms. The sciaenid pound net fishery along the Outer Banks is one of North Carolina's major estuarine fisheries. In recent years (1982-1990), the fishery has accounted for 6-19% of the total state landings of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), and sizeable catches of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), spot (Leiostomus xanthurus.), Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus), harvestfish (Peprilus alevidotus), butterfish 2 (Peprilus triacanthus), summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), and southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma). Over the study period, at least 55 species of fish and 6 species of invertebrates were captured by sciaenid pound nets. In 1982, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) initiated a statewide sampling program of the dominant commercial finfisheries (winter trawl, sink net, long haul seine, sciaenid pound net). The overall objective was to obtain biological and fisheries data on economically important fishes for use in management decisions. The sciaenid pound net fishery was included and is described herein. Catch per unit effort, size-age composition of the catches , and commercial landings were assessed for 1988-1990, and compared with catches from 1982 to 1987 (Ross 1986, 1989). METHODS AND MATERIALS Sciaenid pound net catches were sampled during the May through October fishing season at fish packing houses while the catches were being offloaded. A sample consisted of at least one (though usually more) random, unculled fish basket (22.7 kgs) per pound net catch. All fishes and invertebrates (excluding jellyfish) in the sample were identified and measured (FL or TL; mm). Species observed in the catch but not present in the sample were noted. Total weight for the sample as well as individual species component weights were taken. The total weight of the catches sampled were obtained by copying the trip ticket. The bait weight was obtained from the trip ticket, or if not available, it was estimated. Bait was defined as the portion of scr ap that was marketed. Crews were interviewed to obtain information concerning area fished and gear parameters which included the number of nets fished and the total length of the lead of the nets fished. Species specific length frequencies for each catch were derived by expanding the sample length frequencies by a raising factor to represent the total weight of the species in the respective catch. Total weight of the species in a catch was calculated by determining the proportion of a species in the samples and expanding that to the respective species' proportional weight in the total catch. The total weight of the catch was obtained from the trip ticket. The number of individuals per species in a catch was calculated by expanding the 3 number of individual s/species in the samples to represent the total weight of the species in the total catch. Approximately 30-40 scale samples per month were taken for age and growth analyses from Atlantic croaker, bluefish, spot, weakfish. A range of size classes representative of the fishery were collected. Scales were aged using criteria for determining annuli given by Ross (1988) for Atlantic croaker, Wilk (1977) for bluefish, DeVries (1981) for spot, and Massman (1963), Merriner (1973) and Hawkins (1988) for weakfish. Species specific semi-annual or quarterly age length keys were developed and merged with expanded length frequency data for the same period to produce the overall annual age composition. Atlantic croaker age composition for 1982 to 1987 was determined using age length keys from 1979 to 1981. Age composition for 1988-1990 was determined from annual age length keys for 1988-1990. Quarterly age length keys were utilized (December-March; April-June; July-September; October-November). Weakfish age length data for 1982-1984 was pooled and integrated into 1982- 1987 length frequency data. Weakfish aging data from 1988 to 1990 was merged with the length frequency data for the respective seasons. Age length keys were based on fish caught from April through September. Bluefish annual age length keys were developed by pooling all bluefish aged from estuarine waters/fisheries from April through October. Bluefish age composition was determined by merging annual length frequency data for the sciaenid pound net fishery from 1982 to 1990 with annual age length keys. Spot age length data from 1979 to 1990 was pooled, partitioned into trimesters (September-December, January-April, May-August) and integrated into 1982-1990 annual length frequency data. Average catches and landings are discussed throughout the report. Species specific catches were determined two ways: catch/trip (CPUE; kg/trip), a trip 4 consisted of one or more pounds fished per day, and catch/pound (CPP; kg/pound), catch per pound net fished. Landings data (kg) are derived from the North Carolina General Commercial Fisheries Canvas compiled through the North Carol ina/National Marine Fisheries Service Cooperative Regional Statistical Program. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Seasonal Catch Composition A total of 54 catches was sampled from May through October 1988. Catch weights (CPUEs) ranged from 134 kg/trip to 2,781 kg/trip and averaged 1,067 kg/trip (Table 1). Atlantic croaker dominated the catches by weight (35%) and number (33%). Atlantic menhaden accounted for 19% of the weight and 25% of the number of fish in the catches. Together with weakfish, Spanish mackerel, harvestfish, spot, bluefish, and Atlantic threadfin herring (Opisthonema oglinum), these species accounted for 92% of the catches (Table 2; Appendix A). Croaker were the dominant species during July through September, but weakfish predominated in May and October, and menhaden dominated June catches (Table 3). A total of 53 sciaenid pound net catches was sampled from May through October 1989. Catch weights ranged from 123 to 3,677 kg/trip and averaged 1,340 kg/trip (Table 1). Atlantic croaker was the dominant species by weight (44%) and number (38%), and was followed by Atlantic menhaden which constituted 23% of the catch weight and 31% of the number. Together with Spanish mackerel, spot, weakfish, bluefish, and harvestfish, these species accounted for 94% of the catches (Table 2; Appendix B). Croaker dominated catches during June through September, and menhaden was the dominant species by weight in May and October (Table 4). A total of 61 sciaenid pound net catches was sampled from May through October 1990. Catch weights ranged from 95 to 5,462 kg/trip and averaged 1,428 kg/trip (Table 1). Croaker dominated the catch by weight (37%), and menhaden dominated by number (33%). Together with weakfish, bluefish, spot, Spanish mackerel, harvestfish, and butterfish, these species accounted for 92% of the catches (Table 2; Appendix C). Croaker dominated catches during July through September, and menhaden were dominant in May, June, and October (Table 5). 5 Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1990 Species composition of sciaenid pound net catches was consistent from 1988 through 1990 as well as since 1982. Atlantic croaker was the dominant species each year followed by Atlantic menhaden and weakfish. Spot, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, butterfish, and harvestfish were all relatively abundant each year, and together with croaker, weakfish and menhaden, these eight species accounted for 92-94% of the catches during 1988-1990, and 92-98% of the catches during 1982- 1987 (Table 2, Appendices A, B, C, G, and H). Although the species composition of the sciaenid pound net fishery has been consistent since 1982, changes occurred in the relative abundances of dominant species. The relative abundance of croaker decreased from 45-66% of the 1982- 1987 samples to only 35-44% since 1988. Menhaden increased from 9% of the catch weight in 1982 to 28% in 1990. Weakfish accounted for 8-16% of the 1982-1988 catches but only 6% in 1989 and 1990, and for the first time weakfish were not ranked third by weight. Interestingly, the relative abundance of Spanish mackerel increased from 0.4% of 1983 catch weights to 5-8% during 1988 and 1989, and ranked third and fourth during these years. Total catch weights for the top three target species (croaker, weakfish, spot) declined from 63-78% of the 1982-1987 catches to 49-58% of the 1988-1990 catches. The unweighted three-season CPUE for these species combined during 1988-1990 (646 kg/trip) was 40% less than during 1982-1987 (1,071 kg/trip), and reflected reduced catches of croaker and weakfish. Atlantic Croaker--CPUE, Landings and Size/Age Composition Atlantic croaker was the primary target species in the sciaenid pound net fishery. Annually, they accounted for 35-44% of the catches and averaged 376-594 kg/catch during 1988-1990 (Table 2). Monthly catches and landings increased through the summer then declined in October (Tables 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; Appendices D, E, F). Sciaenid pound net catches of croaker increased from 1982 to 1985 but have since declined, with 1988-1990 catches the lowest recorded over the study period (Table 6; Figure 2). Unweighted three-year mean CPUEs (501 kg/trip) and CPPs 6 (208 kg/pound) for 1988-1990 were 41% and 50% lower than the 1982-1987 six-year means (839 kg/trip; 417 kg/pound), respectively. Commercial landings of croaker fluctuated from 1982 to 1987, but declined since 1987 (Table 6; Figure 2). The 1990 landings reached a low of 218 mt; 75%0 lower than the high of 863 mt in 1982. Average landings for 1988-1990 (304 mt) were 34% less than in 1985-1987 (460 mt) and 43% less than in 1982-1984 (533 mt). Seasonal length frequency distributions for croaker indicated continuing growth overfishing. The size composition was more compressed during 1989 and 1990 than in 1988 (Figure 3; Appendix I and J). Atlantic croaker ranged from 100-421 mm TL during 1988 to 117-395 mm TL in 1989 and 115-361 mm TL in 1990. Length frequency distributions were unimodal during all three years, with 78% 191-256 mm TL in 1988, and 67% and 64% 196-241 mm TL in 1989 and 1990, respectively. Growth overfishing was evident by the reduced contribution of fish >250 mm TL throughout the study period. The relative abundance of croaker >250 mm TL accounted for 49% and 53% of 1982 and 1984 catches , but declined to 23%, 13%, and 10% from 1988 to 1990. Correspondingly, catch per trip of croaker >250 mm TL declined from 1,628 fish/trip in 1982-84, to 1,033 fish/trip in 1985-87, to only 562 fish/trip in 1988-90. The contribution of unmarketable croaker (<250 mm TQ increased from 16% in 1982 to 58% and 56% in 1989 and 1990, but catches were highest in 1985, at 5,274 fish/trip. Age 1 croaker dominated sciaenid pound net catches (50-73%) (Figure 4; Appendix K). However in 1990, the relative abundance of age I fish was the lowest and age 0 fish the highest for the 1982-1990 period. Weakfish--CPUE, Landings and Size/Age Composition Weakfish was the second most important foodfish caught by sciaenid pound nets in most years, but declined to fourth in 1989. Annually, they constituted 6-16% of the catches and averaged 80-172 kg/catch during 1988-1990 (Table 2). Monthly catches and landings were generally highest during July through September (Tables 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; Appendices D, E, F). 7 Catches of weakfish increased steadily from 1982 to 1987, but have since declined sharply (Table 6; Figure 5). Three year unweighted means for 1988-1990 (115 kg/trip; 49 kg/pound) were 32% and 44% less than the six year mean for 1982- 1987 (168 kg/trip; 87 kg/pound). Weakfish landings peaked in 1988 (232 mt), but declined 75% from 1988 to 1989 (58 mt) (Table 6; Figure 5). Nonetheless, weakfish landings have fluctuated since 1982, with 1988-1990 mean landings (122 mt) nearly identical to the 1982- 1984 mean (121 mt), and only slightly less than the nine-year mean (141 mt). The size composition of weakfish catches remained fairly stable from 1988 to 1990 as well as since 1982. Small weakfish predominated in sciaenid pound net catches (Figure 6; Appendix L and M). Weakfish ranged seasonally from 151 to 521 mm TL in 1988, to 118 to 458 mm TL in 1989, and 71 to 401 mm TL in 1990. Weakfish length frequency distributions were unimodal with modes of 251-260 mm TL in 1988 and 231-240 mm TL in 1989 and 1990; 74-80% were 211-300 mm TL annually. Since 1982, the relative abundance of unmarketable-sized weakfish (<250 mm TL) ranged from 35 to 78% (1990), and actual catches of undersized weakfish were highest in 1987 (1,034 fish/trip). The relative abundance as well as catches of weakfish >301 mm TL were highest in 1985 and 1988 (24% and 18%; 195 and 157 fish/trip, respectively) and corresponded with peak landings (Figure 6; Appendix M). Sciaenid pound nets typically harvest young weakfish, and weakfish captured ranged from age 0 to age 5 (Figure 7; Appendix N). Age I and age 2 weakfish were the dominant ages represented during 1988-1990 (88-93%), as well as during 1982- 1987 (94-97%). Age 0 weakfish accounted for only 0.08-2.9%, while age 3 and older weakfish comprised 3.8-10%. With the exception of decreased catches of age I fish in 1990, 1988-1990 age composition compares closely with 1982-1987. Spot--CPUE, Landings and Size/Age Composition Spot was among the four most abundant species occurring in sciaenid pound nets. Spot accounted for 5-8% of the catches by weight and comprised 50-101 kg/catch for 1988-1990 (Table 2). Monthly CPUEs were largest July through 8 September, and landings were highest July through October of 1990 (Tables 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; Appendices D, E, F). Spot catches fluctuated since 1982 with more elevated catches during 1982, 1983, 1989, and 1990 (Table 6; Figure 8). However, catches fluctuated so much that the three-year unweighted means during 1982-1984, 1985-1987, and 1988-1990 were nearly identical to the nine-year mean (30 kg/pound). Landings of spot declined from 1988 to 1990, and declined as well since 1982 (Table 6; Figure 8). Landings were highest in 1982 at 150 mt, but declined 80% from 1982 to 1983; this decline was likely attributable to the decreased number of crews fishing between 1982 (22-25) and 1983-1990 (12-15). Landings continued to decline, and landings in 1990 were the lowest of the nine years. Average landings steadily declined from 89 mt (1982-1984), to 43 mt (1985-1987), and to 28 mt (1988-1990). Unmarketable-sized spot (<196 mm FL) dominated catches each season (Figure 9; Appendices 0 and P). Spot ranged from 86 to 266 mm FL, 86 to 241 mm FL, and 91 to 236 mm FL from 1988 to 1990. Size distribution was bimodal in 1988, unimodal in 1989, and trimodal in 1990. Unmarketable-sized spot comprised 86-92% of the 1988-90 catches and 84-95% of the 1982-1987 catches. Annual mean catch per trip of unmarketable-sized spot for 1988-1990 ranged from 574 fish/trip to 1,377 fish/trip (1989); the increased catches of unmarketable spot in 1989 were similar to those in 1982 (1,130 fish/trip) and 1983 (1,357 fish/trip). The age composition of spot caught by sciaenid pound nets has been relatively constant since 1982, with age I fish dominant throughout. During 1988-1990, age 1 spot accounted for 65-76%, age 0 spot accounted for 15-26%, and age 2 and older for 9-11% (Figure 10; Appendix Q). The contribution of age 0 fish increased to 26% in 1990; the highest relative abundance of age 0 fish recorded over the study period, yet comparable to 1984 composition. Bluefish--CPUE, Landings and Size/Age Composition Bluefish was an important incidental catch by sciaenid pound nets for 1988- 1990. Bluefish accounted for 3-6% of the catches and averaged 41-88 kg/catch 9 (Table 2). Monthly bluefish catches and landings generally were highest in August 1988, July 1989, and June 1990 (Tables 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; Appendices D, E, F) . Bluefish CPUEs have been relatively stable since 1982 with higher catches in 1985 and 1990 (Table 6; Figure 11). Catches ranged from 41 to 88 kg/trip and 14-39 kg/pound. Annual landings of bluefish by sciaenid pound nets fluctuated since 1982, but generally declined since 1985 (Table 6; Figure 11). Landings declined from 35 mt in 1988 to 14 mt in 1989 and 1990. The unweighted three-year mean for 1988-1990 (21 mt) was 56% lower than the 1982-1987 mean (47 mt). Predominantly small bluefish were captured by sciaenid pound nets (Figure 12; Appendices R and S). Bluefish ranged from 152 to 394 mm FL, 116 to 400 mm FL, and 147 to 500 mm FL, during 1988-1990, respectively, w1ith most fish (88-98%) <301 mm FL. Unmarketable-sized bluefish accounted for 49-89% of 1988-1990 catches and 79-97% of 1982-1987 catches. The relative abundance of unmarketable bluefish was highest in 1982 with as many as 97% and 470 fish/trip unmarketable. Catches of bluefish >301 mm FL were small but highest in 1985 (21% or 58 fish/trip) and 1990 (13% or 43 fish/trip). Sciaenid pound nets harvest primarily young bluefish. Age 0 and age 1 fish accounted for 97-100% of the 1988-1990 catches, and 94-100% in 1982-1987. The oldest bluefish sampled were age 2 and accounted for <6% of any year. Harvestfish--CPUE, Landings and Size Composition Harvestfish was never a dominant species but was a valuable component of the catches. Harvestfish accounted for 3-6% of the catches and averaged 33-60 kg/catch (Table 2). Average catches and monthly landings were generally highest in June (1988 and 1989), yet highs occurred during September and October in 1990 (Tables 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; Appendices D, E, F. Harvestfish catches fluctuated from 1988 to 1990, but declined steadily since a peak in 1986 (Table 6; Figure 14). Unweighted three-year mean CPUEs and 10 CPPs for 1982-1984 (43 kg/trip; 17 kg/pound) and 1988-1990 (44 kg/trip; 19 kg/pound) were nearly equal, but only half as much as during 1985-1987 (84 kg/trip; 51 kg/pound). Harvestfish landings peaked in 1985, but showed little variation during the remaining eight years (Table 6; Figure 14). The 1985 high (86 mt) was 146% higher than the nine-year mean (35 mt); however, the three-year unweighted mean during 1988-1990 (25 mt) was only slightly less than during 1982-1984 (28 mt). Annual harvestfish length frequency distributions were similar in 1988 and 1989, but shifted to a broader distribution in 1990 (Figure 15). Harvestfish ranged from 81 to 204 mm FL, 84 to 208 mm FL, and 72 to 216 mm FL from 1988 to 1990, with modes of 151-175 and 151-165 mm FL in 1988 and 1989, respectively. In 1990, bimodal length frequency distribution occurred at 106-110 mm FL and 136- 160 mm Fl, and the relative abundance of unmarketable harvestfish (<126 mm FL) increased from 3% (1988 and 1989) to 28% (1990). Since 1982, the size distribution of harvestfish fluctuated with no apparent trend; the relative abundance of unmarketable harvestfish (<126 mm FL) was lowest in 1987 at 2% but high in 1982, 1985, and 1990 at 43%, 48% and 28%, respectively (Appendices U and V). Catches of unmarketable harvestfish per trip was highest in 1985 at 458 fish/trip. Butterfish--CPUE, Landings and Size Composition Butterfish was never a dominant species in sciaenid pound net catches but was occasionally a profitable incidental catch. Annually, butterfish averaged 0.6-2% of the catches by weight and averaged 8-30 kg/catch in 1988-1990 (Table 2). Mean catch per trip and monthly landings of butterfish were highest in July 1988 and June 1989 and 1990 (Tables 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; Appendices D, E, F). Trends in butterfish catches and landings during 1988-1990 were very similar to those fluctuations which occurred from 1982 to 1985, with corresponding extremely low values succeeded by notably high values (Table 6; Figure 16). The CPUEs ranged from 8 to 30 kg/trip and 3 to 13 kg/pound from 1988-1990. Landings increased 1,567% from a low of 0.9 mt in 1989 to a high of 15.0 mt in 1990. Landings trends have generally paralleled trends in CPUEs. Butterfish ranged fro'm 84 to 1'98 mm FL in 1988, 68 to 205 mm FL in 1989, and 71 to 190 mm F1 in 1990 (Figure 17). Length frequency distributions were unimodal in 1988 (156-160 mm FL) and 1990 (146-150 mm FL), but trimodal in 1989 at 86-95 mm FL and 156-165 mm FL. It is likely that the three modes distributed in 1989 were merged in 1990 due to sample size. The relative abundance of butterfish <126 mm FL increased from 8% to 29% from 1988 to 1990 and CPUEs increased from 8 fish/trip in 1988 to 150 fish/trip in 1990. From 1982 to 1987, the relative abundance of unmarketable butterfish was highest in 1983 (25%); however catches of butterfish was so small that the highest catch was 25 fish/trip in 1986. The highest catch of marketable and unmarketable butterfish over the nine-year period occurred in 1990. Spanish Mackerel--CPUE, Landings and Size Composition The abundance of Spanish mackerel in sciaenid pound net catches has increased in recent years. During 1988-1989, they were among the top four species by weight, accounted for 7.5-7.8% of the catches, and averaged 80-105 kg/catch (Table 2). However, in 1990, they accounted for 5% of the catch (70 kg/catch) . Largest catches of Spanish mackerel occurred from June through August in 1988 and 1989, and July through September in 1990 (Tables 3, 4, 5). Spanish mackerel catches generally increased from 1983 to 1989, then declined in 1990 (Table 6; Figure 18). The CPUEs peaked at 105 kg/trip in 1989. Catch per pound was highest in 1987 and has decreased since then. Unweighted three year mean catches increased from 18 kg/trip and 6 kg/pound in 1982-84 to 85 kg/trip and 35 kg/trip in 1988-90; this represents 380% and 488% increases in CPUEs and CPPs from 1982-84 to 1988-90. Annual sciaenid pound net landings of Spanish mackerel increased steadily from 1982 to 1987, but declines were exhibited from 1987 to 1990 (Table 6; Figure 18). Spanish mackerel landings increased 3,035% from 1983 (3 mt) to 1987 (82 mt), followed by a 73% decrease from 1987 (82 mt) to 1990 (22 mt). From 1988 to 1990, catches of marketable Spanish mackerel decreased while catches of unmarketable sized Spanish mackerel increased (Figure 19; Appendix Y and Z). Spanish mackerel ranged from 174 to 600 mm FL, 189 to 580 mm FL, and 115 12 to 619 mm FL from 1988 to 1990. Length frequencies were bimodal. The relative abundance of marketable-sized Spanish mackerel declined from 1988 (58%) to 1990 (25%), and catch per trip correspondingly decreased from 149 fish/trip to 88 fish/trip. The relative abundance of marketable fish was high in 1982, 1986, and 1987, but catch per trip was comparable to the 1988-1990 only in 1987 (125 fish/trip). The relative abundance of unmarketable-sized Spanish mackerel increased from 42% in 1988 to 76% in 1990, and catches correspondingly increased from 108 to 270 fish/trip. Since 1982, catches of unmarketable Spanish mackerel were comparable to 1990 only in 1985 (93%; 257 fish/trip). Flounder--CPUE. Landings and Size Comgosition Summer flounder catches by sciaenid pound nets remained low from 1988 through 1990. Summer flounder constituted 0.3-0.6% of the catches and averaged 4-6 kg/catch (Table 2). Sciaenid pound net catches of southern flounder were small but increased late in the season. Annually, southern flounder accounted for 0.4-0.6% of the catches and averaged 6-8 kg/catch (Table 2). Average monthly catches were highest in October and September (Tables 3, 4, 5). Commercial landings included both species, but were driven by southern flounder. Monthly flounder landings increased through the summer with highs in September and October (Table 6; Figure 20). Elevated flounder landings late in the season were attributable to the fact that much of the flounder reported during the fall months were landed from flounder pound nets and not from sciaenid pound nets. Sciaenid pound nets captured predominantly undersized summer flounder (Figure 21; Appendix AA and BB). Annually, summer flounder ranged from Ill to 411 mm TL, 111 to 371 mm TL, and 91 to 421 mm TL from 1988 to 1990, respectively. A shift in the size composition towards smaller summer flounder occurred during the period. The relative abundance of marketable summer flounder (>300 mm TL/1982-1987; >330 mm TL/1988-1990) increased to 39% and 25% in 1989 and 1990, but catches of marketable summer flounder remained so low that this is equivalent to only 8-10 fish/trip. 13 Atlantic Menhaden--CPUE and Size Composition Atlantic menhaden was one of the most abundant fish caught by sciaenid pound nets yet was landed incidentally and only utilized as scrap. Annually, their relative abundance increased from 25% to 43% (1990) of the number of fish and 18 to 28% of the weight of the catches sampled (Table 2). Menhaden averaged 198-393 kg/catch, with highest catches recorded in May, June, and September (Tables 3, 4, 5). Because menhaden were often bailed out of the nets in order to ease fishing and to reduce the volume of scrap, these average catch data are minimal estimates of menhaden catches. From 1988 to 1990, menhaden catches increased from 198 to 393 kg/trip and 89 to 173 kg/pound (Table 6). Menhaden catches fluctuated from 1982 to 1985, but increased steadily from 1985 to 1990. Catches for 1990 were the highest recorded over the study period with CPUEs (393 kg/trip) and CPPs (173 kg/pound) 74% and 66% higher than the 9 year unweighted mean catch (226 kg/trip; 104 kg/pound), respectively. The size composition of menhaden was more compressed in 1990 than in 1988 and 1989 (Figure 22; Appendices CC and DD). However, the relative abundance of menhaden >165 mm FL increased to a high of 84% and 4,059 fish/trip in 1990. Menhaden ranged from 102 to 280 mm FL, 100 to 278 mm FL, and 117 to 264 mm FL for 1988-1990, respectively. Larger menhaden were caught from 1986 to 1990 (55-84%, >165 mm FL), but during 1982-1985, 71-93% annually were <165 mm FL (Appendix CC and DD). AGGREGATE RESOURCE TRENDS There is increasing recognition of the need to consider information on fishery resource abundance on an aggregated level to fully understand the dynamics of the fishery as a whole (NMFS 1990) since indices of aggregate abundance for species groups may reflect major changes in fishery resources (NEFC 1988). Data for these indices were derived from CPUE data from sciaenid pound net components, including the eight dominant species which comprise 92-97% of the sciaenid pound net fishery catches (Table 6; Figure 23). 14 Total biomass caught in the sciaenid pound net fishery fluctuated since 1982, reached a low in 1988, but proceeded to increase from 1988 to 1990. The CPUEs were slightly lower during 1988-1990 than in previous seasons with unweighted three season mean CPUEs during 1988-1990 (1,211 kg/trip; 507 kg/pound) 15% and 28% lower than the unweighted mean for 1982-1987 (1,419 kg/trip; 708 kg/pound). The reduced CPUEs primarily reflect reduced catches of weakfish and harvestfish, but CPUEs did proceed to increase 24% and 22% from 1988 to 1990, respectively. Total biomass landed by sciaenid pound nets coincided with catches during 1982-1987, but trends in catches and landings were inversely related during 1988 to 1990 (Figure 24a; Tables 10 and 12). Combined landings decreased 55% from 1988 (866 mt) to 1990 (385 mt); this was the lowest landing recorded over the nine year study period. Landings of croaker, spot, weakfish, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel have all declined during the past three fishing seasons. Increasing CPUEs and declining landings may be interpreted as increased catches of unmarketable-sized fish. Landings of marketable fish by sciaenid pound nets paralleled trends in total biomass with fluctuations since 1982 and decreased landings since 1987. Catch per unit effort of marketable fish has steadily declined since 1984 (Figure 24b; Tables 10 and 12). Marketable fish landings by sciaenid pound nets fluctuated so much that although landings did decrease 62% from 1987 to 1990, the unweighted three year mean for 1988 to 1990 (753 mt) was only 21% lower than the 1982-1987 six year mean (919 mt). Three year unweighted mean catches decreased from 981 kg/trip (1982-1984) to 848 kg/trip (1985-1987) to 606 kg/trip (1988- 1990), but catches remained steady during 1988 to 1990 (601-610 kg/trip). The recent decline in landings and catches of marketable finfish by sciaenid pound nets paralleled declines of total edible finfish landings for all North Carolina finfisheries combined (Table 11). Total edible finfish landings for North Carolina exceeded 28,000 mt from 1977 through 1985, with highs in 1980 (41,517 mt); however, 1989 and 1990 landings (20,501 mt and 21,684 mt) were 30% less than the mean for the previous ten years (1979-1988). Overall landings of seven species that dominate sciaenid pound net landings peaked in 1980 (24,735 15 mt) , but accounted for only 11,106 mt and 9,476 mt in 1989 and 1990, respectively; 29% and 40% lower than the annual mean for the previous ten years, and the lowest since 1974. SCRAP/BAIT Monthly catches of scrap and landings of bait were highest in June, July, and August and were driven by catches of Atlantic croaker and Atlantic menhaden (Tables 7, 8, 9, 12). From 1988 to 1990, monthly catches of scrap were highest in June and July and annually averaged 45-610 kg/catch, 363-905 kg/catch, and 186-1,412 kg/catch. Monthly landings of bait were highest in June and reached 68 mt, 128 mt, and 112 mt, respectively. Menhaden, croaker, and spot collectively accounted for 81% and 83% of the scrapfish catches in 1988 and 1989, but in 1990, menhaden and croaker constituted 77% of the scrapfish catch. Potentially marketable foodfish accounted for at least 51-60% of the scrapfish samples. Scrapfish catches were sampled from 1986 to 1990 with catches primarily driven by menhaden and croaker; however, there was a shift in the relative abundance of menhaden, croaker, weakfish and spot over the period. The relative abundance of menhaden in the scrap increased from a low of 24% in 1986 to a high of 44% in 1990 (Table 12, 14, 15; Appendices EE and FF). Conversely, the relative abundance of croaker decreased steadily from 46% in 1986 to 34% in 1990, and the relative abundance of weakfish decreased from 10% and 11% in 1986 and 1987 to 4% (1988) and 2% (1990). The relative abundance of spot increased to 12% in 1989, but their abundance in 1990 (5%) was similar to catch composition sampled in 1986 (6%) and 1987 (6%). Annual catches of scrap in sciaenid pound net samples and reported landings of bait by sciaenid pound nets exhibited parallel increases from 1988 to 1990 (Tables 7, 8, 9, 10, 12). From 1988 to 1990, mean catches of bait by sciaenid pound nets increased from 456 kg/catch to 822 kg/catch, and landings of bait correspondingly increased from 271 mt to 341 mt. The relative abundance of scrap in the catches likewise increased annually from 43% in 1988 to 55% in 1989 and 58% in 1990. The 1990 values represent the second largest mean scrap weight (822 kg) and the highest relative abundance of scrap (58%) captured in the sciaenid 16 pound net fishery during the nine year study period. Catches of bait were higher only in 1985 when they reached 1,049 kg/catch. Trends in sciaenid pound net landings of bait generally paralleled catches, but landings were highest in 1982, 1984, and 1985. Bait landings fluctuated from 1982 to 1986, but recently increased such that the unweighted four year mean for 1987-1990 (312 mt) was very similar to the 1982-1986 five year mean (329 mt). This trend of higher bait composition in the sample's than depicted in landings is a more reliable estimate of bait since much of the scrap sampled is not reported in landings. SPECIES SYNOPSIS Atlantic Croaker Atlantic croaker was the most important target species in the sciaenid pound net fishery. Since 1982, sciaenid pound nets accounted for 6-19% of the croaker landed in North Carolina. Croaker accounted for as much as 51% of the total pound net landings in 1982, but only 32 to 26% from 1988 to 1990 (Table 10). Sciaenid pound net catches (Dare County) annually landed 88-94% of croaker caught in North Carolina pound nets (1982-1990). North Carolina has dominated commercial landings of Atlantic croaker since 1966 and accounted for 69-97% of the 1982-1987 east coast landings (Mercer 1989a) , and 80-85% of the 1988-1990 landings. Total landings of croaker in North Carolina have notably declined since 1980 (Figure 25). Trawlers accounted for most croaker landed prior to 1973 in North Carolina, and trawls and long haul seines have been the dominant gear since then (Ross 1989). Landings of croaker by sciaenid pound nets corresponded to state landings with highs in 1980, followed by declines, with landings in 1990 (232 mt) 80% less than in 1980 (1,142 mt). Except for contributions by the long haul seine fishery, all other croaker fisheries declined from 1988 to 1990. Catch per unit effort of croaker has declined in recent years, and sciaenid pound net CPUEs during 1988-1990 reached the lowest values recorded since the projects' inception (1982). However, croaker catches did proceed to increase from 1988 to 1990. 17 Age 1 croaker continue to dominate sciaenid pound net catches. Although catch per unit effort data for the sciaenid pound net fishery has declined, the relative abundance of age 0 croaker in 1990 was the highest for the 1982-1990 period, and together may indicate stable stock age composition. However, the DMF juvenile abundance indices (JAIs) declined steadily from 1987 to 1991 (Tangedal 1991), with 1991 CPUEs (9 individuals/tow) 78% lower than the 13 year mean (39 individu als/tow)- Growth overfishing continues to be a major dilemma of the sciaenid pound net fishery. Increased numbers of unmarketable fish and decreased numbers of large fish have been the trend over the study period. The contribution of unmarketable sized croaker increased from 16% in 1982 to a high of 58% in 1989. Catch per trip of unmarketable croaker was also high in 1989 (2,712 fish/trip), but peaked in 1985 (5,274 fish/trip). The relative abundance of "medium-large" croaker (>275 mm TL) constituted as much as 15% and 20% of 1982 and 1984 catches, but only 1.5% in 1990. The proposed APES bycatch reduction studies of the sciaenid pound nets and long haul seines to be implemented during the 1992 fishing seasons will hopefully result in constructive measures to reduce bycatch and scrapfish landings by these estuarine fisheries. Weakfish Weakfish was the second most important species targeted by sciaenid pound nets. Pound net landings peaked in 1988 (232 mt) then declined to 58 mt and 74 mt in 1989 and 1990. Since 1982, weakfish accounted for 9-20% of the marketable finfish landed by sciaenid pound nets, but sciaenid pound nets produced only 1-4% of the weakfish landed commercially in North Carolina (Table 10). Commercial landings of weakfish have declined in recent years. North Carolina trawlers landed most of the weakfish along the east coast, except for 1985-1989 when sink net catches exceeded trawlers (Table 10; Figure 26). In 1990, North Carolina landings fell to their lowest level since 1971 (Figure 26). Sciaenid pound net catches of weakfish declined markedly from 1987 to 1989, and paralleled 1988 to 1989 declines in landings; but both proceeded to increase in 1990. The 1987 to 1989 decline in catches and the 1988 to 1989 decline in 18 landings were especially dramatic since they represent both the highest and lowest values recorded for weakfish over the nine year study period. Small weakfish predominated sciaenid pound net catches, with little noticeable change in size composition. Catch composition of marketable-sized weakfish was small, but increased catches of marketable-sized fish in 1985 and 1988 were evident in weakfish landings. Sciaenid pound net catches of weakfish were dominated by age 1 and 2 weakfish, and the relative abundance of age I weakfish declined notably in 1990. Length frequency data appears to be stable, but catch per unit effort and landings data have declined in recent years. The DMF juvenile survey JAIs declined since 1986, and the 1991 value was the lowest since the inception of the program (1979). Recruitment overfishing may be occurring in early stages. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has determined that weakfish were being overfished (Vaughan et al. 1991). Growth overfishing has been evidenced for several years based on commercial catches (Ross 1991), but is not apparent in the sciaenid pound net fishery. Current management strategies include measures to reduce landings by imposing a minimum size limit (10"/April 1992), seasonal closures, and net mesh size restrictions. Further measures need to be taken to reduce bycatch of juvenile weakfish, but await results of bycatch reduction studies. spot Total landing of spot in North Carolina have fluctuated but generally declined since 1980 (3 mt) (Figure 27). Since 1982, spot landings contributed as much as 11% (1982) and 10% (1983) of the total marketable pound net. landings, but only 3-6% during the remaining years. Long haul seines have historically landed most of the marketable spot in North Carolina (Figure 27). Total landings of spot and long haul seine landings of spot declined sharply (52%' and 51%) from 1979 to 1981, but have since fluctuated with an overall general decline. 19 Size composition of spot captured by sciaenid pound nets remained fairly uniform over the study period. The relative abundance of unmarketable-sized spot was highest in 1989, but similar to 1982 and 1983. Age 1 spot continue to dominate catches of all North Carolina fisheries that harvest spot. This is expected since spot are short-lived species (Mercer 1989b) and thus this is possibly close to the optimum time to harvest them. Catch per unit effort data for the pound net fishery appears to be stable and together with stable stock age composition may indicate continuing recruitment stability. However, JAIs have generally declined since 1987, with the 1991 value the lowest recorded since 1979 at 82 individual s/tow; 52% less than the 13 year mean (171 individuals/tow) (Tangedal 1991). The combined incidental bycatch and discard mortality of small spot in fisheries such as the shrimp, pound net, long haul, trawl fisheries have been cited as potentially having significant impacts on spot stocks (Mercer 1989b). Yield per recruit analyses may suggest a more optimum harvesting strategy, but incorporation into current fishing practices may be difficult since spot comprise a large portion of the discarded bycatch in both the estuarine and ocean waters. Bluefish Bluefish was an important incidental component of the sciaenid pound net fishery, but catch composition was predominantly small fish. Bluefish constituted as much as 7% of marketable pound net landings in 1982, but accounted for only 2-3% during the 1988-1990 fishing seasons. North Carolina dominated total Atlantic coast commercial bluefish landings (27-43%) from 1979.to 1985 (ASMFC 1987). North Carolina bluefish landings have generally increased during the past twenty years reaching record levels in 1981 and 1983 at 3.0 and 3.1 mt (Figure 28). A shift in the most productive commercial gear for bluefish in North Carolina occurred over the past two decades from long haul seines until 1977 to sink nets from 1984 to 1990 (Figure 28; Table 10). Sciaenid pound nets accounted for only 1-3% of the state's bluefish landings. 20 Catch per unit effort of bluefish by sciaenid pound nets remained fairly stable since 1982, although bluefish landings did decline over the period. Small bluefish continue to dominate sciaenid pound net catches. Since age 0 and 1 bluefish dominate catches each year, continued monitoring of these catches may provide information on annual fluctuations in year class strength. The Northeast Fisheries Center (NMFS) indices indicate that no strong bluefish year classes have been produced since 1984, and that low values were recorded in both 1986 and 1987, and the 1988 value was the lowest on record (ASMFC 1989). Nevertheless, the sciaenid pound net bluefish age data shows no signs of declines in the relative abundance of age 0 and I bluefish from 1982 to 1990. Spanish Mackerel Since 1982, North Carolina landings of Spanish mackerel were as low as 19 mt in 1983, but increased steadily to 380 mt in 1990. Sciaenid pound net landings correspondingly increased to highs in 1987-1989 (71-81 mt), but decreased in 1990 (22 mt). During 1987-1989, landings of Spanish mackerel accounted for 27-38% North Carolina's Spanish mackerel landings, and 7-11% of marketable sciaenid pound net landings. North Carolina commercial catches of Spanish mackerel were landed by sink nets along the beaches or by pound net and long haul seines within the sounds. The gill net and pound net fisheries have particularly had marked increased landings of Spanish mackerel since 1982 (Figure 29, Table 10). No juvenile abundance index is available for Spanish mackerel, however, since sciaenid pound net catches are dominated by young-of-the-year (Ross 1989) and age 0 Spanish mackerel (Noble 1992), continued monitoring of these catches may provide information on Spanish mackerel year class strength. Catches of unmarketable-sized Spanish mackerel increased throughout the study period, and together with recent peaks in catches and landings, infers stable recruitment. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This report would not have been possible without the field and technical assistance of Tonya Stevens, John Zuaboni, and Gregory Allen. I am particularly 21 indebted to Jeff Ross for his continual assistance and constructive suggestions. I wish to especially thank Diana Tootle and Mike Tangedal for invaluable assurance of data processing. I am sincerely appreciative of Dee Willis and Christie Lawrence who did a remarkable job of typing and organizing the report. Most importantly, I am especially grateful to the many commercial fishermen and dealers who cooperated with this project and made data collection possible. 22 LITERATURE CITED Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. 1987. Draft fishery management plan for bluefish. 49 p. DeVries, D.A. 1981. Stock assessment of adult fishes in the Core Sound, North Carolina. area. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. Proi. 2-326-R, 54 p. Hawkins, J.H. 1988. Age, growth and moretality of weakfish, Cynoscio regalis, in North Carolina, with a discussion of population dynmamics. M.S. thesis. East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 86 p. Higgins, E., and J.C. Pearson. 1928. Examination of the summer fisheries of Pamlico and Core sounds North Carolina with special reference to the destruction of undersize@ fish and protection of gray trout, Cynoscion regalis, (Block and Schneider) App. II Rep. U.S. Comm Fish. (1927), 1019:29-65). Massmann, W.H. 1963. Age and size composition of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, from pound nets in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, 1954-1958. Chesapeake Sci. 4(l):43-51. McDonald, M. 1887. The rivers and sounds of North Carolina, p. 625-637 In: The fisheries and fishery industries of the United States. Section V-history and methods of the fisheries. Vol. I. U.S. Comm. Fish. Fisheries. Mercer, L.P. 1983. A biological and fisheries profile of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Spec. Sci. Rep. No. 39, 107 p. 1989a. Fishery management plan for Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias undulatus. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Spec. Sci. Rep. No. 48, 90 p. 1989b. Fishery management plan for spot, Lejostomus xanthurus. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Spec. Sci. Rep. No. 49. Merriner, J.V. 1973. Assessment of the weakfish resource, a suggested management plan, and aspects of life history in North Carolina. Ph.D. Diss. NC State Univ., Raleigh, 201 p. 23 Noble, E.B. 1992. Migration, age and growth of Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus in North Carolina, In Marine Fisheries Research, p. 1-49, NC Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish. Ross, J.L 1986. Assessment of North Carolina commercial finfisheries. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. Proi. 2- 386-R, 330 p. 1989. Assessment of North Carolina commercial finfisheries, 1985-1987 fishing seasons. NC Dept of Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. Proj. 2-419-R. 1990. Assessment of the sink net fishery along North Carolina's Outer Banks, fall 1982 through spring 1987. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Spec. Sci. Rep. No. 50, 53 p. 1991. Assessment of North Carolina winter trawl fishery, September 1985- April 1988. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Spec. Sci. Rep. No. 54. Ross, S.W. 1988. Age, growth, and mortality of the Atlantic croaker in North Carolina with comments on population dynamics. Trans. Amer. Fish. Society 117(5):461-473. Tangedal, M. 1992. Juvenile abundance indices for spot, Atlantic croaker, weakfish, southern flounder, blue crab, and brown shrimp from 1979-1991. NC Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish. True, F.W. 1887. The pound net fisheries of the United States, p. 595-610, In The Fisheries and Fishery Industries of the United States. U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, Section V, Vol. I, Pt. XI. Vaughan, D.S., R.T. Seagraves, and K. West. 1991. Assessment of the status of the Atlantic weakfish stock, 1982-1988. ASMFC Spec. Sci. Rep No. 21, 29 p. Wilk, S.J. 1977. Biological and fisheries data on bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix (Linneaeus). NMFS Tech. Ser. Rep. No. 11:56 p. 24 TabLe 1. MonthLy sumary of sampLing ParnLico Sound pound net catches, May through October, 1988-1990; n = number of catches sanpled. Catch wt (kq) Sample wt (kq) Year Month n Mean Range Mean Range 1988 May 1 2U.9 34.9 Jun is 1,035.7 303.0-2,268.0 50.4 15.3-76.7 JuL 12 1,262.5 205.5-2,296.5 53.0 27.9-79.2 Aug 13 1,165.5 133.9-2,781.4 47.0 25.8-60.5 Sep 8 1,114.9 501.2-2,543.8 42.2 21.5-57.2 Oct 5 522.2 175.6- 701.9 42.8 25.2-56.7 1989 May 7 988.4 484.0-1,787.3 43.3 23.9-72.0 Jun 12 1,769.3 780.6-3,677.3 39.7 22.4-73.6 JuL 14 1,468.1 239.5-2,656.7 47.4 23.5-81.7 Aug 11 1,012.6 122.6-3,107.6 39.2 22.8-55.9 Sep 8 1,342.6 465.8-2,501.5 51.6 25.8-62.8 Oct 1 422.6 27.1 - 1990 May 7 1,475.1 400.9-3,245.0 50.1 27.1-79 . 2 Jun 11 2,165.1 1,148.9-3,808.8 57.4 29.2-89.3 JuL 15 1,240.8 286.7-2,073.8 56.0 26.6-83.7 Aug 12 1,490.8 235.0-5,462.1 54.8 @22.2-83.4 Sep 11 1,362.4 443.2-2,987.3 56.7 27.6-86.7 Oct 5 299.7 94.8- 596.9 24.5 19.4-28.7 TabLe 2. Annuat species composition, mean weight (kg) and nunber of fish (Mean no. fish) per catch for the top M (by weight) of pound net catches for 1988-1990, including mirber of catches sampted (n) and the percent of the totat weight of the catches sampted. 1988 1989 1990 (n--54) 0=53) 0=61) Mean Mean Mean Weight (kq) no. Weight (kg) no. Weight (kg) no. Species Mean % fish Species Mean % fish Species Mean % fish Micropogonies unduiatus 375.9 35.2 2,655 Micropogonias undutatus 594.0 44.3 4,676 Micropogonlas undutatus 531.6 37.2 4,629 Brevoortla tyramus 198.4 18.6 1,980 Brevoortia tyrannus 300.9 22.4 3,894 Brevoortia tyramus 393.1 27.5 4,833 Cynosci regatis 172.3 16.1 861 Scomberomorus macutatus 105.0 7.8 437 Cynoscion regatis 91.8 6.4 605 Scomberomorus macutatus 80.4 7.5 257 Leiostonus xanthurus 100.5 7.5 1,490 Pomatomas saltatrix 87.9 6.2 343 Peoritus atevidotus 59.8 5.6 405 Cynoscion regalis 79.5 5.9 459 Leiostomus xanthurus 74.3 5.2 1,001 Lefostomus xanthurus 50.1 4.7 642 Pornatomus sattatrix 40.9 3.0 296 Sconberomorus macutatus 69.7 4.9 358 Pomatomus sattatrix 41.0 3.8 182 Pepritus atepidotus 33.5 2.5 231 Peprilus atepidotus 37.7 2.6 348 Opisthonema oglin 27.9 2.6 572 Caltinectes sapidus 17.3 1.3 122 PePrRus triacanthus 29.7 2.1 514 PePriLu triacanthus 8.8 0.8 106 Opisthonema oglin 12.2 0.9 311 CaLlinectes sapidus 24.9 1.7 216 Chaetodipterus faber 8.6 0.8 32 Chaetodipterus faber 8.8 0.7 36 Opisthonema oglin 23.1 1.6 747 N) Ln CatLinectes sapidus 7.4 0.7 69 Pepritus triacanthus 8.2 0.6 ill Lagodon rhomboides 9.4 0.6 247 Balrdletta chrysoura 6.7 0.6 83 Paratichthys tethostigma 7.8 0.6 15 Caranx faber 7.0 0.5 84 Paratichthys tethostigma 6.4 0.6 13 Bairdletta chrysoura 5.8 0.4 73 Paratichthys tethostigma 6.4 0.4 12 ParaLlchthys dentatus 6.2 0.6 35 Paralichthys dentatus 3.7 0.3 26 Penaeus aztecus 5.9 0.4 250 Caranx hippos 4.7 0.4 12 Prionotus carotinus 3.3 0.3 12 BairdieLLa chrysoura 5.4 0.4 89 Sphoeroldes macuattus 2.3 0.2 11 Tylosurus crocoditus 3.3 0.3 4 Paratichthys dentatus 5.2 0.4 31 Lagodon rhonboides 2.0 0.2 32 Caranx hippos 3.1 0.2 31 Trichiurus tepturus 4.4 0.3 19 Tytosurus crocoditus 4.3 0.3 6 Sconberomorus macutatus 2.5 0.2 15 Atuterus schoeofi 2.2 0.2 is Table 3. Monthly species composition (top 99% of weight) of pound net catches sampled in Pamlico Sound May-October 1988, including mean catch/trip (kg) and mean number/trip; n = number of catches sampled. May June July August September October Weight Mean Weight Mean Weight Mean - weight Mean Weight Mean weight Mean Species Mean % ran Mean % num Mean % nun Mean % nun Mean % num Mean % num Micrwogonlas undutatus 53.6 22.8 464 254.6 24.7 1,765 503.6 39.9 3,802 398.9 33.9 3,271 623.9 55.9 3,199 40.8 7.8 532 Cynosclon regalia 111.0 47.2 437 91.5 8.9 520 114.8 9.1 645 231.8 19.7 1,266 237.3 21.2 913 306.2 58.6 1,354 Bair4ietia chrysoura 19.1 BA 229 6.9 0.7 93 8.6 0.7 113 2.4 0.2 26 16.4 3.1 176 opfsthonema ogti 13.6 5.8 209 74.5 7.2 1,648 8.5 0.7 145 17.9 1.5 287 5.6 1.1 71 Brevoortia tyrannus 12.6 5.4 350 296.7 28.8 2,644 298.6 23.6 3,213 131.0 11.1 1,363 105.7 9.5 1,168 24.0 4.6 253 Leiostmxn xanthurus 8.2 3.5 135 21.7 2.1 291 92.9 7.4 1,110 63.5 5.4 970 42.1 3.8 441 18.7 3.6 140 Pepritus triacanthus 6.5 2.8 87 4.3 0.4 46 8.8 0.7 120 19.0 1.6 226 7.4 1.4 88 Pepritus aiepfdotus 5.5 2.3 40 120.7 11.7 791 77.5 6.1 544 14.0 1.2 89 17.6 1.6 106 31.5 6.0 283 Chilwycterus schotRfi 3.7 1.6 13 Scomberorvorus maculatus 76.0 7.4 220 72.1 5.7 166 161.1 13.7 552 23.9 2.1 153 10.4 2.0 39 Pomatomus sattatrix 22.3 2.2 66 28.2 2.2 169 104.7 8.9 483 20.6 1.8 59 2.7 0.5 13 Chaetodipterus faber 20.2 ?.a IG AZ 7.2 0.6 34 4.3 0.4 84 1.8 0.3 59 Paratichthys dentatus 10.7 1.0 67 3.0 0.2 24 6.7 0.6 32 4.7 0.4 18 @2.8 0.5 a CaLtinectes sapidus 9.9 1.0 97 13.4 1.1 123 4.5 0.4 40 3.3 0.6 24 Sphoeroides imacutatus 5.7 0.5 2a 2.4 0.2 9 Paralichthys tethostiama 3.7 0.1 10 3.4 0.3 7 4.2 0.4 16 7.9 0.7 16 26.2 5.0 32 Tytosurus crocoditus 2.9 0.3 5 Caranx himos 15.7 1.2 6 7.1 0.6 59 Penaeus extecus 3.2 0.3 81 2.3 0.4 78 Selene vomer 3.0 0.3 53 Lagodon rhamboides, 2.7 0.2 50 6.4 1.2 108 orthopristis chrysgetera 3.5 0.7 42 Aluterus schoepfl 2.5 0.5 24 Trichiurus lepturus 2.3 0.4 11 Morone americana 1.6 0.3 6 Monacanthus hispidus 1.2 0.2 31 TabLe 4. Monthty species composition (top M of weight) of sciaenid pound net catches sampted in Pafntico Sound, May-October 1989, incLuding mean weight/trip (kq) and mean number/trip. may June JULY August September October Welaht Mean ___ Weight Mean Weight Mean Weight Mean Weight Mean Weight Mean Species Mean % num. - Mean % num. Mean % num. Mean % nun. Mean % num. Mean % num. Micropogonfas undulatus 338.6 34.2 3,174 1,119.2 63.2 8,156 557.7 38.0 5,127 319.0 31.5 2,421 542.6 40.4 3,630 21.4 5.06 312 Brevoortia tyrannus 460.6 46.6 5,238 308.8 17.4 3,889 212.8 14.5 3,356 228.8 22.6 2,021 411.0 30.6 6,369 235.4 55.7 2,917 Lelostoms xanthurus 70.3 7.1 1,330 99.6 5.6 1,702 124.7 8.5 2,049 125.0 12.4 1,325 151.1 11.3 672 10.9 2.6 109 Cynosclon matis 47.1 4.8 210 14.2 0.8 115 103.5 7.1 627 92.2 9.1 645 63.5 4.7 730 38.2 9.0 218 Pepritus ateoldotus 20.5 2.1 125 48.0 2.7 332 63.8 4.3 453 4.6 0.5 28 13.2 1.0 82 9.4 2.2 62 Scomberomorus macuLatus 5.1 0.5 33 78.3 4.4 245 216.8 14.8 642 119.0 11.8 828 33.4 2.5 255 Pomatomus; settatrfx 6.3 0.6 37 14.1 0.8 114 77.3 5.3 620 ".7 4.4 283 47.0 3.5 275 7.0 1.7 47 Raj[dielta chrvsoura 12.6 1.3 148 9.3 0.5 137 5.3 0.4 57 Chaetodipterus fabr 20.9 1.2 15 10.9 0.7 a 4.8 0.4 126 3.1 0.7 140 Cattinectes sapidus 10.4 1.1 65 8.7 0.5 72 30.5 2.1 211 22.9 2.3 159 6.1 0.5 48 9.7 2.3 62 Peprftys triscanthus 5.5 0.6 84 17.1 <0.1 203 9.2 0.6 160 2.2 0.2 26 4.5 0.3 40 Opisthonema ogLi 4.3 0.4 47 16.0 0.9 431 22.0 1.5 646 9.0 0.9 162 La rhombQfdes 4.0 0.2 47 Tytosurus crocodiLus 11.3 0.8 14 ParaLichthys dentatus 8.8 0.6 55 3.6 0.4 29 Trachfnatus carotinus 6.1 0.4 12 3.2 0.3 15 4.5 0.3 30 Paratichthys tethostigma 12.2 1.2 18 21.3 1.6 45 69.6 16.5 94 Caranx hipm 4.4 0.4 44 13.7 1.0 128 Penaeus aztecus 3.6 0.4 107 9.3 0.7 202 Caranx spp. 2.9 0.3 23 Setene vomer 2.7 0.3 62 1.6 0.4 31 Orthapristfs chrysoptera 2.2 0.2 28 5.9 1.4 94 Penaeus duorar 3.9 0.9 109 Prionotus carolinus 2.8 0.7 47 TabLe 5. MonthLy species coniposition (top 99% of weight) of sciaenid pound net catches sampLed in PamLico Sound May-October 1990, inctuding mean catch/trip (kg) and man nuffber/trip. may June Juty August September October Weight Mean Weight Mean Weight Mean Weight Mean Weight Mean Weight Mean Species Mean % no. Mem % no. Mean % no. Mean % no. Mean % no. Mean % no. Micropogonlas urglulatus 481.5 32.6 9,755 688.2 31.8 6,680 529.8 42.7 4,731 837.2 56.2 6,568 315.6 23.6 2,737 4.7 1.6 so Brevoortia tyrannus 780.3 52.8 4,105 832.1 38.4 10,187 290.4 23.4 3,720 140.1 9.4 1,639 250.9 18.4 2.953 113.9 38.0 1,311 Lefostomus xanthurus 41.2 2.8 865 39.1 1.8 874 25.2 2.0 681 108.8 7.3 1,294 191.8 14.1 1,763 4.0 1.4 47 Cynosci regaLls 66.5 4.5 409 78.7 3.6 579 60.6 4.9 473 161.9 10.9 1,126 119.6 8.8 593 20.3 6.8 115 Peprflus atepidotus 21.2 1.4 139 69.6 3.2 545 35.9 2.9 288 7.8 0.5 65 39.1 2.9 416 64.2 21.4 925 Scwheromrus PacuLatus 45.0 2.1 129 85.0 6.9 295 70.3 4.7 593 147.5 10.8 798 3.1 1.0 18 Pomatomus sattatrix 11.4 0.8 47 140.3 6.5 676 87.5 7.1 432 4.6 224 139.2 10.2 345 14.5 4.8 40 sairdfoila chrysoura 14.6 1.0 260 11.1 0.5 201 2.5 0.2 36 3.8 0.3 so 1.6 0.5 24 ChaetodfPterus fAl2Sr 6.0 0.4 3 8.8 0.4 15 7.8 0.6 20 4.8 0.3 128 9.3 0.7 258 2.0 0.7 55 CaRinectes sapidus 14.2 1.0 148 24.8 1.2 259 45.0 3.6 380 28.6 1.9 215 11.8 0.9 90 PePrlLus trfacenthus 24.9 1.7 804 77.6 3.6 1,282 28.6 2.3 469 19.0 1.3 274 9.7 0.7 102 4.0 1.3 38 Opisthonema ogLI 100.4 4.6 3,148 4.9 0.4 136 6.7 0.4 153 2.0 0.2 75 24.6 8.2 1,242 Lagodon rhomboldes 8.9 0.6 262 35.6 2.6 942 7.3 2.4 218 Tylosurus crocodfLus 18.9 0.9 19 Sphoeroldes mcuLatus 7.4 0.3 45 Chitomycterus schoepfi 4.7 0.2 17 00 Paratichthys clentatus 4.9 0.4 39 7.5 0.5 24 7.8 0.6 31 6.6 2.2 19 Trachinotus carotinus 4.0 0.3 28 2.2 0.7 8 ParaLichthys Lethostigm 3.7 0.3 4 20.7 1.5 25 11.4 3.8 19 - Caranx hfPpos 7.7 0.6 67 1.3 0.4 24 Penaeus aztecus 19.7 1.6 860 4.0 0.3 144 Setene vamr 3.5 0.3 64 2.2 0.7 30 orthopristis chrysootera 1.9 0.1 35 Trichfurus tepturus 3.4 0.3 25 14.0 1.0 44 2.7 0.9 8 Aluterus schoepfi 11.5 0.8 92 1.2 0.4 9 Monacanthus h1spidus 2.2 0.2 53 Archosergus Probstocephatus 3.2 1.1 5 Synoclus foetens 1.1 0.4 4 Alectis ciLlarls 0.7 0.2 10 Table 6. Seasonal Landings (mt), catch effort (kg/trip, kg/pound) for the dominant species captured in the 1982-90 Pamlico Sound sciaenid pound net fishery, including the species percent M of the total weight of the catches sampled. Season 9-year Species 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 mean Hicropogonias undulatus Landings 862.8 292.4 442.6 567.3 234.4 578.6 451.3 243.6 218.4 432.4 kg/trip 747.4 607.7 1,135.3 1,290.3 607.2 649.1 375.9 594.0 531.6 726.7 kg/pound 264.5 269.4 486.6 781.0 390.7 417.8 168.4 221.7 233.3 359.3 % 54.4 45.4 65.0 65.6 48.5 46.0 35.2 44.3 37.2 Cynoscion renatfs landings 126.3 73.2 167.1 191.7 87.8 199.4 231.7 57.7 73.5 134.3 kg/trip 128.2 152.0 174.6 158.4 171.8 220.1 172.3 79.5 91.8 149.9 kg/pound 41.3 67.4 74.8 83.9 114.6 141.6 77.2 29.7 40.3 74.5 % 9.3 4.3 10.0 8.1 13.7 15.8 5.9 6.4 Leiostomus xanthurus landings 150.0 29.7 88.8 56.3 22.0 51.0 32.6 32.9 18.9 53.6 kg/trip 99.2 83.3 46.1 63.4 47.3 45.2 50.1 100.5 74.3 67.7 kg/pound 29.8 36.9 19.8 33.0 30.4 29.1 22.4 37.5 32.6 30.2 % 7.2 6.2 2.6 3.2 3.8 3.2 4.7 7.5 5.2 Pomatomus saitatrfx landings 88.7 31.4 38.5 51.4 30.2 41.1 34.7 13.6 13.9 38.2 kg/trip 52.3 51.4 43.6 71.0 32.5 32.2 41.0 40.9 87.9 50.3 kgIpound 15.3 22.8 18.7 36.9 12.7 20.7 18.4 15.3 38.6 22.2 % 3.8 3.9 2.5 3.6 2.6 2.3 3.8 3.0 6.2 Pepritus triscanthus landings 10.9 1.4 6.9 13.9k 10.0 4.5 7.3 0.9 15.2 87.9 kg/trip 17.7 2.3 10.0 32.5 19.4 10.7 8.8 8.2 29.7 15.5 kg/pound 6.0 1.0 4.3 16 .9 13.0 6.9 3.9 3.0 13.0 7.6 x 1.3 0.2 0.6 1.7 1.5 0.8 0.8 0.6 2.1 Pepritus aiepidotus landings 34.1 16.8 31.8 86.3* 33.8 37.5 33.6 18.4 24.0 35.1 kg/trip 27.5 60.0 40.3 90.3 96.1 64.4 59.8 33.5 37.7 56.6 kg/pound 8.6 26.2 17.3 47.2 64.2 41.5 26.8 12.5 16.5 28.9 % 2.1 4.5 2.3 4.6 7.7 4.6 5.6 2.5 2.6 Scomberomorus macutatus Landings 3.1 2.6 6.3 9.8 16.0 81.5 74.8 71.2 21.5 31.9 kg/trip 36.9 5.8 10.4 45.2 22.3 68.8 80.4 105.0 69.7 49.4 kg/pound 11.2 2.6 4.4 23.5 14.9 44.3 36.0 39.2 30.6 23.0 % 2.8 0.5 0.6 2.4 1.9 5.2 7.5 7.8 4.9 Table 6. (Continued). Season 9-year Species 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 mean Brevoortia tyrannus landings - - - - - - - kg/trip 212.1 267.2 156.2 122.3 172.2 215.9 198.4 300.9 393.1 226.4 kg/pound 59.8 118.5 67.0 63.6 113.5 139.0 88.9 112.3 172.5 103.9 % 15.9 21.3 9.2 6.5 14.6 16.3 18.6 22.4 27.5 Total finffsh landings"* 1,275.9 447.5 782.0 976.7 434.2 993.6 866.0 438.3 385.4 733.3 kq/trip 1,321.3 1,229.7 1,616.5 1,873.4 1,168.8 1,306.4 1,054.1 1,262.5 1,315.8 1,349.8 kg/pound 436.5 544.8 692.9 976.0 754.0 840.9 472.7 276.5 577.4 640.7 % 96.8 93.7 92.8 95.7 94.3 94.2 92.3 94.0 92.1 North Carolina commercial landings combined harvestfish and butterfish landings in 1985 as harvestfish, herein, we extrapolated out butterfish Landings based on monthly relative proportions of the two species in our samples. CPUE and Landings combine Paratichthys dentatus and P. Lethostigma catches. Excludes Atlantic menhaden landings. Table 7. Nonthty and total commercial landings of dominant or selected species captured by Dare County pound nets in 1988, including total North Carolina pound net landings (State) and the percent of those Landings accounted for by Dare County (% Dare). commercial Landings (kg) May Jun JUL Au-q Sep Oct Total State % Dare Bluefish 3,316 4,342 3,274 9,458 11,318 3,020 34,728 38,482 90.2 Butterfish - 2,007 2,057 1,509 1,299 423 7,295 9,507 76.7 Atlantic croaker 5,383 99,932 108,193 121,517 104,978 11,307 451,310 503,896 89.6 Red drum a - 43 1,294 2,910 4,255 6,375 66.7 F t ounde rs 688 1,208 380 1,029 148,244 105,894 257,443 628,159 41.0 Harvestfish 460 13,058 11,169 2,838 4,210 1,877 33,612 70,334 47.8 Florida pompano 21 44 211 102 39 417 2,436 17.1 Weakfish 9,471 16,888 21,577 54,268 94,093, 35,434 231,731 270,908 85.5 Spotted seatrout 34 42 - - 15 80 171 354 48.3 Spanish mackerel 706 141080 37,732 12,144 8,527 1,633 74,822 79,974 93.6 Spot 193 3,078 2,702 7,803 15,365 3,487 32,628 57,913 56.3 Bait (scrap) 11,451 67,567 58,231 64,966 52,313 16,678 271,206 335,483 80.8 Total 37,919 226,090 259,539 281,643 446,622 189.196 1,432,009 2,003,821 69.8 Total marketable 26,468 158,523 192,308 216,677 394,309 172,518 1,160,803 1,668,338 67.6 Percent bait (scrap) 30.2 29.9 23.2 23.1 11.7 8.8 18.9 16.7 TabLe B. Monthly and total commercial Landings of dominant or selected species captured by Dare county sciaenid pound nets in 1989, including total Worth Carolina pound net landings (State) and the percent of those Landings accounted for by Dare County @% Dare). Commercial landings (kg) may Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Total - State % Dare Bluefish 934 1,821 3,719 3,032 1,973 2,080 13,560 17,580 77.1 Butterfish 178 721 - - - 899 978 91.9 Atlantic croaker 12,189 57,057 65,109 65,807 41,595 1,872 243,628 276,525 88.1 Red drum - 138 17 1,961 3,326 5,442 14,423 37.7 Flounders 129 578 1,130 3,"3 48,066 96,927 150,293 497,357 30.2 Harvestfish 1,594 9,075 4,740 1,302 1,404 252 18,367 40.527 45.3 Florida pompano 28 274 4,329 240 114 117 5,103 6,298 81.0 Weakfish 4,985 6,367 10,568 18,946 13,171 3,675 57,712 64,616 89.3 Spotted seatrout 2 24 - 32 - 45 103 180 57.2 Spanish mackerel 2,152 22,377 39,200 5,954 @1,361 115 71,158 73,896 96.3 Spot 178 2,486 3,018 6,231 15,699 5,252 32,863 45,855 71.7 Bait (scrap) 17,710 127,814 67,846 34,785 50,000 7,662 305,819 391,583 78.1 Total 41,681 235,834 208,091 142,348 179,905 127,626 935,484 1,429,818 63.3 Total marketable 23,971 108,020 140,245 107,563 129,905 119,964 629,665 1,038,235 57.7 Percent bait (scrap) 42.5 54.2 32.6 24.4 27.8 6.0 32.7 27.4 Table 9. Monthly and total commercial landings of dominant or selected species captured by Dare county sciaenid pound nets in 1990, including total North Carolina pound net landings (State) and the percent of those landings accounted for by Dare County (% Dare). Commercial landings (kg) Species may Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Total State % Dare Bluefish 147 3,128 2,754 1,984 2,355 3,553 13,921 26,375 52.8 Butterfish 806 4,789 3,681 2,374 1,618 1,984 15,252 38,978 39.1 Atlantic croaker 3,389 67,737 61,766 42,249 38,375 4,906 218,422 232,182 94.1 Red drum 21 899 611 1,531 11,386 13.4 Flounders 58 679 406 607 23,283 50,540 75,573 636,449 11.9 Harvestffsh 648 5,078 5,471 925 6,168 5,684 23,974 40,411 59.3 FLorlda pompano 5 25 42 11 194 176 453 7,322 6.2 Weakfish 1,153 16,502 13,923 13,103 17,779 11,055 73,515 87,982 83.6 Spotted seatrout - 4 6 - 14 227 251 404 62.2 Spanish mackerel 1,159 8,681 9,055 690 1,808 125 21,518 25,411 84.7 Spot 252 789 1,188 5,301 5,982 18,861 28,872 65.3 Bait (scrap) 15,536 112,121 68,293 42,898 77,167 24,562 340,577 681,341 50.0 Total 24,497 226,261 168,334 111,581 180,399 115,524 826,597 1,817,113 44.2 Total marketable 8,961 114,140 100,041 68,683 103,232 90,962 486,020 1,135,772 40.8 Percent bait (scrap) 63.4 49.6 40.6 38.4 42.8 21.3 41.2 37.5 - Table 10. Seasonal caim rciat landings of sciaenid pound net 1, tong haut 2, ocean gitt net (gitt net) 3, and winter trawler 4 fisheries in North Carolina for 1982-1990 fishing seasons (season = May-Aprit), including total tandings/species (mt), total value of state landings (value in 1000s of dollars) and relative contribution of the three ffsheries/specfes (percent). May 82-Apr 83 May 83-Apr 84 May 84-Apr 85 May 85-Apr 86 May 86-Apr 87 May 87-Apr 88 May 88-Apr 89 - May 89-Apr 90 May 90-Apr 91 Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Species ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent Atlantic croaker 4,475 $3,572 3,697 $3,099 4,707 $3,278 4,211 $3,204 3,757 $2,909 3,552 $3,133 3,164 $3,036 2,787 $3,201 2,550 $2,749 Pound net 863 19.3 292 7.9 443 9.4 567 13.5 234 6.2 579 16.3 451 14.2 244 8.8 218 8.5 Long haut 2,064 46.1 1,883 50.9 1,339 28.4 1,114 26.4 1,392 37.0 679 19.1 l,i77 37.2 1,427 51.2 1,769 69.4 Trawler 547 12.2 478 12.9 1,359 28.9 1,069 25.4 721 19.2 761 21.4 653 20.7 436 15.7 154 6.1 Gilt net 385 8.6 540 13.3 1,219 25.9 1,252 29.7 1,204 3.0 1,283 36.1 636 20.1 385 13.9 304 11.9 Weakfish 5,163 $4,695 5,486 $3,936 4,728 S3,874 6,626 $4,458 5,276 $4,152 6,561 $4,717 5,298 $5,041 2,854 $3,320 2,759 $2,803 Pound net 126 2.5 73 1.3 167 3.5 192 2.9 88 1.7 199 3.0 232 4.4 58 2.0 74 2.7 Long haul 737 14.3 704 12.8 762 16.1 508 7.7 586 11.1 412 6.3 608 11.5 240 8.4 481 17.4 Trawler 3,054 59.5 2,740 49.9 1,760 37.2 2,570 38.8 1,971 37.4 2,364 36.0 1,590 30.0 1,168 41.1 1.220 44.4 Gilt net 846 16.4 1,555 28.4 1,565 33.1 2,654 40.1 2,2T7 43.2 3,253 49.6 2,440 46.1 1,202 42.2 842 30.5 Bluefish 3,470 $914 1,618 $565 1,344 $509 1,734 $513 1,712 $732 2,603 S755 1,417 $538 1,761 $678 2,150 $ 740 Pound net 89 2.6 31 1.9 38 2.9 51 3.0 30 1.8 41 1.6 35 2.5 14 0.8 14 0.7 Long haul 194 5.6 153 9.5 ill 11.7 216 12.5 212 12.4 214 8.2 164 li.6 136 7.7 139 6.5 Trawler 1,776 51.2 465 28.7 359 26.7 353 20.3 185 10.8 564 21.7 234 16.5 206 11.7 124 5.6 Gilt net 970 2B.0 637 39.4 561 41.8 744 42.9 979 57.2 1,357 52.1 683 48.2 1,193 67.8 1,293 60.1 Spot 2,214 $1,063 1,388 $699 1,562 $809 1,843 $900 1,473 S742 1,296 $663 1,378 $666 1,464 $785 1,590 $ 805 Pound net 150 6.8 30 2.1 89 5.7 56 3.1 22 1.5 51 3.9 33 2.4 33 0.2 19 1.2 Long haul 1,556 70.3 885 62.3 938 60.1 1,126 61.1 865 58.8 529 40.8 896 65.0 903 61.7 1,104 69.4 TrawLer 36 1.6 69 5.0 50 3.2 75 4.1 38 2.6 37 2.8 37 2.7 63 4.3 33 2.1 Gilt net 37 1.7 65 4.7 131 8.4 150 8.2 213 14.5 268 20.7 142 10.3 232 15.9 113 7.1 Flounders 3,970 $5,486 6,027 $7,293 6,403 S10,132 4,231 $9,304 3,256 $7,993 4,571 S10,957 3,927 $9,649 2,637 $9,685 3,003 $9,554 Pound net 55 1.4 34 0.6 53 0.8 34 0.8 99 3.0 163 3.6 257 6.5 150 5.7 76 2.5 Long haul 28 0.7 36 0.6 27 0.4 29 0.7 43 1.3 12 0.3 38 1.0 32 1.2 19 0.6 Trawler 2,888 72.8 4,769 79.1 5,185 81.0 2,891 68.3 1,825 56.1 3,219 70.4 2,326 59.2 1,105 41.9 1,686 56.2 Gilt net 0.2 <0.1 6 -CO. 1 9 0.2 6 0.1 6 0.2 4 0.1 2 0.1 6 0.3 <0.1 <0.1 Striped bass 110 $451 185 $356 211 $365 101 $170 135 297 54 S119 43 $96 77 $212 50 S 156 Pound net - - - - - 0.2 0.2 - - - - - 0 0 Long haut 0.1 <0.1 - - - 0 0 Trawler 2 1.5 6 3.3 10 <0.1 3 6.0 Gilt net 22 20.3 0.3 0.2 34 0.1 0 0 Butterfish 5 135 $76 53 $43 80 $64 63 $47 79 $72 62 $53 26 S28 104 $67 122 $ 97 Pound net 11 8.1 1 2.7 7 8.6 14 22.2 10 12.6 5 7.3 7 26.9 0.9 0.9 15 1.2 Long haul 4 2.7 4 8.4 2 2.9 0.2 0.3 13 16.3 0.6 1.0 1 5.4 0.5 5.3 21 17.2 Trawler 74 55.0 38 71.7 52 64.6 34 53.6 39 49.3 32 51.6 10 38.5 71 69.3 41 33.6 Gilt net 38 28.4 6 10.6 13 15.7 9 14.4 11 14.1 11 18.2 3 11.5 16 15.5 12 9.8 m m m m m m so m go m m m = @ = @ m @ m Table 10. (Continued). May 82-Apr 83 May 83-Apr 84 May 84-Apr 85 May 85-Apr 86 May 86-Apr 87 May 87-Apr 88 May 88-Apr 89 May 89-Apr 90 May 90-Apr 91 Land- Value/ Land- Va t Lie/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Species ings percent ings percent __in_qs percent ings Dercent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent Harvestfish 5 199 $123 101 $60 110 $97 186 S200 137 S167 115 S158 114 S164 100 $129 98 $135 Pound not 34 17.2 17 16.8 32 28.9 86 46.5 34 24.6 38 32.7 34 29.8 18 18.0 24 24.5 Long haul 41 20.6 20 19.4 21 19.5 16 8.8 33 23.9 33 28.5 16 14.3 6 6.2 9 9.2 Trawler 34 17.2 7 7.1 5 4.7 43 23.0 7 4.8 6 4.8 8 7.1 22 22.0 13 13.3 Gilt net 42 21.1 6 6.0 5 4.7 18 9.5 11 8.3 13 11.0 5 4.4 13 13.3 16 16.3 Spanish mackerel 86 $61 19 $15 58 $42 79 $67 105 SBI 229 $145 199 S141 268 $215 380 S318 Pound not 3 3.6 3 14.2 6 10.9 10 12.4 16 15.2 81 35.6 75 37.7 71 26.5 22 5.8 Long haut 0.9 1.1 1 7.9 3 4.5 5 6.3 13 12.4 15 6.4 18 8.9 33 12.3 12 3.2 Trawler 0.4 0.4 - 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.1 @(O. 1 0.2 0.1 3 1.1 0.7 0.2 Gilt net 30 34.7 4 20.3 14 24.4 27 34.1 41 38.9 so 21.9 43 21.6 114 42.5 143 37.6 Florida pompano 14 $33 2 $4 4 $11 11 $32 17 $41 9 $24 3 $9 9 $28 14 S24 Pound net 3 23.5 0.1 3.1 0.4 8.9 1 9.0 3 16.3 2 24.4 0.4 13.3 5 55.6 0.5 3.6 Long haut 6 38.9 0.4 18.7 2 56.6 5 48.4 4 24.3 2 19.7 0.7 18.9 2 18.6 1 7.2 Trawler - - - - - - .002 <0.1 - Gilt net 0.7 4.7 - 0.6 13.7 0.1 1.4 2 11.2 0.5 5.5 0.3 10.0 <0.1 <0.1 Spotted seatrout 42 $72 72 S120 68 S123 65 S171 85 $157 156 $277 167 S326 161 $345 110 $219 Pound net 5 11.6 5 6.8 4 6.0 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.3 2 1.5 0.2 0.1 - 0.3 0.3 Long haut 15 35.6 19 25.6 15 22.3 9 14.9 10 11.8 36 23.2 35 21.1 31 19.0 21 19.1 Trawler 0.4 1.0 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.6 2 2.8 6 6.7 2 1.4 0.7 0.4 8 4.8 <0.1 <0.1 Gilt net 2 5.4 4 5.8 4 6.1 16 24.4 10 il.5 17 11.0 22 13.2 10 6.3 10 9.1 Red drum 22 $11 146 $81 91 $60 T7 $113 104 $109 115 $149 99 $124 118 $164 82 $105 Pound net 0.3 1.5 2 1.1 0.8 0.9 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 19 16.4 4 4.0 5 4.2 1 1.2 Long haut 5 20.4 9 6.5 7 7.7 2 2.8 32 30.9 16 13.8 11 11.1 25 21.6 a 9.8 Trawler 6 27.7 13 9.0 6 7.1 2 2.1 2 1.5 1 1.3 2 1.9 1 1.1 0.2 0.3 Gilt net 5 24.0 37 25.1 21 22.8 19 24.4 9 8.4 11 9.6 9 9.1 12 10.4 5 6.1 Black sea bass 213 $343 446 $619 544 $976 503 $1,002 267 $519 495 $979 452 $1,118 509 $1,384 285 $1,042 Trawler 71 33.5 266 59.7 363 71.4 296 58.9 95 35.7 315 63.6 206 45.7 205 40.3 60 21.1 Scup or porgies 658 $840 835 $997 505 $759 188 S212 ill $186 61 $65 15 $11 47 82 71 $60 Trawler 304 46.2 4T7 57.2 267 52.9 171 90.8 ill 99.7 58 94.3 15 100.0 47 99.6 71 100.0 Bait 4,302 $354 4,430 $376 4,695 $381 3,437 $230 2,836 $201 4,084 $300 2,596 $168 2,167 $159 2,566 $177 Pound net 349 8.1 201 4.5 421 9.0 549 16.0 123 4.3 329 8.1 271 10.4 306 14.1 341 13.3 Long haul. 1,879 43.7 1,901 42.9 1,884 40.1 1,148 33.4 1,386 48.9 1,474 36.1 1,078 41.5 1,112 51.8 1,635 63.7 Trawler 1,364 31.7 1,613 36.4 1,728 36.7 1,620 47.1 905 31.9 2,109 5l.i 794 30.6 195 9.0 78 3.0 Gilt net 62 1.5 44 1.0 100 2.1 13 0.4 23 0.8 7 0.2 127 4.9 6 0.3 1 Table M (Continued). May 82-Apr May 83-Apr 84 May 84-Apr 85 May 85-Apr 86 May 86-Apr 87 May 87-Apr 88 May 88-Apr 89 May 89-Apr 90 May 90-Apr 91 Land- VaLue/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- VaLue/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ species ings Percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent Total finfish (w/out menhaden) 31,767 $23,406 32,776 $23,639 37,030 $28,220 32,319 $27,182 25,462 $25,399 31,772 S30,301 25,225 $29,622 20,905 $41,06 24,812 $28,731 Pound net 1,699 5.4 706 2.2 1,285 3.5 1,553 4.8 684 2.7 1,558 4.9 1,432 5.7 935 4.5 827 3.3 Long haul 6,579 20.7 5,649 17.2 5,175 14.0 4,250 13.2 4,714 18.5 3,353 10.6 4,308 17.1 4,112 19.7 5,299 21.4 Trawler 10,367 32.6 11,779 35.9 11,899 32.1 9,850 30.5 6,493 25.5 10,256 32.3 6,099 24.2 4,481 21.5 4,081 16.4 Gilt net 2,671 8.4 3,071 9.4 3,825 10.3 5,157 16.0 5,067 19.9 6,698 21.1 4,430 17.6 3,555 17.0 3,548 14.3 Total marketable (w/out menhaden) 27,465 $23,092 28,346 S18,994 32,336 S23,263 28,882 $26,952 22,626 $25,197 27,688 $29,884 22,629 $29,454 18,738 $41,677 22,246 $28,554 Pound net 1'350 4.9 505 1.8 B64 2.7 1,003 3.5 561 2.5 1,229 4.4 1,161 5.1 630 3.3 468 2.1 Long haul 4,700 17.1 3,748 13.2 3,291 10.2 3,102 10.7 3,328 14.7 2,074 7.5 3,230 14.3 2,991 16.0 3,665 16.5 Trawler 9,003 32.8 10,166 35.9 10,177 31.5 8,230 28.5 5,588 24.7 8,147 29.4 5,304 23.4 4,285 22.9 4,056 18.2 Gilt net 2,613 9.5 3,028 10.7 3,725 11.5 5,144 17.8 5,043 22.3 6,691 24.2 4,303 19.0 3,549 18.9 3,547 15.9 1Pound net landings include Dare County (annual timeframe). 2Long haul Landings: Long haul landings include April through December from Dare, Hyde, Carteret, Craven, PamLico and Beaufort counties (annual timeframe). 3Winter trawl landings include: Dare, Hyde, Pamlico, Beaufort, Craven, Carteret, Brunswick and Onstow counties. 4ocean gitt net Landings incLude all state Landings September through April. 5Worth Carolina commercial landings combined harvestfish and butterfish Landings in 1985 are harvestfish; for the purpose of this presentation, we extrapolated out butterfish landings based on monthly relative proportions of the two species in our samples. Table 11. Landings (mt) of major commercial finfish (including menhaden) in N.C. that are important components of the sciaenid pound net fishery, with total weights of seven species and their combined percentage of the State's total edible finfish tandings. Percent Total of wt (mt) total Total of state edible Atlantic Spanish domi nant finfish Year finfish croaker Weakfish Spot Butterfish Harvestfish Bluefish mackerel species tanded 1965 15,258 795 889 414 167 57 319 53 2,694 17.7 1966 14,772 575 860 495 228 32 372 35 2,597 17.6 1967 18,543 582 802 1,383 174 66 403 33 3,443 18.6 1968 15,140 545 1,037 714 48 32 396 31 2,803 18.5 1969 16,628 621 698 675 59 11 395 44 2,499 15.0 1970 13,532 366 1,107 693 60 12 225 29 2,492 18.4 1971 14,234 430 1,653 540 26 21 262 43 2,975 20.9 1972 18,476 1,864 3,344 1,730 40 23 530 44 7,575 41.0 1973 18,613 1,961 2,822 2,448 18 29 911 29 8.218 44.0 1974 21,428 2,759 2,747 2,543 34 7 990 33 9,113 42.5 1975 24,349 4,650 3,051 3,765 58 18 896 22 12,460 51.2 1976 24,390 6,821 3,952 1,213 24 11 615 14 12,650 51.9 1977 28,012 8,616 3,933 1,726 22 22 1,057 21 15,397 55.0 1978 30,424 9,047 4,927 2,213 50 43 883 18 17,181 56.5 -4 1979 37,307 9,325 6,695 3,313 83 14 1,545 6 20,980 56.2 1980 41,517 9,592 9,228 3,220 67 125 2,469 34 24,735 59.6 1981 31,219 5,083 7,662 1,593 128 68 2,998 23 17,555 56.2 1982 28,989 4,910 5,467 2,231 120 207 1,946 86 14,967 51.6 1983 28,864 3,289 4,642 1,339 49 M 3,061 19 12,509 43.3 1984 29,350 4,160 5,892 1,579 78 105 1,615 58 13,487 45.9 1985 29,243 3,953 4,457 1,834 72 159 1,635 79 12,189 41.7 1986 27,570 4,275 6,491 1,521 85 176 1,565 05 14,219 51.6 1987 24,064 3,306 5,390 1,273 63 121 2,069 229 11,651 48.4 1988 27,830 3,826 6,846 1,397 30 114 2,286 199 14,698 52.6 1989 20,501 3,095 4,588 1,476 87 100 1,493 267 11,106 54.2 1990 21,684 2,617 2,632 1,567 115 87 2,OT7 381 9,476 43.7 *IncLudes sit Paratichthys, sp. 38 TabLe 12. MonthLy and overaLL totaL catch weight ranges, mean weights of marketabLe (for human consumption) and_scrap portions, and mean and range of percent scrap/catch in PamLico Sound sciaenid pound net,catches, 1982 1990. Range of totaL catch Mean weight (kq) Percent scrap Month Year N weights (kg) Marketabte Scrap Mean Ranoe May 1982 4 367.9- 721.7 149.9 399.7 72.7 61.6-79.0 1983 6 277.1-1,914.6 140.8 685.7 82.9 59.8-97.1 1985 4 496.4- 984.3 283.2 470.6 62.4 3 1986 5 76.0- 741.2 86.6 224.2 72.1 18.6-91.8 1987 3 129.8- 451.1 355.0 111.9 24.0 17.5-33.2 1988 1 234.9 189.5 45.4 19.3 1989 7 484.0-1,787.3 278.8 709.6 73.2 61.4-94.3 1990 7 400.9-3,245.0 435.1 1,040.0 70.5 43.3-95.4 Jun 1982 3 699.9-2,025.8 488.2 854.3 63.7 25.9-77.2 1983 6 921.2-2,920.7 686.5 986.6 59.0 43.6-91.1 1984 12 243.1-3,306.7 592.0 567.0 53.4 24.5-77.2 1985 7 209.1-4,714.2 611.7 1,176.1 65.7 26.4-88.5 1986 Is 167.8-2,683.8 690.7 302.4 30.4 9.3-67.6 1987 14 515.1-2,807.3 663.0 627.7 48.6 11.0- 71'3 1988 15 303.0-2,268.0 486.7 549.0 51.2 14.1-88.3 1989 12 780.6-3,677.3 864.0 905.3 50.9 15.9-76.5 1990 11 1,148.9-3,808.8 752.8 1,412.3 65.2 51.9-79.0 JuL 1982 16 307.5-3,777.1 972.8 484.6 33.3 2.7-81.1 1983 9 377.9-1,768.3 507.9 544.3 51.8 19.2-66.0 1984 15 607.5-3,507.6 1,425.5 700.1 32.9 12.3-65.3 1985 11 1,267.2-4,WS.8 920.9 1,271.1 57.9 31.2-83.7 1986 16 481.0-3,701.1 854.3 850.7 49.9 16.3-90.0 1987 13 696.4-2,366.0 T75.9 725.8 48.3 24.6 71 7 1988 12 205.5-2,296.5 652.3 610.2 46.3 15.8:79:3 1989 14 239.5-2,656.7 654.9 815.8 58.4 26.7-85.2 1990 15 286.7-2,073.8 558.9 681.9 55.0 22.4-82.5 Aug 1982 12 475.8-3,504.5 1,403.2 389.3 22.6 6.9-42.8 1983 8 745.3-2,988.6 837.9 522.2 38.4 9.0-57.4 1984 13 813.3-4,178.9 1,594.0 1,035.8 39.4 24.3-57.6 1985 11 1,060.5-4,838.1 1,531.7 1,1".3 42.7 19.3-6 1986 7 768.9-3,627.4 1,290.1 700.1 35.2 19.6-60.8 1987 12 722.1-2,078.8 840.1 436.6 34.2 22.6 56 5 1988 13 133.9-2,781.4 674.6 491.0 38.4 0:69:7 1989 11 122.6-3,107.6 471.6 541.0 57.8 44.7-76.1 1990 12 235.0-5,462.1 693.2 797.6 53.5 22.4-84.1 Sep 1982 10 1,025.1-3,791.2 1,758.6 342.5 16.2 26.2-35.4 1983 a 527.2-3,624.0 1,578.6 481.9 23.4 13.2-32.4 1984 6 417.3-1,803.5 721.8 306.2 29.8 16.4-38.9 1985 6 452.2-1,997.2 567.0 703.9 55.3 21.3-79.5 1986 10 76.6-1,492.3 536.8 279.1 34.2 21.0-69.4 1987 12 408.2-3,916.6 1,801.7 429.0 24.5 3.5-52 4 1988 a 501.2-2,543.8 854.1 260.8 24.6 6.6-46:7 1989 8 465.8-2,501.5 771.4 696.3 52.9 20.2-87.6 1990 11 "3.2-2,987.3 760.4 602.0 .2 17.6-77.3 39 Table 12. (Contimied) Range of total catch Mean weight (kq) Percent scrap Month Year N weights (kq) Warketable Scrap Mean Range Oct 1982 1 271.0 103.6 113.4 52.5 1983 4 63.1-1,219.1 330.5 241.9 42.3 0-".7 1984 3 377.4-1,108.0 510.2 151.1 22.8 9.1-28.7 1986 2 327.5-2,827.7 1,090.0 487.6 30.9 24.1-41.5 1987 2 868.2-1,893.3 1,085.9 294.9 21.3 16.8-31.4 1988 5 175.6- 701.9 408.8 113.4 24.2 7.9-38.7 1989 1 422.6 59.7 362.9 85.9 1990 5 94.8-596.9 113.7 186.0 62.1 23.9-86.2 Mean Mean Mean Mean total weight market samvL % scrap Totals 1982 46 1,571.4 1,133.8 437.5 27.8 1983 41 1,224.5 686.1 538.4 ".0 1984 49 1,798.6 1,123.9 675.7 37.5 1985 39 1,966.7 917.8 1,048.9 53.3 1986 55 1,254.1 749.1 505.0 40.3 1987 56 1,405.3 877.9 527.4 37.5 1988 54 1,066.7 610.4 456.3 42.8 1989 53 1,339.7 601.3 738.4 55.1 1990 61 1,428.3 605.9 822.4 57.6 40 TabLe 13. Species coqmsition of scrapfish (discard or bait) 'in 54 PamLico Sound pound net catches sampted in 1988. Mean fish Percent Weight NLmiber weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kg) occur Brevoortia tyramus 136.2 38.1 1,351 36.7 0.10 100.0 Micropogonias undulatus 127.8 35.8 1,157 31.4 0.11 96.3 Leiostmus xanthurus 25.9 7.3 352 9.6 0.07 92.6 Opisthonemm ogLin 18.0 5.1 324 8.8 0.06 79.6 Cynoscion regalis 13.6 3.8 139 3.8 0.10 100.0 Pomatomus saLtatrix 11.5 3.2 72 2.0 0.16 85.2 Scomberomorus maculatus 7.8 2.2 74 2.0 0.11 83.3 Bairdie[La chrysoura 3.3 0.9 46 1.2 0.07 75.9 Paralichthys dentatus 1.8 0.5 18 0.5 0.10 55.6 CaLLinectes sapidus 1.5 0.4 15 0.4 0.10 74.1 Chaetodipterus faber 1.5 0.4 22 0.6 0.07 48.1 Orthopristis chrysoptera 1.3 0.4 19 0.5 0.07 59.3 Pepritus triacanthus 1.0 0.3 15 0.4 0.07 70.4 Lagod rhomboides 1.0 0.3 17 0.5 0.06 53.7 Selene vomer 0.8 0.2 15 0.4 0.05 22.2 Chilomycterus schoepfi 0.6 0.2 2 <0.1 0.27 18.5 ParaLichthys Lethostigma 0.4 0.1 4 0.1 0.11 42.6 Porichthys plectrodon 0.4 0.1 <1 <0.1 1.15 1.9 Peprilus aLepidotus 0.4 0.1 8 0.2 0.05 77.8 Caranx hippos 0.3 -CO.l 4 0.1 0.09 20.4 Monacanthus hisoidus 0.3 <0.1 10 0.3 0.03 31'5 Prionotus caroLinus 0.3 <0.1 4 0.1 0.08 16.7 Atosa sapidissima 0.2 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.15. 3.7 Pogonias cromis 0.2 C0.1 1 0.13 1.9 Evorthodus tyricus 0.2 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.11 1.9 Atuterus schoepfi 0.2 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.13 9.3 Urophycis regia 0.1 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.05 9.3 Larimus fasciatus 0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.15 3.7 Trinectes macuLatus <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.07 18.5 Sphoeroides macutatus <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.06 33.3 Elops saurus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.20 1.9 Menticirrhus americanus <0.1 C0.1 <1 <0.1 0.11 13.0 Stenotomus spp. <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.07 1.9 Prionotus evolans <0.1 CO.l <1 <0.1 0.08 7.4 Prionotus scitulus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.05 5.6 Trichiurus tepturus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.27 11.1 Scomberamrus cavatta <0.1 <0. I <1 <0.1 0.06 1.9 Penaeus aztecus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.01 18.5 Opsanus tau <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.08 3.7 Diptodus holbrooki <0.1 -CO. 1 <1 -CO. 1 0.05 3.7 Setene setapinnis <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 <0.01 1.9 observed species LotliguncuLa brevis Prionotus tribulus Archosaraus ProbatocephaLus Paratichthys spp. Penaeus duorarum Centropristis striata Menticirrhus spp. Paralichthys aLbigutta Penaeus setiferus Rachycent canadLin Menticirrhus saxatitis Scoyhthalmus aguosus Portunus spinimanus ChLorosconbrus chrvsurus; Sciaenops oceRatus Synphurus otagiusa Tylosurus crocoditus OLigoplites saurus Citharichthys spiLop erus Monacanthus ciLiatus Prionotus spp. Trachinotus carolinus 41 abLe 14. Species composition of scrapfish (discard or bait) in 53 ParnLico Sound sciaenid pound net catches sampLed in 1989. Mean fish Percent Weight Wriber weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent Rg) occur MicropoqoElias unduLatus 251.3 35.9 2,684 31.0 0.09 100.0 8revoortia tyrannus 247.0 35.3 3,173 36.7 0.08 100.0 Leiostomus xanthurus 82.6 11.8 1,428 16.5 0.06 100.0 Pomatomus saltatrix 34.3 4.9 284 3.3 0.12 98.1 Scomberawrus macuLatus 32.2 4.6 277 3.2 0.12 81.1 Cynosci regatis 12.0 1.7 128 1.5 0.09 96.2 Opisthonema oglin 10.1 1.4 198 2.3 0.05 79.2 BairdieLLa chrysoura 8.5 1.2 104 1.2 0.08 75.5 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 4,9 0*7 40 0*5 1*12 1*9 Monacanthus hispidus 2.6 0.4 69 0.8 0.04 47.2 Orthopristis chrysoptera 2.0 0.3 39 0.4 0.05 60.4 Caranx hippos 2.0 0.3 23 0.3 0.08 39.6 Chaetodipterus faber 1.9 0.3 49 0.6 0.04 58.5 PepriLus triacanthus 1.3 0.2 37 0.4 0.03 83.0 Lagodon rhomboides 1.2 0.2 13 0.2 0.09 20.8 Setene vomer 1.1 0.2 30 0.4 0.04 39.6 Caranx spp. 0.9 0.1 9 0.1 0.10 1.9 Catlinectes sapidus 0.9 0.1 7 <0.1 0.12 86.8 ParaHclthys lethostigm 0*5 1,1 3 <0.1 0.18 34.0 ALuterus schoepfi 0.5 0.1 5 0.1 0.10 15.1 Prionotus tribulus 0.4 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.17 7.5 Peprilus aLepidotus 0.3 <0.1 7 <0.1 0.05 84.9 Sphoeroides macutatus 0.3 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.09 47.2 Muqit cephaLus 0.3 <0.1 2 @6.1 0.17 5.7 Opsanus tau 0.2 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.10 3.8 Trachinotus carolinus 0.2 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.06 47.2 Urophycis regia 0.2 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.09 3.8 Paratichthys dentatus 0.2 <0.1 7 0.1 0.02 54.7 ChiLomycterus schoepfi 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.14 15.1 Prionotus carotinus 0.1 <0.1 4 <0.1 0.04 13.2 Menticirrhus americanus 0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.10 15.1 Trichiurus lepturus 0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.11 17.0 CaLLinectes marginatus <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.08 1.9 Prionotus spp. <0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.04 1.9 Penaeus duorarun <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.08 11.3 Mycteroperca microLe-pis <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.07 3.8 Archosargus Probatocephalus <0.1 10.1 <1 <0.1 0.29 3.8 Centropristis striata <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.04 13.2 Caranx crysos <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.10 1.9 Trinectes maculatus <0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.02 13.2 LoiLiguncula brevis <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.02 5.7 Penaeus aztecus <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.02 39.7 Citharichthys spiLopterus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.02 9.4 Observed species Cattinectes similis Synodus foetens Rachycentron canadLin Pogonias cromis Portunus spinim-mm Tytosurur. crocoditus Atectis citiaris Sciaenoys ocetlatus Squitta en"a Prionotus evotans Lobotes surinamensis Sphyraene borealis Elops saurus Prionotus scituLus Cynoscion nebulosus Tautoga onitis Alosa mediocris Centropristis Phitadetphica Menticirrhus sm- ParaUchthys spp. 42 Table 15. Species Composition and mean catch/trip of scrap fish (bait) in 61 pound net catches sampled in Pamlico Sound froin May through October 1990. Mean fish Percent Weight (kQ) Number weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur Brevoortia tYramus 349.1 43.6 4,369 42.5 0.08 96.7 Micropogonjas undutatus 267.8 33.5 20969 28.9 0.09 100.0 Leiostomus xanthurus 43.0 5.4 790 7.7 0.05 98 4 Pomatomus saLtatrix 37.9 4.7 208 2.0 0.18 913:4 Scomberomorus macutatus 27.4 3.4 206 2.0 0.13 86.9 Opisthonema ogtin 19.8 2.5 734 7.1 0.03 59.0 Cynoscion regalis 17.0 2.1 184 1.8 0.09 98.4 Peprilus triacanthus 8.7 1.1 262 2.6 0.03 88.5 Lagodon rhomboides 7.0 0.9 189 1.8 0.04 67.2 Bairdietta chrysoura 5.7 0.7 98 0.9 0.06 75" 4 Pepritu alepidotus 2.1 0.3 51 0.5 0.04 95.1 Aluterus; schoepfi 1.9 0.2 13 0.1 0.14 18.0 Monecanthus hispidus 1.7 0.2 18 0.2 0.09 42.6 Chaetodipterus faber 1.5 0.2 45 0.4 0.03 75.4 Caranx hipM 1.3 0.2 12 0.1 0.11 29.5 ParaLichthys dentatus 1.2 0.2 11 0.1 0.11 63.9 CaLLinectes sapidus 1.2 0.2 18 0.2 0.07 93.6 Orthopristis chrysoptera 1.2 0.2 14 0.1 0.08 41.0 Setene vomer 0.7 0.1 13 0.1 0.06 36.1 Urophycis regia 0.7 0.1 6 0.1 0.11 16.1 Prionotus evolans; 0.7 0.1 11 0.1 0.06 18.0 ChiLomycterus schoepfi 0.4 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.22 13.1 Rachycentron canadun 0.3 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.40 3.3 Chloroscorrbrus chrysurus 0.3 CO. 1 14 0.1 0.02 18.0 Prionotus tributus 0.2 C0.1 9 <0.1 0.03 6.6 Trinectes maculatus 0.2 <0.1 7 <0.1 o.o3 27.9 Prionotus carolinus 0.2 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.07 14.7 Sphoeroides macualtus 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.07 50.8 Trachinotus carolinus 0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.12 49.2 Caranx chrysos 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.06 11.5 Menticirrhus americanus 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.12 18.0 MugiL cephatus 0.1 <0.1 2 'CO.1 0.05 6.6 Paratichtbys tethostimm <0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.03 29.5 Menticirrhus saxatitis <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.07 1.6 Synodus foetens <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.23 4.9 Citharichthys spRopterus <0.1 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.02 11.5 LolLiquncuLa brevis <.O. 1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.03 18.0 Prionotus scitulus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.03 4.9 Eucinostomus spp. <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.02 4.9 ALosa aestivatis <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.02 1.6 observed species Penaeus aztecus Tylosurus crocoditus; Menticirrhus spp. Penaeus duorarum Itwteroperca microtepis Fogonias cromis Penaeus setiferus Alectis ciliaris Sciaenops oceLlatus CaLlinectes marginatus Caranx spp Trichiurus tepturus . 7- Portunus spinimanus Otigoplites saurus i@a-nberomrus cavalta MusteLus canis Archosargus probatocephaLus Paralichthys spp. ELops saurus Cynosci nebutosus Scophthalmus aquosus Atosa mediocris 43 Albemarle Sound Ore on 9 Inlet PungoR. PC te M"CO FRJive PAMLICO SOUND Cape Hatteras e%-@ C,b I Cj sound Cape Lookout Figure 1. Location of sciaenid pound net fishing grounds in Pamlico Sound, NC. 44 1000- landings 1400 C 0 ke/trip -1200 m Boo- m kg/pound E -1000 R C 1 600- -Soo C A L L 400- -600 A N D -400 N 200- G 200 S (MO o 82 @3 8@4 a's @6 @7, @8 @jj go YEAR Figure 2. Comnercial landings and catch/effort of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) in sciaenid pound nets, 1982-1990. 45 7 1988 P n-6, 770 E R 4 C E N T 2 150 200 0 300 0 1989 P n-9,462 E R C E N T 2 150 200 250 300 10 1990 P n-11,960 E R C E 4 N T 2- a 150 200 250 300 TOTAL LENGTH (5 mm size classes) Figure 3. Expanded annual length frequencies of Atlantic croaker n= 6,97' 1 [AlLn,9,94 n, (Micropogonias undulatus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988- 1990. P, 1982 1985 P 00 1988 40' "T 40- so. 60" 9M so so g@ N so so 0 y 0 4 0 0 a 4 a AGE CLAW AGE CLASS AGE CLASS P 1986 1983 70. 1989 0 0 GQ* a : 40. NT T P 40' 44- IL so- so so to to. 20 IBM A w y MqM 4 a 4 a AM CLAW AN CLAN AN CLAW P so. P 1987 P 1990 1984 so. 44- 194 40- T 40. T 49. F so- Q so U I N 0 Mm G v 0 din 0 4 AN U-486 AN CLASS AM CLASS P@Z-- Figure 4. Expanded age composition of Atlantic croaker,(Micropogonias undulatus) in pound net samples, 1982-1990. 260- 260 C CID landings 0 kg/trip M 200- -200 M kg/pound E R C El' 150- I - 150 C A A L L loo- A -loo E N D N 60- -50 s (MI) 0 0 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 go YEAR Figure 5. Commercial landings and catch/effort of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) from sciaenid pound nets, 1982-1990. 48 1988 P 12- n-2,622 E R C E N T 4- 2- a 200 300 400 20 1989 n-1,243 P E R C 10- E N T a a 2(@ 300 400 14 12- 1990 P 10- n - 1, 4 85 E R a C E N T 200 300 400 TOTAL LENGTH (10mm size classes) Figure 6. Expanded annual length frequencies of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988-1990. 1982 P 1985 1988 40' 40, 0 T SO- so, so U 10 of 0 Ma aim AM CLA" AM CLAW so so. on To. 1986 1989 W I 40- N P 40. P 40' Pgo, go. so N 0 v 0 low 4 A;E a-AN AM CLAW AM WASS P to. 1984 P .1987 Pso. 1990 2 yo. n 90 I T I W T 40' P 40' Pso- so me so- so as 1 .11 1 10 10 y EMM . cons COON COMM RF@_ Lk 0 0 1 a a 4 6 a I a S 4 6 i i 2 a 4 4 AGE CLAW AOE CLAW AM C-AW Figure 7. Expanded age composition of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) in pound net samples, 1982-.1990. ISO- 120 C140- landinas 0 kq/trip -100 M M120- kg/pound E R -80 C100- I C A U L SO- -60 P L E A 60- Ln N -40 D 40- N 20 20- (MI)0 0 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 YEAR Figure S. Commercial landings and catch/effort of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) in sciaenid pound net samples, 1982-1990. 51 14 12- 1988 n 9 03 P E R C E N T 4- :L-i I 100 150 200 250 0 1989 P n -3,6 5 2 E R C E 4 N T 2 Ob.- 100 150 280 2;0 1990 n- 3,6 7 2 P E R C 4. E N T 0 100 150 200 250 FORK LENGTH (5 mm size classes) Figure 9. Expanded annual length frequencies of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988-1990. Ob4ll: 1982 P 1985 1.988 to 40- T r P40- P 40. Go. v o- I a 0 1 ME CLASS ME OL40 AGE Pso. P 1989 1983 a 1986 "T T so T P P40 40, Be- ol 0.M 0 AM CLUS AGE CLAM Age to ,.P P P 1990 1984 1987 Go. 40, 40, P P40, P R So. l so SO E MOM 10 624ri9A--I--- I -- - I 0 a a 0 1 8 a MICLASS ME Figure 10. Expanded age composition of spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) in pound net samples, 1982-1990. 100 100 C lending& 0 kg/trip M so- M kg/pound -80 E R C eo - I so C; A L L 40- A -4o N ...... D N 20- 20 0 0 82 83 84 86 88 87 88 So go YEAR Figure 11. Commercial landings and catch/effort of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) in sciaenid pound nets, 1982-1990. 54 Is 14- 1988 P 12- n=633 E 0- R C E N T 4 2 0 200 300 400 16 14- 1989 P 12- n-766 E R C E N T 4- 2 200 300 400 14 12- 1990 P 10- n- 1,22 7 E R C E a N T 4. 2 0@ 200 300 400 FORK LENGTH (10 mm size classes) Figure 12. Expanded annual 1ength frequencies of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988-1990. P 1982 P 1985 1988 Of 0 N40 T T "T 40 Pso 40 0 0 0 y 0- v a 4' a 0 An ASE CLAW 1983 P 1986 0 1989 IW I 0 0 40. ! .1 T T me so so U 10 so 49 a Y0 0 4 a A 6 CLAW AIR MW CLASS P 1984 P 1987 P 1990 so. as A". 0 0 !"I MR a40, T TN P so- so to M10 a y y y0 0 1 0 1 4 ASI GLAU M9 CLAW AGE CLAU Coen rq@'- Him MEW ON.M gr@- M:M Figure 13. Expanded age composition of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) in pound net samples, 1982- 1990. 100- 100 C landIngs ka/trip M 80- -80 M ka/pound E R C 60- 60 c A L L 40- 4o E A N D N 20- -20 8 (MI) 0 --F ---- r --T 0 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 YEAR Figure 14. Commercial landings and catch/effort of harvestfish (Peprilus alepidotus) in sciaenid pound nets, 1962-1990. 57 1988 12- E '0- R C a- E N 6- T 2- a 100 150 200 14 12- 1989 P 10- n-436 E R C E N T mn 100 150 200 1990 a n -1,030 E R C E 4- N T 2 0 1 0 150 P.00 FORK LENGTH (5rnm size classes) @L ji@ Figure 15. Expanded annual length frequencies of harvestfish (Peprilu@ alepidotus) from sciaenid pound net samples,-1988-1990. 1 35 ED lending* C 14- 0 kg/trlp -30 M M 12- kg/pound IS -25 R C 10- 1 20 C A P L 8 15 U L E A N D -10 CO 4- ------- I N 4. 2- 0 --T ------ T- 0 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 YEAR Figure 16. Commercial landings and catch/effort of butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus) in sciaenid pound nets, 1982-1990. 59 14- 1988 P 12 n-293 E 10 R C B- E N T 4- L 100 1@0 200 12 lo- 1989 p B. n-228 E R C 6- E N 4- T 0 100 150 2@O 12 io - 1990 P n-1,417 E R C E N 4- T 100 150 200 FORK LENGTH (5 mm size classes) Figure 17. Expanded annual length frequencies of butterfish (PeRrilus Al@ triacanthus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988-1990. 100- 120 C landinos 0 kg/trlp -100 M 80- M kg/pound E R % -80 C 1 60- C -60 P L U L 40- E A N -40 D I N 20- -.20 0-- CP 0 82 83 84 86 86 87 88 So 90 YEAR Figure 18. Commercial landings and catch/effort of Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) in sciaenid pound nets, 1982-1990. 61 10 1988 P E R C E N T o In M 2@O 300 400 500 1989 n-1,190 12- P E R C E N T 2- 01 2@O 3@O 400 500 1990 n-1, 17 0 P E R C E N T 200 3@0 4400 500 FORK LENGTH (10mm size classes) Figure 19. Expanded annual length frequencies of Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988- 1990. 300 so C landings 0 250- kg/trip M M kg/pound 60 E R 200- C I C A L 150- -40P U L A N 100- D -20 N 50- G (MO 1.0 0 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 YEAR Figure 20. Commercial landings and catch/effort of flounder (Paralichthys sp.) in Dare County pound nets, 1982-1990. 63 1988 12- n-107 E R C E N T 4- 2- 0 150 200 250 3@O 350 14- 1989 n-62 12- E 'a R C a E N T 4- 2 150 200 250 300 '350 14 12- 1990 P n-96 E R C E N T 4. 2- 0 1@0 200 250 300 350 TOTAL LENGTH (10mm size classes) Figure 21. Expanded annual length frequencies of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988- 1990. 64 1988 12 n -6,7 4 8 P10- E R C E N T4 i i 1 1 150 200 250 10 a- 1989 P n - 7,2 6 2 E R C E4- N T 2 0 I @O 280 250 20 1990 P n=8.963 E R C E N T 150 2010 1 250 FORK LENGTH (5 mrn size closses) Figure 22. Expanded annual length frequencies of Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988-1990. -SI'6@L 1400 2000 LANDINGS L 1200- (9, mr: C P A 1000- 1500 U N E D I Soo- N -1000 k G Soo 9 8 t m 400 -600 r t 200 P 0 0 82 83 84 85 88 87 88 89 90 YEAR Figure 23. Trends in sciaenid pound net landings (mt) and catches (kg/trip) since 1982, reflecting changes in aggregate resource abundance. 66 TOTAL FISH C 2000 26M 0 M M -2000 E moo - R C I % -43 1600 C A P L 1000- U L 1000 E A N Goo 0 .600 IN U 64 88 W 87 56 St 00 MARKETABLE C 14M 1200 0 M 1"0 - M -100 E C31 R 1000- % C .600 A 600- C L --- --- - WO P U 600- E A .4W N 400- D I "a - - "0 N 62 83 84 as 50 67 N 89 90 BAIT/SCRAP C 600 1200 0 M N! am - - 1000 E .600 C 400- cr A C L 300- 600 P U L -d E A 200- -400 N 100. .200 N 0 82 N 6,7 a's 0,0 YEAR Figure 24. Commercial landings and catch/effort (CPUE) of total fish, marketable fish, bait (scrapfish) and percent bait in sciaenid pound net catches, 1982-1990. V10 'Vill" --- -@ @d CROAKER LANDINGS BY GEAR ... . ...... -TOTAL CATCH R 8- LONG HAUL BE INE I FISH TRMVL C POUND NET T SINK NET 0 N 4 2- 0 72 74 7e 78 80 82 84 88 88 90 YEAR (19--) Figure 25. Commercial landings of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) caught in North Carolina, 1972-1990. M 10 - TOTAL CATCH T R a - HAUL SEINE TRAWL ----- OCEAN SINK NET T GILL NET 0 POUND NET 4- 2 0 0 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 as 88 90 YEAR (19--) Figure 26. Commercial landings of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) caught in North Carolina, 1972-1990. M 4 TOTAL CATCH T R LONG HAUL SEINE 3 TRAVL POUND NET T ----- GILL NET 0 2- N 8 0 ------------ 0 0 72 74 76 78 so 82 84 se 88 90 YEAR (19--) Figure 27. Commercial landings of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) caught in North Carolina, 1972-1990. 3500- TOTAL CATCH E 3000-- LONG HA T UL SEINE FISH TRAWL 2500- C POUND NET T 2000 - ------ GILL NET 0 N S 1500- x 1000- 0 500 0 0 ---------- 0 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 YEAR (19--) Figure 28. Commercial landings of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) caught in North Carolina, 1972-1990. 400 - TOTAL CATCH M - LONG HAUL SEINE E 300 --- POUND NET T ...... GILL NET R -TROLL LINE C 200- T 0 N 100- 0 72 74 76 78 so 82 84 86 88 so YEAR (19--) Figure 29. Commercial landings of Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) caught in North carolina, 1972-1990. A P P E N D I X -7.7 73 APPENDIX A. OveralL species composition and mean catch/trip@ of 54 pound net catches sampted in PamLico Sound from May through October 1988. Mean fish Percent Weight (kq) Number weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur Micropogonias undulatus 375.9 35.19 2,655 32.94 0.14 96.4 Brevoortia tyramus 198.4 18.58 1,980 24.57 0.10 100.0 Cynoscion regalis 172.3 16.13 861 10.69 0.20 100.0 Scomberomorus macuLatus 80.4 7.53 257 3.19 0.31 83.3 Peprilus alepfdotus 59.8 5.59 405 5.02 0.15 T7.8 Leiostomus xanthurus 50.1 4.69 642 7.97 0.08 92.6 Pomatomus saltatrix 41.0 3.84 182 2.26 0.23 85.2 Opisthonerm oglin 27.9 2.62 572 7.10 0.05 79.6 Peorilus triacanthus 8.8 0.82 106 1.31 0.08 70.4 Chaetodipteru faber 8.6 0.80 32 0.39 0.27 48.1 Cattinectes sapidus 7.4 0.69 69 0.86 0.11 74.1 BairclieLla chrysoura 6.7 0.63 83 1.03 0.08 75.9 Paratichthys lethostigma 6.4 0.60 13 0.16 0.48 42.6 ParaLichthys dentatus 6.2 0.58 35 0." 0.18 55.6 Caran hippos 4.7 0." 12 0.14 0.41 20.4 Sphoeroides maculatus 2.3 0.21 11 0.14 0.20 33.3 Lagodon rhomboides 2.0 0.18 32 0.40 0.06 53.7 Orthopristis chry optera 1.7 0.16 19 0.23 0.09 59.3 Trichiurus lepturus 1.0 0.09 3 0.04 0.29 11.1 Penaeus aztecus 0.8 0.08 24 0.30 0.04 18.5 Ty-tosuru7s crocodilus 0.8 0.08 1 0.02 0.56 9.3 Menticirrhus americanus 0.7 0.07 3 0.04 0.21 13.0 Selene vomer 0.6 0.05 10 0.12 0.06 22.2 ChiLomycterus schoepfi 0.6 0.05 2 0.03 0.26 18.5 Prionotus carolinus 0.6 0.05 7 0.08 0.08 16.7 Lottiguncula brevis 0.5 0.04 5 0.06 0.10 20.4 Monacanthus hispidu 0.3 0.03 11 0.14 0.03 31.5 Aluterus schoepfi 0.3 0.03 3 0.03 0.11 9.3 Urophycis regia 0.2 0.02 3 0.04 0.07 9.3 Prionotus evoLans 0.2 0.02 1 0.02 0.13 7.4 Trachinotus carotinus 0.2 0.02 1 0.01 0.29 3.7 Prionotus spp, 0.2 0.02 1 0.01 0.13 5.6 Trinectes maculatus; 0.1 0.01 4 0.05 0.03 18.5 Penaeus duorarum 0.1 0.01 3 0.04 0.03 14.8 Penaeus setiferus 0.1 0.01 2 0.02 0.05 5.6 tau 0.1 0.01 <1 CO.Ol 0.20 3.7 Monacanthus citiatus 0.1 0.01 1 0.01 0.14 1.9 Paralichthy atbigutta 0.1 0.01 <1 <0.01 0.75 1.9 Centropristis striata 0.1 0.01 1 0.01 0.07 3.7 Menticirrhus saxatilis 0.1 0.01 <1 @CO.Ol 0.16 1.9 Prionotus tribulus <0.1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 0.16 3.7 Archosargus probatocephatus <0.1 <0.01 1 0.01 0.05 3.7 DipLoclus hotbrooki <0.1 <0.01 1 0.01 0.03 3.7 Symphurus plagiusa <0.1 <0.01 1 0.01 0.03 11.1 Scophthalmus aquosus <0.1 <0.01 1 0.01 0.03 3.7 Larimus fasciatus <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.03 3.7 Portunus spinimanus <0.1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 0.10 1.9 @e-lene setapi mis -Co. 1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 0.05 1.9 Citharichthys spilopterus <0.1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 0.03 3.7 Sciaenops ocellatus 40.1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 0.04 1.9 Prionotus scitulus <0.1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 0.02 5.6 Observed species Elops saurus Stenotomus spp. Atosa sapidissima Menticirrhus spp. Porichthn PLectrodon Pogonias cromis Rachycentron canaclum Evorthodustyricus ClIoroscombrus chrysurus Scomberomorus cavalla OLigoplit2i saurus Paratichthys spp. 74 APPENDIX B. OveraLL species composition and mean catch/trip@ of 53 sciaenid pound net catches sampted in PamLico Sound, May-October 1989. Mean fish Percent Weight (kq) Number weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur Micropogonias unduLatus 594.0 44.3 4,676 37.6 0.13 100.0 Brevoortia tYrannus 300.9 22.5 3,894 31.3 0.08 100.0 Scomberawrus macuLatus 105.0 7.8 437 3.5 0.24 81.1 Leiostomus xanthurus 100.5 7.5 1,490 12.0 0.07 100.0 Cynoscion regaLis 79.5 5.9 459 3.7 0.17 96.2 Pomatomus saltatrix 40.9 3.1 296 2.4 0.14 98.1 PeoriLus atepidatus 33.5 2.5 231 1.9 0.15 84.9 CaLLinectes sapidus 17.3 1.3 122 1.0 0.14 86.8 Opisthonema ogLin 12.2 0.9 311 2.5 0.04 79.2 Chaetodipterus faber 8.8 0.7 36 0.3 0.24 58.5 Peorilus triacanthus 8.2 0.6 ill 0.9 0.07 83.0 Paratichthys tethostigma 7.8 0.6 15 0.1 0.54 34.0 BairdietLa chrysoura 5.8 0.4 73 0.6 0.08 75.5 Paratichthys dentatus 3.7 0.3 26 0.2 0.14 54.7 Prionotus carolinus 3.3 0.3 12 0.1 0.28 47.2 TyLosurus crocoditus 3.3. 0.3 4 CO.l 0.77 24.5 Caranx hippos 3.1 0.2 31 0.3 0.10 39.6 Penaeus aztecus 2.4 0.2 65 0.5 0.04 39.6 Orthopristis chrysoptera 2.0 0.2 33 0.3 0.06 60.4 Sphoeroides macutatus 1.8 0.1 12 0.1 0.16 47.2 Lagodon rhomboides 1.2 0.1 14 0.1 0.08 20.7 SeLene vomer 0.9 0.1 22 0.2 0.04 39.6 Monacanthus hispidus 0.7 0.1 24 0.2 0.03 47.2 Caranx spp. 0.6 0.1 5 <0.1 0.13 1.9 ChRomycterus schoepfi 0.5 CO.l 2 <0.1 0.23 15.1 ALuterus scho2efi 0.4 <0.1 4 CO.l 0.10 15.1 Menticirrhus awricanus 0.3 <0.1 4 @CO.l 0.09 15.1 Prionotus tributus 0.3 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.10 7.5 Prionotus carotinus 0.2 <0.1 5 <0.1 0.04 13.2 Mugit cephaLus 0.2 <0.1 1 <0.1, 0.15 5.7 Trinectes macuLatus 0.2 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.05 13.2 Trichiurus Lepturus 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.12 17.0 Sphyraena boreaLis 0.1 <0.1 @Cl <0.1 0.32 1.9 Penaeus duorarum 0.1 <0.1 4 <0.1 0.03 3.8 Centropristis striata 0.1 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.04 9.4 Centropristis PhiLadelphica 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.07 3.8 Opsanus tau 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.25 3.8 Citharichthys spiLopterus 0.1 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.02 9.4 Mycteroperca microlepis 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.11 3.8 Synodus foetens 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.06 1.9 Prionotus evolans <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.04 3.8 Urophycis regia <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.16 3.8 ALosa mediocris <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.12 3.8 SquiLLa effcxjs <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.05 1.9 Prionotus scituLus; 'CO.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.02 3.8 Portumis spinimanus <0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.01 1.9 Caranx crysos <0.1 CO.l <1 <0.1 0.06 1.9 Lottiguncuta brevis <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.01 5.7 ALectis ciliaris <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.01 1.9 CaLLinectes simiLis <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.01 1.9 Observed species Cattinectes marqinatus Lobotes surinamensis Pogonias cromis Etons saurus Archosarqus probatocephatus Sciaenops ocettatus Prionotus spp. Cynoscion nebuLosus Tautoga onitis Rachycentron canadum Menticirrhus spp. ParaLichthys sp. 75 APPINDIX C. Overall species composition and mean catch/trip@ of 61 pound net catches sampled in Pam(ico Sound fr(xn may through October 1990. Mean fish Percent Weight (kq) NLmber weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kg) -- occur Micropogonias undutatus 531.6 37.2 4,629 31.8 0.12 100.0 Brevoortia tyrannus; 393*1 27,5 4,133 33,3 0*18 96,7 Cynoscion regatis 91.8 6.4 605 4.2 0.15 98.4 Pomatomus; sattatrix 87.9 6.2 343 2.4 0.26 98.4 Leiostomus xanthurus 74.3 5.2 1,001 6.9 0.07 98.4 Scomberomorus macutatus 69.7 4.9 358 2.5 0.20 86.9 Pepritus atepidotus 37.7 2.6 348 2.4 0.11 95.1 Pepritus triacanthus 29.7 2.1 514 3.5 0.06 88.5 Cattinectes sapidus 24.9 1.7 216 1.5 0.12 83.6 Opisthonema o9tin 23.1 1.6 747 5.1 0.03 59.0 La,odon rlonboides 9.4 0.6 247 1.7 0.04 67.2 Chaetocioterus; faber 7.0 0.5 84 0.6 0.08 75.4 Paratichthys Lethostigma 6.4 0.4 12 0.1 0.55 29.5 Penaeus aztecus; 5.9 0.4 250 1.7 0.02 45.9 SairdietLa chrysoura 5.4 0.4 89 0.2 0.06 75.4 Paratichthys dentatus 5.2 0.4 31 0.1 0.17 63.9 Trichiurus Lepturus 4.4 0.3 19 <0.1 0.23 77.0 TyLosurus crococHtus 4.3 0.3 6 0.1 0.70 32.8 Sphoeroides macuaLtus 2.5 0.2 15 0.1 0.17 50.6 Atoterus schoepfi 2.2 0.2 18 0.1 0.12 18.0 Trachinotus carotinus 1.9 0.1 9 <0.1 0.20 49.2 Caranx hoppos 1.6 0.1 15 0.1 0.11 29.5 ChRomycterus schoepfi 1.1 0.1 4 <0.1 0.27 13.1 Orthopristis chrysoptera 0.9 0.1 14 0.1 0.07 41.0 Merlticirrhus americanus 0.9 0.1 5 <0.1 0.19 la.o Seten vomer 0.7 <0.1 17 0.1 0.05 36.1 Urqphycis LMjj 0.6 <0.1 11 <0.1 0.06 16.4 Prionotus carolinus 0.6 <0.1 6 <0.1 0.10 14.7 Moijacantij -hisvidus 0.5 <0.1 20 0.1 0.03 42.6 Trinectes macutatus 0.3 <0.1 12 <0.1 0.04 27.9 Chtoroscombrus chrysurus 0.3 <0.1 27 0.2 0.01 18.0 Egja cephaLus 0.3 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.13 6.6 Arghosarqus probatocephalus 0.2 4.1 0 <0.1 0.66 16.4 Lottiguncuta brevis 0.2 <0.1 6 <0.1 0.04 18.0 Prionotus evotans 0.2 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.07 18.0 Caranx crysos 0.2 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.09 11.5 Symodus f oetens 0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.18 4.9 mycteroperca microtepis 0*1 <0*1 1 <0.1 0.16 6.6 Etops saurus 8.3 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.24 4.9 Prionotus scitutus 7.6 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.06 4.9 Prionotus tribuLus 7.1 <0.1 4 <0.1 0.03 6.6 Oligoptites saurus 4.7 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.12 1.6 ALectis citiaris 3.6 <0.1 I <0.1 0.08 1.6 Penaeus setiferus 3.4 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.03 4.9 Citharichthys spiLopterus 3.2 <0.1 4 <0.1 0.01 11.5 Eucinostoffus spp. 1.7 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.03 4.9 Atosa mediocris 1.3 <0.1 0 <0.1 0.13 1.6 scophthatmus acpjosus 0.9 <0.1 0 <0.1 0.03 3.3 MusteLus canis 0.8 <0.1 0 <0.1 0.09 1.6 Penaeus duorarLmn 0.5 <0.1 0 <0.1 0.02 3.3 CaLtinectes marginatus; 0.2 <0.1 0 <0.1 0.02 1.6 Caranx spp. 0.1 <0.1 0 <0.1 0.02 3.3 Portunus spinimanus <0.1 <0.1 0 <0.1 0.01 1.0 observed species Atosa aestivatis Pogonias cromis Rachcentron canadtin Sciaenops ocellatus Cynoscion nebuLosus icmfx-r;;orus -cavalLa Menticirrhus spp- Paratichthys spp. menticirrhus saxatitis IV APPENDIX 0. Monthly and total conmrciaL Landings of domina@t or selected species captured by Dare County pound nets in 1985, including total North Carolina pound nets Landings (State) and the percent of those Landings accounted for by Dare County (% Dare). Commerciat Landings (kq) Percent May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct TotaL State Dare Bluefish 5,777 3,191 4,30 14,602 19,354 4,082 51,389 60,356 85.1 Butterfish* 302 3,177 8,549 1,172 950 13,950 Atlantic croaker 51,582 76,395 118,139 183,625 136,364 1,207 567,313 615,203 92.2 Red drum 20 0 0 0 298 19 328 1,273 25.6 Flounder 263 619 1,187 1,502 20,916 9,684 34,173 242,513 14.0 Harvestfish* 2,985 15,083 10,064 4,655 7,109 68 86,325 90,235 60.8 Pcqmno 9 31 138 396 389 38 1,001 4,633 21.6 Seatrout, gray 24,639 35,869 46,854 41,958 50,638 1,-785 191,742 214,477 89.4 Seatrout, speckled 39 0 45 11 1 0 97 193 50.2 Spanish mackerel 0 612 1,176 5,036 2,092 8" 9,759 14,931 65.3 Spot 17,528 9,402 9,766 9,915 6,921 2,788 56,319 66,889 84.1 Bait (scrap) 43,015 117,471 162,525 121,587 101,559 3,171 549,328 634,107 86.6 Total 148,052 265,732 372,772 397,134 344,689 24,177 1,552,555 6,888,675 22.5 Total marketable 105,037 148,261 210,247 275,546 243,130 21,006 1,003,227 6,254,568 16.09 Percent bait (scrap) 29.0 44.2 43.6 30.6 39.5 13.1 35.4 9.2 North Carolina commercial Landings combined harvestfish and butterfish landings in 1985 as harvestfish; for the purpose of this report, we extrapolated out butterfish Landings based on our monthly relative proportions of the two species in our samipLes. APPENDIX E. Monthly and total commercial Landings of dominant or selected species captured by Dare County pound nets in 1986, including total North Carolina pound nets landings (State) and the percent of those Landings accounted for by Dare County (% Dare). Commercial Landings (kq) Percent May Jun JuL Aug Sep Oct TotaL State Dare Bluefish 1,590 1,563 8,191 9,210 7,354 3,764 30,272 35,887 a4.4 Butterfish 4,159 2,727 2,541 543 9,970 10,898 91.5 Atlantic croaker 6,160 47,568 90,273 74,685 11,309 4,425 234,421 250,813 93.5 Red drum 9 23 476 508 3,263 15.6 Flounder 334 743 1,500 2,369 25,453 12,867 98,730 504,052 19.6 Harvestfish 3,545 14,601 5,851 4,724 3,002 2,048 33,771 68,85 49.0 Pompano 5 25 293 191 347 1,701 2,463 6,632 38.6 Seatrout, gray 6,851 3,"7 22,480 11,a2O 29,154 14,034 87, T73 114,671 76.6 Seatrout, spotted 2 10 91 4 153 260 587 ".3 Spanish mackerel 334 517 3,602 6,683 3,066 1,826 16,028 17,189 93.2 Spot 864 3,976 7,312 3,536 3,402 2,923 22,013 26,001 84.7 Bait (scrap) 8,913 3,901 43,354 43,214 6,101 17,690 123,091 234,418 52.5 Total 29,493 77,460 190,395 168,409 94,a45 123,477 684,081 4,161,969 16.4 Total marketabLe 20,580 73,559 147,042 125,194 S8,745 105,787 460,989 3,927,551 14.3 Percent bait (scrap) 30.2 5.0 22.8 25.7 6.4 14.3 18.0 5.6 77 APPENDIX 1. Monthly and total commercial landings of domina@t or selected species captured by Dare County pound nets in 1987, including total North Carolina pound nets tandings (State) and the percent of those landings accounted for by Dare County (% Dare). Commercial landings (kq) Percent may Jun Jut Aug Sep Oct Total State Dare Bluefish 1,538 6,392 6,279 6,628 17,725 2,541 41,103 53,881 76.3 Butterfish 8 201 1,715 1,336 1,140 138 4,538 5,023 90.0 Atlantic croaker 3,254 67,761 107,256 94,086 205,440 100,814 578,611 634,460 91.2 Red drum 6 236 2,434 16,168 18,844 24,166 78.0 Flounder 698 685 2,072 29,852 56,079 73,856 163,242 412,072 39.6 Harvestfish 68 13,982 8,790 5,590 7,149 1,937 37,515 52,911 70.9 Pompano 4 367 630 474 597 234 2,305 4,960 46.5 Seatrout, gray 2,472 17,726 34,921 49,145 70,171 25,003 199,437 229,709 86.8 Seatrout, speckled - 63 31 28 0 2,268 2,389 2,6110 19*1 Spanish mackerel 532 28,996 15,385 21,203 13,693 1,666 81,475 104,840 77.7 Spot 102 10, "9 13,781 6,811 15,091 4,771 51,005 65,576 77.8 Bait (scrap) 12,406 73,245 99,137 64,671 54,952 24,707 329,117 407,620 80.7 Total 22,601 231,961 297,478 286,235 453,033 266,7811 1,558,019 2,845,305 54.8 Total marketable 10,194 158,716 198,341 221,564 398,081 242,004 1,228,902 2,437,685 50.4 Percent bait (scrap) 54.9 31.6 33.3 22.6 12.1 9.3 21.1 14.3 APPENDIX G. Annual species composition, mean weight (kg) and number of fish (Mean no. fish) per ctch for the top 99% (by weight) of pound net catches for 1985-87, including number of catches sampled (n) and the percent of the total weight of the catches sampled (% TW). Mean Mean Mean Weight NO no. Weight (ka) no. Weight 00 no. Species Mean Percent fish Species Mean Percent fish Species Mean Percent fish 1985 0=39) 1986 0=55) 1987 (rr-56) Micropogonias undutatus 1.290.3 65.6 10,142 Micropogonias undutatus 706.2 48.5 4,080 Micropogonlas undulatus 649.8 46.0 4,414 Cynosci regatis 158.4 8.1 821 Brevoortia tyrannus 172.2 13.7 2,062 Cynoscio regatis 222.9 15.8 1,495 Brevoortia tyrannus 122.3 6.2 2,176 Cynoscion regatis 171.8 13.7 1f203 Brevoortia tyrannus 219.4 15.4 2,212 Peprilus atepidotus 90.3 4.6 964 Pepritus atepidotus 96.1 7.7 834 Scomberomorus macutatus 69.0 4.9 252 Pomatomus sattatrix 71.0 3.6 279 Leiostomus xanthurus 47.3 3.8 519 Pepritus atepidotus 65.7 4.6 265 Leiostomu xanthurus 63.4 3.2 969 Pomatomus sattatrix 32.5 2.6 149 Leiostomus xanthurus 45.7 3.2 561 Scombercmorus macutatus 45.2 2.3 276 Opisthonema oglin 23.0 1.8 357 Pomatomus sattatrix 33.7 2.3 172 Pepritus triacanthus 32.5 1.7 391 Scomberomorus macuLatus 22.3 1.8 71 Opisthonema ogii 13.7 1.0 210 Lagod rhomboides 16.1 0.8 214 Lagod rhomboides 19.6 1.6 255 Cattinectes sapidus 10.9 0.8 70 Caranx hippos 12.5 0.6 65 Pepritus triacanthus 19.4 1.5 249 Pepritus triacanthus 10.7 0.8 121 Trichiurus lepthurus 11.1 0.6 48 Paratichthys tethostigma 6.6 0.5 12 Caranx hippos 10.4 0.7 32 Paratichthy tethosti-qma 9.7 0.5 14 Chaetodipterus faber 6.6 0.5 31 Rachycentron canadun 10.3 0.7 1 Chaetodinterus faber 7.9 0.4 42 Bairdiella chrysoura 4.6 0.4 59 Paratichthys lethosi 9.4 0.7 19 Peratichthys dentatus 7.7 0.4 59 Caranx hoppos 4.4 0.3 31 Bairdietta chrysoura 6.7 0.5 86 Bairdiell chrysoure 5.2 0.3 30 Trachinotus carotinus 3.3 0.3 13 Paratichthys dentatus 5.7 0.4 51 -4 00 Cattinectes sapidus 5.2 0.3 51 Tylosurus crocoditus 3.3 0.3 6 Lagodon rhomboides 5.4 0.4 47 Trichiurus tepturus 2.3 0.2 11 chaetodipterus faber 4.3 0.3 23 Trichiurus tepturus 3.5 0.2 17 Selene vomer 3.0 0.2 55 79 APPENDIX H. Annual age cariposition of bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, captured by North Carolina sciaenid pound nets, 1982-90. Age A G E composition 0 1 2 1982 92.88 17.09 0.03 1983 47.79 54.03 1.80 1984 65.57 34.09 0.35 1985 58.05 39.30 3.65 1986 44.39 53.42 2.18 1987 33.70 60.90 5.40 1988 83.55 13.52 2.93 1989 86.60 13.36 0.04 1990 53.32 46.43 0.25 80 APPENDIX 1. MonthLy (A; 1990), annual, (8; 1990) and scrap (C; 1990) expanded Length frequencies of AtLantic croaker, Micropaganias undulatus, from PamLico Sound sciaenid pound net sampLes; n = number of individuaLs measured. Percent frequency/size c(ass M. mm) 151- 176- 201- 226- 251- 276- 301- 326- n <151 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 350 >350 A. Month Year -------------------- MarketabLe ----------------- May 1988 69 1.4 14.5 47.9 26.1 5.8 4.3 Jun 1,506 0.1 0.5 13.3 31.2 28.0 19.9 5.5 1.4 0.1 JUL 2,301 0.1 0.9 18.4 26.4 38.0 13.8 1.6 0.4 0.3 0.1 Aug 1,778 0.6 2.3 20.2 40.1 23.5 9.7 2.7 0.5 0.3 0.1 Sep 943 0.3 3.4 6.0 14.2 26.4 31.7 13.8 4.1 0.2 0.2 Oct 173 4.2 54.5 4.1 23.6 11.4 1.5 0.3 0.4 May 1989 1,028 - 4.1 24.7 41.2 22.5 6.1 1.3 0.1 Jun 2,773 0.2 0.8 10.2 34.4 36.6 13.5 3.6 0.7 Jul 3,253 2.6 2.1 21.3 51.2 19.5 2.8 0.4 0.1 - Aug 1,130 6.3 7.8 5.7 33.1 32.5 11.0 2.0 0.8 0.8 Sep 1,252 3.2 20.8 7.5 15.6 27.3 18.6 4.5 2.0 0.4 0.1 Oct 26 - 60.0 30.0 5.0 5.0 May 1990 934 2.7 2.4 14.5 42.7 30.7 6.7 0.3 Jun 2,397 4.8 4.4 24.0 37.1 24.2 4.3 1.1 0.1 Jul 3,807 5.3 10.7 12.9 29.7 29.1 10.6 1.5 0.2 Aug 3,246 2.5 4.8 7.2 35.8 38.5 9.7 1.4 0.1 Sep 1,529 4.4 25.6 13.5 14.4 27.6 12.1 1.7 0.5 0.1 0.1 Oct 37 16.5 ".7 11.7 9.7 - - 17.4 B. Annual 1982 7,109 0.2 1.1 3.0 11.2 35.7 33.9 11.7 .2.2 0.5 0.5 1983 5,660 1.4 8.0 17.5 22.5 23.5 18.2 7.2 1.1 0.3 0.2 1984 11,364 0.1 1.8 3.9 12.3 29.8 32.4 15.0 3.9 0.7 0.1 1985 8,232 0.4 1.4 8.4 41.8 33.5 11.3 2.7 0.4 <0.1 0.1 1986 7,982 0.5 0.7 4.0 31.7 44.6 15.0 2.9 0.5 0.1 <0.1 1987 7,104 1.3 3.6 9.5 22.4 43.4 16.5 2.7 0.5 0.1 1988 6,770 0.4 2.6 15.5 29.2 29.2 16.7 4.8 1.3 0.2 0.1 1989 9,462 1.9 4.6 14.0 37.5 28.8 10.1 2.3 0.6 0.2 1990 11,950 4.1 8.1 14.5 33.0 30.4 8.4 1.3 0.2 - - C. scrap 1986 1,807 1.3 1.1 7.7 55.3 34.6 1987 1,677 2.3 5.6 23.4 45.5 23.0 0.2 1988 1,204 0.5 3.3 26.5 43.5 25.7 0.5 1989 2,043 2.4 5.7 20.3 54.8 16.5 0.2 0.1 1990 2,665 6.5 11.4 20.2 ".9 16.7 0.3 81 1982 6- n - 7.!09 3- 6- 1983 5.660 3- 1984 M !1.364 z Z 9- 9.052 1986 9- 7.982 6- N N N@ 3- N N, 9- 19 ST n a 7j04 50 2 @0/ 250 3 (@O 3;0 400 Total Length (5mm SIZE CLASSES) Appendix J. Expanded annual length frequencies of Atlantic croaker Lan,- Fn (Micropogonias undulatus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1982-1987. 82 Appendix K. Annuat age composition of Attantic croaker, Micropogonias unduLatus, captured by North CaroLina sciaenid pound nets, 1982-90. Age AG E composition 0 1 2 3 4 5 1982 4.59 63.12 30.03 2.16 0.09 0.01 1983 12.57 65.62 20.14 1.57 0.10 0.01 1984 13.87 69.07 16.35 0.69 0.03 0..03 1985 13.10 72.59 13.79 6.49 0.03 0.00 1986 7.71 71.29 20.11 0.84 0.04 0.01 1987 10.50 70.00 18.67 0.80 0.03 0.00 1988 6.08 61.57 28.41 3.84 0.06 0.05 1989 11.30 65.68 17.19 4.69 1.09 0.05 1990 17.04 49.65 27.-n 5.47 0.12 83 APPENDIX L. Monthly (A; 1988-90), annual (8; 1982-90) and scrap (C; 1986-90) expanded length frequencies of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, from Pamlico Sound sciaenid pound net samptes; n number of individuals measured. Percent frequency size class (FL. mm) 201- 251- 301- 351- 401- 451- n <201 250 300 350 400 450 500 >500 A. Month Year May 1988 65 10.8 47.7 36.9 4.6 Jun 469 1.4 39.6 ".1 10.8 3.5 0.6 JUL 366 1.0 ".6 41.2 8.4 2.0 2.4 0.3 0.1 Aug 769 45.3 42.3 6.5 3.B 1.6 0.5 Sep 427 0.5 14.1 5368 18.5 8.5 4.4 0.2 Oct 726 19.5 15.0 40.0 13.6 8.9 1.7 1.2 0.1 May 1989 72 1.3 19.7 57.8 13.8 7.4 Jun 50 14.2 54.2 27.1 4.5 JUL 364 0.8 60.7 28.7 6.8 2.1 0.9 Aug 363 14.5 55.3 23.1 4.9 2.0 0.2 Sep 379 11.2 31.9 32.3 13.2 8.7 1.8 0.9 Oct 15 - 42.9 50.0 7.1 May 1990 ill 12.1 ".6 32.0 9.0 1.2 1.0 Jun 199 12.3 54.9 22.9 9.9 Jut 436 4.5 69.0 22.4 3.3 0.8 Aug 400 1.4 56.4 37.0 4.9 0.2 0.1 Sep 307 7.1 26.4 48.0 15.8 2.6 Oct 32 10.1 25.2 59.2 5.5 B. Annua L 1982 1,820 5.8 67.2 15.7 5.6 3.6 1.6 0.4 0.1 1983 1,401 7.2 53.8 30.8 4.1 2.9 0.8 0.4 1984 1,972 4.0 58.6 30.9 2.8 2.0 1.2 0.5 1985 T76 1.2 33.4 41.6 18.5 3.6 1.5 0.1 0.1 1986 2,446 4.3 63.2 26.5 4.3 1.3 0.3 0.1 1987 2,849 3.2 66.0 23.3 5.1 1.9 0.4 0.1 1988 2,822 3.3 34.6 43.9 10.8 4.9 2.0 0.5 1989 1,234 7.9 49.7 29.7 8.0 3.7 0.8 0.2 1990 1,485 5.9 51.8 33.7 7.7 0.8 0.1 C. Scrap 1986 589 7.2 91.2 1.6 1987 651 10.6 86.2 3.2 1988 262 21.9 73.2 4.9 1989 141 39.1 59.1 0.3 1.5 1990 171 15.2 84.4 0.4 84 16- 1982 12- 1,820 4- t983 1.401 a- 4- 16-- 1984 12- 1.972 Z 4- 12-- 1985 776 a- 4- j6- 1986 12- rk w 2, 4 4 6 4- 16- 1987 n s 2,849 f2- a- 1 4. 200 300 400 5C TOTAL LENGTH (io min size Classes) Appendix M. Expanded annual length frequencies of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1982-1987. 85 Appendix N. Annuat age composition of weakfish, Cynoscion regatis, captured by North CaroHna sciaenid pound nets, 1982-90. Age A G E comyosition 0 1 2 3 4 5 19112 1,12 71*43 24*11 3,43 0,84 1*08 1983 1.10 69.20 26.50 2.63 0.52 0.05 1984 0.73 68.81 27.17 2.57 0.62 0.09 1"1 0,18 11,07 42*47 1*49 0*77 0,03 1986 0.97 71.15 25.96 1.69 0.20 0.02 1987 0.84 70.76 26.04 2.06 0.27 0.04 1968 0.08 45.82 46.92 6.36 0.82 1989 1.63 48.78 39.56 8.61 1.33 0.08 1990 2.92 26.51 66.77 3.48 0.33 86 APPENDIX 0. Monthly (A; 1988-90), annual (B; 1982-90) and s@crap (C; 1986-90) expanded length frequencies of spot Leiostomus xanthurus, from Pamlico Sound sciaenid pound net samples; n = number of individuals measured. Percent frequency size class (FL, mm) 121- 136- 151- 166- 181- 196- 211- 226- n <120 135 150 165 180 195 210 225 240 >240 A. Month Year ----------- Marketable -------- May 1988 20 25.0 40.0 15.0 20.0 Jun 310 1.9 1.4 2.6 25.5 56.4 10.6 1.6 Jut 657 4.6 1.9 0.3 3.1 52.7 31.3 4.5 1.6 Aug 604 15.6 20.5 13.7 3.8 13.3 22.4 6.8 2.0 1.1 0.8 Sep 250 2.8 15.7 15.3 12.4 6.8 17.4 15.4 9.7 4.2 0.3 Oct 62 8.7 7.7 8.0 7.9 5.9 7.2 18.8 26.0 7.0 2.8 May 1989 430 0.6 14.1 41.9 25.2 13.0 3.8 1.4 Jun 705 1.7 12.8 38.0 25.4 12.3 8.9 0.9 JUL 1,309 11.5 6.2 14.6 39.6 20.0 6.4 1.7 Aug 740 13.8 7.5 2,.7 4.3 11.8 30.4 23.1 6.2 0.2 Sep 361 5.7 18.8 10.4 2.4 13.4 33.5 14.1 1.0 0.4 0.3 Oct 7 - 14.3 14.3 14.3 - 28.5 28.6 May 1990 303 5.4 9.3 42.0 38.7 4.3 0.3 Jun 374 19.6 16.7 20.4 32.7 8.2 2.1 0.3 JUL 694 37.6 21.7 18.5 9.9 8.2 4.0 0.1 Aug 1,103 11.1 8.7 7.4 11.9 16.4 29.3 13.0 2.1 0.1 Sep 1,061 3.3 5.3 3.5 5.3 16.5 35.7 25.3 4.5 0.6 Oct 37 8.2 16.3 6.1 20.4 26.4 16.5 - 6.1 B. Annual 1982 2,867 1.5 7.9 21.5 23.7 18.8 15.2 9.1 2.1 0.2 1983 1,831 1.8 12.1 34.8 27.4 11.2 7.5 3.7 1.3 0.2 1984 978 7.5 5.3 7.1 24.2 30.5 14.6 8.9 1.8 0.1 1985 973 8.8 4.9 11.5 24.3 30.1 12.9 6.6 0.9 1986 1,187 1.5 6.8 6.4 17.2 30.0 22.6 10.6 3.9 1.0 0.1 1987 1,081 4.9 8.6 9.9 22.9 27.8 18.2 5.0 2.2 0.3 0.2 1988 1,903 8.1 10.1 7.3 7.4 33.0 23.5 6.4 2.8 1.0 0.4 1989 3,552 7.6 10.1 21.3 25.0 15.1 13.2 6.4 1.2 0.1 1990 3,572 13.8 11.2 13.5 15.4 12.6 19.8 11.5 1.9 0.3 C. Scrap 1986 432 3.3 7.5 7.3 19.6 39.5 20.2 2.6 1987 437 5.9 7.5 11.5 33.4 29.5 11.3 0.8 0.1 1988 430 6.7 11.2 6.0 9.2 37.0 26.9 3.0 1989 1,091 7.6 12.3 27.6 30.5 15.6 6.0 0.4 1990 886 22.6 12.5 17.9 18.8 12.2 13.6 2.1 0.1 0.2 87 9- 1982 6- n - 2,W7 3- t2- 9- 6- 3- 084 9- 0-978 6- 3- t2- _M 1985 9- 973 6- 1986 9- 6- 3- 9- 1987 ri 100 1.6 so 200 250 FORK LENGTH (5mm $its dasen) Appendix P. Expanded annual length frequencies of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1982-1987. 88 Appendix 0. AnnuaL age composition of spot, Lelostomus xanthurus, captured by North Carotina sciaenid pound nets, 1982-90. Age A G E conmsition 0 1 2 3 1982 13.91 80.26 5.63 0.20 1983 3.79 91.64 4.53 0.04 1984 22.83 64.62 12.01 0.54 1985 13.91 77.54 8.29 0.25 1986 12.66 73.48 13.49 0.38 1987 20.31 70.43 9.07 0.20 1988 17.37 71.52 10.74 0.37 1989 15.46 75.91 8.50 0.13 1990 25.50 64.68 9.54 0.28 89 APPENDIX R. Monthty (A; 1988-90), annuaL (B; 1982-90) and scrap (C; 1986-90) expanded Length frequencies of bLuef ish, Pomatomus, saLtatrix, from Pam( ico Sound sciaenid pound net samptes; n = number of individuaLs measured. Percent frequency size class (FL, mm)- 101- 151- 201- 251- 301- 351- n <101 150 200 250 300 350 400 >400 A. Month Year -------------------- MarketabLe ------------------ May 1988 Jun 55 1.0 45.1 32.0 4.4 17.5 JUL 119 41.7 30.4 23.3 4.7 Aug 301 5.9 56.3 29.2 7.9 0.7 Sep 33 23.2 59.2 6.7 10.9 Oct 25 16.0 84.0 May 1989 27 - 45.2 35.9 18.9 Jun 42 13.2 42.8 38.3 4.5 1.2 JUL 353 0.2 59.8 28.7 9.4 1.9 Aug 204 27.1 63.7 7.7 0.2 1.3 Sep 134 17.0 66.4 15.5 1.1 Oct 5 100.0 May 1990 18 18.0 58.2 4.5 9.7 9.6 Jun 247 0.5 3.9 58.9 34.0 2.7 JUL 540 9.7 52.1 35.6 2.2 0.1 0.3 Aug 189 0.9 22.4 52.8 20.6 3.3 Sep 196 1.4 11.9 46.8 30.3 6.0 3.6 Oct 37 45.7 34.9 9.7 2.4 7.3 B. AnnuaL 1982 1,291 12.7 58.7 18.2 7.3 3.1 1983 450 7.2 27.9 34.4 21.3 6.2 1.9 1.1 1984 575 4.1 34.2 40.2 13.9 4.6 2.1 0.9 1985 264 2.1 12.1 36.5 28.5 14.5 5.8 0.5 1986 371 1.3 20.7 42.1 17.3 16.0 2.6 <0.1 1987 425 21.0 45.9 24.9 7.2 0.7 0.3 1988 533 12.5 48.5 29.5 6.8 2.7 1989 765 1.4 45.3 42.1 9.6 1.3 0.3 1990 1,227 0.2 5.0 43.5 38.8 10.0 1.7 0.8 C. Scrap 1986 172 2.0 35.0 62.2 0.8 1987 103 - 33.2 66.2 0.6 1988 121 1.0 14.2 70.9 12.2 1.7 1989 228 - 42.6 54.6 2.8 1990 269 7.9 65.0 26.6 0.5 90 16 1982 12 t.291 a- 1 4- 1983 a- 4. 1984 8- 575 4- w 0 w 1965 IL 6- 4- 12- 1996 371 4- 1967 4- 200 300 400 FORK LENGTH (IOMM size CICSSOS) Appendix S. Expanded annual length frequencies of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1982-1987. 91 APPENDIX T. AnnuaL age composition of bLuefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, captured by Worth CaroHna sciaenid pound nets, 1982-90. Age A G E compos; i t i an 0 1 2 1982 92.8a 17.09 0.03 1983 47.79 54.03 1.80 19114 65.57 34.09 0.35 1985 58.05 39.30 3.65 1986 ".39 53.42 2.1a 1987 33.70 60.90 5.40 i9aa 83.55 13.52 2.93 i9ag 86.60 13.36 0.04 1990 53.32 46.43 0.25 92 APPENDIX U. Monthly (A; 19a8-90), annual (B; 1982-90) and scrap (C; 1986-90) exparded Length frequencies of harvestf ish, Pepri Lus aLepidotus, from Pamlico Sound sciaenid pound net samples; n = number of individuals measured. Percent frequency/size class (FL, mm) 91- 121- 151- 181- n <90 120 ISO 180 210 >210 A. Month Year ------------------ Marketable --------------- may 1988 6 16.7 83.3 Jun 640 8.9 75.0 16.1 JUL 301 10.0 83.7 6.3 Aug 45 14.5 77.2 8.3 Sep 45 1.4 6.8 76.0 15.8 Oct 154 12.2 27.0 6.3 45.1 9.4 May 1989 27 - - 15.3 76.2 8.5 Jun 110 1.6 2.4 27.0 55.2 13.8 Jul 225 - 0.7 38.5 54.4 6.4 Aug 31 - 7.9 82.6 9.5 Sep 38 2.7 3.6 23.0 44.8 25.9 Oct 4 - 25.0 25.0 50.0 May 1990 48 - 33.5 43.1 21.5 1.9 Jun 166 1.4 47.0 41.8 8.9 0.9 JUL 207 0.4 66.7 23.8 9.1 Aug 41 - 3.8 73.3 20.7 2.2 Sep 268 6.4 31.6 32.9 26.8 2.3 Oct 306 0.6 65.2 18.6 1.0 B. Annua t 1982 814 4.5 34.8 39.5 18.9 2.3 1983 755 0.8 12.4 41.0 44.3 1.5 1984 556 4.4 9.9 21.7 58.5 5.3 0.2 1985 997 5.4 40.5 18.2 28.2 7.7 1986 2,531 0.3 9.9 " .0 38.5 7.2 0.1 1987 1,059 1.6 23.6 69.0 5.8 1988 1,191 0.8 2.1 9.0 75.8 12.3 1989 435 0.7 1.4 31.4 56.5 10.0 1990 1,036 1.5 21.5 42.2 28.3 6.2 0.3 C. Scrap 1986 71 3.7 83.3 13.0 1987 3 86.8 13.3 1988 49 13.2 75.9 9.4 1.5 1989 5 - 43.2 56.8 1990 70 22.6 67.4 10.0 93 9- n @814 6- 3- *83 6- 1984 12- 64 9- 6- 3- 9- 1985 nx997 6- 3- 1986 9- 2,531 6- 15- 1987 12- n a 1,059 9- 6- 160 150 26o FORK LEWTH (5 mm *be doem) Appendix V. Expanded annual length frequencies of harvestfish (Pet) ilus alevitotus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1982-1987. M-@J@ jL 94 APPENDIX W. Monthly (A; 1988-90), annual (B; 1982-90) and scrap (C; 1986-90) expanded Length frequencies of butterfish, Pepritus triacanthus, from Pamlico Sound sciaenid pound net samples; n = number of individuals measured. Percent frectuency/size class (FL. mm) 91- 121- 151- 181- n <90 150 180 210 A. Month Year ------------ Marketable ----------- May 1988 13 38.5 53.8 7.7 Jun 35 5.3 15.5 76.1 3.1 JUL 59 1.9 13.0 52.9 26.8 5.4 Aug 139 3.4 41.1 53.8 1.7 Sep 10 40.2 50.0 9.8 Oct 37 2.6 15.3 30.2 43.2 8.7 May 1989 39 12.1 50.5 35.0 2.4 Jun 71 5.7 19.8 13.2 56.1 5.2 Jul 82 7.3 35.2 30.8 23.7 3.0 Aug 19 - 8.1 43.7 46.0 2.2 Sep 17 - 11.8 80.8 7.4 Oct - I May 1990 318 6.8 70.2 18.4 4.6 Jun 479 0.2 27.0 43.9 28.7 0.2 JUL 375 1.1 11.9 67.3 19.3 0.4 Aug 185 0.4 2.1 78.1 19.4 Sep 43 - - 29.8 70.2 Oct 17 3.9 96.1 B. ArruaL 1982 465 0.6 9.4 48.9 39.9 1.2 1983 50 1.7 23.6 34.4 38.5 1.8 1984 167 0.4 5.7 36.0 56.6 1.3 1985 414 0.6 3.9 39.4. 54.7 1.4 1986 737 - 10.2 45.1 43.9 0.8 1987 241 - 4.8 43.5 50.3 1.4 1988 293 0.7 6.8 40.0 48.9 3.6 1989 228 5.2 23.2 25.0 42.6 4.0 1990 1,417 1.6 27.6 47.4 23.2 0.2 C. Scrap 1986 63 0.1 40.5 55.9 3.5 1987 12 - 23.2 70.7 6.1 1988 20 20.3 61.7 18.0 1989 28 13.1 67.6 19.3 1990 177 1.8 65.7 31.1 0.8 0.6 95 1982 465 6- 1983 f2 - 850 9- 6- 15- 1984 n 12- 9- 6- 3- 15- 1985 IL 12- n - 414 9- 6- 12- 1986 9- 737 6- 3- 1987 12- 9- 3 1@0 150 2001 FORK LENGTH (5 mm wt Ciosses) Appendix X. Expanded annual length frequencies of butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1982-1987. 6 3t 96 APPENDIX Y. Monthty (A; 1988-90), annuat (8; 1982-90) and scrap (C; 1986-90) expanded tength frequencies of Spanish mackeret, Scomberomorus macutatus, from Pamtico sound sciaenid pound net sampLes; n number of individuats measured. Percent frequency size ciass (FL, mm) 151- 201- 251- 301- 351- 401- n <150 200 250 300 350 400 450 >450 A. Month Year ------------ Marketabte ----------- may 1988 Jun ill 24.1 49.3 15.9 6.6 4.1 Jut 105 0.9 1.5 33.0 55.5 9.1 Aug 334 2.8 43.1 5.2 8.8 30.1 6.2 3.8 Sep 86 54.5 37.8 3.9 1.9 0.9 1.0 Oct 30 6.8 5.1 83.0 5.1 1989 May 2 - - 100.0 Jun 119 - - 0.8 8.9 76.4 12.5 0.8 0.6 JuL 280 - 3.6 22.7 3.1 26.5 41.5 1.8 0.8 Aug 631 - 0.1 76.8 16.5 0.9 4.2 0.9 0.6 Sep 158 - 42.4 57.6 - - - - Oct May 1990 Jun 48 2.9 - 15.6 58.1 16.5 5.2 1.7 Jut 205 0.2 10.0 11.1 1.0 50.4 22.4 3.6 1.3 Aug 392 2.2 81.1 15.7 - - 0.8 0.2 Sep 514 0.3 18.2 73.8 4.5 0.8 0.5 1.9 Oct 11 21.0 79.0 B. Annuat 1982 259 1.3 7.8 37.6 25.4 21.2 5.8 0.9 1983 42 4.6 1.6 35.7 31.4 4.2 11.2 11.3 1984 56 2.0 16.7 " .7 19.5 5.6 6.3 5.2 1985 296 2.9 44.9 45.3 1.1 5.6 0.2 1986 153 3.8 24.4 21.0 18.1 23.4 7.2 2.1 1987 511 0.3 0.6 9.8 39.5 30.3 16.4 1.8 1.3 1988 666 1.7 27.1 13.2 21.3 27.4 5.3 4.0 1989 1,190 - 1.4 42.9 14.2 20.4 19.3 1.2 0.6 1990 1,170 3.1 36.1 36.3 15.8 5.9 1.6 1.2 C. Scrap 1986 28 4.5 92.0 3.5 1987 4.5 37.5 58.0 1988 127 0.2 8.0 78.7 13.1 1989 275 - 1.9 73.9 24.2 1990 261 0.5 8.2 45.5 45.6 0.2 97 2- 6- 3- Is- 15- n-42 12. 9- 6- 3- Se4 9- n-56 6- 3- Is- 12- n,296 9- Ism 087 200 300 .400 sw FORK UD$M (10mrn size class") Appendix Z. Expanded annual length frequencies of Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1982-1987. 98 APPENDIX AA. Monthly (A; 1988-90), annual (B; 1982-90) and scrap (C; 1986-90) expanded tength frequencies of summer flounder, Paratichthy dentatus, from Pamlico Sound sciaenid pound net samples; n = number of individuals measured. Percent frequencylsize class (TL, mm) 151- 201- 251- 301- 351- n 051 200 250 300 350 400 >401 A. Month Year --------- Marketable ------- May Jun 1988 55 4.7 1.7 50.8 32.2 9.6 1.0 Jut 16 5.7 52.7 7.5 27.9 - 6.2 Aug 22 10.5 28.5 32.3 21.7 3.5 3.5 Sep 8 44.2 44.2 11.6 Oct 6 45.1 54.9 May 1989 4 - - 50.0 50.0 Jun 8 9.7 9.8 40.7 39.8 Jut 26 30.8 36.2 3.9 11.9 8.0 9.2 Aug 22 5.9 29.6 35.6 21.4 7.5 Sep 2 33.8 66.2 Oct May 1990 13 90.4 9.6 Jun 10 25.8 47.0 18.7 8.5 Jut 29 20.2 " .9 15.5 6.3 5.3 3.3 4.5 Aug 16 13.0 11.0 10.2 - 28.3 33.2 4.3 Sep 19 7.9 32.9 10.1 5.7 12.3 26.7 4.4 Oct 8 - 20.0 - 25.0 35.0 10.0 10.0 B. Annual 1982 200 14.2 40.0 20.8 18.0 5.9 0.8 0.3 1983 153 12.5 22.7 22.9 24.9 9.4 4.2 3.4 1984 159 25.3 23.4 12.3 33.4 5.5 1985 54 2.0 45.6 19.4 23.2 4.3 5.5 1986 37 8.9 67.1 5.8 13.0 5.2 1987 112 10.4 39.5 21.0 19.9 9.0 0.1 0.1 1988 107 3.3 11.2 35.4 31.8 13.2 4.3 01.8 1989 62 20.3 29.8 19.0 20.0 6.0 4.9 1990 95 27.5 31.3 9.5 5.8 9.9 12.7 3.3 C. Scrap 1986 12 8.4 69.9 21.7 1987 30 4.6 " .0 33.6 17.8 1988 22 5.0 24.2 51.9 18.9 1989 6 77.3 22.7 1990 8 87.2 12.8 99 9- 1962 200 '1985 9- 153 6- 12- 1984 159 w a: w 15- CL 12- 1985 n&54 9- 6- 3- T- 1986 15- no 37 12- 12- 1987 9- n a 112 6- 3- 2;0 300 400 5@0 TOTAL LENGTH (10mm ure cicsses) Appendix BB. Expanded annual length frequencies of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) from nound net samples, 1982- 1987. 100 APPENDIX CC. Monthty (A; 1988-90), annuat (8; 1982-90) and scrap (C; 1986-90) expanded tength frequencies of Attantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus, from Pamtico Sound sciaenid pound net samptes; n number of individuaLs measured. Percent frequency/size cLass (FL, mm) 121- 151- lai- n <120 150 180 210 >210 A. Month Year May 1988 52 28.9 63.2 7.9 Jun 1,834 1.7 6.8 14.4 68.0 9.1 Jut 2,182 4.2 12.9 23.2 46.1 13.6 Aug 922 12.5 32.1 42.3 13.1 Sep 599 1.2 60.2 34.0 4.6 Oct 159 3.6 55.5 24.a 16.1 May 1989 956 - 12.8 40.3 36.3 10.6 Jun 944 0.9 29.5 35.4 23.7 10.5 Jut 2,106 0.5 34.8 40.8 15.0 8.9 Aug 1,126 - 3.8 26.2 49.6 20.4 Sep 1,809 - 18.3 67.5 12.0 2.2 Oct 311 - 7.0 67.3 23.0 2.7 May 1990 1,548 - 0.7 73.9 25.1 0.3 Jun 2,419 1.5 52.7 45.3 0.5 Jut 2,351 1.3 72.1 26.5 0.1 Aug 698 - 0.2 66.6 32.9 0.3 Sep 1,463 0.3 58.8 40.6 0.3 Oct 484 0.4 58.5 41.1 - B. Year 1982 5,849 1.5 67.4 21.1 8.9 1.0 1983 3,406 10.3 64.6 23.7 1.4 <0.1 1984 2,671 0.1 37.6 52.6 9.0 0.7 1985 1,568 0.3 52.8 29.7 14.8 2.4 1986 3,936 0.1 23.4 30.9 41.8 3.8 1987 2,704 1.2 14.6 17.3 59.6 7.3 1988 5,748 1.8 8.9 27.0 51.6 10.7 1989 7,252 0.4 21.4 41.7 26.4 10.1 1990 8,963 1.1 63.0 35.6 0.3 C. scrap 1986 3,936 0.1 23.4 30.9 41.8 3.8 1987 2,704 1.2 14.6 17.3 59.6 7.3 1988 1,597 50.4 49.6 1989 2,574 - 45.8 50.8 3.4 1990 3,326 41.7 58.3 101 1982 12- 9- 6- 3- 1983 9- n a 3,406 3- 1984 9- 2,671 U z LLI 3- 1985 z ft a 1,568 Uj 9- 6- 3- 9- 1986 n a 3.936 12- 1987 9- n e 2.704 6- 5- f 90 1@0 1@0 18'0 210 240 FORK LENGTH (5mm SIZE CLASSES) Appendix DD. Expanded annual length frequencies of Atlantic menhaden (irevoortia tyrannus) from pound net samples, 1982-1987. JL35:@.-- &42.- A61h4. AOMS4. A& 102 Appendix EE. Species composition of scrapfish (discard or bait) in 54 pound net catches saupted in 1986. Weight Ckq) Number Mean fish % freq. Species Meam Perc.. Mean Percent weight (kq) occur. Micropogonias undutatus 222.0 46.01 1,857 36.44 0.120 100.0 Brevoortia tyrannus 116.3 24.12 1,456. 28.57 0.080 96.3 Cynoscion regatis 50.0 10.36 491 9.63 0.102 100.0 Leiostomus xanthurus; 27.9 5.79 362 7.10 0.077 9 Lagod rhomboides 18.0 3.74 259 5.09 0.069 81.5 Opisthonema oQLi 11.3 2.34 169 3.31 0.067 64.8 Pomatams sattatrix 7.8 1.61 68 1.34 0.114 96.3 Chaetodil2terus faber 6.6 1.36 .199 1.97 0.066 48.1 BairdietLa chrysoura 3.9 0.81 57 1.12 0.068 68.5 Scoffberomorus maculatus 3.7 0.76 38 0.74 0.098 74.1 Peprilus atepidotus 3.7 0.76 75 1.47 0.049 98.2 Caranx hippos 3.0 0.63 30 0.59 0.101 25.9 Peprilus triacanthus 2.2 0.45 47 0.92 0.047 90.7 Setene vomer 1.4 0.30 24 0.47 0.059 25.9 Orthopristis chrysoptera 1.3 0.26 21 0.42 0.059 48.1 CaLtinectes saoidus 0.8 0.16 4 0.09 0.175 38.9 Mg. q:J1 cephaLus 0.4 0.09 10 0.19 0.043 1.9 ParaHchthys dentatus 0.4 0.08 6 0.11 0.067 35.2 Aluterus schoepfi 0.3 0.06 1 0.03 0.195 5.6 Menticirrhus americanus 0.2 0.05 2 0.04 0.118 20.4 Sphoeroides maculatus 0.2 0.04 2 0.04 0.098 20.4 Paralichthys lethostimm 0.2 0.04 2 0.04 0.090 38.9 Larimus fasciatus 0.1 0.03 1 0.02 0.145 11.1 Caran spp. 0.1 0.03 2 0.03 0.082 7.4 Monacanthus hispidu 0.1 o.03 3 0.06 0.042 18.5 Prionotus scitulus 0.1 0.02 3 0.05 0.030 7.4 Synodus foetens 0.1 0.02 'Cl 0.01 0.230 1.9 Prionotus evotans 0.1 0.02 1 0.01 0.115 14.8 mycteroperca microlepis 0.1 0.02 1 0.01 0.120 5.6 Trichiurus tepturus <0.1 0.01 <1 0.00 0.180 51.9 Chitomvcterus schoepfi <0.1 0.01 <1 0.00 0.207 9.3 Cattinectes simitis <0.1 0.01 1 0.01 0.040 5.6 Caranx crysos -CO.1 0.00 <1 0.01 0.070 1.9 Trinectes macutatus 'CO.1 0.00 -Cl 0.01 0.046 9.3 Chloroscoffbrus chrysurus <0.1 0.00 0 0.01 0.020 1.9 LotHquncuia brevis 'CO.1 0.00 2 0.03 0.003 9.3 Prionotus tributus -CO. 1 0.00 'Cl 0.00 0.060 7.4 Prionotus carotinus <0.1 0.00 -Cl 0.00 0.050 1.9 ScophthaLmus aquosus <0.1 0.00 @Cj 0.00 0.020 1.9 103 Appendix FF. Species comiposition of scrapfish (discard or bait) in 56 pound net catches sampted in 1987. Weight (kq) Number Mean fish % freq. Species -Mean Percent Mean Percent weight Ckq) occur. Micropogonfas undulatus 156*1 17"17 1,124 34*96 0,113 110*1 Brevoortia tyrannus 152.2 36.41 1,557 35.73 0.098 98.2 Cynoscion regatis ".2 10.57 432 9.90 OJ02 100.0 Leiostomus xanthurus 24.1 5.76 357 8.18 0.068 96.4 Pomatomus saLtatrix 9.1 2.17 71 1.64 0.127 92.9 Opisthonema ogtinum 9.0 2.15 151 3.46 0.060 75.0 BairdieLla chrysoura 4.9 1.17 63 1.44 0.078 76.8 Scomberomorus macu(atus 4.3 1.04 31 0.71 0.141 96.4 Lagodon rhodmides 4.3 1.03 35 0.80 0.124 42.9 Paralichthys dentatus 1.7 0.41 20 0.45 0.087 58.9 Selene vomer 1.7 0.40 30 0.68 0.056 32.1 Orthopristis chrysoptera 1.6 0.38 23 0.52 0.071 48.2 Chaetodioterus faber 1.0 0.25 18 0.41 0.057 50.0 Caranx hippos 1.0 0.24 8 0.17 0.130 57.1 ParaLichthys lethostigm 0.7 0.17 9 0.20 0.082 35.7 Pepritus triacanthus 0.5 0.12 9 0.20 0.058 75.0 Caltinectes sapidus 0.3 0.07 5 0.11 0.062 71.4 Monacanthus hispidus 0.3 0.06 6 0.13 0.045 21.4 ChiLomycterus schoeg)fi 0.2 0.05 1 0.02 0.220 10.7 Menticirrhus americanus 0.2 0.04 2 0.04 0.090 35.7 Peprilus atepidotus <0.1 0.02 2 0.04 0.050 96.4 ELops saurus <0.1 0.01 <1 0.01 0.120 8.9 Aluterus schoepfi <0.1 0.01 <1 0.01 0.290 5.4 Citharichthys spiLopterus <0.1 0.01 2 0.05 0.026 1.8 Prionotus scitutus <0.1 0.01 <1 0.01 0.120 5.4 Larimus fasciatus <0.1 0.01 <1 0.01 0.120 3.6 Prionotus tributus <0.1 0.01 1 0.03 0.040 1.8 Ycteroperca microlepis <0.1 0.01 <1 <0.01 0.230 3.6 Scophthatmus aquosus <0.1 0.01 1 0.02 0.041 5.4 M Symphyrus Plagiusa <0.1 0.01 <1 0.02 0.050 5.4 Prionotus evotans <0.1 0.01 <1 0.01 0.080 5.4 Trinectes macMLatus <0.1 0.01 1 0.03 0.026 8.9 Urophycis regia, <0.1 0.01 <1 0.01 0.070 1.8 Setene setapinnis <0.1 0.00 <1 0.01 0.060 5.4 Prionotus carmLinus <0.1 0.00 <1 0.01 0.010 5.4 Species observed LoLliguncula brevis RachyEentron canadum Chaetodon sp. Limulus Polyohemus Caranx sp. Mugit cephatus Penaeus aztecWs Trachinotus caroLinus Sphyraena boreaLis Penaeus duora Qagm ion sp. Tautoga onitis Alosa mediocris Qmscion nebutosus Trichiurus tepturus Tytosurus crocodiLus Menticirrhus sp. Scomberomiorus scombrus Prionotim sp. Menticirrhus saxatitis Paralichthys sp. Centropristis striata, Sciaenops oce(latus Sphoeroides macutatus ASSESSMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES Completion Report for Project 2-IJ-16 May 1992 JOB 3 WINTER TRAWL FISHERY ASSESSMENT By Jeffrey L. Ross ABSTRACT The North Carol i na wi nter trawl f i shery i s a mul ti speci es-mul ti gear f i shery conducted from mid-September through April from offshore Long Island, New York to west of Cape Lookout, North Carolina. The fishery has three main components: the nearshore flounder, deepwater, and flynet fisheries. Species-specific CPUEs, size-age composition of the catches, and landings were assessed for the 1988-91 fishing seasons And compared with the 1982-88 seasons. Summer flounder (Paralichtys dentatus) dominated nearshore flounder and deepwater catches. During 1988-91, mean seasonal CPUEs in nearshore fishery catches were 47-76% of the mean for the 1982-91 seasons. CPUEs in deepwater catches during 1989-91 were the lowest since 1982-83 (only 60-76% of the nine season mean). Landings during 1989-91 were only 38-59% of the nine season mean. The age composition of summer flounder catches was truncated with 85-98% of the fish less than 4 years old. Recent regulation changes have reduced the relative abundance of age 0 and 1 fish in the catches. Scup (Stenotomus chrysops) were an important component and frequent target species of deepwater trips. CPUEs and landings during.1988-90 were the lowest for the period and only 4-17% and 9-29% of the nine season averages respectively. Catches and landings increased during the 1990-91 season. Scup length frequency distributions remained unimodal and compressed towards smaller size classes, although the relative abundance of larger fish increased slightly during 1989-91. Black sea bass (Centropristis striata) were the third dominant species in deepwater catches. Seasonal mean CPUEs ranged from 68% to only 9% of the nine season mean. Landings were average during 1988-90, but only 29% of the nine season mean, and the lowest for the period, during 1990-91. The size composition of black sea bass has been relatively stable throughout the nine seasons, although a gradual reduction in large sea bass has occurred and the fishery harvests primarily small fish. Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) were the dominant species of the flynet fishery. The CPUEs increased from 62 to 102% of the nine season mean during the last three seasons, but seasonal landings fell from 78% to only 57-60% of the nine season mean. The size and age composition has become increasingly compressed towards small, young fish, with age 0 and 1 fish making up 90% of the catches during 1989-91. Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) were ubiquitous in catches by all gears, but the largest catches were made with flynets when large fish were targeted. The CPUEs in flynets have fluctuated without trend during the last nine seasons, largely due to the sporadic market demand. Landings fell from 49% to 26% of the nine season mean. All sizes and ages of bluefish continued to be represented in winter trawl catches. Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) were an abundant component and occasional target species of flynet trips. Seasonal mean CPUEs and landings for 1988-91 were all lower than the nine season means, with 1990-91 CPUEs and landings 33% and 23% of the nine season means respectively. The size and age ii composition of 1988-91 catches was compressed towards smaller younger fish. An increased percent were unmarketable-sized for human consumption. Flynets continued to produce the bulk of the scrap fish landed by winter trawlers. Weakfish, croaker and spot were the principal components of the scrap fish. Scrap fish have made up 33-39% of the flynet catches since 1984-85. Minimal amounts of unmarketable size fish were landed by the nearshore flounder and deepwater fisheries. Aggregate resource trend analyses indi cated overall reduced CPUEs and landings of the dominant species by the nearshore flounder, deepwater, and 'sciaenid-bluefish' flynet fisheries, as, well as the overall winter trawl fishery, since the projects inception. This corresponded with the overall reduced size of all dominant species harvested except bluefish. TABLE OF COWTENTS ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 METHODS AND MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . . . * ' ' * ' * * ' * * * ' * * * ' * * * * 6 Nearshore Flounder Fishery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Seasonal Catch Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1991 . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Summer Flounder - CPUE, Landings and Size Composition . . . 8 Deepwater Fishery . . . 10 Seasonal Catch Compo@it*io*n, 10 Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1991 . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Scup - CPUE, Landings and Size Composition . . . . . . . . 11 Black Sea Bass CPUE, Landings and Size Composition . . . 12 Summer Flounder CPUE, Landings and Size Composition . . . 13 Flynet Fishery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Seasonal Catch Composition (All Areas Combined) . . . . . . 14 North of Cape Hatteras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 West of Cape Lookout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Catch Composition 1982-91 . . . . . . . . . : : , * * * * * 17 Weakfish - CPUE, Landings and Age/Size Composition . . . . . 18 Atlantic Croaker - CPUE, Landings and Age/Size Composition . 20 Bluefish - CPUE, Landings and Age/Size Composition . . . . . 22 Spot - CPUE, Landings and Age/Size Composition . . . . . . . 24 Scrap Fish . . ' i * ' i * * ' * ' * ' ' * ' ' * * ' * ' * * ' ' 25 Sciaenid Bluefish Flynet Fishery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Nearshore Flounder Fishery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Deepwater Fishery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Aggregate Resources Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 SPECIES SYNOPSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Summer Flounder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Weakfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Black Sea Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Scup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Bluefish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Atlantic Croaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . 40 iv TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 APPENDIX INTRODUCTION The North Carol i na wi nter trawl f i shery i s a mul ti speci es-mul ti gear f i shery that lands fish in North Carolina from September through April. Fishing effort shifts to one of several target species depending on seasonal distribution, availability, catchability and marketability and can also vary between fishing ports. Fishing grounds extend from the Hudson Canyon off New York to south and west of Cape Lookout, North Carolina, and from the beach to the 50 fathom curve (Figure 1). The winter trawl fishery accounted for 18-23% (4,056-5,304 mt) of all edible finfish landed in North Carolina during the 1988-91 fishing seasons. In one or more of the last three fishing seasons, the fishery accounted for greater than 20% of North Carolina's landings of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus), harvestfish (E. alevidotus), Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), black sea bass (Centropristis striata), scup (Stenotomus chrysops), and scrap fish for industrial uses or bait. In North Carolina, winter trawl catches are landed at' ports from Wanchese to Morehead City-Beaufort. The primary processing facilities are located in Wanchese, where 30-40 vessels offload at six fish houses. Morehead City-Beaufort is the second largest processing center with 5-6 fish houses servicing 10-15 trawlers. The ports of Lowland, Vandemere, Bayboro, Englehard, Wrights Creek, and Oriental offload fish for 26-32 trawlers. Due to the extensive geographic range of fishing grounds utilized by the trawler fleet, catches are often landed in other states, particularly Hampton, VA and New Bedford, MA. The history of the North Carolina winter trawl fishery was reviewed by Ross et al. (1986), together with a discussion of the justification for partitioning the fishery into three components: nearshore flounder, sciaenid-bluefish flynet, and deepwater fisheries. Although some spatial and temporal overlap occurs between these components, the partitioned catches are characterized by a constancy and fidelity in species composition. The partitioning facilitates the generation of species-specific catch-per-unit-of-effort data to reflect abundance levels and not trends in fishing effort. 2 The nearshore flounder fishery is the southern, and November through January, extension of the mid-Atlantic flounder trawl fishery. Virtually all vessels that enter the North Carolina winter trawl fishery participate in this component. A portion of the North Carolina fleet fishes for summer flounder off New England during the summer, follows the fish south during the fall and offshore during the winter. Vessels begin landing fish caught off Delaware and Virginia in North Carolina ports by October or November. By mid-November or December, most of the fleet is fishing off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The predominant gear used in the nearshore flounder fishery is the flounder trawl, which has a 16.8-19.8m (55-65 ft) headrope with 12-15 cm (5-6 in) mesh in the wings, and 11.4-14.0 cm (4.5-5.5 in) mesh in the tailbag (5.5 in diamond or 6.0 in square mesh is required in flounder nets fished in state waters). Long groundlines, which include up to 91.4 m (300 ft) of cookies, 22.9 m (75 ft) of chain, and 30.5 m (100 ft) of cable, act as leads directing fish into the relatively small net. Combination nets are higher profile nets, with 20-25 cm (8-10 in) mesh in the wings tapering to 5-7 cm (2-3 in) mesh in the tailbags used when seeking summer flounder as well as weakfish, butterfish, and squi@ (Loligo pealij). The deepwater component of the winter trawl fishery is prosecuted primarily by vessels from Wanchese when nearshore flounder fishing declines in late December or early January. Fishing occurs from the Cigar to Norfolk Canyon and north along the shelf edge for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. Dif- ferent trawl gear is used depending on the species targeted. Flounder trawls or combination nets are used for all three species, and flynets are employed when scup are schooled up in the water column. The flynet fishery encompasses North Carolina trawlers fishing for weakfish, Atlantic croaker, bluefish, butterfish, and industrial (scrap) fish. Flynet fishing generally takes place in depths less than 36 m (20 fathoms) from Oregon Inlet to west of Cape Lookout from late September through April . Flynets are high profile trawls used for fish that school higher in the water column than typical groundfish. Flynets fish 3-3.7 m (10-12 ft) off the bottom, and range 3 from 24.4 to 36.6 m (80-120 ft) across, with wing mesh sizes of 41-163 cm (16-64 in), tapering to 5 cm (2 in) in the tailbag. In 1982, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) initiated a statewide sampling program for the dominant commercial finfisheries. The objective was to obtain biological and fisheries data on economically important fishes for use in reaching management decisions. The winter trawl fishery was included, and is herein described for the 1988-91 fishing seasons, after portioning the fishery into its three components (nearshore flounder, deepwater, and flynet). Species composition, relative abundance, distribution, seasonality are presented. Catch-per-ef fort and the age and/or size frequency distributions of the dominant species are presented and compared with species and fishery specific data from the 1982-88 fishing seasons. METHODS AND MATERIALS Winter trawl catches were sampled while being offloaded at fish packing houses in Wanchese and Morehead City-Beaufort, and to a lesser extent in Oriental, Bayboro, Lowlands, Wrights Creek, and Englehard. Crew members were interviewed, when available, to obtain information on area and depth fished, number and duration of tows, days on the fishing grounds, and gear(s) used including size of headrope and cod-end mesh. When possible, eight or more catches were sampled per month. To insure adequate coverage of all sizes and species in the catches, and since culling occurs offshore, stratified random samples of the graded catch were taken. This process involved randomly sampling one or more 50 lb (22.7 kg) cartons of each species' market category or grade (small, medium, large, jumbo, etc.). More cartons of the larger grades were sampled since they contained fewer fish. Each sample was weighed to t he nearest 0.1 kg, individual fish measured to the nearest millimeter (FL or TQ, and the total number of individuals recorded. If the individuals in a carton were too numerous to measure, at least 30 were measured, and the remainder counted. The total catch weight of each market category for each species was obtained from the fish dealer's records. 4 In cases where the weight of a particular species' market grades were included on the trip ticket, but were not sampled, an estimate of the number of fish landed for the grade was made using mean weight/individual from a sample of that species and grade from another recent catch, and usually from the same area. Total length-frequencies for each catch were derived by expanding the sample length-frequencies for each market category (grade) by an expansion factor to represent the species market grade weight. Species market grade weight was obtained from trip tickets and species length-frequencies were a combination of those expanded for the respective species market grades. Species numerical abundance/catch was calculated similarly by determining the number of individuals/market grade and then summing all market grades/species. Scrap fish are herein defined as the part of the catch not marketed for human consumption, but rather sold for bait or industrial uses, or discarded. At least half of a fish basket (about 12 kg) of scrap fish was sampled when it was a significant (>50 kg) component of the catch. If the scrap fish comprised <50 kg, it was considered negligible and not sampled, although the component species were noted. Samples of scrap fish were sorted and weighed (kg) by species, and all individuals measured to the nearest millimeter JL or FL). If a particular species was too numerous, a random subsample of at least 30 individuals was measured, and the remaining fish counted. However, if a species had two or more distinct size classes, then each size class was treated as a separate species when subsampled. The total weight of the scrap was obtained, preferably from the trip ticket, and if not, it was estimated. Length-frequencies for scrap fish were derived by expanding the sample length-frequencies to represent the total weight of the species in the scrap. Total weight of a species in the scrap was calculated by determining the proportion of a species in the sample, and expanding that to the respective species proportional weight in the scrap. The number of individuals/species in the scrap was calculated by expanding the number of individuals in the sample to represent the total weight of the species in the scrap. 5 Winter trawl catches were analyzed by "fishing seasons," that is, October 1988-April 1989 (1988-89), October 1989-April 1990 (1989-90), and October 1990- April 1991 (1990-91). Analyses of catches and trends in the winter trawl fishery were also facilitated by partitioning the fishery into the three component fisheries described in Ross et al. (1986). These included the nearshore directed flounder fishery, the flynet fishery, and the deepwater fishery. Average catches and landings were determined and compared throughout the report. Average catch/trip (CPUE; kg) was defined as the total catch or total catch/species/one day trip; a trip may consist of one or more days and sets of the trawl gear. Average catch/day (CPD) was calculated based on days on the fishing grounds; this included days spent searching for fish but not days enroute to and from the grounds. Landings refer to commercial landings (kg) data derived from the North Carolina General Canvas Data compiled through the North Carolina Divisions of Marine Fisheries and the National Marine Fisheries Service cooperative data collection program. Three-year means and six-year means for landings and catches are presented. These values are equally weighted means of seasonal totals or seasonal means and are utilized only to illustrate fishery trends. Scale samples from summer flounder, weakfish, Atlantic croaker, bluefish, and spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) (30-60 individuals/species) were taken monthly when available and represented the entire size range of individuals captured. Both 1 ength (mm, FL or TQ and weight (kg) data were taken for each fish sampled. Ageing was done using criteria for determining annuli given by Smith et al. '(1981) for summer flounder, Wilk (1977) for bluefish, Ross (1988) for croaker, DeVries (1981) for spot, and Massman (1963), Merriner (1973) and Hawkins (1988) for weakfish. Species-specific semi-annual or quarterly age-length keys were developed and merged with expanded length-frequency data to produce the overall annual age composition. Spot age-length data from 1979-91 was pooled, partitioned into September- December and January-April seasonal keys, and integrated into 1982-91 winter trawl length frequency data. 1 1 6 Bluefish seasonal age-length keys were developed by pooling all fish aged f rom oceani c waters/f i sheri es duri ng September through Apri I , and merged wi th the respective season's winter trawl length frequency data. I I Atlantic croaker age-length data for 1979-82 was pooled and integrated into 1982-86 seasonal length frequency data. Age-length data for 1988-91 data was pooled and integrated into 1988-91 seasonal length frequency data. Ageing data from the two periods (1979-82 and 1988-81) was pooled and integrated into 1986-88 seasonal length frequency data. Quarterly keys were used with the monthly groupings: December-March, April-June, July-September, and October-November (Ross 1988). Weakfish age-length data from January 1982-December 1983 was pooled-and integrated into 1982-86 seasonal length frequency data. Weakfish ageing data for September 1988-april 1991 was pooled and integrated into 1988-91 seasonal length frequency data. ageing data from the two periods (1983-82 and 1988-91) was pooled and merged with 1986-88 seasonal length frequency data. The age-length keys were partitioned for winter (October through March) and summer (April through September). Summer flounder age-length data from 1988-91 was integrated into 1988-91 length frequency data for respective seasons on a quarterly basis. Summer flounder age-length data for 1982-87 from the Northeast Fisheries Center, NMFS weigh-out data was merged into 1982-87 length frequency data for respective seasons on a quarterly basis. The quarters used were the first (January-March) and the fourth (October-December). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION NEARSHORE FLOUNDER FISHERY From October 1988 through March 1991, 103 nearshore flounder catches from depths of 8-40 m from Cape Henelopen to Beaufort Inlet were sampled. Overall, 82% of the catches were from waters between Cape Henry and Wimble Shoals, 8% from Cape Charles to Cape Henelopen, 8% from Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout, and 2% west of Cape Lookout. Most of the catches sampled (70%) were from waters off 7 North Carolina, while 22% were from both Virginia and North Carolina waters, and 8% were exclusively from waters north of North Carolina. Seasonal Catch Composition Twenty-nine nearshore flounder catches were sampled between October 1988 and March 1989, with all but two from north of Cape Hatteras (Table 1). Total catch weights ranged from 288 to 9,685 kg/trip and averaged 3,417 kg/trip. Catches were greater north (3,410 kg/trip) than south of Cape Hatteras (3,053 kg/trip). Summer flounder dominated the overall catch weight (92%), and together with Loligo squid and black sea bass accounted for 95% of the catches (Table 2, Appendix C). Summer flounder dominated catches both north and south of Cape Hatteras (Table 3) and every month except December, when only one small catch was sampled. Catches generally declined through the season (Table 4.) Twenty-six nearshore flounder catches were sampled between October 1989 and April 1990, including eight from south of Cape Hatteras (Table 1). Total catch weights ranged from 480 to 8,361 kg/trip and averaged 3,330 kg/trip. Summer flounder, northern puffers (Sphoeroides maculatus), squid, weakfish, and Atlantic croaker accounted for 91% of the catches (Table 2, Appendix D). Total catch weights were greatest west of Cape Lookout (5,355 kg/trip), although summer flounder catches were largest north of Cape Hatteras (Table 3). Summer flounder, squid and weakfish dominated catches north of Cape Hatteras (94%), between Cape Hatteras and Lookout (78%) (Table 3) and overall catches October through February (Table 4). Northern puffers, summer flounder, and croaker dominated catches west of Cape Lookout in March and April. All but one of the 48 nearshore flounder catches sampled October 1990-March 1991 were from north of Cape Hatteras. Total catch weights ranged from 443 to 11,085 kg/trip and averaged 4,320 kg/trip (Table 1). Summer flounder, whelks (Busycon sp.), and squid accounted for 92% of the catches (Table 2, Appendix E). Summer flounder accounted for >80% of the catch weights in all months (Table 4) and both north and south of Cape Hatteras (Table 3). 8 Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1991 Summer flounder was the dominant species in the nearshore flounder fishery (68-92%) during the 1988-91 seasons as during 1982-88 (62-94%) (Ross 1991). Smaller catches of summer flounder have increased its fluctuations in relative abundance compared to incidental species during the last six seasons when compared to catches from 1982-85 (Table 5). The eleven species cited as dominant species, including weakfish, squid, and bluefish (Table 5) accounted for 87-97% of the nearshore flounder catches during the 1988-91 fishing seasons, whereas they accounted for 95-100% of the catches during 1982-88. The lower values during 1988-91 also reflected increased catches of northern puffers (particularly 1989-90) and reduced catches of weakfish and bluefish. Summer Flounder- CPUE. Landings and Size/Age Composition Summer flounder catches by the nearshore flounder fishery during the 1988- 91 fishing seasons continued the decline noted during the preceding three seasons (Ross 91). Seasonal mean catch/trip ranged from 2,285 to 3,679 kg/trip during 1988-91 (Table 5, Figure 2). The unweighed three-season mean (3,032 kg/trip) was 14% less than for 1985-88 and 62% less than for 1982-85. Correspondingly, mean catch/day, which ranged from 526 kg/day (1989-90) to 713 kg/day (1988-89) continued to decline (Table 5, Figure 2). The unweighed three-season mean (650 kg/day) was 14% less than for 1985-88 and 68% less than for 1982-85. Summer flounder CPUEs were lower in 1989-90 than in any season since 1982-83, although catches did improve in 1990-91. Summer flounder landings by the winter trawl fleet (all gears combined) in North Carolina declined during the 1988-91 fishing seasons and paralleled the declining CPUEs. Landings ranged from 1,105 to 2,326 mt during 1988-91 (Figure 2, Appendix A). The unweighted three-season mean for 1988-91 (1,706 mt) was 41% less than the 9-season mean, 36% less than for 1985-88, and 60% less than for 1982-85. Landings for 1989-90 and 1990-91 were the lowest seasonal totals since 1982-83. The northern ports, including Wanchese, dominated (78-91%) winter trawler landings of flounder during 1988-91 as they did from 1985 to 1988 (Appendix B.) 9 The size composition of summer flounder in nearshore catches reflected the combined effects of growth overfishing and the observance of the 13" TL minimum size limit. The overall size range, 271-760 mm TL in 1988-89, 294-710 mm TL in 1989-90, and 267-728 mm TL in 1990-91, was similar throughout the period (Figure 3, Appendix F). Most of the summer flounder were 331-460 mm TL (84%) in 1988-89 and 331-470 mm TL (83%) in 1989-90, but slightly smaller (84% were 321-440 mm TQ in 1990-91. The relative abundance of fish 401-500 mm TL (market grade=large) declined from 46% to 39% to 34%, and 500+ mm TL (market grade=jumbo) from 5% to 7% to 2% during 1988-91. Undersized summer flounder (<330 mm TL) encompassed 4.5-6% of the catches in 1988-90 and 8% in 1990-91. Comparing the relative abundance of various size classes of summer flounder during the last three seasons with previous years could be misleading due to the imposition of the 13" size limit. However, comparison of the 1988-91 unweighted three-season mean number of fish/trip/size class (= market grade) illustrates the level of reduced catches since the 1982-85 fishing seasons. The size limit has reduced catches of dabs (<300 mm FL) - ftom 1,714 to 4 fish/trip - and signifi- cantly reduced the number of small (351-400 mm TL) - from 5,551 to 883 fish/trip. Nevertheless, catches of larger grades were also notably less than during 1982- 85, with only 39% as many medium (350-400 mm TL), 53% as many large (401-500 mm TL), and 41% as many jumbo flounder (>500 mm TL) landed. However, in 1990-91 the catch/trip of medium summer flounder (350-400 mm TL) was the highest of the last three seasons and second highest in six seasons; the catch of large (401-500 mm TL) was the highest in six seasons; however, catches of jumbo summer flounder (>500 mm TL) were the lowest for the entire period. The age composition of summer flounder was extremely truncated, with greater than 90% of the fish less than four years old (Figure 4). The impact of the 13" size limit was apparent during the 1989-91 seasons, when one year old fish made up only 6% of the catch, whereas in previous years they accounted for 33-55% of the fish caught (Appendix G). Interestingly, the percent of three year old fish increased during the 1989-91 seasons. The apparent shift to the right in age composition was probably an artifact caused by the loss of one year old fish. 10 DEEPWATER FISHERY During the 1988-91 winter trawl seasons, 91 deepwater catches from offshore of Wimble Shoals to Cape May, NJ in depths of 38 to 128 m were sampled. The most frequently fished area was Norfolk Canyon (25%), while 33% of the catches were from Cape Hatteras to Cape Henry (including 15% from the Cigar), and 42% from north of Norfolk Canyon to off Cape May, NJ. Seasonal Catch Composition The 33. deepwater catches sampled during the 1988-89 season ranged from 1, 653-17, 598 kg/tri p and averaged 5, 633 kg/tri p (Tabl e 1) . Summer f I ounder (72%) dominated the catches and together with squid and black sea bass accounted for 95% of the total weight of the catches sampled (Table 6, Appendix H). Summer flounder dominated catches from December through March, although their average catch/trip and relative abundance were highest in December and January and declined through April (Table 7). Black sea bass, squid, scup and summer flounder were nearly equally abundant in April catches (Table 7). The 45 deepwater catches sampled during the 1989-90 season ranged from 1,057 to 12,935 kg/trip and averaged 4,269 kg/trip (Table 1). Summer flounder (39%) and black sea bass (25%) dominated catches and together with squid and scup accounted for 95% of the weight of the catches sampled (Table 6, Appendix I). Summer flounder and squid dominated catches in December and January (Table 7). The CPUE and relative abundance of summer flounder steadily declined through April. Black sea bass catches were largest in February and April and scup catches were largest in March. The 13 deepwater catches sampled during the 1990-91 fishing season ranged from 4,239 to 20,388 kg/trip and averaged 9,070 kg/trip (Table 1). Scup, summer flounder and Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) dominated the catches and together with squid accounted for 91% of the catches (Table 6, Appendix J). Summer flounder dominated catches in January and February, after which CPUE and relative abundance steadily declined through April. Scup dominated catches sampled in March, and Atlantic mackerel and scup dominated catches in April (Table 7). Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1991 The species composition of deepwater catches from the 1988-91 fishing seasons was very similar to catches from 1982-88, with the exception of a few catches sampled in 1990-91 (Tables 6 and 8). Scup, black sea bass and summer flounder were the target species and together dominated deepwater catches (78- 93%) from 1982-90. Although the relative abundance of each species fluctuated seasonally, the three fish species, together with squid accounted for 92-98% of the deepwater catches. During the 1990-91, black sea bass CPUEs reached their lowest level since 1982, while several catches (100+ boxes) of Atlantic mackerel were caught with deepwater flynets in March and April. Atlantic mackerel together with the 4 dominant species (including squid) in 1990-91 accounted for nearly 93% of the catches sampled. Although the species composition of the deepwater catches was consistent, the total catch weights during the last three seasons continued the decline noted during the 1985-88 seasons (Ross 1991). The target species combined--black sea bass, summer flounder, and scup--ranged from 8,319 to 12,400 kg/trip during 1982- 85, 5,785 to 8,659 kg/trip during 1985-88, and only 3,321 to 5,859 kg/trip during 1988-91. The unweighted three-season CPUE for the three target finfish species during 1988-91 was 33% less than during 1985-88 and 65% less than during 1982-85. Catches during 1990-91 were higher than during the previous three fishing seasons. Scup-CPUE, Landings and Size Composition Scup CPUEs steadily declined from 1982-83 (9,709 kg/trip) to a nine-season low during 1988-89 (107 kg/trip), but have increased during the 1989-91 fishing seasons (Table 8, Figure 5). Improved summer flounder catches could have resulted in a shift of effort during the 1988-89 fishing season. Nevertheless, unweighted three-season mean CPUEs for 1988-91 (1,436 kg/trip and 219 kg/day) were 30% less/trip and 50% less/day than during 1985-88, and 73% less/trip and 85% less/day than during the 1982-85 fishing seasons. Commercial landings of scup by the winter trawl fishery paralleled trends in CPUE. Landings reached the nine season low during 1988-89 and rebounded slightly thereafter (Figure 5, Appendix A). The three-season mean for landings 12 during 1988-91 (44 mt) was 38% of the landings during 1985-88 and only 13% of the 1982-85 landings. The increased landings (71 mt) in 1990-91 were still only 20% of the three-season mean for 1982-85 (349 mt). Virtually all scup landed in North Carolina came from trawlers packing in the northern counties (95-98%), primarily in the port of Wanchese (Appendix B) Scup length frequency distributions were unimodal and reflected continuing signs of growth overfishing during 1988-91. Scup ranged from 130 to 360 mm FL in 1988-89, 124 to 420 mm FL in 1989-90, and 99 to 356 mm FL in 1990-91 (Figure 6, Appendix K). The largest fish caught during each of the 1985-88 seasons exceeded 420 mm FL (Ross 1991). Most (90-93% seasonally) of the scup caught during 1988-91 were 151-250 mm FL. Growth overfishing was evidenced by the decl i ne. of f i sh >250 mm FL (market grades = medi um-l arge and I arge) . Seasonal ly, these fish accounted for 3-18% of the scup sampled during 1982-85, and 12-32% during 1985-88 but only 2-10% of the 1988-91 catches. Correspondingly, the number of scup >250 mm FL/deepwater trip declined from an unweighted three-season mean of 2,982 fish/trip in 1982-85 to 1,623 fish/trip in 1985-88 to only 313 fish/trip in 1989-91. Catches of larger fish have increased during the last two seasons from the low point in 1988-89; however, the mean catch for the best of the two seasons (739 large fish/trip - 1990-91) was only 33% of the unweighted mean catch/trip for the 1982-88 seasons (Ross 1991). Black Sea Bass - CPUE, Landings and Size Composition Black sea bass CPUEs were dramatically lower during the 1988-91 season than during the previous six fishing seasons (Table 8, Figure 7). Seasonal mean CPUEs during 1988-91 ranged from 142-1,044 kg/trip, and were less than both the unweighted mean CPUE for the 1982-91 fishing seasons and the mean catch/trip for any individual fishing season. The unweighted three-season mean (557 kg/trip) during 1988-91 was only 27% of the unweighted 1982-88 mean catch/tri p/ season. The seasonal trends in mean catch/day for black sea bass corresponded with those for mean catch/trip. The unweighted mean catch/day/season for 1988-91 was only 13% of the mean catch/day/season for 1982-88. Commercial landings of black sea bass declined during the last three seasons (Figure 7, Appendix A) with landings during 1990-91 the lowest since 13 1982-83. Seasonal landings ranged from 60 (1990-91) to 206 mt (1988-89). The average landings/season for 1988-91 was 33% less than for 1982-88. Most (78-81%) of the black sea bass caught by trawlers in North Carolina were landed in northern Pamlico Sound ports, and in particular, Wanchese (Appendix B). Black sea4 bass length-frequency distributions for the 1988-91 fishing seasons were unimodal and generally similar to catches from 1982-88 (Figure 8, Appendix Q. Black sea bass ranged from 136-567 mm TL in 1988-89, 162-610 mm TL in 1989-90, and 113-521 mm TL in 1990-91. Most (72-79% seasonally) of the black sea bass were 201-300 mm TL (market grades=small and medium). The relative abundance of large black sea bass (>350 mm TL; market grades=large and jumbo) was less than during the previous three-season periods. Whereas these fish accounted for 5.9-11.9% and 6.8-15.3% of the overall catches during the 1982-85 and 1985-88 fishing seasons, respectively, during 1988-91 black sea bass >350 mm FL accounted for only 4.4-7.1% of the catches sampled (Ross 1991). Summer Flounder - CPUE, Landings, and Size Composition Summer flounder catches in deepwater continued to parallel nearshore catch trends, with low CPUEs during two of the last three fishing seasons (Figure 2, Table 8). The CPUE of summer flounder in deepwater catches fell from 4,053 kg/trip during the 1988-89 season to 1,674 and 2,118 kg/trip during the next two seasons. Overall, the mean catch/trip of summer flounder during the 1989-91 seasons were less than the nine-season mean, 38% less than the unweighted seasonal mean for 1982-89, and were the two lowest seasonal means since 1982-83. Similarly, mean catch/day of summer flounder fell from 789 kg/day during 1988-89 (the highest value for the nine seasons) to 275 and 399 kg/day during the 1989-91 fishing seasons. Catch/day values during 1989-91 were the lowest seasonal means recorded since 1982, and 44% less than the unweighted mean for the 1982-88 fishing seasons. Summer flounder length frequency distributions for deepwater catches during the 1988-91 fishing seasons were unimodal and similar to nearshore catches (Figure 3, Appendix F). Summer flounder ranged from 258-738 mm FL, 251-734 mm FL, and 295-730 mm FL during the respective seasons, the minimums were greater and the maximums similar to those during 1985-88. Most (80%) of the summer 14 flounder were encompassed by the size ranges 321-440 mm TL in 1988-89, 321-460 mm TL in 1989-90, and 321-420 mm TL in 1990-91. The contribution of undersized flounder increased from 8.4%-9.3%-11.6% of the catches during the three seasons. The contribution of market grades 'large' (400-500 mm TL) and 'jumbo' (>500 mm TL) fell from 35 to 37% and 3 to 12%, respectively, during the 1988-90 seasons to only 27% and 2% of the 1990-91 catches. The relative abundance of large fish in deepwater catches, while fluctuating seasonally, has not changed dramatically since 1982. The seasonal mean catch/trip of large (401-500 mm TL) and jumbo (>500 mm TQ summer flounder ranged from 677 to 2,165 and 71 to 222 fish/trip, respectively during the 1988-91 seasons and for two of the three seasons exceeded the unweighted mean for the previous six fishing seasons (781 large and 108 jumbo fish/trip) (Ross 1991). FLYNET FISHERY From October 1988 through April 1991, 120 flynet catches (excluding deepwater flynet catches targeting scup) were sampled (Table 1). Fishing grounds ranged from off Chesapeake Bay to Frying Pan Shoals, although all but three of the catches were taken predominantly off North Carolina. Overall, 53% of the catches sampled were made between Chesapeake Bay and Wimble Shoals, 36% between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout, and 11% between Cape. Lookout and Frying Pan Shoals. The inception of the flynet season off North Carolina was late September-early October in waters between False Cape and Oregon Inlet. Seasonal Catch Composition - All Areas Combined Thirty-eight flynet catches sampled October 1988 through March 1989 included 23 catches from Wimble Shoals to north of Chesapeake Bay, nine catches between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout, and six catches between Beaufort Inlet and Cape Lookout Shoals (Table 1). Total catch weights ranged from 1,370 to 31,770 kg/trip and averaged 10,142 kg/trip. Weakfish (39%), Atlantic croaker (27%), and spot (13%) dominated catches, and together with bluefish and butterfish accounted for 91% of the catches (Table 9, Appendix M). Forty-two flynet catches sampled October 1989 through April 1990 included 29 catches from off the mouth of Chesapeake Bay to Wimble Shoals, nine catches from Cape Lookout to Cape Hatteras, and four catches from Frying Pan Shoals to 15 Cape Lookout Shoals (Table 1). Total catch weights ranged from 761 to 47,287 kg/trip and averaged 12,576 kg/trip. Weakfish (36%), Atlantic mackerel (21%) and Atlantic croaker (21%) dominated the catches, and together with bluefish and spot accounted for 93% of the catches (Table 9, Appendix N). Forty flynet catches sampled October 1990 through April 1991 included 12 catches from taken from Cape Henry to Wimble Shoals, 25 catches from Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout, and three catches from Beaufort Inlet to Cape Lookout (Table 1). Total catch weights ranged from 1,040 to 39,381 kg/trip and averaged 11,340 kg/trip. Weakfish dominated the catches (57%), and together with spot, Atlantic croaker, bluefish and butterfish accounted for 85% of the catches (Table 9, Appendix 0). Flynet catch composition during 1988-91 was similar among seasons, and when compared to previous seasons. Weakfish were dominant during 1988-91, as well as five of the previous six seasons (Table 9; Ross 1990, 91). Weakfish, Atlantic croaker, bluefish, spot and butterfish were the top five species during 1988-89 and 1990-91, and during five of the previous six seasons; in those seven fishing seasons they accounted for 85-96% of the catches. Atlantic mackerel were abundant in the catches sampled during the remaining two seasons, and when included with the other five species (=top six) accounted for 90-94% of the catch weights. North of Cape Hatteras Most of the flynet fishing north of Cape Hatteras occurred around Wimble Shoals and north to Oregon Inlet. The catches sampled from these waters were primarily from trawlers fishing out of Oregon Inlet and packing out in Wanchese. Overall, 53% of the flynet catches sampled during 1988-91 were made north of Cape Hatteras, including 60%, 69% and 24% during respective seasons. Mean catch weights ranged from 11,268 kg/trip in 1988-89 to 13,637 kg/trip in 1989-90. The unweighted three-season mean (12,212 kg/trip) was 25% less than the mean for the 1985-88 fishing seasons (Ross 1991) (Table 1). Weakfish dominated (30-50%) flynet catches north of Cape Hatteras, and together with croaker, bluefish, spot, butterfish and Atlantic mackerel accounted 16 for 89-95% of the catches each season (Table 10). Whereas catches of weakfish and croaker generally included a wide variety of species, catches of Atlantic mackerel and large bluefish were often essentially single species catches. Catches of croaker, spot and butterfish were generally largest in October and November. Weakfish were prevalent in October catches, but the largest catches occurred November through February. Catches of large bluefish occurred from December through March, while sizeable catches of Atlantic mackerel were sampled January through March (Table 11). Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout Trawlers flynet fishing between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout were typically from western Pamlico Sound fishing villages or the Beaufort-Morehead City fleet. Fishing generally began in November or December, with greatest fishing effort developing after nearshore flounder fishing declined. Overall, 36% of the flynet catches sampled during the 1988-91 seasons were from between the Capes, including 24%, 21% and 50% of the catches during respective seasons. Seasonal mean total catch weights ranged from 4,524 (1988-89) to 12,530 kg/trip (1989-90). The unweighted three-season mean (10,718 kg/trip) was 10% less than for 1985-88 (11,894 kg/trip) (Ross 1991) (Table 1). Weakfish dominated flynet catches between Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras each fishing season and accounted for 55-74% of the catches annually (Table 10). Weakfish, croaker, bluefish, and spot accounted for 81-91% of the catches sampled from 1988-91. Weakfish generally dominated catches from December through March, with the largest catches occurring December through February (Table 11). Croaker catches were typically largest in November and December, although one large catch was sampled in April 1991. Spot and butterfish catches were largest in November and December. West of Cape Lookout Flynet catches made west of Cape Lookout were only sampled during November through February, although the flynetting season in those waters was more protracted. Since much of the fishing effort produces large quantities of unmarketable-size foodfish for industrial uses (Ross 1990,1991), the legality of which is questionable (NC Marine Fisheries Commission 1991), sampling these 17 catches was not always possible. Overall, catches west of Cape Lookout accounted for 11% of the flynet samples, or 6-16% of the flynets sampled annually (Table 1). Since 1982, catches sampled west of Cape Lookout were usually made between Bogue Inlet and Cape Lookout; however, two catches sampled in 1990 were made between Topsail Inlet and Cape Fear. Seasonal mean total catch weights ranged from 5,031 (1989-90) to 15,966 kg/trip (1990-91). The unweighted 3-season mean of 14,329 kg/trip was 10% less than the mean for the 1985-88 fishing seasons. The dominance of weakfish in flynet catches west of Cape Lookout increased from 36-73% of the catches sampled during the 1988-91 fishing seasons (Table 10). Weakfish, croaker, and spot accounted for 82-90% of the 1988-90 catches. During 1990-91, weakfish, spot and menhaden accounted for 96% of the three catches sampled, and croaker catches were small. Discerning any seasonal trends in these waters was impossible since the number of catches sampled monthly was small (Table 11). Catch Composition 1982-91 The species composition of flynet catches from 1988-91 was predictable and consistent spatially and temporally, although the relative abundance of the species varied with both aspects (Tables 9, 10, and 11). Weakfish dominated flynet catches from off Chesapeake Bay to Cape Fear, and were abundant if not the dominant species in the catches from October through April. Atlantic croaker, spot and bluefish were occasionally dominant and consistently abundant in catches north of Cape Lookout, while croaker and spot were occasionally dominant and/or abundant in catches from west of Cape Lookout. Large bluefish and croaker occasionally dominated catches north of Cape Lookout and large catches of Atlantic mackerel were made north of Cape Hatteras. Butterfish, and northern and southern kingfish (Menticirrhus saxatilus and M. americanus) regularly occurred in flynet catches in all areas. The species composition of flynet catches during 1988-91 were very similar to those sampled from 1982-88 (Ross 1990,1991). Weakfish and croaker dominated catches throughout the period, although croaker were subject to greater fluctuations in relative abundance within areas and between years. Croaker occasionally dominated catches north of Cape Hatteras during October and 18 November; bluefish occasionally dominated catches December through April north of Cape Lookout, as did Atlantic mackerel north of Cape Hatteras. The relatively abundant incidental species including butterfish, spot and kingfishes, together with pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) and silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura) occurred in catches throughout the period. Excluding catches that were directed towards and exclusively Atlantic mackerel or spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), ten species accounted for 95% of the weight of the flynet catches each season from 1988-91 and 96-98% of the catches sampled from 1982-91 (Table 12). To represent trends in CPUE of weakfish, Atlantic croaker, bluefish, and spot, the following sections present overall flynet catch data, and also CPUE data for flynet trips which did not target spiny dogfish, Atlantic mackerel or striped bass. These catches are defined as "sciaenid-bluefish" flynet trips (Table 12) (Ross 1991). Weakfish - CPUE, Landings and Size Composition Weakfish dominated overall flynet catches during the 1988-91 fishing seasons, accounting for 36-57% of the catches seasonally (Table 9) as well as throughout thespatial range of the flynet fleet (Table 10). Weakfish catches were largest north of Cape Hatteras November through February, between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout December through March, and west of Cape Lookout November through February (Table 11). Seasonally, the largest mean CPUEs occurred west of Cape Lookout during 1988-89 (5,174 kg/trip) and 1990-91 (11,634 kg/trip) and between Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras during 1989-90 (6,845 kg/trip) (Table 10). The overall mean catch/trip of weakfish in sciaenid-bluefish flynet catches increased during successive fishing seasons from 1988-89 (3,394 kg) to 1990-91 (6,576 kg), although CPUEs were generally less than during the 1982-88 seasons (Table 12, Figure 9). The mean catch/trip during two of the three seasons was less than the nine-season mean, and the unweighted three-season mean for 1988-91 (5,273 kg/trip) was 25% less than the mean for 1982-88 (7,043 kg/trip). Similarly, mean catch/day during the 1988-90 fishing seasons (2,303 and 3,200 kg/day) was lower than the unweighted nine-season mean, although the mean for 1990-91 (4,665 kg/day) mean was the third highest seasonal mean since 1982-83. 19 The unweighted three-season mean (3,389 kg/day) was 11% less than for 1982-88. Commercial landings of weakf i sh by the wi nter trawl f 1 eet ranged f rom 1, 168 to 1,590 mt/season from 1988-91, and were the lowest seasonal totals since 1982 (Figure 8, Appendix A). Mean weakfish landings during 1988-91 (1,326 mt/season) were only 44% of the mean landings/season from 1982-88. As in previous years, most of the weakfish (56-80% seasonally) were landed in the southern ports of Craven, Carteret, Brunswick and Onslow counties (Appendix B). The size of weakfish captured by all winter trawl gears (virtually all from flynets) combined decreased during the 1988 through 1991 fishing seasons. Weakfish ranged from 121 to 800 and 135 to 895 mm TL during the 1988-90 seasons, respectively, but only 106 to 662 mm TL during 1990-91 (Figure 10, Appendix P). The percent of fish <300 mm TL (market grades = scrap and small (pan)) increased from 73% to 93% to 94%, and the percent of fish >300 mm TL (market grades = medium and large) decreased from 27% to 7% to 6% during successive fishing seasons. Catches of weakfish >300mm TL during 1990-91 were significantly reduced in catches by all winter trawl gears when compared with previous seasons. The size composition of weakfish differed between fishing grounds, with larger fish caught in more northern waters (Figure 10, Appendix P). A smaller percentage of unmarketable sized (<220 mm TQ weakfish were caught north of Cape Hatteras (1.8-16%) than between Capes Hatteras and Lookout (33-64%) and west of Cape Lookout (22-39%). The relative abundance of weakfish >300 mm TL declined from 44% to 16% north of Cape Hatteras, 24% to 1.2% and 3.6% between Capes Hatteras and Lookout, and 11% to 0.4% west of Cape Lookout. Weakfish >500 mm TL were only landed north of Cape Hatteras. These spatial patterns in the size composition of weakfish in flynet catches paralleled patterns noted in catches during previous fishing seasons (Ross 1990,1991). The size composition of weakfish has shifted towards smaller fish, continuing a trend noted in catches during 1985-88 (Ross 91). Weakfish 201-300 mm TL dominated catches during 1988-91 (53-75%) as well as from 1982-88 (60-78%) (Figure 10, Appendix P). However, the relative abundance of unmarketable sized 20 (<220 mm TQ weakfish has increased from 12-16% (1982-85) to 31-47% (1985-91). Weakfish >301 mm TL (market grades medium and large) accounted for 9-27% of the fish from 1982-89 but only 5-6% during 1989-91. Mean catch/trip/size class data confirms the decline of large weakfish in flynet catches. The range of CPUEs of weakfish 201-300 mm TL (8,077-34,546 fish/trip/fishing season) during 1982-89 encompassed the 12,337-32,578 fish/trip during 1989-91, and the mean for 1989-91 (22,457 fish/trip) was within 1% of the seven-season mean (22,457 fish/trip). However, catch/tri p/ season of fish >300 mm TL during 1989-91 (1,882 fish) was 66% less than for 1982-89 (5,542 fish). Weakfish age 0-11 were represented in winter trawl catches (all gears combined) during the 1988-91 fishing seasons, but the overall age composition was compressed towards younger fish (Figure 11, Appendix Q). Age 0 and 1 fish accounted for 70% of the weakfish sampled during 1988-89, and 87-88% of the 1989- 91 catches. Age 0 weakfish made up 4-5% of the catches during the 1982-86 seasons, 17-28% during the 1986-89 seasons, and 31-49% of the 1989-91 catches. conversely, weakfish age 2 and older accounted for 20-30% of the catches during 1982-89, but only 12-13% during 1989-91. During 1989-90, one vessel had two large catches of large weakfish, thus, the 4% 3+ year old fish, whereas during 1990-91, only 0.5% of the fish were 3+ years old. Atlantic Croaker - CPUE. Landings and Size/Age Composition Atlantic croaker was the second most important species in flynet catches during 1988-89, and third behind Atlantic mackerel in 1989-90 and spot in 1990-91 (Table 9). Catches of croaker were generally largest north of Cape Hatteras during the 1988-91 (Table 10), whereas from 1982-88 catches were largest west of Cape Lookout (Ross 1990, 1991). North of Cape Hatteras, croaker catches were largest during October and November; the mean catch/trip (3,353 to 1,531 kg) and relative abundance (29% to 13%) declined during successive seasons (Table 11). Between Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras, croaker catches were generally small (259-1,502 kg/trip/season) (Table 10), the largest of which were sampled November through March (Table 11). West of Cape Lookout, croaker catches declined from 4,101 to 1,370 to 141 kg/trip during successive seasons (Table 10). 21 The CPUE of croaker in sciaenid-bluefish flynet trips was comparatively low during the 1988-91 fishing seasons (Table 12, Figure 12). The mean catch/trip (708 kg) during 1990-91 was the lowest CPUE for the nine seasons, and the unweighed three-season mean (2,290 kg/trip) for 1988-91 was 40% less than for 1982-88 (3,744 kg/trip/season). The catch/day during 1990-91 (708 kg) was also the lowest seasonal mean, and the unweighted 1988-91 mean (1,410 kg/day) was 32% less than for 1982-88 (2,085 kg/day). Landings of croaker by the winter trawl fleet have declined and during the 1989-91 fishing seasons were the lowest since 1982-83 (Figure 12, Appendix A). Mean landings/season for 1988-91 (414 mt) were 50% less than for 1982-88. Landings of croaker were generally greater in Morehead City-Beaufort and southern Pamlico Sound ports (54%, 37% and 76% during successive seasons), but declined throughout (Appendix B). Seasonal length frequency distributions were increasingly bimodal and continued to reflect a growth overfished population (Figure 13). During 1988- 91, croaker ranged from 116-382 mm TL which was similar to the range for 1985-88 (124-385 mm TQ. However, the dominant mode encompassed smaller fish each year, shifting from 206-265 mm TL (69%) in 1988-89 to 185-240 mm TL (69%) by 1990-91 (Appendix P). Correspondingly, the relative abundance of fish <175 mm TL increased from 9.1% to 21.2% during the period while fish >250 mm TL decreased from 27% to 2.7%. Small croaker were more abundant in central and southern waters, although the central tendency of the length-frequency distributions was similar in all areas during the 1988-91 fishing seasons (Figure 13, Appendix R). Unmarketable- sized croaker (<225 mm TQ dominated catches in all waters, accounting for 50-84% north of Cape Hatteras, 73-90% between the Capes, and 60-97% west of Cape Lookout. Croaker 175-250 mm TL generally dominated all catches except that fish 125-175 mm TL dominated catches between the Capes during 1989-90 and west of Cape Lookout during 1990-91. The size composition of croaker during the 1988-90 fishing seasons was similar to catches from 1983-88, but the smallest fish noted during this project 22 occurred in 1990-91 (Appendix R). The central tendency of the length-frequency distributions has shifted towards smaller fish since 1982. Croaker 225-275 mm TL accounted for 60% of the catches during 1982-83, 200-250 mm TL fish accounted for 56-75% from 1983-90 and 175-225 mm TL fish accounted for 60% during 1990-91. Unmarketable-sized croaker (<225 mm TL) accounted for 25% of the catches in 1982- 83, 40-64% from 1983-90 and 81% from 1990-91 while fish >275 mm TL accounted 15% in 1982-83, 1-7% from 1983-90 and 0.2% during 1990-91. The age composition of atlantic croaker (all gears combined) was compressed towards younger fish during the 1988-91 fishing seasons, particularly when compared with 1982-88 catches (Figure 14, Appendix S). Age I fish have dominated catches since the 1983-84 season, but their relative abundance during 1988-91 increased from 76% to 96%, and was higher than preceding seasons (27-69%). Age 2 fish made up 39%-59% of the 1982-86 catches, 15-27% of the 1986-90 catches, and only 4% of the 1990-91 catches. Bluefish - CPUE, Landings and Size-Age Composition Bluefish were ubiquitous in winter trawl catches by all gears and in all areas during 1988-91. Bluefish were caught incidentally in flynet, nearshore flounder, and deepwater trawls. Large bluefish were occasionally targeted with flynets when market prices were favorable (2-4 samples/year) . Bluefish generally ranked in the top five species of finfish (kg/trip) each season for each gear (Tables 2, 6, and 9), as in previous seasons (Ross 1990, 1991). However, CPUEs of bluefish in flynets (605-879 kg/trip) exceeded those of nearshore flounder (24-56 kg/trip) and deepwater (31-65 kg/trip) catches. Bluefish catches increased from south to north (Table 10). The largest catches (1,091-1341 kg/trip/season) sampled were made north of Cape Hatteras, and during December, January and March (Table 11). Bluefish catches between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout ranged from 237 to 899 kg/trip/season, and sizeable catches occurred in January and February. West of Cape Lookout, bluefish were strictly an incidental catch (69-113 kg/trip/season). Bluefish CPUEs from flynet catches have fluctuated since the 1982-83 seasons with no trend evident. Mean CPUEs/season during 1988-91 were 23 intermediate for the nine seasons (Table 12, Figure 15). The unweighted mean catch/trip for the 1988-91 seasons (875 kg/trip) was 22% less than for 1982-88 (1 123 kg/tri p) . Since catches of large bluefish are landed sporadically, sampling error could explain the lack of trend. However, the unweighted three- season mean catch/trip of bluefish during 1988-91 was 70% less in nearshore summer flounder catches and 77% less in deepwater catches than during 1982-88 (Tables 5 and 8). Bluefish captured by winter trawls encompassed a broad size range, reflecting the importance of North Carolina waters as a wintering grounds (Figure 16). Larger bluefish were caught in more northern waters. West of Cape Lookout, 99-100% were <300 mm FL whereas large fish (>500 mm FL) accounted for 17-44% of the bluefish north of Cape Hatteras, and 0.2-20% between Cape Hatteras and Lookout (Appendix T). This same differential distribution with size was noted during 1982-88 (Ross 1990,1991). Bluefish length frequency distributions (all gears combined) during 1988-91 were multimodal and encompassed the full size range sampled since 1982 (Figure 16). Bluefish ranged from 184 to 842 mm FL, 156 to 825 mm FL, and 100 to 827 mm FL during the respective 1988-91 seasons, and 153 to 830 mm FL from 1982-88 (Ross 1991). During the 1988-89 and 1990-91 seasons, bluefish size frequency distribution had three modes: two modes (160-300 mm FL and 300-420 mm FL) which combined accounted for 72% and 94% of the fish during respective seasons; and large bluefish (>500 mm FL) which accounted for 25% and 4%. During 1989-90, bluefish <420 mm FL accounted for 73% of the catches, and fish >500 mm FL accounted for 22% Although the percent large bluefish (>500 mm FL) has declined from 51% during 1987-88 to 4% of the 1990-91 catches (Appendix T), growth overfishing is not necessarily indicated since this range of fluctuation was also observed from 1982 to 1987 and likely reflects the sporadic pattern of landings and marketing of large bluefish rather than availability. The overall age composition of bluefish in winter trawl catches during 1988 to 1991 (all gears combined) included ages 0-9 each season and was similar to previous years' catches (Figure 17, Appendix U). Age 1 fish dominated the catches during 1988-91 (56-82%) as they did from 1982 to 1988 (34-80%). 24 Nevertheless, older fish continue to be well represented most seasons, although their relative abundance varied seasonally without trend. Age 3+ fish accounted for 0.6-44% of the catches 1982-88 and 4-23% during 1988-91, while age 7+ bluefish made up 0.1-6% of the 1982-88 catches and 0.4-1.2% of 1988-91 catches. Spot - CPUE. Landings, and Size-Age Composition Spot were ubiquitous in flynet catches in all areas, but were never targeted and most were too small to be marketed for human consumption. Seasonally, spot made up 7-13% of all flynet catches and averaged 927 kg (1989- 90) to 1,325 kg/trip (1988-89) (Table 9). Mean CPUEs/season and the relative contribution of spot to total catch weight increased from north to south during 1988-91 (Table 10) as well as during 1985-91 (Ross 1991). The largest catches of spot occurred north of Cape Hatteras in October and November, between Hatteras and Lookout in December, and west of Cape Lookout November through January (Table 11). Mean CPUEs of spot in sciaenid-bluefish flynet catches have fluctuated with no trend since 1982 (Figure 18). The CPUEs ranged from 1,082 to 1,325 kg/trip and 657 to 795 kg/day during 1988-91, and each exceeded the nine-season mean (Table 12). The unweighted three-season mean CPUEs for 1988-91 (1175 kg/trip and 740 kg/day) were 32 and 37%, respectively, greater than for 1982-88. Commercial landings of spot by the winter trawl fleet have fluctuated since 1982 with no trend (Figure 18). The range (33-63 mt) and mean (44 mt) of landings/season for 1988-91 was slightly smaller than for 1982-88 (range=36-75 mt; mean=51 mt) (Appendix A). More spot (79-96%) were landed by trawlers which offloaded in southern fishing ports, as was the case in previous seasons (Appendix B, Ross 1991). Small, unmarketable spot dominated flynet catches every season. During 1988-91, spot size frequency distributions were unimodal with the majority of the fish 135-180 mm FL (Figure 19). Although they ranged from 93 to 263 mm FL, only 0.6-1.7% were marketable-sized spot (>195 mm TL). The 1988-91 spot size frequency distributions were analogous to those from 1982 to 1988 in which 95-97% were unmarketable (<195 mm TL; Ross 1991). Marketable spot (>195 mm TQ 25 accounted for 1.7-6.8% of the fish north of Cape Hatteras, and 0.1-1.2% of the fish south of Cape Hatteras (Appendix V). The age composition of spot in trawler catches has remained basically the same since 1982-83 (Figure 20, Appendix W). Ages 0 and I spot continued to dominate catches during 1988-91 (93-97%) as during 1982-88 (85-90%). However, the relative abundance of age 2+ fish declined from 12 to 15% during 1982-88 to only 3 to 7% during 1988-91. SCRAP FISH Sciaenid-Bluefish Flynet Fishery Flynets continued to produce the largest quantities of scrap fish landed by the trawl fishery (Ross 1991). To describe scrap fish trends in flynet catches, trips that targeted Atlantic mackerel or dogfish (Squalus acanthias or Mustelus canis) were excluded from analyses since they were essentially single species catches and/or contained no sciaenids. Seasonally, flynet trips north of Cape Hatteras averaged 3,064-5,232 kg/trip of scrap fish which accounted for 24-44% of those catches during 1988-91; between Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout scrap fish averaged 1,115-7,446 kg/trip and constituted 25-59% of the catches; and west of Cape Lookout scrap fish averaged 2,302-8,776 kg/trip and constituted 35-56% of the catches (Table 13). The species composition of the scrap was similar between areas and seasons. Weakfish, croaker and spot accounted for 75-81% of weight of scrap fish north of Cape Hatteras, 76-88% between the Capes, and 64-88% west of Cape Lookout during the 1988-91 seasons (Tables 14-16). Since 1982, weakfish, croaker, and spot together with bluefish and butterfish have dominated (77-95%) the weight of the scrap fish sampled from all flynet catches combined (Table 17). However, the relative abundance of these five species declined from 93 to 95% of the scrap during the 1982-85 to 89-91% during 1985-88 to 77-87% during 1988-91. The relative abundance of menhaden and pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) in the scrap increased south of Cape Hatteras during 1989-91. Scrap fish remained a large component of sciaenid-bluefish flynet catches, particularly since the 1984-85 season. Scrap fish accounted for 33739% of the 26 flynet catches sampled during the 1984-91 seasons, but only 13-17% of the 1982-84 catches (Figure 21a). CPUEs of scrap increased from 1,834 to 2,410 kg/trip/season from 1982-84 to 3,983-5,910 kg/trip/season from 1984-88 and 3,562- 4,393 kg/trip/season during 1988-91 (Figure 21b). Whereas the relative abundance of scrap fish in flynet catches corres ponded with reported landings of scrap fish through the 1988-89 fishing season, the two sets of data for 1989-91 produced contradictory trends due to non-reporting of scrap fish landings. The percent of scrap fish in the 'sciaenid-bluefish' flynet catches sampled and in the reported flynet landings (=winter trawl landings of weakfish, croaker, spot, bluefish, and butterfish) increased between the 1982-83 and 1984-85 fishing seasons and was greater than 30% of the catches through the 1988-89 season (Figure 22). However, while the percent of scrap in flynet catches sampled during the 1989-91 seasons remained between 35-39%, the percent of scrap fish to total landings declined to only 5-10% of 1989-91 landings (Figure 22, Appendix A). Most reported landings of scrap fish have come from Morehead City-Beaufort, where it is marketed for bait and industrial uses. During the 1982-89 fishing seasons, scrap fish accounted for 28-42% of the total winter trawler landings from southern Pamlico Sound ports (dominated by Beaufort- Morehead City trawlers), but only 1-9% of the landings in northern Pamlico Sound ports (Appendix B, Ross 1990, Ross 1991). During 1989-91, scrap fish accounted for only 7% and 1% of the reported landings in southern ports, whereas the percent of scrap fish in northern ports remained within the historical range. During 1990-91, the weight of scrap fish in the catches sampled in southern ports exceeded the reported landings. Nearshore Flounder Fishery Insignificant quantities of scrap fish were landed by the nearshore flounder fishery. During the 1988-91 fishing seasons, scrap fish accounted for <1% of the nearshore flounder catches north of Cape Lookout, and 11% (605 kg/tri p) of the catches 0 west of Cape Lookout (Table 13) . Croaker and spot were the main components of the scrap fish (Tables 14-16). The small amount landed by the nearshore flounder fishery was due to the use of large mesh tailbags (4 1/2 to 5-1/2 inch stretched mesh), low profile trawls, and greater culling at sea 27 since catches were small compared to flynet catches. This corresponded with findings from 1982-88 (Ross 1991). Deepwater Fishery The amount of scrap fish in the deepwater catches was generally not excessive. During the 1988-91 seasons, scrap fish accounted for 0.2-7.6% and 9- 688 kg/trip of the deepwater catches seasonally (Table 13). Increased scrap fish in 1990-91 catches was related to increased catches of scup in deepwater flynets, which historically have produced large catches of unmarketable-sized scup, (Ross 1990). Nevertheless, only four of 13 deepwater catches had >50 kg volumes of scrap. Scup have generally dominated the scrap fish landed by the deepwater fishery since 1982 (Table 14-16, Ross 1991). The small quantities of scrap fish landed in deepwater catches during 1988- 91 corresponded with findings during 1982-88 (Ross 1991). Minimal amounts of scrap fish were landed due to culling at sea and the use of large mesh tailbags when targeting summer flounder. Also, small scup (pin porgies) and 'mice' black sea bass are marketable, thus reducing the amount of discarded fish. AGGREGATE RESOURCE TRENDS Indices of aggregate abundance for species groups may reflect major changes in fishery resources (NEFC 1988). Data for these indices were derived from CPUE data (mean catch/trip and mean catch/day) from winter trawl fishery components including: 1. the 11 dominant species, including squid, which comprised 87-99% of the nearshore flounder fishery catches (Table 5); 2. the 8 dominant species, including squid, that comprised 98-100% of the deepwater fishery catches (Table 8); 3. the 11 dominant species in the sciaenid-bluefish flynet catches that comprised 95-98% of the flynet catches (this grouping excluded catches that targeted dogfish, striped bass (Morone saxatilis), and Atlantic mackerel) (Table 12); and 4. all finfish (and squid) in the winter trawl fishery by merging all catches sampled seasonally. 28 Total biomass caught on nearshore flounder fishery trips has declined since the 1984-85 fishing season (Figure 23a). Mean CPUEs were lower during the 1988- 91 seasons than during any previous sea son. The unweighted seasonal mean catch/trip for 1988-91 (3,394 kg/trip) was 28% less than for 1985-88 and 61% less than for 1982-85. Similarly, unweighted mean catch/day during 1988-91 (718 kg/day) was 36% and 67% less than during the 1985-88 and 1982-85 seasons respectively. The reduced CPUEs reflect primarily reduced catches of summer flounder, and secondarily, of weakfish and bluefish. The imposition of a 5 1/2 inch mesh tailbag regulation in state waters during the 1990-91 fishing season reduced the landings of dab and small flounder, as well as incidental groundfish and squid. However, the relative abundance and CPUE of summer flounder increased during 1990-91. Total biomass caught in deepwater trawls has generally declined since the projects inception. Mean CPUEs during the last four seasons were all lower than the first five seasons (Figure 23b). The unweighted seasonal catch/trip for 1988-91 (5,845 kg/trip) was 29% less than during 1985-88 and 52% less than during 1982-85 (11,440 kg/trip). The decline in catch/day was even more dramatic, as catches during 1988-91 (962 kg/day) were 40% less than during 1985-88 and 63% less than 1982-85 fishing seasons. During each of the last three seasons, black sea bass and bluefish CPUEs were lower than the species-specific nine-season means while summer flounder and scup were lower two of the three seasons. Fishing effort in deepwater was reduced during the 1990-91 fishing season because summer flounder were more concentrated in shallower, mid-shelf waters than along the shelf-edge. Thus, while CPUEs increased for virtually all species during 1990-91, fishing effort in deepwater was reduced and overall landings of the three dominant species was the second lowest total for the last nine fishing seasons (Figure 23b). Total biomass caught on sciaenid-bluefish flynet trips has declined during recent fishing seasons. Whereas CPUEs and landing were relatively stable through the 1987-88 season, both CPUEs and landings have recently declined (Figure 24a). The unweighted three-season means for 1988-91 (10,264 kg/trip and 6,473 kg/day) were 21% lower/trip and 11% lower/day than for the 1982-88 seasons. Croaker catches were lower all three seasons, and weakfish, bluefish and butterfish 29 catches were lower two of the three seasons compared with the species specific nine-season mean CPUEs. Combined landings of weakfish, croaker, spot, bluefish, and butterfish have steadily declined during the last three fishing seasons (Figure 24a). Total biomass caught by the winter trawl fleet, all gears combined, declined during the 1988-91 fishing seasons. Mean CPUEs and landings were lower than during any of the previous six seasons (Figure 24b). Unweighted three- season mean CPUEs during 1988-91 (7,147 kg/trip and 1,969 kg/day) were 22% and 27%, respectively, lower than for catches during 1985-88 and 37% and 45%, respectively, lower than for the 1982-85 seasons. Declining CPUEs translated into reduced overall landings of all species by the winter trawl fishery (Figure 24b). The winter trawl fleet landed 9,000-10,177 mt seasonally during 1982-85, but only 4,056-5,304 mt during 1988-91 seasons. The decline in the winter trawl fishery catches and landings paralleled marketable finfish landings in North Carolina from all fisheries combined (Table 18). Total edible finfish landings for all fisheries combined peaked in 1980 (41,000 mt), exceeded 28,000 mt from 1977 through 1985, but have fallen since 1985. Overall landings in 1989 and 1990 (20,501 and 21,684 mt) were 30% less than the mean for the previous ten years (1979-88), and the lowest since 1974. Even more dramatic has been the decline in overall landings (all fisheries combined) of the eight species that dominate winter trawl fishery landings (Table 18). The eight species produced peak landings of 30,527-33,526 mt during 1979- 80, but accounted for only 11,970-14,627 mt during 1989 and 1990, a 39% reduction in landings from the annual mean for the previous ten years. SUMMER FLOUNDER SPECIES SYNOPSES Summer flounder has traditionally been the most valuable component of the winter trawl fishery. During the last three seasons, summer flounder landings by the trawl fleet were valued at $4.1-5.7 million (Appendix B). This accounted for 28-44% of the poundage and 59-75% of the value of the marketable finfish landed by the fleet seasonally. The fishery produced 42-59% of all flounder (three species combined) landed commercially in North Carolina (Appendix A). 30 Landings of summer flounder by trawlers in North Carolina accounted for 23-44% of the east coast landings of between 1980-85 and 18-25% between 1986-90. Summer flounder landings during 1989-90 fell to the lowest levels since the early 1970s (Figure 25). Annual Atlantic coast commercial landings ranged from 9,904 to 19,004 from 1974 to 1988, but declined to 9,701 and 5,000 mt during 1989 and 1990, respectively. Annual North Carolina trawler landings of summer flounder, which ranged from 2,325 to 7,295 mt from 1973-1988, fell to 1,909 and 1,238 mt during 1989 and 1990, respectively. Landings during 1989 and 1990 were only 26% and 17% of landings during 1979 (7,295 mt). Catch per unit effort of summer flounder by North Carolina winter trawlers participating in the nearshore fishery remained low while deepwater CPUEs fluctuated. Continuing the trend noted for the 1985-88 fishing seasons, nearshore summer flounder CPUEs during 1988-91 declined 14% from the previous three years and were 62-68% lower than during 1982-88. Deepwater catches of summer flounder have not shown the same persistent decline, with seasonal mean CPUEs during 1988-89 among the highest, but 1989-91 the lowest CPUEs since 1982- 83. Age composition of summer flounder in North Carolina and along the east coast is severely truncated with over 90% of the catch age 4 or younger. Older age classes should be represented in the catch since this species lives to at least 15.years old (Dery 1988). Recent stock assessment information indicates that the summer flounder stock is over-exploited and the stock level is low (NOAA 1992). Recruitment has declined sharply over the last decade. The fishing mortality rate on fully recruited summer flounder was 1.1 in 1990. Thus, there is a five-fold difference between the Fm.. and the current F. In order to reach the defini*tion of overfishing in the fishery management plan (F ... =0.23), the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) recommended that current exploitation rates would have to be reduced by 73%. In the current draft of Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan for the summer flounder fishery, the MAFMC proposes to 31 meet this reduction by the 13" size limit, enacting a 5 1/2 minimum mesh size in the tailbag, and reducing harvest by implementing a quota management system. WEAKFISH Weakfish was the dominant species harvested with flynets during the 1988-91 seasons. Most were caught from Oregon Inlet to Beaufort Inlet, with smaller fish caught in more southern waters. During the last three seasons, weakfish landed by winter trawlers were valued at $0.8-$1.3 million, accounted for 27-30% of the weight, and 13-17% of the value of marketable finfish landed by the fleet. Trawlers produced 30-44% of the weakfish landed commercially in North Carolina. The 1990-91 season was the first since 1983-84 that trawlers landed more weakfish than ocean gill nets (primarily sink nets) (Appendix A). Commercial landings of weakfish have declined in recent years. Winter trawler landings and Atlantic coast commercial landings fell to the their lowest levels since 1970, while North Carolina landings were at their lowest level since 1971 (Figure 26). Although CPUEs of weakfish increased during 1988-91, catches were still 25% less than during the 1982-88 seasons. Conversely, the CPUE of weakfish in sink nets, which steadily increased from 1982 through 1987, declined precipitously through the 1990-91 season (Ross 1992). The contradictory trends reflected less frequent, but still sizeable catches of weakfish, coupled with declining effort by trawlers using flynets and instead shifting to other fisheries, ie. flounder fishing or scalloping. . The size composition of weakfish in trawl catches continued the shift towards smaller fish noted in 1985-88 catches (Ross 1991). This was also noted in sink net catches, where the reduced availability of larger fish. has necessitated the use of smaller mesh gill net to maintain productivity (Ross 1992). The size of weakfish recruiting to the recreational fishery in the mid- Atlantic has also decreased (ASMFC 1991). The age composition of weakfish in flynet catches was severely truncated, with over 87% of the catch during 1989-91 age 0 or 1. Older (6-10 years old) age 32 classes were represented during only one of the last three seasons., This trend was apparent in sink net catches during the last three seasons (Ross 1992). Weakfish continued to account for a significant component of the scrap fish landed by trawlers. During the 1988-91 fishing seasons, the average number of weakfish in the scrap increased from 8,900-18,900 fish/trip, which was in the range of catches during 1982-86, but less than during the 1986-88 fishing seasons. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has determined that weakfish were being overfished (Vaughn et al. 1991). Fishing mortality (F) is currently between 0.9 and 1.2, and has increased in recent years, even as landings have declined. Growth overfishing has been evidenced for several years based on commercial catches (Ross 1991). Recruitment overfishing may be showing early stages based on DMF juvenile survey data since CPUEs were lower during 1987-91 than 1981-86, and 1991 CPUEs were the lowest of the 13 years sampled (Tangedal 1992). Measures to reduce mortality by imposing minimum size limits and/or net mesh sizes, seasonal closures, and reductions in bycatch of juvenile weakfish are currently being considered for North Carolina fisheries. BLACK SEA BASS Black sea bass has traditionally been one of three dominant species in the deepwater component of the winter trawl fishery. However, they accounted for <2% of the deepwater catches sampled during 1990-91 as catches were greatly reduced. Overall, black sea bass were worth $153,000-$461,000, and accounted for 2-5% of the marketable fish landed by winter trawl fleet in North Carolina during the 1988-91 seasons. Trawlers accounted for 21-46% of the black sea bass landed in North Carolina and 12-17% of those landed from North Carolina to Maine (Appendix A). Commercial landings of black sea bass north of Cape Hatteras were highest during 1952 (9,900 mt) and declined steadily to 600 mt by 1971 (Figure 27). During the 1980s landings ranged from 1,100-1,900 mt and fluctuated without trend. Recreational landings account for a large percent of the black sea bass 33 caught annually. Annual winter trawl landings of black sea bass ranged from 71- 370 mt from 1980-1990. However, landings during the 1990-91 were only 30% of the previous two seasons, and the lowest seasonal total since the projects inception in 1982. Catch-per-unit-effort of black sea bass by winter trawlers has steadily declined since the 1984-85 fishing season. Reported CPUE data for the Mid- Atlantic trawl fishery in 1990 and the NEFC spring offshore bottom trawl survey during 1991 indicated comparatively small catches (NEFC 1991). The size composition of black sea bass in trawl catches has remained relatively constant since 1982. There has been a slight decline in jumbo (>350 mm TL) fish in recent years, but generally the harvest remained primarily small and medium (200-300 mm TL) fish. These primarily 2-3 year old fish dominated commercial landings north of Cape Hatteras (NEFC 1991). The biologically optimum age of first harvest for black sea bass is six years, to account for their hermaphroditic reproductive biology. Consequently, high pre-recruit indices from the NEFC survey corresponded to higher commercial landings two years later, but periods of high landings were brief. This suggests the incoming year classes are reduced rapidly by the fishery (NEFC 1991). Currently, the assessment information is insufficient to allow definitive understanding of the status of this stock, but the stock would appear to be fully exploited (NEFC 1991). Development of a stock assessment for black sea bass north of Cape Hatteras by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC)- MAFMC will begin in 1992. SCUP Scup is one of the three dominant finfish species in the deepwater trawl catches which are landed primarily from January through April. Virtually all are landed in the northern ports, particularly Wanchese. Scup landings were low during the last three seasons and valued at only $20,300-$82,300, which was 0.2%- 1.2% of the value of marketable fish landed by the trawlers. Scup accounted for only 0.3-1.8% of the marketable finfish landed by trawlers during 1988-91, down 34 from 3.3-4.7% of the 1982-84 landings. Trawlers produced all of the scup landed in North Carolina (Appendix A). Commercial landings of scup have steadily declined in recent years (Figure 28). Annual landings in North Carolina during 1988-90 (8-57 mt) were lower than any year since 1977 and less than 10% of the landings from 1979-1984. Commercial landings of scup from Virginia to Maine have also declined, with annual landings in 1987-89 the lowest since 1973. East coast landings of scup since 1967 were 50-80% less than during 1950 to 1964. The Virginia winter trawl fishery, which produced in excess of 5,000 mt during the early 1960s, has averaged less than 350 mt during the 1980s (NEFC 1991). Recreational catches, which represent 20-50% of the landings during the 1980s, in 1990 were 40% below the 1980-89 mean (NEFC 1991). Catch per unit effort of North Carolina trawlers declined to their lowest level in 1988-89, than rebounded slightly the next two seasons. This paralleled CPUEs of New England otter trawlers which also approached record lows during the 1989 fishing season and only rebounded slightly during 1990. Juvenile indices since 1981 have fluctuated widely, but appear to be trending downward (NEFC 1991). The size composition of scup in winter trawl catches continued to reflect signs of growth overfishing. The relative abundance and catch/trip of large (>250 mm FL) scup were lower during 1988-91 than during the previous six fishing seasons and much lower than were reported from catches during the 1930s (Ross 1991). Scup length frequencies from commercial and recreational fisheries from southern New England to New Jersey also have shifted to smaller fish, although the reported modes (24 cm) were slightly larger than fish landed in North Carolina (18-21 cm). The low CPUEs, reduced landings and truncated length frequency distributions evidenced in North Carolina trawler catches of scup in recent years confirm trends observed from Virginia to southern New England. Throughout the range, the fishery continues to direct harvest on increasingly young fish. The 35 NEFC considers the status of scup exploitation to be overexploited (NEFC 1991). The ASMFC-MAFMC will initiate a stock assessment of scup during 1992. BLUEFISH Bluefish were ubiquitous in all trawl catches, and large bluefish were occasionally the target species in flynet catches. Bluefish accounted for 3-5% of the marketable finfish landed by the winter trawlers during the 1988-91 seasons; they were valued at $44,000-$78,000, or approximately 1% of the total value of the marketable fish landed by trawlers, which produced 6-16% of the bluefish landed in North Carolina. The production of bluefish by trawlers in North Carolina compared to other fisheries has been low since 1984 (Appendix A), particularly in comparison with 1977 through 1983, largely because of the expansion of the sink net fleet (Ross 1990). Atlantic coast annual commercial landings of bluefish have exceeded 40,000 mt since 1973, whereas from 1950-1973 landings were less than 30,000 mt. North Carolina trawlers produced 10-26% (0.8-2.0 million mt) of the bluefish landed along the east coast during 1980-84, but only 2-8% (0.1-0.5 million mt) during 1988-90 (Figure 29). North Carolina has dominated bluefish commercial landings in recent years, although sink nets replaced otter trawls as the most productive gear. Catch-per-unit-effort of bluefish by trawlers declined during the 1988-91 fishing seasons. Bluefish catches by flynets during 1988-91 were intermediate in comparison to the 1982-91 seasons. Although flynets catches were only 22% less, deepwater and nearshore flounder catches of bluefish were 70-77% less than the 1982-88 mean. Recreational fishery CPUEs have been declining since 1982 (MAFMC 1989, NEFC 1991). Sink net CPUEs of large bluefish have increased while CPUEs of small bluefish have been stable since 1982 (Ross 1992). All sizes and ages of bluefish continue to be represented in trawler catches off North Carolina. Bluefish continues to be the only species that has not shown a systematic decline in the relative abundance of large/old fish in commercial catches. The size composition of bluefish in sink net catches has been similar to trawler catches since 1982. 36 Recent stock assessment of bluefish found the stock to be fully exploi ted (MAFMC 1989, NEFC 1991). There was no evidence of a systematic decline in year class strength since three strong year classes were produced during the 1980s. However, recreational CPUEs and landings have declined since 1981. Off North Carolina there has been evidence of a shift offshore and north of the main body of large bluefish, based on fishing patterns of the fishing fleet. This may be the result of progressively warmer winters and may have some bearing on reduced recreational catches, particularly spring catches around North Carolina and Virginia. ATLANTIC CROAKER Atlantic croaker was second to weakfish in importance to the flynet fishery off North Carolina. Since 1982, trawlers had accounted for 12-29% of the croaker landed in North Carolina, but during 1990-91 trawlers produced only 6% (Appendix A). Correspondingly, during the 1988-91 seasons, croaker accounted for a diminishing percent of the total trawler landings in terms of volume (12% to 10% to 4%) and value (6% to 6% to 2%). Commercial landings of croaker have exhibited two periods of high landings since 1950, with record landings during the late 1970s (Figure 30). Landings during the 1980s have generally been intermediate in range, but have declined in recent years. North Carolina has dominated Atlantic coast landings since 1962 and accounted for 68-98% during the 1980s. However, North Carolina annual landings during 1990 were the lowest since 1973, and 1987-90 landings were roughly one-third of peak landings during 1977-1980. Similarly , winter trawl landings in 1990 were the lowest recorded since 1950. Sink net landings during the 1990-91 season were the lowest since 1981 (Ross 1992. Catch per unit effort of croaker has generally declined. Flynet CPUEs during 1990-91 were the lowest recorded since the projects inception (1982). Similarly, sink net CPUEs of croaker have declined with 1989-91 catches lower than the previous six seasons (Ross 1992). Growth overfishing continued to plague the winter trawl fishery. Roughly 80% of the croaker landed were unmarketable size fish during the 1990-91 season, 37 an increase in smal-1 fish from the previous seven seasons when 40-64% were undersized. The relative abundance of 'medium-large' croaker continued to decline and accounted for less than 1% of the 1990-91 catches. The compressed age composition of croaker confirms this. The relative abundance of age I fish has increased while age 2 and older fish have decreased in recent years. Croaker have been grow th overfished and may be undergoing recruitment overfishing as well. Declining numbers of large fish and the steadily increasing dominance of unmarketable sized fish in the catches has been noted in the recent past (Ross 1991) and continued during the last three years. Signs of recruitment overfishing may be inferred from DMF juvenile survey data. Juvenile croaker CPUEs fluctuated with several high peaks from 1979 (first year of sampling) through 1987, after which CPUEs have declined, no strong year class was evidenced, and 1991 values were the lowest for the entire period (Tangedal 1992). Management measures to reduce bycatch and scrap fish landings of weakfish, particularly by shrimp and fish trawls, and long hauls could reduce fishing pressure on the co-occurring croaker during the next few years. MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The overall assessment of the winter trawl fishery at the end of the 1990- 91 fishing season was the same as at the end of the 1987-88 fishing season (Ross 1991). All principal species components of the fishery, except for bluefish, were characterized by reduced CPUEs, reduced landings, and compressed size/age composition compressed towards smaller/younger fish. All principal components of the winter trawl fishery have been assessed as overfished by MAFMC and/or ASMFC- Weakfish and summer flounder, the two most important species harvested by the fishery, have been assessed as severely overfished and the initial phases of regulations implemented. Black sea bass and scup, have recently been assessed to be overfished and FMPs will soon be implemented with regulatory action pending. Bluefish have been assessed to be fully exploited, regulatory action has been recommended to the states, and most states have complied with the plan. Atlantic croaker has been growth overfished, but no regulatory action is pending. 38 Increased size limits and gear restrictions (minimum mesh size tailbags) have been the initial regulatory thrust of the FMPs currently in place (summer flounder and weakfish) and for those proposed, but not yet approved (black sea bass and scup). The most critical need for this fishery is to increase the size of the fish harvested. These regulations should ultimately reduce the volume of undersized food fish discarded or marketed as industrial fish or crab bait. Benefits to the fishermen could be realized in the near future by increased yield per recruit if recruitment levels are not below average. The second phase of the FMPs, not yet instituted, are aime*d at reducing fishing mortality (F) on the fully-recruited age classes. This is to be accomplished by reductions in effort or landings through quotas and/or closed seasons. This could cause extreme hardships on the fleet. Closed seasons could result in increased fishing pressure on other fully exploited stocks (i.e., bluefish and croaker). The sink net fleet, due to the reduced availability of weakfish during the 1990-92 fishing seasons, shifted to other fisheries (bluefish, dogfish, tuna, and king mackerel). The winter trawl fleet has less flexibility. The bluefish market is easily glutted, dogfish is an alternative for some, but beyond these two species, the options are very limited. Since alternative species are unavailable to the winter trawl fleet, a reassessment of the weakfish, summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass stocks could be made after several years of enforced size limits and mesh size restrictions. Seasonal closures, based on quotas, could then be considered based on the updated assessments rather than projected levels of stock size based on 1980s data. The possibility exists that stock recovery could be faster than expected due to interactive effects of the various mesh size restrictions put in place on non-target species that are not fully accounted for in stock assessments. In other words, the 5-1/2" mesh size tailbag used in the summer flounder fishery will result in increased escapement of weakfish, bluefish, scup and black sea bass previously harvested incidentally during this fishery. A three in square mesh tailbag, likely to be imposed on the flynet fishery for weakfish, will increase the escapement of small croaker and spot. 39 Limited entry to the winter trawl fishery by recent participants only should be evaluated. This would ensure that those who suffer through periods of hardship imposed by FMP regulations will ultimately bear the fruits of improved fish stocks. This would also ensure that vessels from other fisheries that are currently in similar phases of overfishing and strict management measures being instituted (i.e., New England groundfish and scallop fisheries) do not shift into this fishery). Management of the fish stocks harvested by the fleet must be flexible enough to ensure fleet viability through the current period of strict regulations. Within the last five years and during the next several years, a previously unregulated fleet will suddenly have to deal with severe restrictions on virtually every species harvested and every net used. Long term stock rebuilding could minimize the loss of income to the fleet while allowing gradual increased biomass of adult fish due to mesh and fish size restrictions. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report would not have been possible without the field and technical assistance of Beth Burns, John Zuaboni, Tonya Stevens, Lele Judy, Chris Wilson, Greg Judy, Mike Pulley, Rick Monaghan, Jack Guthrie, Jim Francesconi, and Joe Andrews. Paul Phalen, Mike Tangedal, Diana Tootle, and Lisa Boddie provided invaluable help with computer processing and data retrieval. Meg Foward expeditiously drifted many of the figures. I am, as always, appreciative of Dee Willis for typing and compilation of the manuscript. Linda Mercer and Sara Winslow provided constructive reviews of the manuscript. Finally, I am especially grateful to the commercial fishermen, fish dealers, and fish processors who allowed us to sample their catches. 40 LITERATURE CITED Dery, L.M. 1988. Summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, p. 97-102, In: Penttila, J. and L.M. Dery (eds). Age Determination Methods for Northwest Atlantic Species, p. 97-102. NOAA Tech. Rep. MMFS 72, 135 p. DeVries, D.A. 1982. Age and growth of spot in North Carolina. Northeast Fish. Wildl. Conf. Apr. 13-15, 1982, N.J. (abstract). Hawkins, J.H. 1988. Age, growth, and mortality of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, in North Carolina, with a discussion of population dynamics. M.S. thesis. East Carolina Univ., Greenville, NC, 86 p. MAFMC (Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council). 1989. Fishery Management plan for the bluefish fishery, 76 p. 1990. Amendment #1 to the fishery management plan for the summer flounder fishery, 115 p. Massman, W.H. 1963. Age and size composition of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, from pound nets in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia 1954-58. Chesapeake Sci.4:43-51. Merriner, J.V. 1973. Assessment of the weakfish resource, a management plan, and aspects of life history in North Carolina. Ph.D. Diss. North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh, 201 p. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). 1992. Report of the thirteenth northeast regional stock assessment workshop (13th SAW), Fall 1991. NOAA/NMFS Northeast Fish. Sci. Cent. Ref. Doc. 92-02. North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission. 1991. North Carolina Fisheries Rules for Coastal Waters 1991. 201 p. Northeast Fisheries Center; Conervation and Utilization Division. 1991. Status of the fishery resources off the northeastern United States for 1991. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-F/NEC-86, 132 p. Ross, J.R. 1989. Assessment of the sink net fishery along North Carolina's Outer Banks, Fall 1982 through Spring 1987, with notes on other coastal gill net fisheries. NC Dept. Environ., Health.., and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish. SSR No. 50, 53p. 1990. Assessment of the North Carolina winter trawl fishery, September 1982-April 1985. NC Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish. SSR No. 53. 97 p. 41 1991. Assessment of North Carolina winter trawl fishery September 1985- April 1988. N.C. Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resours., Div. Mar. Fish. SSR No. 54., 80 p. 1992. Assessment of North Carolina sink net fishery, September 1987-April 1991. NC Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep., Proj. 2-IJ-32-1. Ross, J.R., D.A. DeVries, J.H. Hawkins, and J.B. Sullivan. 1986. Assessment of North Carolina commercial finfisheries. NC Dept. Nat. Resour, and Communi ty Devel op. , Di v. Mar. Fi sh. Compl . Rep. for Proi. 2-386-R, 418 p. Ross, S.W. 1988. Age, growth, and mortality of Atlantic croaker North Carolina with comments on population dynamics. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 117:461-473. Scarlett, P.G. 1982. Fishery management plan for the summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) fishery. ASMFC, Fish. Mgmt. Rep. No. 3, 80 p. Smith, R.W., L.M. Dery, P.G. Scarlett, and A. Jearld, Jr. 1981. Proceedings of the summer flounder (Paralichtys dentatus) age and growth workshop, 20-21 May 1980, NEFC Woods Hole, MA. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-F/NEC-11. Tangedal, M. 1992. Juvenile abundance indices for spot, Atlantic croaker, weakfish, southern flounder, blue crab, and brown shrimp from 1979-1991. NC Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish. unpublished manuscript. Vaughn, D.S., R.T. Seagraves, and K.West. 1991. Assessment of status of the Atlantic weakfish stock, 1982-1988. ASMFC Spec. Sci. Rep. No. 21, 29 p. Wilk, S.J. 1977. Biological and fisheries data on bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix (Linneaus). U.S. Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv. Tech. Ser. Rep. No. 11, 56 p. 42 Table 1. Monthly summary of sampling of winter trawl fishery from October 1988 to April 1991, by area fished (N = nor of Cape Hatteras; C = Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout; S = west of Cape Lookout) and gear (Flounder = flounder or combination nets fishing in depths generally <20 fathoms; Deepwater includes flounder nets, fLynets and combination nets used in waters >20 fathoms; FLynet denotes use of flynet; Crab denotes use of crab trawl); number of catches sampled. Catch weight (kq) Sample weight NO Year Month Area Gear n Mean Range Mean Ranae 1988 Oct N FLynet 3 16,521.8 11,007-27,215 257.6 105-51 N Flounder 3 867.0 2,601- 9,685 354.1 340-310 6 Nov N FLynet 5 20,725.2 9,072-36,299 188.4 91-29 S Ftynet 1 31,770.0 85.7 N Flounder 10 3,767.3 288- 7,588 221.5 86-361 Dec N Ftynet 1 4,010.3 226.7 C Ftynet 1 1,369.9 78.0 S Ftynet 3 10,186.5 3,220-14,169 112.1 95-121 N Flounder 1 431.0 126.5 N Deepwater 7 6,591.2 2,948-17,598 244.8 160-349 1989 Jan N Flynet 6 8,680.0 3,036-21,526 173.5 79-23 S Ftynet 1 18,261.6 123.2 1 N Flounder 3 3,813.4 1,108- 6,750 272.6 204-357 C Flounder 2 3,055.0 1,346- 4,764 249.2 227-272_ N Deepwater 8 7,654.0 2,106-15,021 232.1 130-341 Feb N Ftynet 1 7,082.0 226.7 C Ftynet 1 9,989.4 155.5 S FLynet 1 12,602.9 155.6 N Flounder 9 2,616.0 1,287- 4,570 228.7 183.3 N Deepwater 9 5,165.7 2,030-11,974 345.6 145-51 Mar N Ftynet 7 6,115.6 243-12,843 286.5 97-591 C FLynet 7 4,187.0 1,536-11,796 173.3 50-39_1 N Flounder 1 1,969.5 436.8 N Deepwater 7 2,954.8 1,653-4,528 349.0 206-518 Apr N Deepwater 2 5,562.6 2,942-8,183 281.6 131-431 1989 Oct N Flynet 4 14,429.2 8,241-23,385 125.5 92-178 N Flounder 1 2,954.1 362.9 Nov N FLynet 6 18,318.0 10,859-22,839 147.2 78-30J N Flounder 8 4,575.7 480- 7,165 253.7 0-385 Dec N FLynet 4 13,673.3 1,370-37,761 265.1 40-612 C FLynet 1 27,935.0 88.5 S FLynet 2 2,744.2 761- 4,727 65.2 5- N Ftounder 8 2,137.2 923- 3,363 191.4 0-370 C Flounder 3 2,557.5 941- 4,719 135.0 68-171 N Deepwater 4 3,145.3 2,179- 4,762 284.7 204-35@1 1990 Jan N FLynet 5 15,602.3 60217-47,287 249.0 68-639 C FLynet 1 7,485.5 272.2 S Flynet 1 8,585.8 109.4 N Deepwater 20 3,979.6 1,289-10,522 275.6 0-5021 Feb N FLynet 6 6,858.4 2 022-28,415 225.9 91-431 C FLynet 3 15,738.7 6:015-26,203 105.6 65-136 S FLynet 1 6,053.0 57.7 N Ftounder 1 2,415.0 136.0 C Flounder 2 1,957.9 739- 3,177 157.1 132-162 N Deepwater 9 4,783.7 1,135-12,935 271.4 111-3751 Mar N FLynet 3 18,329.5 6,808-41,246 238.7 88-493 C Ftynet 4 7,560.5 5,087-12,347 88.8 27-141 S Flounder 1 4,152.2 250.5 N Deepwater 8 4,860.4 1,057-10,344 259.2 13-5141 C Crab 2 993.0 975- 1,010 108.3 90-126 43 Table 1, Ilonlinuedl, Catch weight (kq) Sample weight (kq) Year Month Area Gear n -----Mean Range Mean Range Apr N FLynet 1 1,165.8 106.2 s Flounder 2 5,959.3 3,557- 8,361 186.9 174-200 N Deepwater 4 4,488.1 3,428- 5,411 326.1 287-363 1990 OCI N Flyne, 3 8,303,4 6,815-11,162 179*1 145,198 N Ftounder 1 7,724.0 385.2 Nov N Ftynet 5 14,155.8 6,628-22,710 150.6 140-168 c Ftynet 2 13,274.5 10,481-16,067 183.2 179-187 N Flounder 12 5,387.5 548-11,085 298.0 0-585 Dec c FLynet 3 21,793.2 8,234-39,381 131.5 43-218 N Flounder 15 3,088.4 443- 6,472 274.6 142-381 c F L otinder 1 1,357.2 222.8 1991 Jan N Flynet 2 17,341.6 10,477 -24,206 277.7 91-465 ynet 3 12,760.5 9,755-17, "8 115.6 83-164 s FLynet 2 22,408.1 4,531-11,340 149.5 147-152 N Flounder 7 4,855.3 461- 9,151 320.5 204-539 N Deepwater 2 5,638.2 4,674- 6,603 408.4 317-499 Feb N FLynet 1 1,039.7 0 c Flynet 8 7,273.8 2,504-15,682 123.9 54-246 s Ftynet 1 3,084.5 66.6 N Flounder 10 4,826.9 2,650- 8,814 278.1 179-431 N Deepwater 2 5,778.0 5,478- 6,078 328.0 296-360 Mar N FLynet 1 16,374.6 64.3 c FLynet 8 7,355.2 2,644-14,429 112.4 50-162 N Flounder 2 2,"0.0 1,803- 3,077 341.9 227-457 N Deepwater 3 10,642.6 4,239-16,940 208.3 68-390 Apr c Ftynet 1 16,740.0 51.9 N Deepwater 6 10,525.0 5,566-20,388 230.1 123-401 Table 2. Species composition, mean weight (kg) and mean number of fish per trip for the top 99% (by weight) of the nearshore flounder catches by season for October 1988 through April 1991, including numbers of catches sampled (n) and the percent of the total weight of the catches samples. Mean Mean Mean Weight (kg) no. Weight (kg) no. Weight (kg) no. Species Mean Percent fish Species Mean Percent fish Species Mean Percent fish 1988-89 (n=29) 1989-90 (n=26) 1990-91 (n=48) Paralichthys dentatus 3,133.7 91.7 3,731 Paralichthys dentatus 2,284.6 68.5 2,956 Paralichthys dentatus 3,679.1 85.2 5,399 Loligo pealii 74.4 2.2 Sphoeroides maculatus 265.0 8.0 100 Busycon sp. 171.2 4.0 Centropristis striate 39.0 1.1 93 Loligo Pealii 235.5 7.1 Loligo Pealii 109.1 2.5 Pomatomus saltatrix 25.1 0.7 4 Cynoscion regalis 148.7 4.5 263 Lophius americanus 64.6 1.5 Pogonias cromis 21.9 0.6 Micropogonias undulatus 51.4 2.4 582 Sphoeroides maculatus 58.2 1.3 48 Cynoscion regalis 17.8 0.5 21 Pomatorrus saltatrix 55.8 1.7 34 Pomatomus saltatrix 47.2 1.0 10 Mustelus canis 14.4 0.4 Archosargus Probatocephatus 50.9 1.5 8 Centropristis striata 27.7 0.6 98 Lophius americanus 14.0 0.4 6 Leiostomus xanthurus 34.1 1.0 542 Menticirrhus americanus 24.2 0.6 89 Micropogonias undulatus 14.0 0.4 71 Busycon sp. 28.1 0.8 Cyniscion regalis 20.4 0.5 43 Menticirrhus sp. 24.4 0.7 6 Morone saxatilis 17.5 0.4 3 Centropristis striata 24.1 0.7 48 Menticirrhus saxatilis 16.9 0.4 48 Peprilus triacanthus 20.3 0.6 270 Paralichthys lethostigma 14.0 0.3 16 Lophius americanus 14.6 0.4 Carcharhinidae 13.5 0.3 Menticirrhus saxatilis 13.8 0.4 71 Pepritus triacanthus 9.2 0.2 18 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 8.4 0.2 <1 Table 3. Species composition of nearshore flounder catches (top 99% by weight) partitioned by area fished from October 1988 through April 1991; n = number of catches sampled. Mean Mean Mean catch Mean catch Mean catch Mean weight no. weight no. weight no. species (kg) % TW fish Species (kq) % TW fish Species (kg) % TW fish NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT WEST OF CAPE LOOKOIJT 1988-89 (rr-27) 1988-89 (n=2) 1988-89 0=0) Paratichthys dentatus 3,157.3 92.6 3,738 Paratichthys dentatus 2,815.6 92.2 3,644 Lotig peatii 78.3 2.3 - Squaliformes ' 167.1 5.5 Centropristis striate 41.8 1.2 100 Lophius americanus 28.1 0.9 38 Pomatomus sattatrix 26.9 0.8 5 Lolig peatii 21.5 0.7 Pogonias cromis 23.6 0.7 - Cynosci regalis 10.2 0.3 12 Cynosci regalia 18.3 0.5 21 Pepritus triacanthus 9.5 0.3 66 Mustetus canis 15.5 0.5 - Micropogonlas undutatus 15.1 0.4 76 Lophius americanus 12.9 0.4 - 1989-90 (M18) 1989-90 (n=5) 1989-90 (n=3) Paratichthys dentatus 2,740.4 83.6 3,372 Paratichthys dentatus 1,201.3 51.9 1,895 Sphoeroides macutatus 1,935.1 36.1 Lolig Peatil 221.2 6.7 Lotig peatii 328.1 14.2 Paratichthy dentatus 1,355.0 25.3 2,224 Cynoscion regatis 128.1 3.9 168 Cynoscio regatis 277.6 12.0 543 Micropogonias undutatus 683.4 12.8 4,987 Pomatomus sattatrix 60.8 1.9 29 Sphoeroides macutatus 162.0 7.0 433 Archosargus Probotocephatus 404.8 7.6 Busyc sp. 45.6 1.4 Menticirrhus spp. 104.3 4.5 Leiostomus xanthurus 295.6 5.5 4,694 Centropristis striata 19.9 0.6 69 Pomatomus saltatrix 68.3 2.9 69 Lotigo Deatii 166.4 3.1 Lophius americanus 17.6 0.5 Centropristis striata 29.7 1.3 1 FeDritus triacanthus 129.5 2.4 1,947 Sphoeroides maculatus 15.2 0.5 Sicyoni brevirostris 27.2 1.2 - Menticirrhus saxatitis 76.3 1.4 450 Pepritus triacanthus 6.9 0.2 59 Seriota dumeriti 19.1 0.8 1 Mustelus canis 68.0 1.3 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 17.2 0.7 <1 Menticirrhus americanus 58.0 1.1 318 Paratichthy atbigutt 14.3 0.6 24 Cynosci regatis 56.9 1.1 368 Micropogonjas undulatus 12.2 0.5 27 Centropristis striate 40.1 0.7 - Archosargus probotocephatus 10.1 0.4 4 Menticirrhus saxatilis 8.4 0.4 51 Sciaenops oceltatus 6.8 0.3 <1 1990-91 047) 1990-91 (rr-1) Paratichthys dentatus 3,730.8 85.1 5,475 Paratichthys dentatus 1,250.4 89.4 1,838 Busycon sp. 174.8 4.0 Paratichthys tethostigma 84.4 6.0 141 Lotig pealii 102.2 2.3 Sphoeroides macutatus 54.4 3.9 Lophius americanus 65.9 1.5 Sphoeroldes macutatus 58.3 1.3 49 Pomatomm sattatrix 48.2 1.1 10 Centrooristfs striate 28.3 0.6 100 Menticirrhus americanus 24.8 0.6 91 Cynoscion regaLls 20.9 0.5 44 Morone saxatiLis 17.9 0.4 3 Menticirrhus saxatitis 17.3 0.4 49 Squatiformes 13.7 0.3 Paratichthys lethosti-qma 12.5 0.3 13 Peprflus triacenthus 9.4 0.2 18 Table 4. Monthly species composition (top 99%) and mean catch/trip of nearshore flounder catches sampled from October 1988 through March 1991; n = number of catches sampled. Mean Mean Mean Weight (kg) no. Weight (kg) no. Weight (kq) no. Species Mean Percent fis h Species Mean Percent fish Species Mean Percent fish 1988-89 1989-90 1990-91 Oct (n=3) Oct (n=l) Oct (n=l) Peralichthys dentatus 5,637.6 94.3 7,045 Paralichthy� dentatus 2,869.3 97J 3,597 Paralichthys dentatus 6,756.5 87.5 8,861 Pogonias cromis 212.1 3.6 Raychycentron canadum 52.6 1.8 3 Cynoscio regatis 272.2 3.5 1,007 Centropristis striata 38.0 0.6 150 Pomatomus sattatrix 25.9 0.9 7 Sphoeroides maculatus 181.4 2.3 - C)Moscion regalia 36.0 0.6 72 Peprilus triacanthus 147.4 1.9 - Pomatomus sattatrix 27.7 0.5 7 Menticirrhus saxatitis 144.8 1.9 366 Pomatomus sattatrix 73.5 0.9 5 LoLig pealii 56.7 0.7 Centropristis striata 43.1 0.6 155 Nov (rr-10) Nov (n=8) Nov (rr-12) Paratichthys dentatus 3,553.7 94.3 4,400 Paratichthys dentatus 4,308.1 94.2 5,457 Paratighthys dentatus 4,351.1 80.8 6,001 Lotig Peatli 98.3 2.4 - Lotigo Peatii 63.7 1.4 Busycon sp. 394.0 7.3 Pomatomus sattatrix 38.8 1.0 5 Cynoscio regatis 40.7 0.9 80 Sphoeroides macutatus 158.3 2.9 193 Cynosci regatis 36.3 1.0 35 Centropristis striata 40.0 0.9 139 Lotig pealii 92.5 1.7 Busyc sp. 15.8 0.4 - Busyco sp. 38.9 0.9 Menticirrhus americanus 55.3 1.0 155 Sphoeroides macutatus 27.5 0.6 Paratichthys dentatus 45.3 0.8 46 Pomatomus saltatrix 26.6 0.6 9 Pomatomus saltatrix 42.9 0.8 14 Theuthidida myopsid 35.9 0.7 Cynoscio regatis 35.9 0.7 74 Centropristis striata 34.0 0.6 113 4:. Menticirrhus saxatilis 33.7 0.6 71 CA Pogonias cromis 21.3 0.4 1 Carcharhinus spp. 17.9 0.3 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 17.5 0.3 <1 Dec (rr-1) Dec 0=12) Dec 0=16) Micropogonias undutatus 336.1 78.0 1,756 Paratichthy� dentatus 1,254.9 55.8 1,484 Paratichthys dentatus 2,523.5 84.2 2,978 Paratichthys dentatus 64.8 15.1 87 Lotig Pealii 364.3 16.2 Busycon spp. 123.8 4.1 - Leiostomus xanthurus 7.8 1.8 70 Cynoscion regatis 297.3 13.2 459 Pomatomus saltatrix 85.5 2.8 13 Lotig pq#W 7.7 1.8 - Pomatomus sattatrix 108.2 4.8 73 Loligo pealii 81.0 2.7 - Sphoeroides macuiatus 5.0 1.2 - Sphoeroides macutatus 70.4 3.1 197 Morone saxatitis 52.2 1.7 9 Cynosci regatis 3.6 0.8 - Busyco spp. 46.3 2.1 - Sphoeroides maculatus 39.9 1.3 - 14enticirrhus spp. 3.2 0.7 Henticirrhus sp. 46.0 2.0 Menticirrhus americanus 16.4 0.5 88 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 10.3 0.5 <1 Sciaenops ocetlatus 10.0 0.3 1 Centropristis striata 10.0 0.5 4 Peprilus triacanthus 9.1 0.3 7 SerioLa dumeriti 8.7 0.4 <1 Menticirrhus spp. 8.0 0.3 7 Menticirrhus saxatitis 8.0 0.4 21 Cynoscion regalis 7.5 0.2 6 Pepritus triacanthus 6.8 0.3 53 Centropristis striata 7.3 0.2 14 TabLe 4. (Continued). Mean Mean Mean Weight (kg) no. Weight (kq) no. Weight (kq) no. Species Mean Percent fish species Mean Percent fish Species mean Percent fish Jan (rr-5) Jan (no sanpLes) Jan (n=7) Paratichthys dentatus 3,247.6 92.5 3,899 Paratichthys dentatus, 4,407.5 90.8 7,854 Win Peatil 105.6 3.0 Lotigo Peatii 220.5 4.5 146 Carcharhimis sp. 66.9 1.9 Unidentified scrapfish 50.9 1.0 Busycon sp. 27.2 0.8 Menticirrhus americanus 30.1 0.6 137 Pomatomus sattatrix 22.2 0.6 4 Menticirrhus saxatitis 29.5 0.6 123 Lophlus americanus 19.0 0.5 17 Busyc spp. 23.3 0.5' Octopus 20.4 0.4 Pornatomus sattatrix 18.2 0.4 6 Cynoscion reAaHs 15.5 0.3 12 Feb (n=9) Feb (n=3) Feb 0=10) Paratichthys dentatus 2,239.5 85.6 2,317 Paralichthys dentatus 1,398.6 66.3 2,199 Paratichthys clentatus 4,241.3 87.9 6,877 Lotigo Peatli 171.7 6.6 13 Lotigo Pealii 368.8 17.5 Lophius americanus 287.8 6.0 - Centropristis striata 98.8 3.8 210 Lophius americanus 113.4 5.4 Busyc sp. 134.5 2.8 Mustetus canis 46.5 1.8 Sicyonia brevirostris 45.4 2.2 LoliA Peatii 60.9 1.3 Lophius americanus 34.5 1.3 10 Cynoscion regalis 31.8 1.5 17 Carcharhinidae 43.1 0.9 - Fomatomus sattatrix 16.2 0.6 4 Sphoeroides macutatus 30.2 1.4 Centropristis striata 34.3 0.7 74 Centropristis striata 24.3 1.2 5 Paratichthys atbigutta 23.8 1.1 40 Micropogonias undulatus 14.0 0.9 36 Menticirrhus saxatilis 0.7 86 4N Archosargus Probatocephalus 7.6 0.6 5 %4 Menticirrhus sp. 7.2 0.4 - Menticirrhus americanus 5.2 0.3 22 Mar (n=l) Mar (n=l) Mar (rr-2) Paratichthys dentatus 1,969.5 100.0 2,643 Sphaeroides nocutatus 2,211.3 53.3 - Paratichthys clentatus 1,993.3 81.7 3,452 Paratichthys dentatus 1,064.4 25.6 1,675 Centropristis striata 158.7 6.5 983 Archosargus Probatocephatus 408.2 9.8 127 Lophius americanus 108.2 4.4 Micropogonias undutatus 219.1 5.3 918 LoLigo Peatii 95.3 3.9 Menticirrhus saxatitis 98.8 2.4 Pomatornus sattatrix 78.1 3.2 21 Menticirrhus sp. 54.4 1.3 2 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 50.3 1.2 Apr (no sampLes) Apr (n=2) Apr (n=l) Sphoeroides waculatus 1,797.0 30.2 2,498 Paratichthys dentatus 6,756.5 87.5 8,861 Paratichthys dentatus 1,500.3 25.2 7,481 Cynosci regatis 272.2 3.5 1,007 MicropoAonias undulatus 915.5 15.4 7,041 Sphoeroides maculatus 181.4 2.4 Leiostmus xanthurus 443.4 7.4 Pepritu triacanthus 147.4 1.9 Archosargus Probatocephatus 403.0 6.8 Menticirrhus saxatitis 144.8 1.9 366 Loliao Pealii 249.6 4.2 2,739 Pomatornus sattatrix 73.5 0.9 Pepritus triacanthus 182.9 3.1 35 Lotig Peatii 56.7 0.7 Mustelus canis 102.0 1.7 553 Centropristis striata 43.1 0.6 155 Cynoscion regatis 85.3 1.4 447 Menticirrhus americamis 79.6 1.3 216 Menticirrhus saxatilis 65.1 l.i Centropristis striata 60.1 1.0 Table 5 Seasonal mean catch/trip (kg/trip) and catch/day (kg/day) for the dominant species in the 1982-91 nearshore f lounder trawl fishery, including the species percent of the total weight of the catches sampled. 9-season Season wean Species 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 1986-87 1987-88 1988-89 1989-90 1990-91 CPUE Paratichthys dentatus kg/trip @5,584 9,867 8,312 3,359 3,101 4,137 3,134 2,285 3,679 4,829 kg/day 2,261 2,219 1,652 762 787 996 713 526 711 1,180 % 93.7 93.3 88.6 74.2 62.0 81.5 91.7 68.5 85.2 Cynoscion regatis kg/trip 203 248 345 504 1,213 355 18 149 20 340 kg/day 85 57 56 114 305 85 4 30 4 82 % 3.4 2.4 3.7 11.1 24.3 7.0 0.5 4.5 0.5 Loliq PeaM kg/trip 85 131 209 106 128 78 74 236 100 129 kg/day 35 30 40 26 33 19 1 49 19 30 % 1.4 1.3 2.3 2.4 2.6 1.5 2.2 7.1 2.3 Pomatomus sattatrix kg/trip 30 125 202 118 153 220 25 56 47 109 kg/day 13 29 24 27 36 53 6 13 9 23 % 0.5 1.2 2.1 2.6 3.1 4.3 0.7 1.7 1.1 Menticirrhus saxatitis kg/trip 29 8 5 43 17 7 <1 30 24 18 kg/day B 2 1 9 B 2 < 7 3 5 % 0.5 0.1 0.1 1.0 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.9 0.6 Menticirrhus americanus kg/trip <1 3 5 41 14 18 <1 17 27 14 kg/day <1 1 1 8 7 5 <1 2 5 4 0 % <0.1 <0.1 0.1 1.0 0.3 0.4 0.1 0.5 0.6 Pepritus triacanthus kq/trip 4 30 8 21 36 13 1 20 19 17 kg/day 1 7 1 5 8 3 <1 1 2 3 % 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.5 0.7 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.4 Acip2nser oxyrhynchus kg/trip 7 7 17 7 7 6 1 6 8 7 kg/day 3 2 2 2 2 1 <1 1 2 2 % 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.2 Lophius americantis kg/trip 1 100 91 18 20 24 14 15 65 38 kg/day <1 23 5 4 5 6 3 3 13 8 % <0.1 1.0 1.0 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.4 1.5 Paratichthys tethostigma kq1trip 12 0 12 2 7 49 1 1 14 10 kg/day 5 3 <1 2 12 <1 <1 3 3 % 0.2 0.2 <0.1 0.1 1.0 0.3 <0.1 0.3 Micropogonfas undutatus kg/trip 2 4 8 59 165 32 14 81 2 41 kg/day <1 1 1 13 24 8 3 3 <1 6 % <0.1 <0.1 0.1 1.3 3.3 0.6 0.4 2.4 <0.1 Totals kg/trip 5,957 10,523 9,214 4,278 4,861 4,939 3,282 2,896 4,005 5,551 (11 species) kg/day 2,411 2,371 1,786 970 1,217 1,190 747 635 T71 1,346 % 99.9 99.7 98.5 94.7 97.2 97.3 96.9 86.8 92.7 Table 6. Species composition, mean weight (kg), and mean number of fish (Mean no. fish) per catch for the top 99% by weight of the deepwater catches for October 1985 through April 1988, including number of catches sampled (n). Mean Mean Mean Weight (kq) ' no. Weight (kq) no. Weight (kg) no. Species Mean % fish Species Mean % fish Species Mean % fish 1988-89 (rr-33) 1989-1990 0=45) 1990-91 (rr-13) Paratichthys dentatus 4,052.7 72.0 5,803 ParaLichthys dentatus 1,674.2 39.2 1,920 Stenotomus chrysops 3,598.9 39.7 17,606 Wig Pealij 813.8 14.4 Centropristis striata 1,044.5 24.5 3,606 Paratichth dentatus 2,118.0 23.3 3,551 Centropristis striata 485.0 8.6 1,345 Lolig peatij 712.4 16.7 - Scomber scombrus 2,095.6 23.1 4,985 Stenotomus chrysops 107.3 1.9 628 Stenotomus chrysops 603.0 14.1 2,382 Lotig peatii 419.9 4.6 Pomatomus sattatrix 61.1 1.1 24 Lophius americanus 59.5 1.4 16 Centropristis striata 142.2 1.6 233 Scomber scombrus 32.0 0.6 90 Pomatomus saltatrix 31.4 0.7 21 Lophius americanus 139.4 1'. 5 95 Lophjus; americanus 27.6 0.5 16 Pepritus triacanthus 29.9 0.7 203 Peprilus triacanthus 126.9 1.4 1,187 Cynoscion regatis 27.2 0.6 21 Mertuccius bitinearis 104.7 1.1 241 Merluccius bitinearis 26.8 0.6 40 Unidentified scrapfish 87.2 1.0 4@o Carcharhinus spp. 14.4 0.3 Ctupea harengus 65.6 0.7 430 Pomatomus sattatrix 64.6 0.7 68 Table 7. Monthly species composition (top 99%) and mean catch/trip of deepwater catches sanipted December 1988 through April 1991; n nunber of catches sanpled. Mean Mean Mean WeiSht (kg) no. WeiAht (kq) - no. WeiAht (kg). no. Species Mean Percent fish Species Mean Percent fish Species Mean Percent fish Dec 1988 Dec 1989 (n=7) (n=4) Paratichthys dentatus 4,999.4 75.9 7,316 Paratichthys dentatus 2,060.8 65.5 2,500 Lotig peatii 1,207.5 18.3 - Lotigo Peatii 817.8 26.0 Pomatomus sattatrix 164.1 2.5 51 Cynoscion regatis 77.5 2.5 79 Centropristis striata 137.0 2.1 131 Pomatomus saltatrix 52.7 1.7 9 Cynosci regatis 40.2 0.6 30 Centropristis strista 48.5 1.5 57 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 20.4 0.7 1 Stenotomus chrysops 12.6 0.4 Menticirrhus spp. 9.9 0.3 Seriota durwriti 8.4 0.3 CI Jan 1989 Jan 1990 Jan 1990 (rr-B) (n--20) (n=2) Paratichthys dentatus 6,690.6 87.2 9,557 Paratichthys dentatus 2,308.8 58.0 2,663 ParaLichthys dentatus 4,941,8 87.6 8,416 Lotig Peatii 646.9 8.4 - Lotigo peatii 869.9 21.9 Lotig peatii 232.5 4.1 - Centropristis striata 176.1 2.3 208 Centropristis striata 552.5 13.9 1,478 Centropristis striata 213.2 3.8 202 Pomatomus sattatrix 54.4 0.7 12 Stenotomus chrysops 62.1 1.6 159 Lophius americanus 157.9 2.8 - Lophius americanus 28.0 0.4 24 T-ophjus afne-r-T-canus 52.6 1.3 Mertuccius bitinearis 47.7 0.8 - Stenotomus chrysops 26.4 0.3 36 Mertuccius biLinearis 28.2 0.7 Stenotomus chrysops 23.8 0.4 96 Wenidia beryttina 23.9 0.6 Cynoscion regalis 19.9 0.5 14 Pepritus triacanthus 18.4 0.5 34 Ln Pomatomus sattatrix 14.0 0.4 2 CD Feb Feb Feb (rr-9) (n=9) (n--2) Paratichthys dentatus 3,683.3 71.3 4,681 Centropristis striata 2,596.2 54.3 8,929 Paralichthys dentatus 4,577.3 79.2 7,372 jakie pea i i i 651.3 12.6 - Paratichthys dentatus 1,573.2 32.9 1,686 Lotig peatii 467.2 8.1 Centropristis striata 628.7 12.2 1,700 Loticio Peatii 20.6 5.0 Lophius americanus 449.5 7.8 402 Stenotoous chrysops 97.6 1.9 480 Stenotomus chrysops 151.8 3.2 636 Centropristis striata 215.0 3.7 646 Lophjus americanus 43.3 0.8 16 Fo;h-ius ame-ric-a-nus 110.4 2.3 61 Busyc spp. 57.2 1.0 Poinatomus sattatrix 29.7 0.6 17 Pepritus triacanthus 67.7 1.4 545 Mar Mar Mar (n=7) (n=8) (n=3) Paratichthys dentatus 1,420.4 48.1 2,634 Stenotoms chrysop 2,538.5 52.2 9,958 Stenotomus chrysops 8,642.3 81.2 38,410 Centropristis striata 748.2 25.3 2,377 Centropristis striata 775.7 16.0 3,749 Paralichthys dentatus 1,171.7 11.0 2,181 Lotig Peatii 716.5 24.3 - Paratichthys dentatus 702.8 14.5 861 Pepritus triacanthus 306.8 2.9 2,389 Stenotomus chrysops 29.0 1.0 90 Lotigo peatii 573.0 11.8 Scomber scoffibrus 179.9 1.7 Lophius americanus 28.0 1.0 13 Lophius americanus 57.0 1.2 Lophius americanus 131.1 1.2 142 Cynoscio regatis 47.6 1.0 29 LoHA Peatil 80.6 0.8 Mertuccius bitinearis 46.6 1.0 197 Centropristis striata 65.1 0.6 99 Pepritus triacanthus 43.7 0.9 433 Tabie 7. (Continued). mean Mean Mean eight (kq) no. no. no. Species Mean Percent fish Species Mean Percent fish Se2cies Mean Percent fish Apr Apr Apr (n=2) (n=4) (rr-6) Centropristis striata 1,371.2 24.7 4,932 Centropristis striata 1,546.9 34.5 5,532 Scomber scombrus 4,450.6 42.3 10,800 Lolig Peatii 1,125.9 20.2 - Loligo peatii 1,157.5 25.8 Stenotomus chrysops 3,468.6 33.0 18,909 Stenotopus chrysops 1,117.8 20.1 7,813 Stenotmus chrysops 1,054.5 23.5 4,661 Paratichthys dentatus 828.7 7.9 1,341 Paratichthys dentatus 1,063.0 19.8 1,660 ParaLi@-h-thys dentatus 284.8 6.4 276 Wig Peatii 636.3 6.1 - Scomber scombrus 528.2 9.5 1,489 Carcharhinus sp. 162.4 3.6 Mertuccius bilinearis 209.1 2.0 521 Prionotus sp. 96.4 1.7 1,501 Poffetomus saltatrix 155.8 3.5 163 Unidentified scrapfish 189.0 1.8 - Pomatomus saltatrix 75.7 1.4 82 Meriuccius bilinearis 37.2 0.8 Ctupea harengus 142.2 1.3 932 Mertucclus bitinearis 46.9 0.8 120 Lophius americanus 36.2 0.8 Pomatomus saltatrix 135.5 1.3 147 Lophlus amerl anus 34.7 0.6 25 Centropristis striata 132.8 1.3 173 Pepritus triacanthus 121.0 1.1 11372 Table B. Seasonal mean catch/trip (kg/trip) and catch/day (kg/day) for the dominant species in the 1982-91 deepwater trawl fishery, including the species percent (%) of the total weight of the catches sampled. 9-season Season mean Species 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 1986-87 1987-88 1988-89 1989-90 1990-91 CPUE Stenotomis chrysops kg/trip 9,709 3,970 2,003 1,638 3,736 707 107 603 3,599 2,897 kg/day 2,836 1,232 397 282 852 149 21 100 535 712 % 72.8 40.5 17.3 22.7 38.3 10.8 1.9 14.1 39.7 Paratichthys dentatus kq/trip 1,377 .2,862 4,434 2,527 2,357 3,680 4,053 1,674 2,118 2,786 kg/day 408 492 749 434 537 778 789 275 399 540 % 10.3 29.2 38.2 35.0 24.2 56.2 72.0 39.2 23.4 Centroprfstis striate kq/trip 1,314 1,487 3,449 1,888 2,566 1,398 485 1,044 142 1,530 kg/day 199 334 563 324 585 296 94 179 27 288 % 9.9 15.2 29.7 26.2 26.3 21.4 8.6 24.5 1.6 Lotig PeaHi kg/trip 669 889 1,043 591 489 268 814 712 420 655 kg/day 78 137 177 101 112 57 158 118 79 113 % 5.0 9.1 9.0 8.2 5.0 4.1 14.4 16.7 4.6 Pomatomus sattatrix kg/trip 184 116 193 317 185 346 61 31 65 166 kg/day 35 40 13 54 42 73 12 5 12 32 % 1.4 1.2 1.7 4.4 1.9 5.3 1.1 0.7 0.7 Lophius americamis kg/trip 31 25 132 55 75 56 28 59 139 66 PQ kg/day 9 3 23 9 17 12 5 10 26 13 % 0.2 0.3 1.1 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.5 1.4 1.5 Pepritus triacanthus kg/trip 21 255 55 27 70 4 21 31 127 67 kg/day 4 85 12 5 16 1 1 5 12 16 % 0.2 2.6 0.5 0.4 0.7 0.1 <0.1 0.7 1.4 Mertuccius bitinearis kg/trip 17 62 23 13 63 21 8 27 105 37 kg/day 5 19 1 2 14 4 2 5 20 8 % 0.1 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.6 0.3 0.1 0.6 1.1 Totals kg/trip 13,322 9,666 11,332 7,056 9,541 6,480 5,558 4,181 6,715 8,205 (8 species) kg/day 3,574 2,342 1,935 1,211 2,175 1,370 1,082 693 1,110 1,721 % 99.9 98.7 97.7 97.9 97.8 99.1 98.7 97.9 74.0 Table 9. Species composition, mean weight (kg) and mean number of fish per trip, of the top 99% (by weight) of fLynet catches sampled from October 1988 through April 1991, including number of catches sampled (n). Mean Mean Mean catch Mean catch Mean catch Mean weight no. weight no. weight no. Species (kg) % TW fish Species (kg) % TW fish Species (kg) % TW fish 1988-89 (rr-38) 1988-89 (rr-42) 1990-91 0=40) Cynoscim regatis 3,999.4 39.4 15,355 Cynoscion regatis 4,502.7 35.8 16,397 Cynoscion regatis 6,412.1 56.6 42,238 Micropogonias undutatus 2,738.4 27.0 19,230 Scomber scombrus 2,660.0 21.2 9,131 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,088.7 9.6 19,825 Leiostomis xanthurus 1,325.5 13.1 21,449 Micropogonias undutatus 2,602.8 20.7 19,514 Micropogonias undutatus 1,068.2 9.4 11,269 Pomatomus sattatrix 878.6 8.7 743 Pomatomus sattatrix 971.6 7.7 1,069 Pomatomus sattatrix 605.0 5.3 1,545 Pepritus triacanthus 250.5 2.5 4,705 Lejostomus xanthurus 927.1 7.4 12,994 Pepritus triacanthus 490.0 4.3 8,361 Lagodon rhomboides 187.3 1.8 1,260 Pepritus triacanthus 189.7 1.5 3,529 Brevoortia tyrannus 338.5 3.0 2,498 Menticirrhus americanus 115.2 1.1 501 Stenotomus caprinus 89.1 0.7 2,393 Lagod rhomboides 285.4 2.5 8,797 Stenotomius sp. 109.2 1.1 2,753 Bairdietta chrysoura 78.2 0.6 1, T78 Scomber scombrus 187.9 1.7 470 Lotiq Peatii 73.8 0.7 16 Lotigo Peatii 69.2 0.6 118 Menticirrhus saxatilis 151.4 1.3 1,052 Pogonias cromis 63.9 0.6 - Urophycis Lnja 65.8 0.5 718 Menticirrhus americanus 94.1 0.8 529 Carcharhinus sp. 48.8 0.5 - Lagodon rhomboldes 51.7 0.4 1,278 Scomberomorus macutatus 84.3 0.7 410 Paratfchthys dentatus 40.3 0.4 84 Brevoortia tyramus 38.8 0.3 175 Pepritus atepidotus 82.6 0.7 1,894 Menticirrhus saxatitis 40.4 0.4 262 Carcharhinus sp. 36.2 0.3 Stenotomus caprinus 82.4 0.7 1,645 Bairdiella chrysoura 36.4 0.4 530 Menticirrhus saxatilis 32.0 .0.3 268 Anchoa hepsetus 43.5 0.4 3,133 Brevoorti tyrannus 33.1 0.3 241 Menticirrhus americanus 30.4 0.2 308 Unidentified scrapfish 40.9 0.4 Ln orthopristis chrysoptera 25.0 0.3 643 Orthopristis chrysoptera 29.5 0.2 564 Sphoeroides macuiatus 39.1 0.3 81 Archosargus Probatocephalus 18.4 0.2 4 Scomberomorus maculatus 18.6 0.2 35 Bairdietta chrysoura 37.3 0.3 @61 Stenotomus chrysops 18.2 0.2 499 Prionotus evotans 15.6 0.1 296 Mentfcirrhus spp. 22.8 0.2 Galaocerdo, cuvieri 17.9 0.2 Pepritus alepidotus 15.5 0.1 330 orthopristis chrysoptera 21.2 0.2 493 Centropristis striata 12.5 0.1 59 Stenotomus chrysops 14.2 0.1 308 Ctupea harengus 20.9 0.2 1,960 Cephatopoda 12.3 0.1 28 Scomberomorus cavalta 12.7 0.1 5 Lophius americanus 18.7 0.2 12 Rachycentro cana 9.2 0.1 1 Table 10. Species coffposition, mean weight (kg), and mean mmber of fish per trip of the top 99% (by weight) of the ftynet catches partitioned by area fished, from October 1988 through April 1991, including rurber of catches saffpted (n). Mean Mean Mean catch Mean catch Mean catch Mean weight no. weight no. weight no. Species (kq) % TW fish Species (kg) % TW fish Smcies (kq) % TW fish NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS 1988-89 (rr-23) 1989-90 0=29) 1990-91 (rr-12) Cynoscion regalia 3,947.3 35.0 9,510 Cynosci regatis 4,081.2 29.9 7,855 Cynoscion regatis 5,809.2 49.5 30,162 Micropogonias undulatus 3,353.2 29.8 19,851 Scomber scombrus 3,841.5 28.2 13,224 Micropogonias undutatus 1,530.6 13.1 13,352 Lelostomus xanthurus 1,432.4 12.7 20,195 Micropogonias undutatus 3,114.2 22.8 21,175 Pomatomus saltatrix 1,()91.0 9.3 620 pomatmus sattatrix 1,340.9 11.9 837 Pcxnatomus salt@-trjx 1,112.4 8.2 952 Ee-iostomus xanthurus 962.1 8.3 11,260 Peprilus triacanthus 351.7 3.1 6,701 Leiostomus xanthurus 574.1 4.2 5, 775 Scoffber scombrus 626.2 5.3 1,568 Stenotomus sp. 180.4 1.6 4,549 Pepritus triacanthus 197.9 1.4 3,506 Pepritus triacanthus 409.8 3.5 7,319 Lotig peaiii 121.9 1.1 - Stenotomus caprinus 129.1 0.9 3,466 Scomberomorus macutatus 252.8 2.1 1,218 Menticirrhu americanus 87.8 0.8 359 tigo peatij 94.3 0.7 94 Pepriius atepidotus 210.9 1.8 5,009 Carcharhimis sp. 80.6 0.7 - Zarcharhinus sp. 70.3 0.5 628 Stenotomus caprinus 158.2 1.4 2,878 Pogonias cromis 64.5 0.6 - 6-rthopristis chrysoptera 51.9 0.4 - We-nticirrhus americanus 80.8 0.7 419 Paratichthys dentatus 63.8 0.6 133 ic-;iZeromorus maculatus 41.6 0.3 790 Clupea harengus 69.7 0.6 6,535 Stenotomus chrysops 30.1 0.3 825 Pepritus atepidotus 26.9 0.2 51 Lophjus awericanus 61.8 0.5 40 Fa-teocerdo cuvieri 29.6 0.3 <1 Prionotus evolans 22.4 0.2 477 Orthopristis chrysoptera 61.8 0.5 1,413 Orthopristis chrysoptera 29.3 0.3 590 Menticirrhus saxatilis 20.7 0.2 421 Brevoortia tyrannus 38.9 0.3 144 Centropristis striata 20.5 0.2 88 Scomber sp. 19.6 0.2 161 Lotiq peaLii 37.4 0.3 113 Rachycentro canadun 15.1 0.1 1 icomberomorus cavatta 18.3 0.1 - Merluccius bitinearis 33.7 0.3 160 Lq Scoffberomorus cavalta 14.0 0.1 4 -nticirrhus americanus 17.9 0.1 7 oa hepsetus 31.3 0.3 3,446 4@b Sphaeroides maculatus 16.7 0.1 99 Chaetodipterus faber 29.4 0.3 510 Centropristis striata 16.5 0.1 384 Menticirrhus saxatilis 27.3 0.2 146 Stenotomus chrysops 13.9 0.1 147 Carcharhinidae 24.0 0.2 <1 Opisthonema ogtin 22.0 0.2 887 Bairdielta chrysoura 19.2 0.2 213 CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT (rr-9) (n=9) . 0=25) Cynoscion regalis 3,349.0 74.1 17,735 Cynosci regatis 6,845.3 54.6 43,5V Cynosci regatis 6,074.7 57.4 46,144 Leiostomus xanthurus 272.3 6.0 9,711 Leiostomus xanthurus 2,092.8 16.7 35,026 Lejostomus xanthurus 1,078.3 10.2 22,604 micropogonias undutatus 258.9 5.7 4,635 Micropogonies undutatus; 1,502.6 12.0 17,113 Micropogonias undutatus 957.6 9.1 11,287 Pomatomus saltatrix 236.8 5.2 620 P(xnat(xnus satt@t-rix 899.4 7.2 1,266 Pepritus triacanthus 578.6 5.4 9,708 Pogonfas cromis 105.1 2.3 <1 Bairdietta-chrysoura 347.4 2.a 8,035 Pornatamus saitatrix 434.0 4.1 2,089 Archosaraus [)robatocephatus 52.4 1.2 160 Pepritus triacanthus 229.2 1.8 5,048 Lagod rhomboides 425.4 4.0 13,037 Menticirrhus americanus 43.3 1.0 1,332 Brevoortia tyrannus 173.6 1.4 756 Brevoortia tyrannus 283.5 2.7 2,617 Lagodon rhomboides 36.0 0.8 4,069 Lagodon rhomboides 117.3 0.9 3,316 Menticirrhus saxatitis 229.2 2.2 1,612 Peprilus triecanthus 33.1 0.7 2,836 Menticirrhus americanus 84.0 0.7 1,118 Menticirrhus americanus 111.8 1.1 645 Bairdleit chrysoura 32.5 0.7 4,247 Menticirrhus saxatitis 82.6 0.7 731 Unidentified scrapfish 58.1 0.5 - Brevoortfs tyramus 23.9 0.5 1,633 Urophycjs Lffljq 80.4 0.6 1,328 Sphoeroides maculatus 57.6 0.5 60 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 16.9 0.4 3 Stenotomus caprinus 55.9 0.5 1,251 Sciaenops ocettatus 16.4 0.4 11 Anchoa hepsetus 54.1 0.5 3,327 Bairdietta chrysoura 42.4 0.4 874 Menticirrhus spp. 32.6 0.3 - Tabte 10. (Continued). Mean Mean Mean catch Mean catch Mean catch Mean weight no. weight no. weight no. Species (kg) % TW fish Species (kg) % TW fish Species (kg)- % TW fish WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT 1988-89 (rr-6) 1989-90 (n=4) 1990-91 (rr-3) Cynosclon regatis 5,174.7 36.2 34,190 Cynoscion regatis 2,287.8 45.5 17,306 Cynosci regatis 11,634.3 72.9 57,986 Micropogonias undutatus 4,100.9 28.6 38,783 Micropogonias undutatus 1,369.8 27.2 12,880 Brevoortia tyrannus 1,995.0 12.5 10,917 Leiostomus xanthurus 2,495.4 17.4 43,864 Lejostomus xanthurus 863.5 17.2 15,763 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,681.8 10.5 30,932 hagodon rhomboldes 1,124.2 7.8 7,120 Lagodon rhomboides 248.1 4.9 5,619 Lagodon rhomboides 255.2 1.6 8,518 Menticirrhu americanus 309.2 2.2 1,518 Pomatomus saltatrix 112.9 2.3 1,466 Micropogonias urxlulatus 140.9 0.9 2,788 Henticirrhus saxatitis 215.7 1.5 1,459 Pepritus triacanthus 41.1 0.8 281 Pmatoms saltatrix 86.0 0.5 707 Pepritus tplacanthus 188.4 1.3 3,638 Bairdietla chrysoura 39.3 0.8 590 Pepritus triacanthus 72.8 0.5 1,309 Brevoorti tyramus 170.6 1.2 1,235 Menticirrhys sp. 34.0 0.7 0 Balrdlett chrysoura 170.0 1.2 2,540 Pomatomus sattatrI4 69.0 0.5 564 Lotig sp. 66.4 0.5 175 Orthopristis chrysoptera 45.8 0.3 1,814 Odontapsfs taurus 45.4 0.3 Archosargus probatocephatus 36.6 0.3 Ln Ln 56 1 Table 11. Monthly species composition and mean catch/trip of dominant species (top 99% by weight) in fLynet catches from October 1988 through ApriL 1991, by area; n-number of catches sampled. a Weight Weight Weight Species Mean % Species Mean % Species Mean % NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT October 1988 (n=3) Micropogonias undulatus 6,828.2 41.3 Leiostomus xanthurus 3,308.5 20.0 Cynoscion regalis 2,421.7 14.7 Peprilus triacanthus 1,334.4 8.1 Stenotomus sp. 1,260.5 7.6 Pogonias cromis 267.5 1.6 Pomatomus saltatrix 260.0 1.6 November (n=5) (n=l) Micropogonias undulatus 11,172.6 53.9 Leiostomus xanthurus 9,944.8 45.6 Leiostomus xanthurus 4,349.3 21.0 Cynoscion regalis 7,535.2 34.6 Cynoscion regalis 3,296.3 15.9 Micropogonias undulatus 2,040.4 14 Peprilus triacanthus 476.3 2.3 Lagodon rhomboides 1,139.4 2 Menticirrhus americanus 396.7 1.9 Menticirrhus americanus 725.8 3.3 Pomatomus saltatrix 204.9 1.0 ParaLichthys dentatus 184.4 0.9 December (n=1) (n=l) (n=3) Cynoscion regalis 2,812.7 70.1 Cynoscion regalis 1,219.3 88.8 Cynoscion regalis 5,929.0 8 Pomatomus saltatrix 1,152.2 28.7 Leiostomus xanthurus 55.5 4.0 Micropogonias undulatus 3,767.6 27.8 Paralichthys dentatus 34.9 0.9 ParaLichthys dentatus 51.9 3.8 Lagodon rhomboides 1,849.7 13.7 Cynoscion nebulosus 7.7 0.6 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,372.7 l4.ll Bairdiella chrysoura 264.5 9 Menticirrhus americanus 177.9 1.3 January 1989 (n=6) (n=l) Cynoscion regalis 8,109.3 93.6 Micropogonias unduLatus 4,871.3 44.7 Leiostomus xanthurus 212.1 2.4 Cynoscion regalis 4,055.7 37 2 Loligo pealii 151.6 1.7 Brevoortia tyrannus 996.3 Paralichthys dentatus 63.6 0.7 Leiostomus xanthurus 556.6 Pomatomus saLtatrix 43.4 0.5 Menticirrhus americanus 217.7 2.0 February (n=1) (n=l) (n=1) Cynoscion regalis 4,115.0 58.1 Cynoscion regalis 8,283.2 82.9 Micropogonias undulatus 6,390.9 50.7 Peprilus triacanthus 1,664.7 23.5 Micropogonias unduLatus 625.8 6.3 Cynoscion regalis 1,670.7 13.3 Loligo pealii 1,224.7 17.3 Pomatomus saltatrix 235.2 2.4 Menticirrhus saxatilis 1,293.8 1 Pomatomus saltatrix 22.7 0.3 Brevoortia tyrannus 184.1 1.8 Peprilus triacanthus 1,078.7 8.6 ParaLichthus dentatus 21.3 0.3 Bairdiella chrysoura 164.6 1.7 Loligo sp. 398.2 3.2 Menticirrhus americanus 159.6 1.6 Menticirrhus americanus 377.9 Leiostomus xanthurus 141.6 1.4 Leiostomus xanthurus 352.9 PepriLus triacanthus 133.4 1.3 57 Table 11. (Continued). Weight Weight Weight Species Mean % Species Mean % Species Mean % NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT March (n=7) (n=7) Pomatomus saltatrix 3,943.1 64.5 Cynoscion regalis 2,948.4 70.4 Cynoscion regaLis 1,636.8 26.8 Leiostomus xanthurus 321.9 7.7 Carcharhinus spp. 175.0 2.9 Pomatomus saltatrix 270.9 6.5 Micropogonias undulatus 108.8 1.8 Micropogonias unduLatus 243.2 5.8 Pogonias cromis 97.2 1.6 Pogonias cromis 131.2 3.1 Loligo peaLii 66.6 1.1 Archosargus probatocephalus 67.3 1.6 Lagodon rhomboides 46.3 1.1 October 1989 (n=4) Micropogonias undulatus 8,396.4 60.3 Leiostomus xanthurus 3,118.2 22.4 PepriLus triacanthus 1,101.8 7.9 Pomatomus saltatrix 432.2 3.1 Stenotomus caprinus 249.8 1.8 Scomberomorus maculatus 165.1 1.2 Cynoscion regaLis 119.0 0.8 Carcharhinus sp. 92.6 0.7 November (n=6) Micropogonias undulatus 9,454.6 51.7 Cynoscion regalis 5,038.2 27.3 Leiostomus xanthurus 695.9 3.8 Pomatomus saltatrix 567.2 3.1 Stenotomus caprinus 457.3 2.5 Urophycis regia 324.2 1.8 LoLigo PeaLii 288.1 1.6 PepriLus triacanthus 201.9 1.1 Orthopristis chrysoptera 200.8 1.1 December (n=4) (n=l) (n=1) Cynoscion regaLis 9,404.4 69.0 Leiostomus xanthurus 11,758.0 42.1 Micropogonias undulatus 1,093.7 39.9 Pomatomus saltatrix 4,231.9 30.9 Cynoscion regalis 6,372.2 22.8 Leiostomus xanthurus 599.3 21.8 Micropogonias unduLatus 5,404.6 19.3 Cynoscion regalis 540.0 19.7 BairdielLa chrysoura 2,601.3 9.3 Lagodon rhomboides 158.1 5.8 Pomatomus saltatrix 729.3 2.6 Pomatomus saltatrix 97.6 3.6 Peprilus triacanthus 483.3 1.7 Peprilus triacanthus 68.3 2.5 Menticirrhus sp. 68.0 2.5 BairdieLLa chrysoura 57.5 2.1 January 1990 (n=5) (n=l) (n=1) Scomber scombrus 11,577.0 74.2 Pomatomus saLtatrix 7,296.0 97.5 Micropogonias undulatus 3,292.0 38.3 Cynoscion regaLis 3,290.3 21.1 SquaLus acanthias 147.4 2.0 Cynoscion regalis 2,905.3 33.8 Pomatomus saltatrix 572.1 3.7 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,562.4 18.2 Lagodan rhomboides 512.5 6.0 Pomatomus saltatrix 256.6 3.0 58 TabLe 11. (Continued). Weight Weight Weight Species Mean % Species Mean % Species Mean % NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT February (n=6) (n=3) (n=1) Cynoscion regaLis 5,431.9 79.2 Cynoscion regalis 13,955.7 88.7 Cynoscion regaLis 5,166.0 85.5 Scomber scombrus 840.7 12.3 Leiostomus xanthurus 862.6 5.5 Leiostomus xanthurus 693.0 1.5 Pomatomus saltatrix 497.3 7.2 Micropogonias undulatus 364.1 2.3 Lagodon rhomboides 163.9 .7 LoLigo pealii 70.8 1.0 Bairdiella chrysoura 147.6 0.9 Urophycis regia 137.5 0.9 March (n=3) (n=4) Scomber scombrus 16,339.7 89.1 Cynoscion regalis 3,342.2 44.1 Pomatomus saltatrix 1,444.8 7.9 Micropogonias unduLatus 1,756.7 23.2 SquaLiformes 293.0 1.6 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,122.4 14.8 PepriLus triacanthus 365.0 4.8 Brevoortia tyrannus 358.5 4.7 Menticirrhus saxatiLis 184.3 2.4 Menticirrhus americanus 134.2 1.8 ApriL (n=1) Cynoscion regaLis 734.4 63.0 Centropristis striata 262.7 22.5 Loligo peaLii 68.0 5.8 Scomber scombrus 22.7 1.9 Pomatomus saltatrix 21.8 1.9 Paralichthys dentatus 20.9 1.8 October 1990 (n=3) Leiostomus xanthurus 3,042.6 36.6 Micropogonias unduLatus 1,585.2 19.1 Cynoscion regalis 1,398.6 16.8 Peprilus aLepidotus 293.1 9.5 Scomberomorus maculatus 313.8 3.8 PepriLus triacanthus 276.0 3.3 Stenotomus caprinus 262.5 3.2 Chaetodipterus faber 98.5 1.2 Pomatomus saltatrix 88.8 1.1 November (n=5) November (n=2) Cynoscion regaLis 8,194.6 57.9 Peprilus triacanthus 4,161.1 30.6 Micropogonias unduLatus 2,722.2 19.2 Micropogonias undulatus 2,408.5 17.7 Peprilus triacanthus 7,665 5.4 Cynoscion regalis 2,353.4 17.3 Leiostomus xanthurus 483.6 3.4 Lagodon rhomboides 748.3 5.5 Pomatomus saLtatrix 442.3 3.1 Stenotomus caprinus 698.3 5.1 Scomberomorus macutatus 418.5 3.0 Sphoeroides maculatus 695.9 5.1 Stenotomus caprinus 222.1 1.6 Anchoa hepsetus 538.2 4.0 Menticirrhus americanus 163.9 1.2 Leiostomus xanthurus 472.6 3.5 Menticirrhus americanus 430.3 3.2 Peprilus alepidotus 331.8 2.4 Pomatomus saltatrix 322.7 2.4 59 Table 11. (Continued). Weight Weight Weight Species Mean Species Mean Species Mean % NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT December (n=3) Cynoscion regalis 17,282.4 79.4 Micropogonias undulatus 688.3 3.2 Lagodon rhomboides 424.8 1.9 Pomatomus saltatrix 390.2 1.8 Peprilus triacanthus 242.4 1.1 Menticirrhus americanus 171.8 0.8 January 1991 (n=2) January 1991 (n=3) January 1991 (n=20) Cynoscion regalis 12,015.0 69.3 Cynoscion regalis 9,575.7 75.0 Cynoscion regalis 15,949.8 71.2 Pomatomius saltatrix 5,250.5 30.3 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,485.6 11.6 Brevoortia tyrannus 2,978.2 13.3 Loligo pealii 40.2 0.2 Lagodon rhomboides 530.7 4.2 Leiostomus xanthurus 2,520.1 11.2 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 24.7 0.1 Pomatomus saltatrix 431.6 3.4 Lagodon rhomboides 371.5 1.7 PeoriLus triacanthus 296.4 2.3 Micropogonias undutatus 211.4 0.9 Brevoortia tyrannu 132.6 1.0 Powtomus saltatrix 129.0 0.6 Menticirrhus americanus 124.8 1.0 Pepritu triacanthus 107.4 0.5 February (n=l) February (n=8) February (n=l) Cynoscion regalis 512.1 49.2 Cynoscion regalis 3,670.8 50.5 Cynoscion regalis 3,003.3 97.4 Lophius americanus 414.6 39.9 Leiostpmus xanthurus 876.8 12.1 Brevoortia tyrannus 28.7 0.9 Pomtomus saltatrix 113.0 10.9 Pomatomus saltatrix 859.7 11.8 Lagodon rhomboides 22.7 0.7 Menticirrhus saxatiLis 567.5 7.8 Pepritus alepidotus 9.8 0.3 Laaodon rhomboides 536.7 7.4 Micropogonias undulatus 269.9 3.7 PepriLus triacanthus 240.8 3.3 March (n=1) March (n=8) Scomber scombrus 7,413.3 80.2 Cynoscion regalis 4,613.1 62.7 CLupea harengus 836.3 8.9 Leiostomus xanthurus 938.8 12.8 Merluccius bitinearis 403.8 4.3 Brevoortia tyrannus 639.6 8.7 Lophius americanus 326.9 3.5 PePrilus triacantnus 325.1 4.4 PepriLus triacanthus 254.8 2.7 Lagodon rhomboides 240.6 3.3 Lolig pealii 38.5 0.4 Menticirrhus saxatilis 130.4 1.8 Pomatomus saltatrix 107.7 1.5 Menticirrhus americanus 102.2 1.4 Menticirrhus sp. 98.9 1.3 Micropogonias undulatus 46.2 0.6 April (n=l) Micropogonias undulatus 14,491.0 86.6 Unidentified scrapfish 1,360.8 8.1 Leiostomus xanthurus 340.6 2.0 Cynoscion regalis 316.5 1.9 Table 12. Seasonal mean catch/trip (kg/trip) and catch/day (kg/day) for the dominant species in the 1982-91 fiynet fishery, including the species percent (%) of the total weight of the catches sampled. Season Species 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 1986-87 1987-88 1988-89 Cynoscion regalis kg/trip 6,782 9,384 4,780 6,696 7,818 6,800 3,994 kg/day 3,229 5,640 2,061 3,224 4,771 4,246 2,303 % 52.8 69.0 35.6 44.2 52.8 56.9 39.4 Micropogonias undulatus kg/trip 2,344 2,612 5,191 5,868 4,685 1,90 2,738 kg/day 824 1,338 3,441 2,826 2,856 1,230 1,610 % 18.2 19.2 38.6 38.7 31.6 16.3 27.0 Leiostomus xanthurus kg/trip 369 606 1,391 903 1,059 488 1,325 kg/day 191 353 878 435 646 308 768 % 2.9 4.5 10.4 6.0 7.2 4.1 13.1 Pomatanus saltatrix kg/trip 2,635 244 1,367 441 271 1,783 879 kg/day 1,334 141 626 214 165 1,128 516 % 20.5 1.8 10.2 2.9 1.8 14.9 8.47 Peprilus triacanthus kg/trip 202 48 248 361 160 382 250 kg/day 42 10 77 174 97 241 147 % 1.6 0.3 1.8 2.4 1.1 3.2 2.5 Brevoortia tyrannus kq/trip 6 18 26 176 43 89 33 kg/day 3 10 1.1 85 26 53 19 % <0.1 0.1 0.2 1.2 0.3 0.7 0.3 Menticirrhus americanus kg/trip 16 47 45 128 99 56 115 kg/day 5 28 29 63 63 34 67 % .0.2 0.4 0.3 0.8 0.7 0.4 1.1 Lagod rhomboides kg/trip 1 3 36 98 62 73 187 kg/day 1 2 26 47 37 46 1010 % <1 0.2 0.3 0.6 0.4 0.6 1.8 Menticirrhus saxatilis kg/trip 16 12 16 48 23 12 40 kg/day 3 7 10 24 15 7 24 % 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.4 Bairdiet chrysoura kg/trip 7 23 40 44 28 40 36 kg/day 3 14 26 21 17 25 21 % 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.4 Totals (10 species) kg/trip 12,378 12,997 13,140 14,763 14,248 11,667 9,543 kg/day 5,635 7,543 7,185 7,113 8,693 7,318 5,586 % 96.5 95.8 97.8 97.4 96.3 97.5 94.7 61 Table 11, Scrap component of winter trawl catches from Ollober 1988 through April 1991 by gear and area fished (North=north of Cape Hatteras; Centra(=Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout; South=west of Cape Lookout), including: number of catches in which scrap weight was obtained (n), mean total weight (x TW), mean weight of marketed fish (x market), mean total weight of scrap (x scrap) and percent of scrap (% scrap) in these catches. ALI weights are in kg. Year Area n x TW x Market scrap % scrap FLYNETS 1988-89 Worth 23 11,268 8,109 3,160 28.0 Central 9 4,519 3,403 1,115 24.7 South 6 15,532 6.756 8.776 56.5 Total 38 10,343 6,780 3,562 34.5 1989-90 North 29 13,643 11,198 2,445 17.9 Central 9 12,542 5,096 7, "6 59.4 South 4 5,032 2,730 2.302 45.7 Total 42 12,587 9,084 3,503 27.9 1990-91 North 12 12,315 6,763 5,553 45.1 Central 25 10,559 6,679 3,880 36.8 South 3 15.96 10,374 5.593 35.1 Total Z-0 11,491 6,981 4,510 39.3 NEARS"ORE FLOUNDER 1988-89 North 27 3,409 3,404 5 0.2 Central 2 3.055 3.055 0 0.0 Total 29 3,385 3,380 5 0.2 1989-90 North 20 2,956 2,956 0 0 Central 5 2,318 2,318 0 0 South 3 5.357 4.752 605 11.3 Total 28 3,099 3,034 65 2.1 1990-91 North 47 4,380 4,380 0 0 Central 1 1.357 1.357 0 0 Total 48 4,317 4,317 0 0 DEEPWATER 1988-89 North 33 5,626 5,603 23 0.4 1989-90 North 44 4,268 4,259 9 0.2 1990-91 North 13 9,070 8,382 688 7.6 62 Table 14. Species composition (top 99%) and mean catch/trip of scrap fish in fLynet, deepwater, and nearshore flounder trawl catches sampled from October 1988 through April 1989; n=number of catches in which scrap was sampled. I Mean fish Weight RD Number Weight Species Mean Percent Mean Percent FLYNET: NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS (rr-12) Leiostomus xanthurus 2,719.5 46.22 38,550 47.22 0.071 Micropogonias undulatus 1,538.2 26.14 12,909 '15.81 0.119 Cynoscion regatis 503.6 8.56 5,498 6.74 0.092 PepriLus triacanthus 493.4 8.39 11,422 13.99 0.043 Stenotomus spp. 345.8 5.B8 8,719 10.68 0.040 Stenotomus chrysops 57.8 0.98 1,581 1.94 0.037 Orthoeristis chrysoptera 56.2 0.95 1,130 1.38 0.050 Pomatomus sattatrix 53.9 0.92 409 0.50 0.132 Synodus foetens 16.3 0.28 127 0.16 0.128 Sphyraena borealis 14.6 0.25 162 0.20 0.090 Urophycis regia 12.8 0.22 89 0.11 0.145 Sphoeroides macuLatus 12.3 0.21 157 0.19 0.078 PepriLus aLevidotus 8.7 0.15 266 0.33 0.032 FLYNET: CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT (n=7) Cynoscion regalis 646.8 45.10 9,024 31.17 0.072 Leiostornus xanthurus 321.2 22.40 12,210 42.18 0.026 Micropogonias undutatus 193.4 13.49 5,261 18.17 0.037 Pomatomus saLtatrix 86.6 6.04 741 2.56 0.117 Lagod rhomboides 46.3 3.23 581 2.01 0.080 BairdieLta chrysoura 41.8 2.91 607 2.10 0.069 Brevoortia tyrannus 30.7 2.14 233 0.81 0.132 Menticirrhus americanus 27.8 1.94 48 0.16 0.58Z Peprilus triacanthus 16.0 1.12 142 0.49 0.113 Paratichthys dentatus 8.4 0.59 19 0.06 0.450 Urophycis regia 5.3 0.37 9 0.03 0.569 Alosa aestivalis 3.0 0.21 22 0.08 0.140 FLYNET: WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT Cn=6) Leiostomus xanthurus; 2,482.6 32.88 43,772 43.20 0.057 Micropogonias undulatus 2,000.4 26.50 23,875 23.56 0.084 Cynoscion regalis 1,234.8 16.36 15,589 15.39 0.079 Lagodon rhomboides 1,124.2 14.89 7,120 7.03 0.158 8revoortia tyramus 170.6 2.26 1,235 1.22 0.1 BairdielLa chrysoura 170.0 2.25 2,540 2.51 0.0., Peprilus triacanthus 97.7 1.29 2,718 2.68 0.036 Cephatopoda 66.4 0.88 175 0.17 0.380 Pomatomus sattatrix 54.3 0.72 525 0.52 0.103 Menticirrhus saxatilis 48.0 0.64 524 0.52 0.092 Orthopristis chrysoptera 45.8 0.61 1,814 1.79 0.025 NEARSHORE FLOUNDER: ALL AREAS (n=2) Micropogonias undulatus 64.1 94.27 393 91.82 0.163 Leiostomus xanthurus 3.9 5.73 35 8.18 0.111 DEEPWATER: ALL AREAS (n=3) Stenotomus chrysops 141.1 52.56 1,661 55.15 0.085 Prionotus spp. 64.3 23.96 1,000 33.22 0.064 Centropristis striata 24.5 9.12 184 6.11 0.133 Paralichthys dentatus 18.9 7.04 59 1.96 0.320 Urophycis regia 14.3 5.33 72 2.38 0" 200 Lotigo pekii 5.4 2.00 36 1.18 0.150 63 Table 15. Species composition (top 99%) and mean catch/trip of scrap fish in fLynet, deepwater, and nearshore fLounder trawl catches in which scrap was sampled during October 1989 through April 1990; rr-number of catches in which scrap was sampled. Mean fish Weight (kq) Number weight S pecies Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) FLYNET: NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS (rr-13) Micropogonias urdulatus 3,350.4 47.53 28,438 33.88 0.118 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,541.6 21.87 15,855 18.89 0.097 Cynoscion regatis 441.5 6.26 2,940 3.50 0.150 Stenotomus caprinus 374.3 5.31 10,050 11.97 0.037 Pepritus triacanthus 255.8 3.63 6,926 8.25 0.037 Pomatmxjs sattatrix 230.8 3.27 1,186 1.41 0.195 Urophycis reqia 197.0 2.79 1,801 2.15 0.109 Orthopristis chrysoptera 120.5 1.71 2,291 2.73 0.053 Prionotus evoLans 64.9 0.92 1,221 1.45 0.053 PepriLus atepidotus 64.6 0.92 1,380 1.64 0.047 Menticirrhus saxatitis 56.2 0.80 452 0.54 0.124 Sphoeroides macuLatus 48.3 0.69 1,113 1.33 0.043 Synodus foetens 39.5 0.56 701 0.84 0.056 Prionotus scituLus 37.4 0.53 1,127 1.34 0.033 Anchoa hepsetus 33.4 0.47, 3,215 3.83 0.010 CaLLinectes larvatus 33.1 0.47 828 0.99 0.040 Stenotomus chrysops 27.1 0.39 937 1.12 0.029 Prionotus tribuLus 25.9 0.37 5'M 0.69 0.045 Lolig PeaLif 20.4 0.29 273 0.32 0.075 Centropristis striata 19.2 0.27 270 0.32 0.071 Prionotus carotinus 19.2 0.27 581 0.69 0.033 Lagodon rhorboides 12.2 0.17 135 0.16 0.090 Portunus sp. 8.3 0.12 828 0.99 0.010 Monacanthus hispidus 7.1 0.10 232 0.28 0.031 Menticirrhus &Toericanus 4.7 0.07 36 0.04 0.130 ILYNIT: CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE IOOKCUT ln@81 Cynoscion regatis 4,036.5 48.2 22,839 23.1 0.177 Leiostomus xanthurus 2,286.7 27.3 38,798 39.2 0.059 Micropogonias undutatus 1,013.9 12.1 14,137 14.3 0.072 BairdieLLa chrysoura 381.8 4.6 9,040 9.1 0.042 PepriLus triacanthus 191.8 2.3 4,781 4.8 0.040 Lagod rhomboides 132.0 1.6 3,730 3.8 0.035 Pomatomus sattatrix 99.2 1.2 1,122 1.1 0.088 Urophycl's regia 86.2 1.0 1,469 1.5 0.059 Menticirrhus americanus 48.4 0.6 1,039 1.1 0.047 Menticirrhus saxatiLis 33.7 0.4 393 0.4 0.086 Brevoortia tyrannus 32.0 0.4 851 0.8 0.038 Stenotomus chrysops 24.2 0.3 403 0.4 0.060 FLYNET: WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT (rr-4) Leiostomus xanthurus 793 *0 34.5 15,389 41.8 0.052 Cynoscion regaLis 600.1 26.1 6,402 17.4 0.094 micropogonias undutatus 493.1 21.4 6,752 18.3 0.073 Lagodon rhomboides 248.1 10.8 5,619 15.3 0.0" Pomatomus sattatrix 88.3 3.8 1,466 4.0 0.060 BairdielLa chrysoura 39.3 1.7 590 1.6 0.067 Brevoortia tyrannus 16.4 0.7 133 0.4 0.124 Peprilus triacanthus 12.2 0.5 281 0.8 0.043 Orthopristis chrysoptera 8.5 0.4 200 0.5 0.043 Peprilus alepidotus 0.4 CO.1 12 <0.1 0.035 64 Tabte 15. (Continued). Mean fish Weight (kg) Number weight Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) NEARSHORE FLOUNDER: ALL AREAS (n=l) Leiostomus xanthurus 886.8 48.9 14,081 52.6 0.063 Micropogonias unduLatus 333.2 18.4 4,084 15.3 O.Oa2 PepriLus triacanthus 275.2 15.2 5,478 20.5 0.050 Lotig peatii 150.5 8.3 0.050 Menticirrhus americanus 35.5 2.0 322 1.2 0.110 Orthopristis chrysoptera 30.1 1.7 430 1.6 0.070 Cynoscion regatis 26.9 1.5 322 1.2 0.083 Sphoeroides macutatus; 21.5 1.@ 430 1.6 0.050 Urophycis regia 18.3 1.0 322 1.2 0.057 Lagodon rhomboides 15.0 0.8 430 1.6 0.035 Prionotus evotans 9.7 0.5 107 0.4 0.090 Prionotus scitulus 3.2 0.2 215 0.8 0 015 Decapterus punctatus 3.2 0.2 107 0.4 0:030 Citharichthys spp. 3.2 0.2 215 0.8 0.015 Anchoa mitchitH 2.1 0.1 215 0.8 0.010 DEEPWATER: ALL AREAS (n=l) Mertuccius bitinearis 227.8 55.8 1,427 40.5 0.160 Stenotomus chrysops 69.3 17.0 729 20.7 0.095 Urophycis chuss 48.0 11.8 516 14.7 0.093 Squalus ac-anthias 33.1 8.1 547 15.5 0.061 Lotiq @-eaiii 8.5 2.1 121 3.4 0.070 Prionotus carotinus 7.6 1.9 121 3.4 0.063 Atosa Pseudoharengus 7.3 1.8 30 0.9 0.243 Scomber scombrus 6.7 1.6 30 0.9 0.223 65 Table 16. Species composition (top 99%) and mean catch/trip of scrap fish in fLynet, and deepwater trawl catches in which scrap was sampled during October 1990 through April 1991; n=nLinber of catches from which scrap was sampled. Mean fish Weight (kq) Number weight Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) FLYNET: NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS (rr-9 ) Cynoscion regalis 2,734.0 38.00 20,023 23.96 0.137 Micropogonias undulatus 1,525.5 21.20 15,930 19.06 0.096 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,102.8 15.33 14,219 17.01 0.078 PepriLus triacanthus 367.8 5.11 8.055 9.64 0.046 Scoffberomorus maculatus; 317.5 4.41 1,673 2.00 0.190 PepriLus alepidotus 270.2 3.76 7,017 8.40 0.039 Stenotomus caprinus 237.3 3.30 4,316 5.16 0.055 Pomatomus saltatrix 186.2 2.59 379 0.45 0.492 Orthopristis chrysoptera 92.7 1.29 2,119 2.54 0.0" Brevoortia tyrannus 58.3 0.81 216 0.26 0.270 Anchoa hepsetus 47.0 0.65 3,169 6.19 0.009 Chaetodipterus faber 44.0 0.61 765 0.91 0.058 Opisthonema ogtin 33.0 0.46 1,330 1.59 0.025 BairdieLLa chrysoura 28.7 0.40 320 0.38 0.090 Synodus foetens; 28.6 0.40 316 0.38 0.090 Urophycjs regia 20.8 0.29 173 0.21 0.120 Menticirrhus saxatilis 19.6 0.27 115 0.14 0.170 Menticirrhus americanus 18.1 0.25 161 0.19 0.112 FLYNET: CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT (n=25) Cynoscion regaLis 1,261.8 32.04 16,599 23.08 0.076 Leiostomus xanthurus 804.4 20.43 18,3" 25.51 0.0" Micropogonfas undulatus 4514,6 14*08 8,254 11,48 0,067 Lagodon rhomboides 394.1 10.01 12,067 16.78 0.033 Brevoortia tyrannus. 281.1 7.14 2,589 3.60 0.109 Peprilus triacanthus 208.5 5.29 5,387 7.49 0.039 Pomatomus saLtatrix 172.0 4.37 1,601 2.23 0.107 Stenotomus caprinus 55.9 1.42 1,251 1.74 0.045 Anchoa hepsetus 54.1 1.37 3,327 4.63 0.016 Bairdielta chrysoura 31.7 0.81 710 0.99 0.045 Peprilus aLepidotus 29.3 0.74 580 0.81 0.051 Menlicirrhus saxatilis 24.7 0.63 337 0.47 0.073 Menticirrhus americanus 18.5 0.47 1 0.20 0.128 FLYNET: WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT (n=3) Cynoscion regatis 2,7B4.3 39.80 35,591 38.53 0.078 Brevoortia tyrannus 1,995.0 28.52 10.917 11.82 0.183 Lejostoffus xanthurus 1,611.3 23.03 30,018 32.50 0.054 Lagodon rhomboides 255.2 3.65 8,518 9.22 0.030 Micropogonias unduLatus 108.1 1.55 2,490 2.70 0.043 Pomatomus sattatrix 86.0 1.23 707 0.77 0.122 Bairdietta chrysoura 67.5 0.96 2,005 2.17 D.034 Pepritus triacanthus 55.4 0.79 1,085 1.17 0.051 DEEPWATER: ALL AREAS (rr-4) Stenotomus chrysops 1,407.1 62.96 12,995 77.94 0.108 Gnathosomata 283.5 12.68 - - - upea harengus 213.3 9.55 1,397 8.38 0.153 MerLuccius biLinearis 134.1 6.00 768 4.60 0.175 Loligo PeaLii 60.8 2.72 - - - C, Pepritus triacanthus 52.7 2.36 1,071 6.43 0.049 Urophycis regia 34.6 1.55 190 1.14 0.182 Scomber scoffbrus 26.8 1.20 108 0.65 0.249 TabLe 17. Dominant species in scrapf ish f rom sciaenid-bLuef ish f lynet catches sampted during 1982-91 f ishing seasons. Spec i es Mean % Spec i es Mean % Swies Mean % 1982-83 (n=14) 1985-86 (n-22) 1988-89 (n=25) Micropogoni s undutatus 1,314.7 40.2 9,097 Micropogonias undutatus 2,500.7 41.9 28,157 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,991.1 39.5 32,428 as- Cynosci regatis 801.5 24.5 10,594 Cynoscio regatis 1,449.1 24.3 17,166 Micropogonias unduLatus 1,272.6 25.3 13,400 Leiostomus xanthurus 624.9 19.1 9,761 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,014.0 17.0 14,704 Cynoscion regaLis 719.2 14.3 8,907 Pomatomus saLtatrix 290.7 8.9 1,849 PepriLus triacanthus 228.1 3.8 4,916 Lagodon rhomboides 284.7 5.6 1,916 Pepritus triacanthus 56.2 1.7 1,056 Brevoorti tyrannus 208.1 3.5 2,483 PepriLus triacanthus 264.8 5.3 6,175 Pornatomus; sattatrix 156.9 2.6 1,800 Stenotomus, sp. 166.0 3.3 4,185 Pomatomus saLtatrix 63.2 1.2 530 1983-84 (rr-14) 1986-87 0-29) 1989-90 (n=22) Micropogonias unduLatus 1,212.8 44.1 13,353 Cynosci regaLls 2,486.3 39.9 28,069 Micropoganias undulatus 1,981.2 29.7 19,295 Cynosci regalis 769.2 28.0 8,548 Micropogonias unduLatus 1,762.3 28.3 19,835 Cynoscion regaLis 1,777.6 26.7 10,805 Leiostomus xanthurus 551.1 20.0 8,048 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,127.1 18.1 16,842 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,676.4 25.1 24,113 Menticirrhus americanus 38.5 1.4 358 Unidentified scrapfish 336.3 5.4 . PepriLus triacanthus 188.3 2.8 4,938 Peprilu triacanthus 36.6 1.3 879 Pomatomus sattatrix 106.9 1.7 805 Stenotomus caprinu 170.1 2.5 4,568 Pomatomus saltatrix 30.0 1.1 320 Lagodon rhonboides 76.3 1.2 2,252 F@-tomus sattatrix 157.) 2.4 1,214 Pepritus triacanthus 65.2 1.1 1,014 BairdieLLa chrysoura 146.0 2.2 3,394 1984-85 (n=33) 1987-88 (n-23) 1990-91 (n=36) Micropogonigs unduLatus 2,385.9 46.7 24,827 Cynosci regatis 2,920.8 55.5 30,556 Cynoscio regatis 1,715.8 34.9 18,943 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,528.8 29.9 22,160 Micropogonias undutatus 880.0 16.7 9,688 Leiostomus xanthurus 938.0 19.1 18,400 Cynoscion regatis 804.3 15.7 7,400 Lejostomus xanthurus 621.3 11.8 6,874 Micropogonias undulatus 733.2 14.9 9,480 Pomatomus sattatrix 79.8 1.6 450 Pepritus triacanthus 279.9 5.3 5,830 Brevoortia tyrannus 374.4 7.6 2,756 PepriLus triacanthus 74.6 1.5 1,685 Brevoortia tyrannus 119.7 2.3 1,424 Lagodon rhomboides 295.4 6.0 9,101 Lagodo rhomboides 98.7 1.9 2,307 Pepritus triacanthus 231.1 4.7 5,622 Pomatomus sattatrix 69.1 1.3 567 Powtomus saltatrix 168.0 3.4 1,255 Table 18. Total Landings (mt) of comnercial finfish (excluding menhaden) in North Carolina (by all gears) that are important components of the winter trawl fishery, with total weights of the nine species and their combined percentage of the state's total edible finfish landings. Percent of Total total Total Stack weight of state edible sea ++ dominant finfish Year finfish Croaker Ftourder* Weakfish Bluefish Spot bass scup Butterfish species landings 1965 15,258 795 2,141 889 319 414 494 442 167 5,661 37.1 1966 14, T72 575 1,822 860 372 495 574 872 228 5,798 39.3 1967 18,543 582 1,992 802 403 1,383 905 205 174 6,406 34.6 1968 15,140 545 1,181 1,037 396 714 541 77 48 4,539 30.0 1969 16,628 621 1,255 698 395 675 475 114 59 4,292 25.9 1970 13,532 366 1,435 1,107 225 693 534 90 60 4,510 33.4 1971 14,234 430 1,819 1,653 262 540 339 92 26 5,161 36.3 1972 18,476 1,864 2,112 3,334 530 1,770 288 17 40 9,965 54.0 1973 18,613 1,961 3,341 2,822 911 2,448 310 7 18 11,818 63.5 1974 21,428 2,759 5,358 2,747 990 2,543 597 15 34 15,043 70.2 1975 24,349 4,650 5,221 3,051 896. 3,765 520 51 58 18,212 74.8 1976 24,390 6,821 5,195 3,952 615 1,213 260 92 24 18,172 74.5 19T7 28,012 8,616 5,052 3,933 1,057 1,726 665 53 22 21,123 75.4 1978 30,424 9,047 5,584 4,927 883 2,213 521 478 50 23,703 T7.9 4 1979 37,307 9,325 8,355 6,695 1,545 3,313 624 588 82 30,527 181.9 1980 41,517 9,592 7,657 9,228 2,469 3,220 694 599 67 33,526 80.8 1981 31,219 5,083 4,430 7,662 2,998 1,593 543 581 128 23,118 74.1 1982 28,989 4,910 3,828 5,467 1,946 2,231 368 668 120 19,538 67.4 1983 28,864 3,288 4,451 4,642 3,061 1,339 242 302 49 17,374 60.2 1984 29,350 4,160 6,843 5,892 1,615 1,579 449 476 78 21,092 71.9 1985 29,243 3,953 4,973 4,457 1,635 1,834 553 269 72 17,746 60.7 1986 27,570 4,276 4,012 6,491 1,565 1,521 498 172 85 18,620 67.6 1987 24,064 3,306 3,621 5,390 2,069 1,273 243 113 63 16,078 66.9 1988 27,930 3,826 4,656 6,846 2,286 1,397 558 57 30 19,656 70.4 1989 20,501 3,095 3,427 4,588 1,493 1,476 452 a 87 14,627 71.4 1990 21,664 2 617 2,"5 2,632 2,077 1,567 470 47 115 11,970 55.2 * Includes all Paratichthys, not just P. dentatus. Actual landings of E. dentatus would be approximately 15-20% tower. ++ includes only scup Landings for winter trawler fisehry to prectude the inclusion of a significant amount of Pagrus spp. Landings together with Stenotamus chrys Chesapeake say 37* Cape HWW Nor I a I It a Nc 36- Flounder Deepwator rogon Iftlot Flyn*t LOWSOM Oqattar&$ Vandommem Hatteras..' x',"00cracok .0.161 6rum Ini 35* -X@ Wat Cape La*kOvt t,j ...Aa 34- Cal 90. F4er 70 77* 76- 73- Figure 1. Fishing grounds of North Carolina winter trawl fishery; depth in feet. ,a 12- 6 C Catch/ tri P- nears hore 0 M 10- Catch/day- nears hore 5 M Cate h/ t rip- deepwater E C R p 8- Catch/ day- deepwater -4 C U Commercial landings E A L k 6- -3 9 L A N Ch 0 4- -2 D 0 1 0 N G 2- ............. .... S ... . .............. . M ........... .............. . A [ IA t 0 ---d - I --f- I - i I 1_0 82-83 84-85 86-87 88-89 90-91 FISHING SEASON (19--) Figure 2. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) from 1982-1991 winter trawl fishery. Deepwater M- NearShore 1988-89 E 6- n=15,442 R C E 4- N T 2- 0 a- 1989-90 6- n-13,214 p E R C 4- E N T 2- 0 TT+TT7T+ 10- 1990-91 n=18,035 E 6- R C E N 4- T 2- 0 H 251- 301- 351- 401- 451- 501- 551- 601- 651- 701- 260 310 360 410 460 510 5660 610 660 710 TOTAL LENGTH (mm) Figure 3. Length-frequency distribution (10 mm size. classes) of I I summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) in 1988-1991 winter trawl catches. 71 7 10 20 60 1983-841 40 20 60 1984-85 40 20 ---------------- 60 985-8 6 40 20 60 1986-87 (D 0 40 20 60 1987-88 a. 40 20 66 1988-891 40 20 60 1989-90@ 40 20 60 1990-911 40 20 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Age Figure 4. Annual expanded age composition of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) in the North Carolina winter trawl fishery, 1982-1991. 12- 500 C Catch/trip 0 10- Catch/day M -400 M Commercial landings E C R P 8- C U I E 300 A L k 9 6- L A 1 -200 N 0 4- D 0 1 0 N -100 G 2- S M 0 Y ..... ................. El r t Y.. ............. ........ .-0 82-83 84-85 86-87 88-89 90-91 FISHING SEASON (19--) Figure 5. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of scup (Stenotomus chryso0s) from 1982-1991 winter trawl fishery. 73 1988-89 20- n=*,549 p E 15- R C E N 10- T 0 - i 25- 20- 1989-90 n-1549 p E R C E N T 5- 0 20- 1990-91 15- n-7591 p E R C 10- E N T 161 151- 201- 251- 301- 351- 60 116 160 210 260 310 360 FORK LENGTH (mm) Figure 6. Length-frequency distribution (10 mm size classes) of scup (Stenotomus chrysops) in 1988-1991 winter trawl catches. 4000- 400 C Catch/trip 0 3500- M -9- Catch/day M E 3000- Landings 300 R C C 2500- A P L U 200 L E 2000- k N 9 1500 D I I -100 N 1000- G S 500- M 0 0 t 82-83 84-85 86-87 88-89 90-91 FISHING SEASON Figure 7. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of black sea bass (Centropristis philadelphica) from 1982-1991 winter trawl fishery. 75 Deepwater i - 121; IM Nearshore LIi 1988-89 lo- n=3,260 p E a- R C E 6- N T 4- 2- 0 44 12- 10- 1989-90 n,7,100 p a- E R C E N T 4- 2- 0 12- 10- 1990-91 n-1,422 p E R C 6- E N T 4- 2- 0- -r- T I T- I Ir-r-r 101- 151- 201- 251- 301- 351- 401- 451- 50t- 110 160 210 260 310 3W 410 460 510 TOTAL LENGTH (mm) Figure 8. Length-frequency distribution (10 mm size classes) of black sea bass (Centropristis striata) in 1988-1991 winter trawl catches. -3500 C Catch/trip 0 Catch/day -3000 M 8- M Landings E -2500 R C C P 1 6- A U -2000 L E L -1500 A 0 4- N 0 D 0 -1000 1 N 2- G -500 S M t 0- 0 82-83 84-85 86-87 88-89 .90-91 FISHING SEASON (19--). Figure 9. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) from 1982-1991 winter trawl fishery. 16 77 Northern Southern C3 Centrai 14 12- 1988-89 p 10- n=6516 E R C 8 E N 6- T 4- 2- 0 20- 1989-90 is- n-7540 p E R C 10- E N T 5- 30- 25- 1990-91 p 20- n-12,705 E R C 15- E N T 10- 5- Ili 0 101- 201- 30k 401- 501- 601- 701- 801- 120 220 320 420 520 6?0 720 820 TOTAL LENGTH (mm) Figure 10. Length-frequency distribution (20 mm size classes) of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) in 1988-1991 winter trawl catches. 80- 1982-83 1985-86 1988-89 60- 40- 20- Z 0 W 80 1983-84 1986-87 1989-90 60 40- z 20- W U I "n FAA a: 0 W 0. 80. 1984-85 1987-88 1990-91 CO 60- 40- 20- 0.-1" 0 3 4 5 6+ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6+ 0 2 3 4 5 6+ AG E CLASS Figure 11. Age composition of weakfish (Cynoscion- regalis) in winter trawl catches during 1982-91 fishing seasons. 7- -1600 C Catch/trip 0 6- -1400 M El Catch/day M Landings -1200 E 5- R C C P -1000 1 U 4- A E L -800 L 3-1 A 1.4 0 RX ;00 N 0 D 0 2- 1 -400 N G S 200 M t 0 .0 82-83 84-85 86-87 88-89 90-91 FISHING SEASON (19--) Figure 12. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) from 1982-1991 winter trawl fishery. 1988-89 p n=4563 E R C 4- E N T 2- o 10- a- 1989-90 n-4789 p E 6- R C E N 4- T 2- OU 0 12- 10- 1990-91 p a- n-3153 E R C 6- E N T 4- 2 oL I-MI'n 101- 126- 151- 176- 201- n6- ?51- 276- 301- 326- 105 130 155 180 205 1230 255 280 305 330 TOTAL LENGTH (5mm) Figure 13. Length-frequency distribution (5 mm size classes) of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) in 1988-1991 winter trawl catches. Itm 100- 1982-83 1985-86 1988-89 75- 50- 25 0 z W 100- 1983-84 1986-87 1989-90 D 75- 50- LL 25. z ISO FA W 0 CO 100, 1984-85 1987-88 1990-91 W 75- 50- 25- 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 AGE CLASS Figure 14. Age composition of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) rawl catches du hing in winter t ring 1982-91 fis seasons. I I I I Lh 3000- 2000 C Catch/trip 0 Catch/day 2500- M Landings -1500 E R C 2000- 1 C A P L U -1000 .E 1500- L k A N co 9 D 1000- 1 -500 N G S 500 ............ M t 0 82-83 84-85 86-87 88-89 90-91 FISHING SEASON (19--) Figure 15. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) from 1982-1991 winter trawl fishery. 83 Northern Southern W Central 1988-89 n=1066 p E R C 10- E N T 0 is- 14- 1989-90 12- n-1393 p 10- E R C E N 6- T 4- 2- 0-1 1 35- 30- 1990-91 25- n-1456 p E 20- R C E 15- N 10- 5- 0 lot- 201- 301- 401- 501- 601- 701- 801- 120 220 320 420 520 620 720 820 FORK LENGTH (mm) Figure 16. Length-frequency distribution (20 mm size classes) of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) in 1988-1991 winter trawl catches. 80 60- 1982-83 1985-86 1988-89 40- 20- 0 -- m FJ 1 MI Epp up Or- or z LLJ 60- 1983-84 1986-87 1989-90 0 CY 40- LL- 20- cc z 913 93 ar LLJ o, 80- U Q@ 60- 1984-85 1987-88 1990-91 W IL 40- 20- 0- r7I mp- 0 1 2 3 6 7+ 0 1 2 3 @ 7+ 0 '1 AGE CLASS 00, L Figure 17. Age composition of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) in winter trawl catches during 1982-91 fishing seasons. 1600- 80 C 1400- Catch/trig) Catch/day Landings 0 M M 1200- E -60 R C C 1000- 1 P A U L E 800- 40 L k Vq A 00 9 600- N U1 D 400 - -20 N G S 200 - M 0 @O t 82-83 84-85 86-87 88-89 90-91 FISHING SEASON (19--) Figure 18. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of spot (Lejostomus, xanthurus) from 1982-1991 winter trawl fishery. Northern southern LZ central 12 1988-89 10- n=2033 E a- R C E 6- N T 4- 2- 0 20- 1989-90 n-2509 P E R C 10- E N T 5- 12- 10- 1990-91 n-4452 P E R C E N T 4- 2- 0 91- 116- 141- 166- 19t- 2J6- 95 120 170 195 220 FORK LENGTH (5mm) Figure 19. Length-frequency distribution (5 mm size classes) of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) in 1988-1991 winter trawl catches. 60- 1982-83 1985-86 1988-89 40- >- 20- 0 FA - - NOR= z rT/M W D Cy 60- 1983-84 1986-87 1989-90 W W LL- 40- Z 20- W CO r/71M W 60- 1984-85 1987-88 1990-91 40- 20- FA M, 0 1 4 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4 A E G CLASS IN //, Figure 20. Age composition of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) in winter trawl catches during 1982-91 fishing seasons. 10,000- ME Northern Central Southern overall 8,000- ... ... ... C P 6.000- . . . . . . ... E 4,000- k 9 2,000 - 0-@ 82-83 84-a6 88-87 88-89 90-91 FISHING SEASON (19--) 70- B M Northern F-1 central E3 Southern overau so- 60- P E 40- R C E 30- N T 20- 10 0 82-83 84-86 88-87 U-89 90-91 Figure 21. Catch per trip (A) and percent of the total weight (B) of scrap fish in all flynet catches sampled during the 1982-1991 fishing seasons. 6tOOO- 60 Ynet landings 50000- Sc apfish landings -50 P E 0', % rap in landings L R C A 4v000- % Sc ap in samples -40 E N N D T N %000- -30 S G C R Co A 2j000- -20 p M F t 10000- -10 H 0 0 T, 82-83 84-85 .86-87 88-89 90-91 FISHING SEASON (19--) Figure 22. Weight and percent of scrapfish in flynet landings (=total landings of dominant species in flynet catches) compared with percent of scrapfish in flynet catches sampled during 1982- 1991 fishing seasons. 12- A 8,000 C Catch/trip 0 m 10- 4DI- Catch/day -5,000 m Commerciai landince E C R P C U a- -4.000 1 E A k 8- 3,000 9 L A N 0 4- -2,000 D 0 1 0 N 2- 1,000 9 m OLW @.1,91 t 82-83 84-85 se-87 88-89 90 in FISHING SEASON (19--) 14 B 7.000 C Cateh/trip 0 12- -8,000 m C Catch/day m P Commerciai landinas E R U 10- -6.000 C E I I A a- -4,000 L k L 9 8- -3,000 A N D 0 4- -2.000 1 0 N 0 2 -1,000 S G 4D m ot if + +L_ - o t 82-83 88-417 as-89 90-91 FISHING SEASON (19--) Figure 23. Aggregate resource trends for A) nearshore flounder and B) deepwater fishery for the 1982-1991 fishing seasons. @Fl 91 is- A 7.000 C 14- Catch/trio 0 -6,000 M C Catch/day M P 12- CD mmeraiai landings E U -61000 R C E jo- I A k -4,000 L L -3.000 A a- N 0 -2 4- .000 0 N 0 G 2- 1,000 a M 0 H, [0 t 82-83 84-86 se-a7 as-so 90-91 FISHING SEASON (19--) 14- B le,ooo C --W- Catch/trip 0 42- Catch/day 14.000 M C M E P Mark6tabl* fish 12,000 R U 10- tal fish landings C E -1 , I A k -8,000 L a- A -8,000 N D 0 4- 1 0 4,000 N G 2- -2,000 M 0 0 t 82--83 84-85 ae-a7 8a-sg 90-91 FISHING SEASON (19--) Figure 24. Aggregate resource trends for A) flynet and B) all trawl catches combined for the 1982-1991 fishing seasons. 0 Ca'ch/"'@ Catch/day *r0lal m @in landings 20- M --0 Atl. Coast Corn'l E NC Winter trawlers T R 15- -9- Recreational C T 0 N 10- N 0.0.' 0-0.0 E S > 0.,0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1HI 11HIIH111 I H11 50 55 60 65 70 76 80 85 90 9--) YEAR (1 Figure 25. Annual commercial and recreational landings of summer flounder from Maine to North Carolina from 1950-1990. 20 - M AtI. Coast Com'l E NC Commercial T R NC Winter trawlers T 0 N N 01 E or 0 0 T 01 1- 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 YEAR (19--) Figure 26. Annual commercial landings of weakfish from 1945-1991. 12- M N. Carolina N.C. Trawlers E 10- Maine-Cape Hatteras- Recreational T R 8- T 0 N 6- N E to S 4- 1 0 2- 0 0 ... ........... .. ........ . . ....... ....... . . . ............ . .......... ...... ............ 0 T I I I 1 1-11 11 111 1 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 YEAR (19--) Figure 27. Annual commercial and recreational landings of black sea bass (*commercial landings from Maine-Cape Hatteras landings include North Carolina landings from northern counties only). 25- M N.C. commercial VA-Maine commercial T R 20- Recreati onal C T 0 N N E S 10- 1 5- 0 0 0 . .. ....... ...... .......... ...... .. -A . ......... 0 1 @ 1 11 1 1- T-+- 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 YEAR (19--) Figure 28. Annual commercial and recreational landings of scup from Maine to North Carolina from 1950-1990. 8- M Atl. CoaSt Com'l E ---- NC Commercial T R .......... Winter trawl 6- T 0 N 4- N E CA 2 0 0 0 . ............... ..... ..... ......... 0 T 50 65 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 YEAR (19--) Figure 29. Annual commercial landings of bluefish from 1950-1990. 14- M AtI. Coast Com'l. E 12- NC Commercial T R Winter trawl fleet lo- T 8- 0 N N :0 E 6- S 4- 0 0 2- 0 0 60 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 YEAR (19--) Figure 30. Annual commercial landings of Atlantic croaker from 1950-1990. .I I I I I I A P P E N D I X I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX A. Seasonal commercial Landings of sciaenid pound net 1, Long haut 2, ocean gitt net (gitt net) 3, and winter trawler 4 fisheries in North Carolina for 1982-1990 fishing seasons (season = May-Aprit), inctuding total tandings/species (mt), total value of state landings (value in 1000s of dollars) and relative contribution of the three fisheries/species (percent). May 82-Apr 83 May 83-Apr 84 May 84-Apr 85 May 85-Apr 86 May 86-Apr 87 May 87-Apr 88 May 88-Apr 89 - May 89-Apr 90 May 90-Apr 91 Land- Value/ Land- Va L Lie/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Va I Lie/ Land- Value/ Species ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings r)ercent Atlantic croaker 4,475 $3,572 3,697 $3,099 4,707 $3,278 4,211 $3,204 3,757 $2,909 3,552 $3,133 3,164 $3,036 2,787 $3,201 2,550 $2,749 Pound net 863 19.3 292 7.9 443 9.4 567 13.5 234 6.2 579 16.3 451 14.2 244 8.8 218 8.5 Long haut. 2,064 46.1 1,883 50.9 1,339 28.4 1,114 26.4 1,392 37.0 679 19.1 l,lT7 37.2 1,427 51.2 1,769 69.4 Trawler 547 12.2 478 12.9 1,359 28.9 1,069 25.4 721 19.2 761 21.4 653 20.7 436 15.7 154 6.1 Gilt net 385 8.6 540 13.3 1,219 25.9 1,252 29.7 1,204 32.1 1,283 36.1 636 20.1 385 13.9 304 11.9 Weakfish 5,163 $4,695 5,486 $3,936 4,728 $3,874 6,626 $4,458 5,276 $4,152 6,561 $4,717 5,298 $5,041 2,854 $3,320 2,759 $2,803 Pound net 126 2.5 73 1.3 167 3.5 192 2.9 88 1.7 199 3.0 232 4.4 58 2.0 74 2.7 Long haut 737 14.3 704 12.8 762 16.1 508 7.7 586 11.1 412 6.3 608 11.5 240 8.4 481 17.4 Trawler 3,054 59.5 2,740 49.9 1,760 37.2 2,570 38.8 1,971 37.4 2,364 36.0 1,590 30.0 1,168 41.1 1,220 44.4 Gilt net 846 16.4 1,555 28.4 1,565 33.1 2,654 40.1 2,2T7 43.2 3,253 49.6 2,440 46.1 1,202 42.2 842 30.5 Bluefish 3,470 $914 1,618 $565 1,344 $509 1,734 $513 1,712 $732 2,603 $755 1,417 $538 1,761 $678 2,150 S 740 Pound net 89 2.6 31 1.9 38 2.9 51 3.0 30 1.8 41 1.6 35 2.5 14 0.8 14 0.7 Long haut 194 5.6 153 9.5 ill 11.7 216 12.5 212 12.4 214 8.2 164 11.6 136 7.7 139 6.5 Trawler 1,776 51.2 465 28.7 359 26.7 353 20.3 185 10.8 564 21.7 234 16.5 206 11.7 124 5.6 Gilt net 970 28.0 637 39.4 561 41.8 744 42.9 979 57.2 1,357 52.1 683 48.2 1,193 67.8 1,293 60.1 Spot 2,214 $1,063 1,388 $699 1,562 $809 1,843 $900 1,473 $742 1,296 $663 1,378 $666 1,464 $785 1,590 $ 805 '0 Pound net 150 6.8 30 2.1 89 5.7 56 3.1 22 1.5 51 3.9 33 2.4 33 0.2 19 1.2 Long haul 1,556 70.3 885 62.3 938 60.1 1,126 61.1 865 58.8 529 40.8 896 65.0 903 61.7 1,104 69.4 Trawler 36 1.6 69 5.0 50 3.2 75 4.1 38 2.6 37 2.8 37 2.7 63 4.3 33 2.1 Gilt net 37 1.7 65 4.7 131 8.4 150 8.2 213 14.5 268 20.7 142 10.3 232 15.9 113 7.1 Flounders 3,970 $5,486 6,027 $7,293 6,403 $10,132 4,231 $9,304 3,256 $7,993 4,571 $10,957 3,927 $9,649 2,637 $9,685 3,003 $9,554 Pound net 55 1.4 34 0.6 53 0.8 34 0.8 99 3.0 163 3.6 257 6.5 150 5.7 76 2.5 Long haut 28 0.7 36 0.6 27 0.4 29 0.7 43 1.3 12 0.3 38 1.0 32 1.2 19 0.6 Trawler 2,888 72.8 4,769 79.1 5,185 81.0 2,891 68.3 1,825 56.1 3,219 70.4 2,326 59.2 1,105 41.9 1,686 56.2 Gilt net 0.2 <0.1 6 <0.1 9 0.2 6 0.1 6 0.2 4 0.1 2 0.1 6 0.3 <0.1 <0.1 Striped bass 110 $451 185 $356 211 $365 101 $170 135 297 54 $119 43 $96 77 $212 50 $ 156 Pound net - - - - - - - - 0.2 0.2 - - - - - 0 0 Long haul 0.1 <0.1 - - - - - - 0 0 Trawler 2 1.5 6 3.3 10 <0.1 3 6.0 Gilt net 22 20.3 0.3 0.2 - - - - - - - - - 34 0.1 0 0 Butterfish 5 135 $76 53 $43 80 $64 63 $47 79 $72 62 $53 26 $28 104 $67 122 S 97 Pound net 11 8.1 1 2.7 7 8.6 14 22.2 10 12.6 5 7.3 7 26.9 0.9 0.9 15 1.2 Long haul 4 2.7 4 8.4 2 2.9 0.2 0.3 13 16.3 0.6 1.0 1 5.4 0.5 5.3 21 17.2 Trawler 74 55.0 38 71.7 52 64.6 34 53.6 39 49.3 32 51.6 10 38.5 71 69.3 41 33.6 Gilt net 38 28.4 6 10.6 13 15.7 9 14.4 11 14.1 11 18.2 3 11.5 16 15.5 12 9.8 APPENDIX A. (Continued). May 82-Apr 83 May 83-Apr 84 May 84-Apr 85 May 85-Apr 86 May 86-Apr 87 May 87-Apr 88 May 88-Apr 89 May 89-Apr 90 May 90-Apr I Land- VaLue/ Land- Va L Lie/ Land- VaLue/ Land- Value/ Land- VaLue/ Land- Va I Lie/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Vatuej Species fnqs percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings Dercent ings percent i ngs percent ings percent ings percer Harvestffsh 5 199 S123 101 S60 110 $97 186 $200 137 $167 115 $158 114 $164 100 $129 98 $135, Pound net 34 17.2 17 16.8 32 28.9 86 46.5 34 24.6 38 32.7 34 29.8 .18 18.0 24 24.1 Long haul 41 20.6 20 19.4 21 19.5 16 8.8 33 23.9 33 28.5 16 14.3 6 6.2 9 9.2 Trawler 34 17.2 7 7.1 5 4.7 43 23.0 7 4.8 6 . 4.8 8 7.1 22 22.0 13 13.3 GHL net 42 21.1 6 6.0 5 4.7 18 9.5 11 8.3 13 11.0 5 4.4 13 13.3 16 16.3 Spanish mackerel 86 $61 19 S15 58 $42 79 $67 105 $81 229 $145 199 $141 268 $215 380 $31f Pound not 3 3.6 3 14.2 6 10.9 10 12.4 16 15.2 81 35.6 75 37.7 71 26.5 22 5.f Long haul 0.9 1.1 1 7.9 3 4.5 5 6.3 13 12.4 15 6.4 18 8.9 33 12.3 12 3.2 Trawler 0.4 0.4 - 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.1 <0.1 0.2 0.1 3 1.1 0.7 0.2 GILL net 30 34.7 4 20.3 14 24.4 27 34.1 41 38.9 50 21.9 43 21.6 114 42.5 143 37.t Florida pa"no 14 $33 2 $4 4 Sil 11 $32 17 S41 9 $24 3 $9 9 $28 14 $24 Pound net 3 23.5 0.1 3.1 0.4 8.9 1 9.0 3 16.3 2 24.4 0.4 13.3 5 55.6 0.5 3.6 Long haul 6 38.9 0.4 18.7 2 56.6 5 48.4 4 24.3 2 19.7 0.7 18.9 2 18.6 1 7.2 Trawler - - - - - - - - - - .002 <0.1 - GILL net 0.7 4.7 - - 0.6 13.7 0.1 1.4 2 11.2 0.5 5.5 0.3 10.0 @co. 1 <0.1 Spotted seatrout 42 $72 72 $120 68 $123 65 $171 85 $157 156 $277 167 $326 161 $345 110 $219 Pound net 5 11.6 5 6.8 4 6.0 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.3 2 1.5 0.2 0.1 - - 0.3 0.3 Long haul 15 35.6 19 25.6 15 22.3 9 14.9 10 11.8 36 23.2 35 21.1 31 19.0 21 19.1 Trawler 0.4 1.0 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.6 2 2.8 6 6.7 2 1.4 0.7 0.4 a 4.8 CO. 1 <0.1 Gill net 2 5.4 4 5.8 4 6.1 16 24.4 10 11.5 17 11.0 22 13.2 10 6.3 10 9.1 Red drum 22 $11 146 $81 91 $60 77 $113 104 S109 115 $149 99 $124 118 $164 82 S105 Pound net 0.3 1.5 2 1.1 0.8 0.9 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 19 16.4 4 4.0 5 4.2 1 1.2 Long haul 5 20.4 9 6.5 7 7.7 2 2.8 32 30.9 16 13.8 11 11.1 25 21.6 8 9.8 Trawler 6 27.7 13 9.0 6 7.1 2 2.1 2 1.5 1 1.3 2 1.9 1 1.1 0.2 0.3 GHL net 5 24.0 37 25.1 21 22.8 19 24.4 9 8.4 11 9.6 9 9.1 12 10.4 5 6.1 Black sea bass 213 $343 446 $619 544 $976 503 S1,002 267 $519 495 $979 452 $1,118 509 $1,384 285 $1,042 Trawler 71 33.5 266 59.7 363 71.4 296 58.9 95 35.7 315 63.6 206 45.7 205 40.3 60 21.1 Scup or porgies 658 $840 835 $997 505 $759 188 $212 ill $186 61 S65 15 $11 47 82 71 S60 Trawler 304 46.2 477 57.2 267 52.9 171 90.8 Ili 99.7 58 94.3 15 100.0 47 99.6 71 100.0 Bait 4,302 $354 4,430 $376 4,695 S381 3,437 $230 2,836 $201 4,084 $300 2,596 $168 2,167 S159 2,566 $177 Pound net 349 8.1 201 4.5 421 9.0 549 16.0 123 4.3 329 8.1 271 10.4 306 14.1 341 13.3 Long haul 1,879 43.7 1,901 42.9 1,884 40.1 1,148 33.4 1,386 48.9 1,474 36.1 1,078 41.5 1,112 51.8 1,635 63.7 Trawler 1,364 31.7 1,613 36.4 1,728 36.7 1,620 47.1 905 31.9 2,109 51.1 794 30.6 195 9.0 78 3.0 GILL net 62 1.5 44 1.0 100 2.1 13 0.4 23 0.8 7 0.2 127 4.9 6 0.3 1 APPENDIX A. (Continued). May 82-Apr 83 May 83-Apr 84 May 84-Apr 85- May 85-Apr 86 May 86-Apr 87 May 87-Apr 88 May 88-Apr 89 May 89-Apr 90 May 90-Apr 91 Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- VaLue/ Species ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent Total finfish (w/out menhaden) 31,767 $23,406 32,776 $23,639 37,030 $28,220 32,319 $27,182 25,462 $25,399 31,772 $30,301 25,225 $29,622 20,905 $41,836 24,812 $28,731 Pound net 1,699 5.4 706 2.2 1,285 3.5 1,553 4.8 684 2.7 1,558 4.9 1,432 5.7 935 4.5 827 3.3 Long haul 6,579 20.7 5,649 17.2 5,175 14.0 4,250 13.2 4,714 18.5 3,353 10.6 4,308 17.1 4,112 19.7 5,299 21.4 Trawler 10,367 32.6 11,779 35.9 11,899 32.1 9,850 30.5 6,493 25.5 10,256 32.3 6,099 24.2 4,481 21.5 4,081 16.4 Gill net 2,671 8.4 3,071 9.4 3,825 10.3 5,157 16.0 5,067 19.9 6,698 21.1 4,430 17.6 3,555 17.0 3,548 14.3 Total marketable Wout menhaden) 27.465 $23,092 28,346 $18,994 32,336 $23,263 28,882 $26,952 22,626 $25,197 27,688 $29,884 22,629 $29,454 18,738 $41,677 22,246 $28,554 Pound net 1,350 4.9 505 1.8 864 2.7 1,003 3.5 561 2.5 1,229 4.4 1,161 5.1 630 3.3 468 2.1 Long haul 4,700 17.1 3,748 13.2 3,291 10.2 3,102 10.7 3,328 14.7 2,074 7.5 3,230 14.3 2,991 16.0 3,665 16.5 Trawler 9,003 32.8 10,166 35.9 10,177 31.5 8,230 28.5 5,588 24.7 8,147 29.4 5,304 23.4 4,285 22.9 4,056 18.0 GUL net 2,613 9.5 3,028 10.7 3,725 11.5 5,144 17.8 5,043 22.3 6,691 24.2 4,303 19.0 3,549 18.9 3,547 15.9 1 Pound net landings include Dare County. 2 Long haul landings: Long haul landings include April through December from Dare, Hyde, Carteret, Craven, Pamlico and Beaufort counties. 3 Winter trawl Landings include: Dare, Hyde, Pamlico, Beaufort, Craven, Carteret, Brunswick and Onstow counties. 4 ocean gill net landings include all state landings September through April. 5 North Carolina conmerciat Landings combined harvestfish and butterfish Landings in 1985 are harvestfish; for the purpose of this presentation, we extrapolated out butterfish Landings based on monthly relative proportions of the two species in our samples. APPENDIX B. Predominant marketed fish captured in the 1988-1991 winter trawl fishery including total Landings (Total, kg), percent of total state Landings/species (Percent), and value in dollars (Value). This data was partitioned by areas where fish were Landed: North includes Dare (Wanchese), Hyde (EngLehard), Beaufort (Belhaven), and Pamlico (Bayboro) counties; South includes Craven, Carteret (Beaufort -Morehead), Brunswick and OnsLow counties. 1988-89 1989-90 1990-91 Species Total Percent Value Total Percent Value Total Percent Value Atlantic croaker Worth 303,101 9.58 S 221,891 276,556 10.0 S 271,506 37,674 1,48 S 35,633 South 350,298 11.08 287,041 159,746 5.8 144,008 116,528 4.57 93,641 Total 653,400 20.66 S 508,932 436,302 15.7 S 415,514 154,202 6.05 S 129,274 Spot North 1,506 0.11 $ 679 9,940 0.7 S 4,428 6,883 0.44 S 3,047 South 35,800 2.60 14,852 52,595 3.6 27,825 26.13 1.65 13,822 Total 37,306 2.71 S 15,531 62,535 4.3 S 32,253 33,022 2.08 S 16,869 Weakfish North 495,306 9.35 S 410,083 517,398 18.2 S 623,907 252,354 9.15 $ 291,859 South 1,094,260 20.66 868,015 650,978 22.9 527.22 967,917 35.09 584,423 Total 1,589,566 30.01 $1,278,098 1,168,376 41.1 $1,151,135 1,220,271 44.24 S 873,282 Bluefish North 163,330 11.53 $ 54,577 159,410 9.1 S 52,576 79,233 3.69 S 29,890 South 70,344 4.97 23,713 46,606 2.7 12,352 45,079 2.10 14.25 Total 233,674 16.50 S 78,290 206,016 11.7 S 64,928 124,312 5.79 $ 44,147 Flounders Worth 1,879,958 .47.87 $4,630,802 864,361 32.8 $3,135,492 1,333,670 44.42 $4,002,724 South 446,266 11.37 1,131,962 240,871 9.2 962,224 352,386 11.74 1,020,885 Total F,326,224 59.23 $5,762,764 1,105,235 41.9 $4,097,736 1,686,055 56.15 $5,023,609 King whiting North 10,351 4.45 S 7,741 8,486 2.8 S 7,388 28,427 7.20 $ 24,477 South 48,534 20.85 47,842 52.45 17.3 70,265 33,032 8.37 38,139 Total 58,885 25.30 $ 55,583 60,942 20.1 S 77,653 61,459 15.56 S 62:616 Black sea bass North 191,847 42.45 S 439,855 186,557 36.7 S 418,409 47,846 16.79 $ 122,519 South 14,535 3.22 28,472 18.56 3.7 43,382 12,351 4.34 31.17 Total 206,383 45.67 $ 468,327 205,125 40.3 S 461,791 60,197 21.12 S 153,197 Scup North 14,301 95.18 S 19,500 46,180 97.7 S 81,559 69,295 97.67 S 58,583 South 725 4.82 788 902 1.9 805 1,658 2.34 739 Total T-5,026 TOO.0 $ 20,288 47,082 99.6 $ 82,364 70,953 100.00 S 59,921 Squid North 277,577 71.87 $ 128,766 208,iOo 54.8 S 89,396 91,277 81.29 % 45,057 South 44,991 11.65 22,716 84,122 22.2 37,903 15,446 13.76 9.764 Total 322,568 83.52 $ 151,482 292,222 77.0 $ 127,299 106,722 95.05 $ 54,821 Butterfish North 8,671 33.56 S 10,403 58,766 57.3 S 38,995 19,371 15.87 17,212 South 1.268 4.91 1.38 12.24 12.0 5,209 22,089 18.10 12,395 Total 9,938 38.46 $ 11,792 71,013 69.3 $ 44,204 41,459 33.97 S 29,607 Harvestfish North 620 0.55 $ 751 - - $ - 282 0.29 $ 579 South 7.532 6.64 8.712 21.93 22.0 20.02 13,022 13.33 6.008 Total 8,152 7.18 $ 9,463 21,939 22.0 $ 20,027 13,305 13.61 $ 6,587 APPENDIX B. Continued). 1988-89 1989-90 1990-91 Species Total Percent Value Total Percent Value' Total Percent Value Atlantic mackerel North 1,750 100.0 $ 536 394,724 99.8 $ 85,891 65,087 100.00 S 15,078 South 0 0 - - 0 - 0 Total T,750 100.0 $ @36 394,724 99.8 S 85,891 65,W 100.00 $ 15,078 Scrap/bait North 28,367 1.10 $ 1,251 43,139 2.0 $ 2,368 28,899 1.13 $ 4,084 South 765.78 29.51 47,155 151,925 7.1 10,052 49,451 1.93 5,452 Total 794,154 30.60 $ 48,406 195,064 9.0 S 12,420 78,350 3.06 $ 9,536 Total North 3,477,262 13.79 $6,061,791 2,921,890 14.0 $5,038,850 2,248,715 9.28 $4,835,996 South 2,621.40 10.40 2,498,455 1,558,588 7.5 1,925,109 1,832,598 7.56 1,869,313 Total 6,098,669 24.18 $8,559,246 4,480,478 21.5 $6,963,959 4,081,313 16.84 $6,705,309 Total marketable North 3,448,895 15.24 $6,060,540 2,878,751 14.5 $5,036,482 2,219,816 9.98 $4,831,912 South 1,855,620 8.20 2,451,300 1,406,663 7.1 1,915.05 1,783.14 8.02 1,863,861 Total 5,304,515 23.45 $8,511,840 4,285,414 21.6 $6,951,539 4,002,963 18.00 $6,695,T73 CD w 104 APPENDIX C. OveraLt species conposition and mean catch/trip of 29 nearshore fLounder trawL catches swpLed from October 1988 through Aprit 1989. Mean fish % Weight (kq) Nunber weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur. ParaLichthys dentatus 3,133.7 91.7 3,731 94.5 0.840 100.0 Lotiq peaHi 74.4 2.2 - - - 41.4 Centropristis striata 39.0 1.1 93 2.4 0.417 72.4 Pomatomus sattatrix 25.1 0.7 4 0.1 5.867 62 1 Pogonias cromis 21.9 0.6 - - - 3:4 Cynoscion regalis 17.8 0.5 21 0.5 0.863 37.9 Mustetus canis 14.4 0.4 - - - 3.4 Micropogonias undulatus 14.0 0.4 71 1.8 0.197 17.2 Lophius americanus 14.0 0.4 6 0.2 41.4 Carcharhinus sp. 11.9 0.4 <1 <0.1 345.6 6.9 Busyco sp. 10.2 0.3 - - 13.8 ParaLichthys tethostigma 1.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.867 10.3 Sphoeroides macuLatus 1.1 <0.1 - - - 10.3 Peorilus triacanthus 0.9 <0.1 6 0.2 0.145 6' 9 Sciaenops ocelLatus 0.8 <0.1 <1 <0.1 11.350 3.4 Tautoga onitis 0.8 <0.1 <1 <0.1 - 6.9 Conger oceanicus 0.7 <0.1 - - - 3.4 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 0.7 <0.1 <1 <0.1 19.500 3.4 Menticirrhus sp. 0.7 <0.1 2 0.1 0.292 17.2 PLacopecten magettanicus 0.5 <0.1 - - - 3.4 Cephalopoda 0.5 <0.1 - - 6.9 Leiostomus xanthurus 0.4 <0.1 9 0.2 0.046 10.3 Octopus vulgaris 0.4 <0.1 - - - 10.3 Scytiorhinus retifer 0.3 <0.1 <1 <0.1 9.100 3.4 Cynoscion spp. 0.1 <0.1 - - - 3.4 CautoLatiLus microps 0.1 4.1 <1 <0.1 0.967 3.4 Archosargus probatocephalus 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 2.620 3.4 Cynoscion nebuLosus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.700 6.9 Chaetodipterus faber <0.1 4.1 - - - 3.4 Observed species Callinectes sapidus Prionotus spp. Raja egtanteria Ovalipes ocellatus Prionotus carotinus Dasyatis sabina Ovatipes stephensoni Prionotus evolans Dasyatis sayi Porturus Aibbessi Stenotomus chrysons Rhinoptera bonasus Asteroidea Menticirrhus americanus Raia spp. Astropecten articutatus Etropus crossotus Paratichthys obLonqus Urophycis reqia Persephona sp. Scophthalmus aquosus MerLuccius bitinearis Libinia emarginata SguaLus acanthias 105 APPENDIX D. OveraLL species conposition and mean catch/trip of 26 nearshore Rounder trawL catches sampLed from October 1989 through ApriL 1990. Mean fish % Weight (kq) Number weight freq. lpecies Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur. Paralichthys dentatus 2,284.6 68.5 2,956 59.0 0.773 100.0 Sphoeroides macuLatus 265.0 8.0 100 2.0 2.657 46.2 Lotiq peaLij 235.5 7.1 80.8 Cynoscion regaLis 148.7 4.5 263 5.3 0.565 92.3 Micropog nias undutatus 81.4 2.4 582 11.6 0.140 30.8 Pornato-nus saltatrix 55.8 1.7 34 0.7 1.655 61.5 Archosarqus probatocephatus 50.9 1.5 8 0.2 6.153 38.5 Leiostomus xanthurus 34.1 1.0 542 10.8 0.063 15.4 Busycon spp. 28.1 0.8 19.2 Menticirrhus sp. 24.4 0.7 6 0.1 3.913 38.5 Centropristis striata 24.1 0.7 48 1.0 0.504 65.4 Peprilus triacanthus 20.3 0.6 270 5.4 0.075 65.4 Lophius americanus 14.6 0.4 15.4 Menticirrhus saxatiLis 13.8 0.4 71 1.4 0.196 26.9 Menticirrhus americanus 8.0 0.2 41 0.8 0.197 26.9 MusteLus canis 7.8 0.2 3 0.1 2.916 3.8 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 6.3 0.2 <1 <0.1 27.347 15.4 Sicyonia brevirostris 5.2 0.2 3.8 SerioLa dumeriLi 3.7 0.1 <1 <0.1 23.815 3.8 Busycon canaticulatm 3.5 0.1 3.8 ParaLichthys aLbigutta 2.7 0.1 5 0.1 0.594 3.8 Sciaenops oceLlatus 2.2 0.1 <1 0.1 7.140 19.2 Rachycentron canadtxn 2.0 0.1 <1 <0.1 17.533 3.8 Cynoscion nebuLosus 1.8 0.1 1 <0.1 2.355 26.9 Pogonias cromis 1.3 <0.1 <1 <0.1 33.110 3.8 archarhinus timbatus 1.3 <0.1 3.8 Busycon carica 1.2 <0.1 3.8 Orthopristis chrysoptera 1.2 <0.1 17 0.3 0.070 7.7 C ParaLichthys Lethostigma 0.9 <0.1 I <0.1 0.831 7.7 Urophycis reqia 0.7 <0.1 12 0.3 0.057 15.4 Lagodon rhomboides 0.6 <0.1 17 0.3 0.035 3.8 Stenotomus spp. 0.4 <0.1 3.8 Urophycis spp. 0.4 <0.1 7.7 Prionotus evotans 0.4 <0.1 4 0.1 0.090 11.5 ctopus 0.3 <0.1 3.8 Carcharhinus sp. 0.2 <0.1 <1 <0.1 4.540 3.8 COonge oceanicus 0.2 <0.1 <1 <0.1 4.100 3.8 Stenotomus chrysops 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.200 11.5 Prionotus scituLus 0.1 <0.1 8 0.2 0.015 7.7 Decapterus punctatus 0.1 <0.1 4 0.1 0.030 3.8 Citharichthys spp. 0.1 <0.1 8 0.2 0.015 3.8 Tautoga onitis 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 1.350 11.5 Anchoa mitchilti 0.1 4.1 8 0.2 0.010 3.8 Observed species Argopecten gibbus Brevoortia tyrannus Citharichthys spiLopterus Penaeus duorarum Ftrumeus teres ParaLichthys obLonqus CaLappa Rammea Mertuccius biLinearis ScophthaLmus aquosus Hepatus epheliticus Ophidion spp. -Ancytopsetta quadroceLtata Callinectes sapidus Scophthatmus actuosus GLyptocephatus cynogLossus OvaLipes spp. Priacanthus arenatus Symphurus pLagiusa Ovalipe oce(Latus Stenotomus caprinus Balistes capriscus OvaLipes stephensoni Euthynnus a(Letteratus Lacto phrys quadricornfs 106 APPENDIX E. OveraLL species coaposition and mean catch/trip of 48 nearshore fLounder trawL catches smpLed from October 1990 through ApriL 1991. Mean fish % Weight (kq) Nurrber weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur. Paratichthys dentatus 3,679.1 85.2 5,399 93.0 0.681 100.0 Busycon spp. 171.2 4.0 - - - 43.8 LoLigo PeaLii 109.1 2.5 64.6 1.5 Lophius; americanus - 25 0 Sphoeroides macutatus 58.2 1.3 48 0.8 1.208 39.6 Pomatmus saLtatrix 47.2 1.0 10 0.2 4.669 60.4 Centropristis striata 27.7 0.6 98 1.7 0.282 79 2 Menticirrhus americanus 24.2 0.6 89 1.5 0.272 12:5 Cynoscion regatis 20.4 0.5 43 0.7 0.473 58.3 Morone saxatiLis 17.5 0.4 3 0.1 5.872 14.6 We-nticirrhus saxatilis 16.9 0.4 48 0.8 0.356 20.8 ParaLichthys Lethostigm 14.0 0.3 16 0.3 0.903 12.5 Carcharhinidae 13.5 0.3 - - - 8.3 Pepritu triacanthus 9.2 0.2 18 0.3 0.521 41.7 Acipenser oxyrhynchus, 8.4 0.2 <1 <0.1 57.924 16.7 Unidentified scrapfish 7.6 0.2 - - - 6.3 Pogonias cromis 6.8 0.2 'Cl <O.l 32.790 10.4 Archosargus probatocephatus 5.3 0.1 1 <0.1 4.883 25.0 Octopus 5.3 0.1 1 <0.1 7.042 22.9 Menticirrhus spp. 4.7 0.1 7 <0.1 0.687 29.2 Sciaenops ocetlatus; 3.9 0.1 <1 <0.1 15.483 1 3 1.9 - 11':4 Micropogonias undu(atus <0.1 - 3 Tautoga onitis 1.0 <0.1 <1 <0.1 2.181 18.8 Limanda ferrugine 0.7 - - - 2.1 Leiostomus xanthurus. 0.6 <0.1 4 <0.1 0.158 6.3 Euthymus alletteratus 0.5 4.1 <1 <0.1 3.783 2.1 Seriola duneriti 0.5 <0.1 <1 <0.1 22.200 2.1 Stenotomus chrysops 0.3 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.207 18.8 Sarda s arda 0.1 'C0.1 - - - 2.1 FN;osc'i:on nebuLosus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <O.l 2.300 :3 Paralichthys albigutta CO.l <0.1 <1 C0.1 0.420 2 Pepritus spp. -CO.1 <0.1 - - 2.1 observed species Busycon canaLicuLatLin Portunus spp. Prionotus scitulus Penaeus duorarum Mustelus canis Centropristis ocyurus; Homarus; americanus Squatina dumeriLi Orthopristis chrysoptera Libinia sop. Raia eglanteria Scomberomorus macutatus, Cance spp. Conger spp. Citharichthys spilopterus Cancer borealis Urophycis spp. Scophthatmus gSuosus Cancer irroratus Urophycis tnia GtyptocephaLus cynogLossus Arenaeus cribarius Urophycis parLii Pseudopteuronectes americanus CaLLinectes sapidus; Notocentridae Gvnmchirus melas CaLLinectes similis Prionotus caroLinus Svm*urus spp. Ovatipes oceLtatus Fr-ionotus evotans BaListes capriscus Ovalipe stephensoni 107 APPENDIX 1. Size composition of summer flounder IParalicl,lys dentatus, captured by North Carolina winter trawlers during 1988-91 partitioned by gear (A), area (8), and season (C); n=number of individuals measured. Percent frequency/size class (TL. mm) Undersize- 301- 351- 401- 451- 501- 601 Season n <330 <300 350 400 450 500 600 700 >700 A. GEAR Ftynet 1988-89 208 58.1 51.1 14.4 13.9 15.0 5.1 0.5 Deepwater 8,610 8.4 0.3 22.9 36.2 27.6 9.7 2.8 0.5 <0.1 Flounder 6,823 4.5 0.1 15.2 34.3 30.4 15.5 4.1 0.4 -CO. 1 FLynet 1989-90 1 100.0 100.0 Deepwater 7,571 9.3 <0.1 23.4 29.7 21.9 13.4 11.0 0.6 <0.1 Flounder 5,320 6.1 0.1 22.3 32.6 25.7 12.6 6.7 0.1 <0.1 Crab trawl 327 3.5 15.2 35.8 32.9 11.3 4.2 0.6 FLynet 1990-91 8 97.7 97.7 1.3 0.7 0.3 Deepwater 3,074 11.6 0.1 31.8 38.9 23.0 4.1 1.7 0.3 0.1 F L ounder 14,961 8.0 <0.1 26.4 37.5 26.1 7.7 2.2 0.1 <0.1 8. AREA Northern 1988-89 15,091 7.4 0.6 20.1 35.1 28.6 11.9 3.3 0.4 <0.1 Central 549 8.6 2.5 17.4 42.0 25.2 9.4 3.5 0.2 Northern 1989-90 11,578 7.8 0.1 22.0 30.5 23.7 13.7 9.6 0.4 <0.1 Central 1,106 11.9 0.6 35.8 33.4 21.5 6.3 2.4 0.1 Southern 550 2.8 20.8 39.4 28.0 9.1 2.6 <0.1 <0.1 Northern 1990-91 17,753 8.6 <0.1 27.2 37.7 25.7 7.1 1.2 0.1 <0.1 Central 290 21.2 14.1 23.5 34.4 17.7 9.2 1.0 <0.1 C. SEASON 1982-83 5,027 16.7 40.3 24.4 12.7 3.8 1.9 0.1 <0.1 1983-84 14,844 16.7 39.1 25.7 12.3 4.4 1.7 0.1 <0.1 1984-85 15,185 9.9 43.3 24.3 13.9 4.9 2.4 0.3 <0.1 1985-86 14,477 15.4 32.8 26.4 15.4 7.0 2.6 0.3 <0.1 1986-87 11,350 7.8 31.6 31.6 20.1 5.8 2.9 0.2 <0.1 1987-88 15,395 18.0 38.8 31.7 7.1 3.1 1.1 0.2 <0.1 1988-89 15,641 0.7 20.0 35.3 28.5 11.8 3.3 0.4 <0.1 1989-90 13,214 0.2 22.8 31.0 23.7 13.0 8.9 0.4 <0.1 1990-91 18,043 0.1 27.2 37.7 25.6 7.1 2.1 0.1 <0.1 APPENDIX G. Age composition of summer flounder (Paratfchthys dentatus) captured by North Carolina winter trawl, 1982-1991. Percent/age class Season 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1982-83 25.5 55.2 16.8 1.7 0.6 0.2 0 0 a 1983-84 8.5 48.9 33.8 6.4 1.8 0.5 0 0 0 1984-85 13,5 51,0 31.4 2.9 1.0 0.2 0 0 0 1985-86 5.0 51.4 35.4 7.3 0.4 0.4 0 0 0 1986-87 11.5 46.8 34.5 6.5 0.5 0.1 0 0 0 1987-88 6"6 68*3 22,4 2.2 0.4 0.1 0 0 0 1988-89 0.4 33.3 41.9 22.1 1.3 0.6 0.4 0 a 1989-90 0.1 6.5 ".3 36.0 12.0 0.8 0.3 0 0 1990-91 0.0 6.6 54.3 36.7 2.3 0.1 0 0 0 108 APPENDIX H. OveralL species conposition and mean catch/trip of 33 deepwater trawL catches sanpied from October 1988 through ApriL 1989. Mean fish % Weight (kq) Number weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur. ParaLichthys dentatus 4,052.7 72.0 5,803 72.0 0.698 97.0 LoLigo pealii 813.8 14.4 - - - 87.8 Centropristis striata 485.0 8.6 1,345 16.7 0.361 97.0 Stenotomus chrysops 107.3 1.9 628 7.8 0.171 63.6 Pomatomus saLtatrix 61.1 1.1 24 0.3 2.568 63.6 Sconber scorribrus 32.0 0.6 90 1.1 0.355 3.0 Lophius americamis 27.6 0.5 16 0.2 1.776 48.5 Cynoscion regaLis 11.9 0.2 8 0.1 1.490 42.4 Merluccius biLinearis 8.1 0.1 7 0.1 1.116 27.3 PLacopecten mageLLanicu 6.8 0.1 - - - 33.3 Prionotus spp. 5.8 0.1 91 1.1 0.064 9.1 Busycon sp. 4.9 0.1 - - - 3.0 GtyptocephaLus cynoglossus 3.9 0.1 10 0.1 0.377 24.2 ParaLichthys spp. 2.5 <0.1 2 <0.1 1.042 3.0 Peprilus triacanthus 2.1 <0.1 19 0.2 0.111 30.3 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 1.9 <0.1 'Cl <0.1 20.833 6.1 Urophycis regia 1.4 <0.1 7 0.1 0.208 18.2 Stenotomus spp. 0.8 <0.1 - - - 3.0 Conger oceanicus 0.7 <0.1 <1 <0.1 1.808 12.1 Centropristis philadeLphica 0.5 <0.1 - - - 6.1 Tautola onitis 0.1 <0.1 - - - 3.0 ParaHchthys oblongus 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.337 18.2 Menticirrhus spp. 0.1 <0.1 <1 4.1 0.230 3.0 Sparidae 0.1 4.1 - - - 3.0 Archosargus probatocephalus 0.1 -COA <1 <0.1 1.800 3.0 observed species Cancer irroratus Scomberesax saurus Persephona punctatus Catlinectes sapidus HoLocentrus ascensionis Cancer borealis Ovatipes sp. Prionotus carolinus ScophthaLmu aquosus Ovatioes ocellatus Prionotus evoLans Sympurus Plagiusa OvaLipes stephensoni Prionotus scitutus Squalus acanthias Portunus spp- EpinepheLus drLmmondhayi Raia eglanteria Portunus gibbessi CauLoLatitus microps Raia radiata Asteroidea Cynoscion nebuLosus Dasyatis sabina Astropecten articulatus Menticirrhus saxatiLis Urophycis spp. Etropus crossotus 109 APPENDIX 1. OveraLl species copposition and mean catch/trip of 45 deepwater catches samp Led during October through ApriL 1990. Mean fish % Weight (kq) Number weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur. Paralichthys dentatus 1,674.2 39.2 1,920 23.2 0.872 88.9 Centropristis striata 1,0".5 24.5 3,606 43.5 0.290 97.8 Loligo peaLii 712.4 16.7 91.1 Stenotomus chrysops 603.0 14.1 2,382 28.7 0.253 64.4 Lophius americanus 59.5 1.4 16 0.2 3.823 80.0 Pornato-ous saltatrix 31.4 0.7 21 0.3 1.530 64.4 PepriLus triacanthus 29.9 0.7 203 2.5 0.147 51.1 Cynoscion regalis 27.2 0.6 21 0.3 1.274 68.9 MerLuccius billnearls 26*11 0,6 40 0*5 1,667 31,6 Carcharhinus spp. 14.4 0.3 2.2 Menidia beryttina 10.6 0.3 4.4 Gtyptocephatus cynoglossus 6.9 0.2 21 0.3 0.323 24.4 Ptacopecten mage(Lanicus 5.2 0.1 15.6 Centropristis ocyurus 2.9 0.1 15 0.2 0.188 2.2 Menticirrhus; sop. 2.6 0.1 4 0.1 0.599 6.7 Sparidae 2.1 0.1 6.7 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 1.8 <0.1 <1 <0.1 40.800 4.4 Urophycis spp- 1.6 C0.1 2.2 Scomber scombrus 1.2 <0.1 4 0.1 0.318 11.1 Urophycis regia 1.1 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.345 22.2 Conger oceanicus 1.1 <0.1 8.9 Urophycis chuss 1.1 <0.1 11 0.1 0.093 4.4 Cynoscion nebulosus 0.8 <0.1 <1 0.1 1.994 6.7 Seriota dLzneri I i 0.7 <0.1 <1 <0.1 33.600 2.2 Squatus acanthias 0.7 <0.1 12 0.2 0.061 2.2 Busyc canalicalatun 0.7 <0.1 2.2 mycteroperca spp. 0.7 <0.1 <1 <0.1 30.400 4.4 LophoLatiLus chamaeleonticeps 0.7 <0.1 2.2 Busycon carica 0.5 <0.1 2.2 Busycon spp. 0.4 <0.1 2.2 Caulolatitus microps 0.4 <0.1 <1 <0.1 8.650 6.7 Tautoga onitis 0.3* <0.1 <1 <0.1 7.550 13.3 Archosarqus probatocephatus 0.3 <0.1 6.7 Micropogonjas undulatus 0.2 <0.1 <1 <0.1 1.355 8.9 Paralichthys Lethostigm 0.2 <0.1 <1 <0.1 1.298 2.2 Prionotus carotinus 0.2 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.063 8.9 Tosa Rseudoharenqus 0.2 <0.1 I <0.1 0.243 2.2 Octopus 0.2 <0.1 2.2 CautoLatitus spp. 0.1 <0.1 2.2 Alosa sapidissima 0.1 <0.1 2.2 Euthynnus aLLetteratus 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 4.500 2.2 Congridae 0.1 <0.1 2.2 Poklachius vi rens <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 1.400 2.2 Sciaenops o@ellatus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.900 2.2 observ species Ilex ittecebrosus OvaLipes stephensoni Prionotus; scituLus Henatus epheLiticus Portumis sp. ParaLichthys atbigutta Cancer boreaLis ALosa aestivatis ParaLichthy oblongus; Cancer irroratus Clupea harengus Scophthalmus aquosus Caltinectes sapidus Brevoortia tyrannus Sywvhurus otagiusa Ovatipes Prionotus spp. Sphoeroides maculatus Ovalipes oce(latus Prionotus evoLans Mustelus; spip. Raia egtanteria APPENDIX J. overall species conposition and mean catch/trip of 13 deepwater trawl catches sanpted from January through April 1991. Mean fish % Weight ft) Number weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur. Stenotomus chrysops 3,598.9 39.7 17,606 61.7 0.204 100.0 Paratichthys dentatus 2,118.0 23.3 3,551 12.4 0.596 84.6 Scomber scombrus 2,095.6 23.1 4,985 17.5 0.420 46.2 Loliq peatii 219.9 4.6 - - 76.9 Centropristis striata 142.2 1.6 233 0.8 0.610 100.0 Lophius americanus 139.4 1.5 95 0.3 1.475 53.8 Peprilus triacanthus 126.9 1.4 1,187 4.2 0.107 69.2 MerLuccius bilinearis 104.7 1.1 241 0.8 0.435 46.2 Unidentified scrapfish 87.2 1.0 7.7 Ctupea harengus 65.6 0.7 430 1.5 0.153 23.1 Pomatomus saltatrix 64.6 0.7 68 0.2 0.950 38.5 Prionotus spp. 26.3 0.3 21 0.1 1.270 15.4 Menticirrhus sop. 24.4 0.3 24 0.1 1.005 23.1 Placopecten mage(Lanicus 13.3 0.1 - - - 23.1 Urophycis regia 11.8 0.1 62 0.2 0.190 15.4 Busycon spp. 8.8 0.1 - - 7.7 Urojohycis,spp. 8.6 0.1 15.4 Acfoenser oxyrhynchus 5.6 0.1 - - - 7.7 Prionotus carolinus 4.6 0.1 23 0.1 0.195 7.7 Homarus americginus 2.2 <0.1 - - - 23.1 Cynoscion regalis 0.9 <0.1 1 <0.1 1.425 38.5 GlyptocephaLus cynoglossus 0.3 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.667 15.4 Atosa sapidissima 0.2 <0.1 - - 7.7 Sarda sarda 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.900 7.7 observed species Cancer irroratus Ophidiidae Tautoga onitis mustetus canis Prionotus scituLus Sphoeroides maculatus Raia eqlanteria Bellator militaris lable K. Size composition of scup IStenotomys clrysops, capt@,ed by North Carolina winter trawlers during 1988-91 fishing seasons partitioned by season (A), and scrap (8); n=number of individuals measured. Percent freciuency/size class (FL, mm) 151- 201- 251- 301- A. SEASON n <150 200 250 300 350 >350 1982-83 3,613 0.2 41.3 40.9 13.2 3.8 0.6 1983-84 6,349 0.7 42.4 41.1 11.9 3.2 0.7 1984-85 1,525 4.6 76.6 15.9 2.6 0.2 0.1 1985-86 4,090 1.1 27.1 44.8 14.6 6.2 1.2 1986-87 2,962 16.0 15.6 36.5 23.2 7.6 0.8 1987-B8 2,371 16.8 16.8 48.5 6.7 3.6 1.6 1988-89 1,549 6.7 71.9 19.8 1.3 0.3 <0.1 1989-90 4,648 14.6 25.1 51.7 7.4 1.0 0.2 1990-91 7,591 2.4 50.5 42.9 3.9 0.2 <0.1 8: SCRAP 1988-89 117 84.8 15.2 1989-90 55 95.0 5.0 1990-91 293 10.4 89.6 APPENDIX L. Size composition of btack sea bass (Centropristis striata) captured by North Carolina winter trawters October 1988 through April 1991 partitioned by gear (A), season (8), and scrap samples CQ; n = number of individuals measured. Percent frequency/size class (TL, mm) 2C11- 251- 301- 351- 401- 451- A. GEAR n <200 250 300 350 400 450 Soo >500 Deepwater 1988-89 2,790 5.0 42.1 31.4 14.6 4.8 1.3 0.6 0.2 Flounder 270 1.2 35.2 44.2 9.8 3.0 4.2 1.5 0.9 Deepwater 1889-90 7,097 5.4 47.7 31.1 11.5 2.9 0.9 0.4 0.2 Flounder 3 33.3 66.7 Deepwater 1990-91 396 0.1 23.2 40.5 23.5 12.2 0.2 0.3 Flounder 1,026 15.4 54.0 22.5 6.1 1.6 0.4 B. SEASON 1982-83 1,328 3.1 45.3 32.7 12.9 3.9 1.4 0.4 0.2 1983-84 4,573 2.2 36.3 37.1 18.3 5.0 0.9 0.2 0.1 1984-85 5,078 8.9 32.2 28.3 18.8 8.3 2.7 0.7 0.2 1985-86 6,170 10.9 42.7 22.8 8.3 6.5 4.7 2.8 1.3 1986-87 2,982 3.9 48.2 29.4 11.2 5.1 1.6 0.5 0.1 1987-88 4,243 9.5 5O.D 21.7 11.9 3.9 2.0 0.7 0.2 1988-89 3,260 4.8 41.8 32.0 14.4 4.8 1.4 0.7 0.2 1989-90 7,100 5.4 47.7 31.1 11.5 2.9 0.9 0.4 0.2 1990-91 1,422 10.2 43.5 28.7 12.1 5.2 0.3 0.1 C. SCRAP 1988-a9 62 74.8 25.2 1989-90 6 100.0 1990-91 3 100.0 112 APPENDIX M. Overall species composition and mean catch/trip of 38 fLynet catches sampled from October 1988 through April 1989. Mean fish % Weight (kq) Number weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur. Cynoscion regaLis 3,999.4 39.4 15,355 22.3 0.260 94.7 Micropogonias undulatus 2,738.4 27.0 19,230 27.9 0.142 71.1 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,325.5 13.1 21,449 31.1 0.062 65.8 Pomatomus saLtatrix 878.6 8.7 743 1.1 1.183 76.3 Pepritus triacanthus 250.5 2.5 4,705 6.8 0.053 71.1 Lagod rhomboides 187.3 1.9 1,260 1.8 0.149 Menticirrhus americanus 115.2 1.1 501 0.7 0.228 60.6 Stenotomus spp. 109.2 1.1 2,753 4.0 0.040 7 -9 LoLigo pealii 73.8 0.7 16 0.0 4.479 39. 5 Pogonias cromis 63.9 0.6 10.5 Carcharhinus sp. 48.8 0.5 21.1 ParaLichthys dentatus 40.3 0.4 84 0.1 0.478 47.4 Menticirrhus saxatiLis 40.4 0.4 262 0.4 0.152 31.6 BairdieLta chrysoura 36.4 0.4 530 0.8 0.069 31.6 Brevoortia tyrannus 33.1 0.3 241 0.4 0.137 28.9 Orthopristis chrysoptera 25.0 0.3 643 0.9 0.039 23.7 Archosar-gus, probatocephaLus 18.4 0.2 4 <0.1 4.369 15.8 Stenotomus chrysops 18.2 0.2 499 0.7 0.037 7.9 Galeocerdo cuvieri 17.9 0.2 2.6 Centropristis striata 12.5 0.1 59 0.1 0.212 21.1 Cephatopoda 12.3 0.1 28 <0.1 0.388 7.9 Rachycentron canadum 9.2 0.1 1 <0.1 16.586 5.3 Scomberomorus cavaLLa 8.5 0.1 2 <0.1 3.750 15.8 Odontaspis taurus 7.2 0.1 2.6 Urophycis regia 7.1 0.1 71 0.1 0.100 28.9 ACipenser oxyrhynchus 5.7 0.1 <1 <0.1 54.100 10.5 Synodus foetens 5.5 0.1 45 0.1 0.124 15.8 Sphoeroides macutatus 4.6 0.1 53 0.1 0.088 28.9 Sphyraena borealis 4.6 0.1 51 0.1 0.090 2.6 ParaLichthys spp. 4.5 <0.1 3 <0.1 1.485 10.5 Lophius americanus 4.0 <0.1 <1 <0.1 10.073 21.1 Sciaenops oceRatus 3.9 <0.1 <1 <0.1 13.379 5.3 Cynoscion nebulosus 3.8 <0.1 12 <0.1 0.313 15.8 Scomberomorus macuLatus 3.6 <0.1 9 <0.1 0.404 15.8 SerioLa spp. 3.6 <0.1 2.6 Scomber scombrus 3.6 <0.1 4 0.1 0.958 5.3 SerioLa dumerRi 3.2 <0.1 <1 <0.1 7.9 PepriLus alepidotus 2.7 <0.1 84 0.1 0.032 2.6 Scytiorhinus retifer 2.6 <0.1 2.6 Chaetodipterus faber 2.4 <0.1 14 <0.1 0.168 5.3 Prionotus evotans 1.8 -CO.1 30 <0.1 0.059 13.2 ALosa aestivaLis 1.6 <0.1 9 0.1 0.173 7.9 Loltiguncula brevis 1.6 -CO. 1 21 <0.1 0.075 2.6 Larimus fasciatus 1.6 <0.1 19 <0.1 0.084 7.9 Argentina striata 1.1 <0.1 71 0.1 0.016 2.6 Prionotus scitutus 1.0 <0.1 24 <0.1 0.043 7.9 113 APPENDIX M. (Continued). Mean fish % Weight (kq) Nuaber weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur. Scopht halmus aquosus 0.8 IC0.1 10 <0.1 0.081 10.5 Paratichthys Lethostigma 0.7 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.973 2.6 Anchoa hepsetus 0.5 <0.1 41 0.1 0.013 5.3 Diplodus hoLbrooki 0.5 <0.1 18 <0.1 0.028 2.6 Prionotus spp. 0.3 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.184 10.5 Libinia dubia 0.2 <0.1 <1 <0.1 1.000 2.6 Sarda sarda 0.2 <0.1 <1 <0.1 1.360 2.6 Mustelus canis 0.2 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.656 13.2 Tautoga onitis 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 1.733 5.3 ALosa sapidissima 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.683 2.6 Euthynnus alletteratus 0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 3.200 2.6 Arenaeus cribarius 0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.086 2.6 CaLLinectes sapidus 0.1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.116 5.3 Penaeus duorarum <0.1 <0.1 5 <0.1 0.011 2.6 Monacanthus hispidus <0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.020 2.6 Ovatipes stephensoni <0 ,1 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.043 2.6 squiUa neglecta <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.052 2.6 Citharichthys macrops <0.1 <0.1 I <0.1 0.022 2.6 Centropristig phiLadeLphica <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.167 5.3 Persephona sp. <0.1 <0.1 <1 40.1 0.036 2.6 Ptacopecten mageLlanicus <0.1 C0.1 2.6 observed species Sicyonia sp. Mertuccius bilinearis MusteLus sp. Persephona ptinctata RissoLa marginat ScluaLus acanthias Libinia sp. Prionotus caroLinus Squatina dumerili Cancer borealis Priacanthus sp. Raia sp. Portunus sp. MuLlus auratus Raja eqLanteria Ovalipes ocettatus Trichiurus Lepturus Dasyatis sp. Alosa sp. Synogyrys spp. Mytiobatis freminvilLei Clupea harengus Chilomycterus schoepfi Rhinoptera bonasus 114 APPENDIX N. OveraLL species composition and mean catch/trip of 42 fLynet catches sampled during October 1989 through April 1990. Mean fish % Weight (kq) Number weight freq Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur. Cynoscion regaLis 4,502.7 35.8 16,397 22.3 0.275 81.0 Scomber scombrus 2,652.5 21.1 9,131 12.4 0.290 19.0 Micropogonias unduLatus 2,602.8 20.7 19,514 26.5 0.133 47.6 Pomatomus sattatrix 971.6 7.7 1,069 1.5 0.909 81.0 Leiostomus xanthurus 927.1 7.4 12,994 17.6 0.071 541.8 Pepritus triacanthus 189.7 1.5 3,529 4.8 0.054 59.5 Stenotomus caprinus 89.1 0.7 2,393 3.3 0.037 16.7 BairdielLa chrysoura 78.2 0.6 1,77B 2.4 0.0" 31.0 Loligo peaHi 69.2 0.6 118 0.2 0.588 59.5 Urophycis regia 65.8 0.5 71B 1.0 0.092 38.1 Lagodon rhomboides 51.7 0.4 1,278 1.7 0.040 28. 6 Brevoortia tyrannus 38.8 0.3 175 0.2 0.222 26.2 Carcharhinus sp. 36.2 0.3 7.1 Menticirrhus saxatilis 32.0 0.3 268 0.4 0.119 23.8 Menticirrhus americanus 30.4 0.2 308 0.4 0.099 31.0 Orthopristis chrysoptera 29.5 0.2 564 0.8 0.052 11.9 Scomberomorus maculatus 1B.6 0.2 35 0.1 0.529 16.7 Prionotus evoLans 15.6 0.1 296 0.4 0.053 19.0 PepriLus atepidotus 15.5 0.1 330 0.5 0.047 7.1 Stenotomus chrysops 14.2 0.1 308 0.4 0.046 9.5 Scomber spp. 13.5 0.1 2 4 Scomberomorus cavatla 12.7 0.1 5 <0.1 2.645 111:9 Centropristis striata 11.7 0.1 108 0.2 0.109 19.0 Sphoeroides macuLatus 11.5 0.1 265 0.4 0.043 21.4 Synodus foetens 9.6 0.1 170 0.2 0.056 11.9 Prionotus scitutus 8.9 0.1 268 0.4 0.033 11.9 Carcharhinus spp. 8.8 0.1 2.4 Anchoa hepsetus 8.0 0.1 765 1.0 0.010 7.1 Callinectes marginatus 7.9 0.1 197 0.3 0.040 2.4 Archosargus probatocephaLus 6.9 0.1 14.3 Mustelus canis 6.8 0.1 2 <0.1 4.3" 14.3 Prionotus tribuLus 6.2 0.1 138 0.2 0.045 4.8 Menticirrhus spp. 4.6 <0.1 4 <0.1 1.219 14.3 Prionotus carotinus 4.6 <0.1 19.0 SerioLa dumeriLi 4.3 <0.1 4.8 Squatus acanthias 3.9 <0.1 138 0.2 0.033 23.8 Paralichthys dentatus 2.4 <0.1 6 <0.1 0.401 28.6 Urophycis spp. 2.2 <0.1 4 8 Portunus spp. 2.0 <0.1 197 0.3 0.010 4:8 Cynoscion nebulosus 1.8 <0.1 4 <0.1 0.467 19.0 Monacanthus hispidus 1.7 <0.1 55 0.1 0.031 7.1 Rachycentron canadum 1.6 <0.1 <1 -0. 1 22.200 11.9 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 1.4 <0.1 <1 <0.1 60.300 4.8 Atopias vuLpinus 1.4 <0.1 <1 <0.1 57.200 4.8 Clupea harengus 0.9 <0.1 6 <0.1 0.143 4.8 Sicyonia brevirostris 0.8 <0.1 28 4.1 0.030 7.1 Euthynnus alletteratus 0.8 <0.1 <1 -CO.1 6."0 2.4 115. APPENDIX N. (Continued). Mean fish % Weight (kq) Number weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur. Priacanthus arenatus 0.8 <0.1 12 -cO.l 0.062 4.8 ALosa aestivaLis 0.8 <0.1 7 -cO.l 0.102 7.1 Lophius americanus 0.7 <0.1 7.1 Carcharhinus Leucas 0.6 <0.1 <1 cO.l 27.200 L4 Portumis spinimanus 0.6 <0.1 18 -cO.l 0.032 4.8 CautoLatiLus microps 0.5 <0.1 2.4 Seriola spp. 0.5 <0.1 2.4 Chaetodipterus faber 0.4 <0.1 9 -cO.l 0.050 2.4 Penaeus duorarurn 0.3 <0.1 32 @co.l 0.010 11.9 Sciaenops oceltatus 0.3 <0.1 2.4 Conger oceanicus 0.3 <0.1 2.4 Atosa pseudoharengus 0.2 <0.1 I -CO. 1 0.300 2.4 Alosa sapidissima 0.2 <0.1 4.8 Etrurneus teres 0.2 <0.1 8 <0.1 0.020 4.8 MerLuccius biLinearis 0.1 <0.1 14.3 Larimus fasciatus 0.1 <0.1 9 <0.1 0.013 4.8 Sicyonia brevirostris 0.1 <0.1 11 4. 1 0.010 4.8 Centropristis philadeLphica 0.1 <0.1 9 4.1 0.010 2.4 Anchoa mitchitti <0.1 <0.1 14 cO.l 0.002 2.4 ALectis ciLiaris <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.157 2.4 BaListes capriscus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.900 2.4 Argentina striata <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.018 2.4 observed species Limutus PoLyphemus Macrorhamphosus scotopax Tautoga onitis Penaeus aztecus Prionotus spp. Trichiurus Lepturus Cancer boreaLis DipLectr fonmosurn Scophthatmus aquosus CalLinectes; sapidus Uraspis secuncla Symphurus plagiusa Ovalipes spp. Haemuton aurotineat Odontaspis taurus: Ovatipes oceLLatus, CaLamus Leucosteus Squatina dumeriti SquiLLa empus Equetus lanceolatus Raia eqLanteria Porichthys PLectrodon Muttus auratus Dasyatis spp. Rhinoptera bonasus 116 APPENDIX 0. Overall species conposition and mean catch/trip of 40 fLynet catches sampled during October 1990 through April 1991. Mean fish % Weight (kq) Nunber weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kg) occur. Cynoscion regaLis 6,412.1 56.6 42,238 39.0 0.152 95.0 Leiostomus xanthurus 1,088.7 9.6 19,825 18.3 0.055 90.0 Micropogonias undutatus 1,068.2 9.4 11,269 10.4 0.095 Pomatomus sattatrix 605.0 5.3 1,545 1.4 0.392 90.0 Pepritus triacenthus 490.0 4.3 8,361 7.7 0.059 92 '5 Brevoortia tyrannus 338.5 3.0 2,498 2.3 0.136 62.5 Lagodon rhomboides 285.4 2.5 8,797 8.1 0.032 72.5 Scomber sconbrus 187.9 1.7 00 0.4 0.399 2.5 Menticirrhus saxatiLis; 151.4 1.3 1,052 1.0 0.144 601.0 Menticirrhus americanus 94.1 0.8 529 0.5 0.178 75.o Scomberomorus macuLatus 84.3 0.7 410 0.4 0.206 37.5 Peprilus alepidotus 82.6 0.7 1,894 1.7 0.044 42.5 Stenotomus caprinus 82.4 0.7 1,645 1.5 0.050 12.5 Anchoa hepsetus 43.5 0.4 3,133 2.9 0.014 50.0 Unidentified scrapfish 40.9 0.4 7 5 Sphoeroid2s macutatus 39.1 0.3 81 0.1 0.482 45:0 Bairdiella chrysoura 37.3 0.3 761 0.7 0.049 45.0 Menticirrhus spp. 22.8 0.2 2 -C0.1 9.621 10.0 Orthopristis chrysootera 21.2 0.2 493 0.5 0.043 37.5 CLupea harengus 20.9 0.1 1,960 1.8 0.011 2.5 Lophius, americanus 18.7 0.1 12 <0.1 1.551 7.5 Loligo peatii 12.0 0.1 45 -C0.1 0.267 45.0 Prionotus evotans 11.6 0.1 152 0.1 0.076 20.0 Merluccius biLinearis 10.1 0.1 48 0.1 0.210 2.5 Archosargus ProbatocephaLus 9.0 0.1 2 <0.1 4.500 25.0 Chaetodipterus faber 8.8 0.1 153 0.1 0.058 7.5 Synodus foetens 8.7 0.1 93 0.1 0.094 27.5 Carcharhinidae 7.2 0.1 0 @COJ 57.600 7.5 Opisthonema ogLin 6.6 0.1 266 0.2 0.025 5.0 Urophycis; reqia 6.0 0.1 86 0.1 0.070 22.5 ALosa mediocris 5.7 0.1 23 <0.1 0.246 10.0 Scomberanorus cavatta 4.7 <0.1 2 <0.1 2.195 12.5 Rachycentron canadum 3.3 <0.1 0 <0.1 8.860 10.0 Paralichthys dentatus 3.3 <0.1 12 <0.1 0.275 35.0 Alosa aestivatis 3.3 <0.1 52 <0.1 0.062 32.5 Cynoscion nebuLosus 2.3 <0.1 14 <0.1 0.164 10 Centropri tis striata 2.3 <0.1 17 <0.1 0.134 22.5 .0 CaLLinectes sapidus 1.6 <0.1 31 <0.1 0.051 10.0 LoLLigunc!Ata brevis 1.4 <0.1 49 <0.1 0.029 7.5 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 1.2 <0.1 2.5 SerioLa zonata 1.1 <0.1 6 <0.1 1.188 2.5 Prionotus, scitutus 1.0 <0.1 25 <0.1 0.039 12.5 OvaLipes 0.9 <0.1 18 <0.1 0.050 2.5 Centropristis PhitadeLphica 0.9 <0.1 14 <0.1 0.060 2.5 Pogonias cromis 0.6 <0.1 0 <0.1 24.900 2.5 Trichiurus Lepturus 0.5 <0.1 14 <0.1 0.035 12.5 117 APPENDIX 0. (Continued). Mean fish % Weight (kq) Number weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur, Theuthidida myonsida 0.3 <0.1 2.5 Prionotus spp. 0.3 <0.1 7 <0.1 0.050 2.5 -Caranx crysos; 0.3 <0.1 6 <0.1 0.050 2.5 Urophycil spp. 0.3 <0.1 2.5 Portumis spp. 0.2 <0.1 12 <0.1 0.020 15.0 Urophycis eartH 0.2 <0.1 14 <0.1 0.012 2.5 Larimus fasciatus 0.1 <0.1 7 <0.1 0.020 5.0 Pepritus spp. 0.1 <0.1 3 <0.1 0.040 2.5 Prionotus tributus 0.1 <0.1 2 <0.1 0.040 2.5 Monacanthus hispidus 0.1 <0.1 6 <0.1 0.010 2.5 Sarda sarda 0.1 <0.1 0 <0.1 2.300 2.5 Selene vomer 0.1 <0.1 6 <0.1 0.010 2.5 Prionotus carotinus 0.0 <0.1 1 <0.1 0.026 5.0 Paralichthys Lethostigma 0.0 <0.1 0 <0.1 0.550 2.5 Observed species Ilex illecebrosus Rhizoprionodon terraenovae MyLiobatis freminvittei Limulus p2typhemus Mustetus canis Rhinoptera bonasus Penaeus aztecus Carcharhinus Leucas Ophichthus ocetLatus Penaeus duorarurn Carcharhinus Plumbeus ALosa sapidissima Penaeus setiferus Negaprion brevirostris MutLus auratus Sicyonia brevirostris Squalus acanthias Euthynnus atletteratus Portunus spinimanus Raja egianteria SquilLa empusa Dasyatis sayi 118 APPENDIX P. Size composition of weakfish (Cynoscion regaLi captured by North Carolina winter trawlers during 1988-91 fishing seasons partitioned by gear (A), area (B), season (C), and scrap (D); n=number of individuals measured. Percent Percent frequency/size class (TL, mm) of scrap 201- 251- 301- 351- 401- 501- 601- n (<220 mm) <200 250 300 350 400 500 600 700 >700 A. GEAR Flynet 1988-89 6,363 30.5 20.7 24.2 28.3 13.8 5.0 5.1 2.7 0.2 <0.1 Deepwater 12 0.0 8.3 17.3 16.7 50.0 8.3 Flounder 138 0.0 0.5 20.8 17.0 20.1 32.2 8.5 0.4 0.5 Flynet 1989-90 6,494 47.3 28.4 42.0 22.6 2.0 2.0 0.8 0.3 1.2 0.7 Deepwater 269 0 0.2 16.0 34.6 21.3 7.2 9.5 10.7 0.5 Flounder 777 2.3 1.7 8.9 33.1 28.4 15.4 10.8 0.7 0.6 0.3 FLynet 1990-91 12,418 31.3 19.2 43.3 31.9 5.4 0.2 <0.1 Deepwater 3 25.0 25.0 25.0 50.0 Flounder 284 0.0 3.1 54.1 38.3 4.0 0.6 B. AREA Northern 1988-89 3,663 21.1 16.0 16.4 23.6 16.9 7.8 12.1 6.8 0.4 -0. 1 Central 1,890 33.2 18.9 28.9 28.7 15.1 5.7 2.1 0.6 <0.1 Southern 963 38.7 27.1 28.9 33.3 9.4 1.2 0.1 <0.1 Northern 1989-90 3,969 3.6 1.8 23.1 48.4 5.5 8.3 3.7 1.4 5.2 2.7 Central 2,637 64.4 29.9 46.1 12.7 1.1 0.1 <0.1 Southern 934 21.8 2.7 61.8 33.5 1.9 0.1 <0.1 Northern 1990-91 8,234 12.6 7.1 34.4 42.1 15.8 0.6 <0.1 <0.1 Central 2,742 36.5 22.7 45.0 28.8 3.4 0.2 Southern 1,729 33.6 20.2 47.6 31.8 0.4 C. SEASON 1982-83 6,816 16.0 9.4 34.0 36.7 8.4 6.3 2.9 0.2 0.8 1.3 1983-84 7,956 12.0 6.7 32.3 34.6 18.2 5.7 2.0 0.4 <0.1 0.1 1984-85 9,613 16.0 4.4 35.9 42.7 13.9 2.0 0.7 0.2 0.1 0.1 1985-86 9,608 31.9 17.2 32.5 32.7 7.8 1.4 2.0 1.2 0.2 1986-87 14,103 32.8 24.3 31.8 28.2 9.8 4.3 1.5 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 1987-88 9,358 31.2 16.5 40.0 34.1 7.0 1.8 0.4 0.2 <0.1 <0.1 1988-89 6,513 30.5 20.6 24.2 28.4 13.8 4.9 5.2 2.7 0.2 <0.1 1989-90 7,540 47.0 28.2 41.8 22.7 2.2 2.1 0.9 0.3 1.2 0.6 1990-91 12,705 31.2 19.1 43.2 32.0 5.4 0.2 <0.1 <0.1 D. SCRAP 1988-89 676 53.5 46.5 1989-90 960 52.4 45.1 2.5 1990-91 3,086 45.8 47.3 6.9 APPENDIX 0. Age composition of weakfish (Cynoscion regaLis) captured by North Carolina winter trawls, 1982-88. Age Year 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1982-83 4.20 72.29 14.38 1.67 0.60 0.78 0.57 0.22 0.14 0.11 0.04 0.01 1983-84 3.81 71.84 22.65 1.47 0.15 0.04 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 1984-85 4.34 72.94 21.53 0.94 0.11 0.05 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.01 <0.01 1985-86 4.87 75.07 18.64 1.07 0.30 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 1986-87 27.05 53.35 16.97 2.48 0.14 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 1987-88 17.43 58.51 21.85 2.09 0.10 0.01 -0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 1988-89 28.10 42.25 20.79 7.92 0.79 0.15 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 1989-90 49.01 39.42 8.03 2.09 0.62 0.23 0.16 0.17 0.14 0.07 0.03 0.04 1990-91 31.29 56.15 11.22 1.33 0.01 119 APPENDIX R* Size composition of Atlantic croaker IMicropogdnias undulatusl captured by North Carolina winter trawlers during 1988-91 partitioned by gear (A), area (8), season (C), and scrap (D) samples; n=number of individuals measured. Percent frequency/size class (TL, mm) 151- 176- 201- 226- 251- 276- 301 A. GEAR Season n <150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 -625 FLynets 1988-89 4,375 2.5 6.6 8.3 22.4 33.1 20.3 5.3 1.1 0.4 Flounder 188 16.9 52.0 29.7 1.1 0.3 FLynet 1989-90 4,429 0.4 5.3 12.9 38.6 27.5 13.5 1.6 0.1 <0.1 Flounder 359 1.4 6.5 42.8 34.6 11.2 2.9 0.5 <0.1 FLynet 1990-91 3,153 9.6 11.6 20.5 39.6 15.9 2.5 0.2 <0.1 <0.1 B. AREA Northern 1988-89 3,217 0.1 3.1 19.0 40.6 27.6 7.6 1.6 0.4 Central 373 35.7 42.8 7.0 4.5 5.5 3.1 1.1 0.3 Southern 973 1.3 13.1 19.3 32.4 23.1 8.8 1.3 0.2 0.5 Northern 1989-90 2,918 1.0 7.8 41.5 31.2 16.2 2.0 0.1 <0.1 Central 976 2.3 20.3 30.6 29.7 13.0 3.8 0.3 <0.1 <0.1 Southern 892 9.3 17.1 33.7 28.5 9.9 1.3 0.2 Northern 1990-91 1,427 5.7 30.4 48.1 14.8 0.6 0.4 <0.1 <0.1 Central 1,565 15.1 13.9 14.9 35.4 16.9 3.7 0.1 Southern 161 18.9 55.8 12.1 10.4 2.7 0.1 C. SEASON 1982-83 2,985 0.1 1.1 10.3 13.6 29.0 31.2 11.7 2.3 0.7 1983-84 3,458 0.4 1.8 16.9 45.1 27.9 6.8 1.0 0.1 1984-85 10,935 0.6 5.2 13.9 38.9 33.3 7.1 0.9 0.1 1985-86 9,097 2.2 8.2 17.9 31.8 25.8 9.6 1.3 0.3 0.2 1986-87 8,470 1.8 8.1 16.8 26.7 36.0 7.6 2.3 0.5 0.2 1987-88 3,607 0.2 8.1 14.6 29.6 34.1 10.2 2.5 0.6 0.1 1988-89 4,563 2.5 6.6 8.3 22.4 33.1 20.3 5.3 1.1 0.4 1989-90 4,788 0.4 5.2 12.7 38J 27.6 13.4 1.7 0.1 <0.1 1990-91 3,153 9.6 11.6 20.5 39.6 15.9 2.5 0.2 <0.1 <0.1 D. SCRAP 1988-89 783 5.3 14.3 17.8 40.2 21.7 0.7 1989-90 a4l M 10.1 23.6 50.7 14.1 0.7 1990-91 839 12.9 14.3 26.5 41.6 4.5 0.2 APPENDIX S. Age composition of croaker, (Micropogonias unduLatus), captured by North Carolina winter trawlers, 1982-1991. Percent frequency/age class Season 0 1 2 3 4 5 1982-83 28.43 59." 11.70 0.43 <0.01 1983-84 60.11 38.83 1.06 1984-85 0.11 59.45 39.40 1.04 0.1 1985-86 58.85 39.19 1.86 10.07 0.03 1986-87 5.70 64.12 26.53 3.38 0.27 0.01 1987-88 69.93 27.01 2.56 0.43 <0.01 1988-89 76.00 19.02 3.94 1.02 0.02 1989-90 81.74 15.47 2.04 o.76 <0.01 1990-91 95.98 3.81 0.15 0.06 120 APPENDIX T. Size composition of btuefish (Pomatomus saLtateix) captured by North Carotina winter trawters during 1988-91 fishing seasons partitioned by gear (A), area (6), season (C), and scrap (D); rr-number of individuals measured. Percent frequency/size ctass (FL, w) loi- 201- 301- 401- 501- 601- 701 Season n 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 >800 A. GEAR FLynet 1988-89 1,001 10.2 45.6 14.3 5.0 2.4 20.5 2.0 Hounder 23 2.3 33.4 59.4 Deepwater 31 81.1 4.7 1.1 6.6 5.4 1.1 FLynet 1989-90 1,164 31.3 36.0 6.6 1.9 7.8 13.0 2.6 0.1 FLounder 82 26.0 47.4 21.9 1.0 3.6 Deepwater 147 25.0 71.1 1.1 2.1 0.6 0.1 Ftynet 1990-91 1,335 30.4 51.7 12.5 1.8 2.1 1.4 0.1 Ftounder 117 4.3 28.3 23.7 12.1 31.7 Deepwater 4 99.5 0.1 0.4 B. AREA Northern 1988-89 930 9.2 25.1 21.7 7.3 3.5 30.0 3.2 <0.1 CentraL 39 6.8 93.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 Southern 97 22.2 77.0 0.7 0.1 Northern 1989-90 1,217 3.6 49.6 11.9 5.6 9.4 15.9 3.8 0.2 Centrat, 139 60.8 18.0 1.3 0.3 7.0 11.4 1.1 Southern 37 92.7 7.3 Northern 1990-91 477 15.4 55.8 12.0 0.4 9.3 6.6 0.4 Centrat. 973 35.2 48.0 14.4 2.3 <0.1 <0.1 Southern 6 12.4 87.6 C. SEASON 1982-83 3,506 2.2 49.7 32.5 3.0 3.9 4.0 4.7 1983-84 1,274 31.8 20.5 26.9 11.3 1.5 5.3 2.7 1984-85 1,594 8.9 45.3 6.0 1.2 7.9 8.0 22.7 1985-86 1,B89 45.5 26.7 25.1 1.9 0.2 0.3 0.3 1986-87 1,134 31.7 42.1 16.2 7.3 0.2 0.9 1.6 1987-88 1,382 9.3 23.9 6.1 10.2 24.9 18.7 6.9 1988-89 1,055 10.1 45.1 14.9 4.9 2.4 20.4 2.2 <0.1 1989-90 1,393 30.2 25.7 7.6 3.5 7.6 12.6 2.6 0.1 1990-91 1,456 29.9 51.0 13.4 1.8 2.1 1.6 0.1 D. SCRAP 1988-89 31 20.8 79.2 1989-90 75 50.6 49.4 1990-91 232 38.0 62.0 APPENDIX U. Age composition of bLuefish (Pomatomus sattatrix) captured by North CaroLina winter trawLers, 1982-1991. Percent frequency/age cLass Season 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1982-83 58.12 29.32 3.90 1.46 3.19 2.48 1.13 0.32 0.08 1983-84 53.91 33.58 3.82 2.32 3.31 1.52 0.89 0.34 0.20 0.06 0.06 1984-85 55.68 4.66 4.46 5.93 4.26 13.36 5.66 4.69 0.66 0.15 0.34 0.15 1985-86 79.67 19.66 0.07 0.13 0.13 0.11 0.14 0.07 0.02 0.01 1986-87 75.23 20.97 1.14 0.25 0.34 0.93 0.61 0.37 0.14 0.04 1987-88 33.77 12.32 10.26 21.61 11.14 3.71 5.46 0.60 0.38 0.74 1988-09 56.21 - 17.82 2.81 3.55 11.35 6.22 1.61 0.37 0.02 0.02 1989-90 64.36 9.14 5.75 7.64 3.03 7.89 0.99 0.90 0.28 0.03 1990-91 81.69 14.47 0.17 1.03 0.37 1.15 0.60 0.39 0.10 0.04 121 - APPENDIX V. Size composition of spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) captured by North Carolina winter trawlers during 1988-91 partitioned by gear (A), area (8), season (C), and scrap (D) samples; n number of individuals measured. Percent frequencylsize class 121- 136- 151- 166- 181- 196- 211- Season n 021 M 150 165 ISO 195 210 225 >225 A. GEAR FLynet 1988-89 2,029 0.9 8.8 16.9 30.7 28.1 12.9 1.4 0.2 0.1 Flounder 4 25.0 75.0 Ftynet 1989-90 2,378 0.8 6.1 15.6 21.6 40.1 15.1 0.6 <0.1 @Co.l Flounder 131 0.8 5.3 32.8 53.4 7.6 FLynet 1990-91 4,451 6.7 14.8 21.3 26.2 22.3 7.2 1.3 0.1 <0.1 Flounder 41 9.8 43.9 41.5 4.9 B. AREA Northern 1988-89 1,156 0.4 4.5 12.5 28.0 36.2 16.3 1.7 0.3 0.1 Central 425 10.8 7.6 27.4 35.1 12.7 5.2 1.1 0.1 Southern 452 16.6 22.3 35.6 16.7 8.3 1.1 <0.1 <0.1 Northern 1989-90 808 1.9 7.6 57.3 31.6 1.5 0.2 <0.1 Central 984 0.8 7.5 20.7 28.7 34.0 8.2 0.2 <0.1 Southern 717 2.2 12.8 22.5 24.9 30.5 6.5 0.6 Northern 1990-91 1,139 0.2 4.1 10.3 21.1 30.9 26.7 6.2 0.6 4.1 CentraL 2,612 9.2 18.8 22.8 26.0 19.9 2.9 0.4 Southern 741 0.8 5.9 28.5 35.3 24.5 4.9 0.1 C. SEASON 1982-83 942 1.7 11.5 39.5 34.8 11.5 0.7 0.2 0.1 1983-84 1,306 0.1 0.2 4.3 22.6 42.6 27.1 2.8 0.3 1984-85 3,635 1.1 2.2 10.7 29.5 38.3 16.4 1.5 0.1 1985-86 2,005 3.4 5.3 7.4 21.2 39.6 20.5 2.4 0.1 0.2 1986-87 2,228 0.5 2.8 13.7 29.2 36.7 14.6 2.1 0.3 0.1 1987-88 1,057 0.1 5.2 11.5 13.6 32.4 32.0 5.0 0.2 <0.1 1988-89 2,033 0*9 8,8 16,9 30,7 28A 12*9 1*4 0,2 0A 1989-90 2,509 0.8 6.0 15.4 21.9 40.4 14.9 0.6 <0.1 <0.1 1990-91 4,492 6.7 14.8 21.3 26.2 22.3 7.2 1.3 0.1 <0.1 D. scRAP, 1988-89 1,357 0.9 8.9 17.0 30.8 28.2 12.8 1.3 0.1 1989-90 1,292 0.8 6.1 15.8 22.4 41.0 13.7 0.2 1990-91 2,074 8.0 17.0 22,1 26.6 10.6 5.2 0.5 APPENDIX W. Age composition of spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) captured by North Carolina winter trawlers, 1982-1991. Percent frequency/age class Season 0 1 2 3 4 1982-83 25.33 62.39 12.17 0.10 1983-84 21.78 63.07 15.02 0.14 1984-85 22.14 63.69 13.57 0.58 0.01 1985-86 26.85 61.24 11.29 0.62 <0.01 1986-87 18.82 67.29 13.48 0.40 0.01 1987-W 25.54 64.60 10.98 0.87 0.01 1988-89 56.51 40.13 3.31 0.06 1989-90 34.40 59.71 5.81 0.09 <0.01 1990-91 24.17 69.12 6.61 0.10 ASSESSMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES Completion Report for Project 2-IJ-16 May 1992 JOB 4 SINK NET FISHERY ASSESSMENT By Jeffrey L. Ross ABSTRACT The ocean gill net fishery produced 19-24% of the marketable finfish landed in North Carolina from Fall 1987 through Spring 1991. The fishery is composed of two principal gears. The most productive gear and extensive fishery was the Outer Banks sink net fishery. Sink nets are tended gill nets fished and retrieved the same day. They are principal ocean gill net used from Oregon Inlet to Beaufort Inlet, and dominate weakfish and bluefish landings. Anchored gill nets are left overnight and fished daily between Bogue Inlet and Carolina beach and dominated croaker landings in recent years. Weakfish and bluefish dominated sink net catches and landings north of Cape Lookout during 1987-91, with the relative abundance of weakfish declining and bluefish increasing through the period. Fishing effort gradually shifted from waters between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout to waters north of Cape Hatteras for the Outer Banks fleet. Croaker, weakfish and spot dominated catches and landings of sink nets west of Cape Lookout. Weakfish, croaker, king whiting (kingfishes) and bluefish were the primary components of anchored gill net catches between Bogue Inlet and Carolina Beach. Sink net landings and CPUEs of weakfish declined sharply during the period north of Cape Lookout. The size composition of the catches shifted towards smaller fish which were primarily age I and 2. Large weakfish age 4 and older became increasingly rare in the catches. Growth overfishing was clearly a factor. Sink net landings and CPUEs of bluefish were comparatively high during the 1988-91 seasons as they became increasingly targeted due to declining weakfish catches. Landings during the period and since 1982-83 have fluctuated with no clear trend. The size and age composition of bluefish catches encompassed a broad range of sizes and ages (0-9) with no evidence of reduced availability due to overfishing. Sink net catches and landings of Atlantic croaker were greatly reduced during the 1989-91 seasons. The size and age composition of the catches was compressed towards smaller and younger fish, with age I dominating the catches, and age 3+ fish becoming increasingly rare, suggesting growth overfishing has occurred. The Outer Banks si'nk net fishery continued to dominate ocean gill net landings, although the dominance has declined in recent seasons due to declining weakfish catches. The decline in weakfish catches necessitated a gradual shift in effort to bluefish which remained regionally abundant. Due to moderate winters and shifting concentrations of weakfish and bluefish, fishing effort the Outer Banks fleet was increasingly concentrated north, rather than south of Cape Hatteras. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . METHODS AND MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Overall Seasonal Catch Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Trends in Overall Seasonal Catch Composition . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Sink Net Catches by Area Fished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Comparisons of Sink Net Catches by Area Fished between Seasons . . 6 Spatial-Temporal Patterns in Sink Net Catches . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Weakfish CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Composition . . . . . . . . 9 Bluefish CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Composition . . . . . . . . . 11 Atlantic Croaker CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Composition . . . . . 12 Anchored Gill Net Catches South of Bogue Inlet to Cape Fear . . . . 13 SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 INTRODUCTION The sink (or drop) net fishery is a multispecies gill net fishery that harvests fish off North Carolina from November through April. The primary species targeted by this fishery are weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) and Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus). Fishing grounds extend from the Virginia/North Carolina line to Beaufort Inlet (Figure 1). Most of the weakfish and croaker are caught in 5-20 fathoms, whereas bluefish are caught from the beach out to 40 fathoms. Gill nets fished in the ocean produced 16-24% of the edible finfish (3,547- 6,691 mt) landed in North Carolina during the 1987-91 fishing season. This included 30-50% of the weakfish, 48-68% of the bluefish, and 12-36% of the Atlantic croaker landed annually in the state. Anchored gill nets fished in the ocean are included with sink net landings in the category ocean fished gill nets. In recent years, sink nets have produced more finfish, particularly weakfish and bluefish, than anchored gill nets. Sink net catches are landed in ports from Wanchese to Morehead City- Beaufort. Most of the vessels fish from the villages of Wanchese, Hatteras, Harkers Island and Beaufort and depart out of Oregon, Hatteras, Bardens and Beaufort Inlets respectively. Anchored gill net fishing occurs in ports west of Morehead City to Cape Fear and thus landings can be roughly separated by the respective counties. Fishing grounds utilized by the sink net fleet ranged from north of Oregon Inlet to off Bogue Inlet. Vessels fishing out of Oregon Inlet targeted weakfish and croaker primarily around Avon Rocks, secondarily around Wimble Shoals, and in depths ranging from 5-27 meters. Vessels looking for bluefish covered a much broader area, including from just off Hatteras Island beaches to Wimble Shoals, up to 18 miles offshore of Oregon Inlet, and as far north and offshore as the Cigar, covering depths from 2 to 75 meters. Vessels out of Hatteras Inlet fished for weakfish, bluefish and croaker in depths of 3-27 meters primarily in the Hatteras Bight, but frequently as far north as Avon Rocks and south to Ocracoke Inlet. Vessels from Bardens and Beaufort Inlets fished for weakfish, croaker and spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) from Drum Inlet south to Cape Lookout shoals and west to Bogue Inlet in depths of 7-16 meters. 2 A review of the history of the sink net fleet, vessel and gear types and a description of day to day fishing operations were discussed by Ross (1989). These aspects have not changed significantly through the spring of 1991. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) initiated a statewide sampling program covering the dominant commercial finfisheries in 1982. The objective was to obtain biological and fisheries data on economically important fishes for use in reaching management decisions. The objectives of this report are to present the species composition, relative abundance, distribution ' seasonality of 1987-91 sink net catches Catch-per-unit-effort, age/size composition of the catches, and landings data are presented and compared with species and fishery specific data from the 1982-87 fishing seasons. METHODS AND MATERIALS Sink net fishery catches were sampled monthly and analyzed on a seasonal basis (December through April) from 1987 through 1991. Anchored gill net catches were sampled from September through April. Samples were taken at fish packing houses while the catches were being offloaded. For all gear types, captain or crew members were interviewed, when available, to obtain information including: area and depth fished, days at sea, and gear(s) used including mesh size and length of gill nets. Two or more sink net catches were sampled each week when available. To insure adequate coverage of all sizes and species in the catches, stratified random samples of culled catches were taken. This process involved randomly sampling one or more 50 lb (22.7 kg) cartons of each species' market category or grade (small, medium, large, jumbo, etc.). More cartons of the larger grades were sampled since they contained fewer fish. Each sample was weighed to the nearest 0.1 kg, individual fish measured to the nearest millimeter (FL or TQ, and the total number of fish recorded. If the individuals in a carton were too numerous to measure, at least 30 were measured, and the remainder counted. The total catch weight of each market category for each species was obtained from the fish dealer's records. 3 In cases where the weight of a particular species' market grades were included on the trip ticket, but were not sampled, an estimate of the number of fish landed for the grade was made using mean wei ght/i ndi vi dual. from a sample of that species and grade from another recent catch from the same area. Total length-frequencies for each catch were derived by expanding the sample length-frequencies for each market category (grade) by an expansion factor to represent the species market grade weight. Species market grade weight was obtained from trip tickets and species length-frequencies were a combination of those expanded for the respective species market grades. Species numerical abundance/catch was calculated similarly by determining the number of individuals/market grade and then summing all market grades/species. Sink net catches were analyzed by "fishing seasons," that is, December 1987-April 1988 (1988-89), December 1988-April 1989 (1989-90), December 1989- April 1990 (1989-90) and December 1990-April 1991 (1990-91). Average catches and landings were determined for trend analysis. Average catch(kg)/trip (CPUE) was defined as the total catch/ spec i es/one day trip; a trip may consist of one or more gill net sets. CPUE trend analyses were based on catches north of Cape Lookout, since sampling of catches west of Lookout was inconsistent and the sample size small. This followed analyses for the 1982-87 fishing seasons (Ross 1989). Landings refer to commercial landings (kg) derived from the North Carolina General Canvas Data File compiled through the DMF and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) cooperative data collection program. To better define trends in CPUE for weakfish, bluefish, and croaker, CPUE analyses were partitioned by mesh size used by the commercial fishermen. 'Big mesh'. refers to sink nets of 5.0-6.0 inch stretched mesh, which were used for large bluefish and weakfish (sow trout). 'Small mesh' refers to sink nets of <=4.0 inch stretched mesh, which were used for weakfish, croaker and small and medium bluefish. Scale samples from weakfish, Atlantic croaker, and bluefish (30-60 individual s/species) were taken monthly when available and represented the entire 4 size range of individuals captured. Both length (mm, FL or TQ and weight (kg) data were taken for each fish sampled. Aging was done using criteria for determining annuli given by Wilk (1977) for bluefish, Ross (1988) for croaker, and Massman (1963), Merriner (1973) and Hawkins (1988) for weakfish. Species- specific semi-annual or quarterly age-length keys were developed and merged with expanded length-frequency data to produce the overall annual age composition. Weakfish age-length data from January 1982 to December 1983 were pooled and integrated into 1982-86 seasonal length frequency data. Weakfish aging data for September 1988-April 1991 were pooled and merged with 1988-91 seasonal length frequency data. Aging data from the two periods (1982-83 and 1988-91) were pooled and merged with 1986-88 seasonal length frequency data. The age-length keys were partitioned for winter (October through March) and summer (April through September). Bluefish seasonal age-length keys were developed by pooling all fish aged from oceanic waters/fisheries dur i ng' September through April , and merged with the respective season's length frequency data. Atlantic croaker age-length data for 1979-82 were pooled and integrated into 1982-86 seasonal length frequency data. Age-length data for 1988-91 were integrated into 1988-91 seasonal length frequency data. Aging data from the two periods (1979-82 and 1988-91) were pooled and integrated into 1986-88 seasonal length frequency data. Quarterly keys were used with t'he monthly groupings: December-March, April-June, July-September, and October-November (Ross 1988). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Overall Seasonal Catch Composition A total of 81 sink net catches was 'sampled between December 1987 and April 1988, of which 65% (n=53) were from Cape Lookout to Cape Hatteras (Table 1). Catches ranged from 92 to 7,000 kg and averaged 1,657 kg/trip. We akfish and bluefish accounted for 91% of the weight, and weakfish and croaker for 90% of the number, of fish in the catches sampled (Table 2a). 5 A total of 107 sink net catches was sampled October 1988 to April 1989, of which 43% were from north of Cape Hatteras and 33% from west of Cape Lookout (Table 1). Catches ranged from 15 to 5,946 kg and averaged 1,420 kg/trip. Weakfish and bluefish accounted for 87% of the weight, and weakfish and croaker for 86% of the number, of fish in the catches sampled (Table 2b). A total of 71 sink net catches was sampled from October 1989 to April 1990, of which 86% were from catches north of Cape Hatteras (Table 1). Catches ranged from 33 to 7,544 kg and averaged 1,784 kg/trip. Bluefish and weakfish accounted for 98% of the weight, and 93% of the number, of fish in the catches sampled (Table 2c). A total of 103 sink net catches was sampled from December 1990 through April 1991, of which 49% were catches from north of Cape Hatteras (Table 1). Catches ranged from 14 to 6,078 kg and averaged 948 kg/trip. Bluefish and weakfish accounted for 89% of the weight, and 82% of the number, of fish in the catches sampled (Table 2d.) Trends in Overall Seasonal Catch Composition Weakfish was the dominant species in sink net catches during the 1987-89 seasons as they were during 1983-87 (Ross 1989). However, bluefish became the dominant species in catches sampled during the 1989-91 seasons and in overall fisheries landings during 1990-91 (Appendix A). Reductions in availability of weakfish, evidenced by reduced CPUEs, forced the sink net fleet fishing north of Cape Lookout to increase effort on large bluefish. Nevertheless, bluefish and weakfish were the dominant species by weight (86-99% seasonally) throughout the nine seasons the fishery has been sampled. Croaker was the next most important species by weight (0.1-8%) during most seasons, and in seven of nine seasons were the second or third most numerous species in the catches sampled. Spot (Lejostomus xanthurus), little tunny (Euthynnus alleteratus), butterfish (Peorilus triacanthus), menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) and kingfishes (Menticirrhus spp.) have remained common incidental species throughout, but always accounted for less than 2% of the weight. Sink Net Catches by Area Fished Catches north of Cape Hatteras during the 1987-91 seasons were predominantly (86-99% seasonally) weakfish and -bluefish although notable changes in relative abundance occurred (Table 3). Weakfish dominated (62%) and croaker were an important component during the 1987-88. During the next three seasons, the relative abundance of bluefish increased due primarily to reduced catches of weakfish, while croaker virtually disappeared from sink net catches. Seasonally, total catch weights north of Cape Hatteras averaged 1,293 kg/trip (1990-91) to 2, 319 kg/trip (1988-89) and ranged from 10 to 7,544 kg (Table 1). Catches between Cape Hatteras and Lookout during the 1987-91 fishing seasons were predominantly (75-99% seasonally) of weakfish and bluefish but changes in relative abundance occurred in these waters as well (Table 3). Weakfish declined from 58% (1987-88) to only 10% (1990-91) of the catches while bluefish increased from 32-36% (1987-89) to 83-87% (1989-91). Reduced CPUEs of weakfish drove this trend (Table 3). The relative abundance of croaker also declined due to reduced CPUEs. Seasonally, individual catches between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout averaged 883 kg/trip (1990-91) to 2,388 kg/trip (1989- 90) and ranged from 15 to 7,000 kg Catches from west of Cape Lookout were sampled with some regularity during 1987-88 and 1990-91 (Table 3). Croaker, weakfish, spot, and menhaden accounted for 88% and 85% of the catches during the respective seasons. Seasonally, individual catches averaged 390-464 kg/trip and ranged from 14 to 3,840 kg. Comparisons of Sink Net Catches by Area Fished between Seasons Sink net catches north of Hatteras and between Hatteras and Lookout were very similar during the 1987-91 fishing seasons (Table 3). Weakfish during the 1987-89 seasons and bluefish during the 1989-91 seasons dominated catches in both areas. Catch/trip for weakfish declined precipitously in both areas. Croaker catches declined in both areas, and little tunny was the dominant incidental species by weight in the overall catches. Seasonal mean total catch weights were similar, with catches north of Hatteras averaging 1,293-2,319 kg/trip and catches between Hatteras and Lookout averaging 883-2,388 kg/trip. 7 Fishing effort has gradually shifted in waters north of Cape Hatteras during the last eight fishing seasons. Sampling since 1983 approximated sink net fishing effort in waters north of Cape Lookout (Table 1). Based on the percent of catches sampled seasonally during 1983-90 (7% to 13% to 17% to 22% to 34% to 35% to 64% to 87%), effort north of Cape Hatteras increased, and remained high (66%) in 1990-91. There may be some sampling bias, but the trend was real, corresponded with personal observations, and related to several factors. Fishermen attributed milder winters and more moderate water temperatures to weakfish remaining in waters north of Cape Hatteras rather than migrating into the Hatteras Bight. The reduced abundance of weakfish may also be a factor; during 1990-91 the only fishable concentration remained around the shelter of Avon Rocks. Whereas during 1983-87 most of the fleet spent January to March fishing out of Hatteras Inlet on weakfish wintering in the Hatteras Bight, recently more have fished out of Oregon Inlet, or from Hatteras Inlet but crossing Diamond Shoals to fish Avon Rocks. Reduced weakfish CPUEs led to increased effort on bluefish north of Cape Hatteras. Bluefish concentrations have also shifted further offshore and to more northern waters in recent years, with good catches occurring throughout the winter as far north as the Cigar. Although infrequently sampled, sink net catches west of Cape Lookout were different in terms of relative abundance of dominant species and overall catch size (Tables I and 3). As in northern waters, weakfish was the dominant species (30-40%). However, croaker (26-37%) replaced bluefish (1-3%) as the other dominant species and spot was more prevalent in southern catches. Menhaden was prevalent in southern catches; they regularly occurred in catches north of Cape Lookout, but were typically discarded at sea. Total catch weights were much smaller west (390-465 kg/trip) than in either area north of Cape Lookout. Snatial-Temporal Patterns in Sink Net Catches Sink net catches north of Cape Hatteras during 1987-91 showed no recurring temporal pattern between seasons in species catch composition or CPUEs (Table 4). Weakfish and bluefish were relatively abundant in catches during each particular month at least two or three of the four seasons and the dominant species during each month (except January for bluefish) during at least two of the seasons. CPUEs for both species exhibited no consistent monthly pattern over the four 8 seasons, with species specific peak CPUEs occurring during virtually every month through the four seasons. The relative abundance of croaker was greatest during March and April but they never dominated catches. Sink net catch es between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout during 1987-91 seasons also showed no clear pattern between seasons in species catch composition or CPUEs (Table 4). Weakfish and bluefish were the dominant species, and croaker were relatively abundant in the catches sampled during each month (December- March) at least one of the four seasons. CPUEs of weakfish were relatively large during December through April during the 1987-88 season, after which largest mean CPUEs/month occurred either in January or February but were progressively smaller during succeeding years. Large catches of bluefish occurred during December- February and Apri 1 , whi 1 e croaker catches were 1 argest duri ng December and March, and much smaller during the last two seasons. Whereas spatial -temporal patterns in sink net fishing seemed in a state of flux during 1987-91, patterns in fishing activity and catches were predictable and recurrent seasonally during 1982-87 (Ross 1989). Most fishing effort was concentrated south of Cape Hatteras from December through March. Weakfish were initially harvested south of Cape Hatteras during December although in later years (1985-87) they were also harvested north of Hatteras through early January. The fleet most often targeted weakfish, which were more dominant in small mesh gill net catches, and CPUEs largest south of Hatteras from January through March or April. Effort shifted north of Hatteras following migrating weakfish in April. Sink netting for bluefish occurred from Oregon Inlet to Cape Hatteras during December, south of Hatteras from December through March, and north of Hatteras again in March and April. During the last four fishing seasons, the species composition of sink net catches has not changed, but bluefish became increasingly dominant both north and south of Cape Hatteras. Fishing effort has gradually shifted from south to north of Cape Hatteras compared to the 1982-87 seasons. Paralleling annual species catch composition, monthly catches in both areas remained dominated by weakfish or bluefish, with sizable catches of Atlantic croaker during the beginning or end of several seasons. These generalizations characterized the fishery from 1982-87 9 as well , which would be expected since they were the targeted species, and croaker a common incidental component occasionally were targeted when concentrations were located. West of Cape Lookout, catches were sampled to infrequent'ly to discern any temporal trends. Spot were relatively abundant in October catches, croaker were relatively abundant in November, weakfish catches were largest during December and January, then croaker catches increased in January and February (Table 4). Catch per unit effort data from north of Cape Lookout were the basis for the succeeding discussion on seasonal trends in abundance for weakfish, croaker and bluefish. Weakfish CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Comgosition Sink net catches of weakfish during 1989-91 reversed a seven season trend of increasing catches. Mean CPUEs north of Cape Lookout during 1989-91 (331 and 319 kg/trip/season) were only 33% of the CPUEs for 1982-89 seasons (Table 5, Figure 2). CPUEs both north and south of Cape Hatteras during the 1989-91 seasons were dramatically lower than the 1987-89 seasons (Table 3) as well as from 1982-87 (Ross 1989). Monthly catches were also smaller than previous seasons (Table 4; Ross 1989). Catches south of Cape Hatteras during 1989-91 were smaller than north of Cape Hatteras, reflecting both reduced abundance and the more northern distribution of wintering weakfish. CPUEs west of Cape Lookout were less than north of Lookout, except during 1990-91 when they exceeded catches south of Cape Hatteras but were still less than half those north of Cape Hatteras (Table 6). Weakfish accounted for 47-63% of all sink net catches sampled north of Cape Lookout from 1983-89 but only 18-28% during 1989-91 (Table 5). Weakfish CPUEs have declined dramatically in both large and small mesh sink nets employed by the fleet. In small mesh nets (2 1/2-4" stretched; the standard weakfish nets), CPUEs increased from 1982-83 through 1986-87, remained high through 1989-90 and then declined sharply (Tables 5 and 6; Figure 2). Catches in large mesh (5-6" stretched) sink nets, used only when targeting large weakfish (sow trout) and bluefish, were highest during 1982-84, fluctuated at reduced levels the next four seasons, and were non-existent in 1988-91 catches. CPUEs 10 of weakfish in small mesh gill net north of Cape Lookout were much larger than west of Cape Lookout (Table 6). Landings of weakfish by ocean gill nets in North Carolina, and particularly Dare County, declined sharply during the last three seasons (Figure 2 and 3, Appendix A). Ocean gill net landings had increased since 1982-83, peaked in 1987-88 (3,252 mt), and subsequently steadily declined. Landings during 1990-91 were only 45% of the 9-season mean and 26% of 1987-88 landings. Dare County sink net landings paralleled and essentially drove state ocean gill net landings of weakfish throughout the period (Figure 3). Dare County sink net landings during 1990-91 were only 27% of the 9-season mean and 14% of peak landings (1987-88). Carteret County sink net landings declined, but not as sharply as Dare County, while anchored gill net landings south of Bogue Inlet were higher during 1988-91 than the previous six seasons. Dare County sink nets produced 69-83% of the ocean gill net landings of weakfish from 1982-83 through 1988-89, but only 44% during 1990-91. The size composition of weakfish in overall sink net catches was greatly compressed during 1990-91 compared with previous seasons. During 1987-90, the mean size of weakfish/season fell from 430 to 410 mm TL. Fish 350-550 mm TL (market grade=medium) made up 68-90% of the catches, fish >550 mm TL (market grade=large) made up 1.4-2.6%, and the largest fish/season was 762-865 mm TL (Figure 4, Appendix Q. During 1990-91, the average length of weakfish was only 317 mm; fish '350-550 mm made up only 10% of the catch, fish >550 mm TL made up <0.1%, and the largest fish was 709 mm TL. Catches from 1983 to 1987 seasons were similar to 1987-90, with 59-73% of the fish 350-550 mm TL, mean fish length/season between 364-430 mm TL, and the largest fish/season 819-930 mm TL. Most dramatic was the fact that weakfish 201-350 mm TL (pan trout) accounted for 7-41% of the catches from 1982 to 1990 but 90% in 1990-91. These trends were particularly evident north of Cape Lookout (Appendix C). The age composition of weakfish in sink net catches has become increasingly truncated towards smaller fish (Figure 5, Appendix F). The percent of age I fish in the catches increased from 7%-13% during 1987-88 to 40-49% during 1989-91. The relative abundance of age 3 and older fish concurrently declined from 39-44% to 18% and 11% during last four seasons. During the 1990-91 season, the percent of age I fish was the highest while age 4 and older fish the lowest, compared with the previous eight seasons. The 1990-91 season was also the first season in which no weakfish older than age 4 were represented in the sampled catches. Bluefish CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Composition Sink net catches of bluefish during 1988-91 were generally larger than previous seasons. Overall mean CPUEs north of Cape Lookout ranged from 541 kg/trip during 1987-88 to 1,448 kg/trip during 1989 -90. Mean CPUE/season from 1988 to 1991 exceeded the 9-season mean, and 1989-90 CPUEs/season were the highest for the period (Table 5 and 6; Figure 6). Seasonally from 1987 to 1991, CPUEs ranged from 328 to 1,357 kg/trip north of Cape Hatteras and 355-2,065 kg/trip between Hatteras and Lookout (Table 3). Bluefish catches were much smaller (4-12 kg/trip) south of Cape Lookout (Table 3 and 6). Catches of bluefish in small and large mesh sink nets north of Cape Lookout were high during 1990-91 (Table 5, Figure 6). CPUEs in small mesh nets since 1982-83 ranged from 48 to 325 kg/trip/season with no trend evident. Catches in large mesh nets during 1987-91 (2,820-3,424 kg/tri p/season) consistently exceeded the 9-season mean. Catches during 1990-91 for both small and large mesh sink nets were the largest for the period, and reflected increased emphasis on bluefish as weakfish catches declined. Landings of bluefish by ocean gill nets since 1982-83 have fluctuated with no trend evident. Overall landings ranged from 683 to 1,357 mt from 1987 to 1991, and three of the four seasons exceeded the nine season mean (953 mt) (Figure 7; Appendix B). Dare County sink net landings have accounted for 78-89% of the bluefish caught by ocean gill nets since 1982-83, thus driving trends in overall landings. Carteret County landings ranged from 27 to 118 mt and fluctuated with no trend, while landings south of Bogue Inlet increased from 17- 40 mt/season during 1982-89 to 72-94 mt during 1989-91. A broad size range of bluefish continued to be captured in sink nets north of Cape Lookout (Figure 8). Large fish were relatively more abundant in catches during 1987-90 than 1990-91, but seasonal differences may, in part, reflect 12 sampling effort. Bluefish caught north of Cape Lookout during 1987-90 ranged from 197 to 856 mm FL and during 1990-91 from 175 to 828 mm FL. During 1987-90 large bluefish (>600 mm TQ accounted for 81-84% of the catches seasonally but only 16.3% in 1990-91. Bluefish 250-400 mm FL dominated (80%) catches during 1990-91, reflecting, in part, increased effort on small bluefish in lieu of reduced weakfish catches. Also, due to 'bans on biologists' by several fish houses in Wanchese, sampling effort was limited on catches of large bluefish, which occurred more frequently in waters north of Cape Hatteras by boats fishing out of Oregon Inlet. Overall, the size composition of bluefish caught north of Cape Lookout has generally remained consistent since 1982-83, with similar size range and modes throughout, and the greater percentage of large fish being captured north of Cape Hatteras (Appendix Q. A full range of age classes continued to be represented in sink net catches of bluefish during the last four seasons (Figure 9, Appendix F). Bluefish ranged from 0 to 9 years old during each season. Fish age 4-9 accounted for 77-83% of the 1987-90 catches, reflecting no decline in relative abundance compared with 1982-87 catches (50-66%). Ages 4-6 have been the dominant class of age 2-11 bluefish since 1982-83. During 1990-91, age 1 fish accounted for 74% of the fish sampled. This shift towards younger fish reflected by the increased catches of small bluefish south of Cape Hatteras and restricted sampling of catches of large bluefish (due to bans from sampling at Wanchese fish packing houses) and not reduced relative abundance of large bluefish. Atlantic Croaker CPUEs. Landings and Size/Age Composition Atlantic croaker catches in sink nets north of Cape Lookout, though comparatively small on a seasonal basis, were markedly reduced during 1989-91. CPUEs fell from 120 kg/trip/season during 1986-88 to less than 4 kg/trip during 1989-91 (Table 5, Figure 10). In small mesh gill nets, CPUEs during five of the six seasons from 1984 through 1990 exceeded 100 kg/trip, but were less than 4 kg/trip during 1989-91. Sizable catches of croaker, which usually occurred early or late in the season (Ross 1989), were virtually non-existent during the 1989-91 seasons (Table 4). Croaker were a more important component of catches west of Cape Lookout, where CPUEs ranged from 102 to 140 kg/trip in small mesh gill nets during 1988-89 and 1990-91 (Table 6). 13 Landings of croaker by ocean gill nets declined during the 1988-91 seasons (Figure 11, Appendix A). Landings were stable during 1984-88 but declined 70% in 1989-91. Sink net crews fishing west of Cape Lookout (Carteret County) dominated ocean gill net landings from 1982 to 1988 but produced only 18-25% of their nine-season mean in 1989-91, and only 32-36% of the total. Dare County sink nets produced 9-27% of the landings (115-199 mt/season) from 1984 to 1989 but only 4-6 mt/season during 1989-91 or less than 2% of the total. The only area where croaker landings were stable was south of Bogue Inlet. During 1989- 91, landings (241 and 199 mt) peaked for the 9-season period, and the area became the dominant (65-70%) producer of ocean gill net landings (Figure 11). Coincident with reduced catches and landings, the size composition of croaker captured in sink nets during 1989-91 was compressed towards smaller size classes (Figure 12). Compared with 1987-89 catches, the size range of croaker fell from 216-395 mm TL to 191-310 mm, and the mean size/season from 287-290 mm TL to 240-248 mm TL. Whereas 88-91% were 251-325 mm TL during 1987-89, 96-97% were 201-275 mm TL during 1989-91. The larger croaker captured during 1987-89 were comparable to the fish from 1982 to 1987 which ranged from 211 to 405 mm TL, averaged 270-302 mm TL seasonally, and except for one season, >90% were larger than 250 mm TL (Appendix G, Ross 1989). The age composition of Atlantic croaker in sink net catches during 1989-91 shifted towards younger fish compared with earlier seasons (Figure 13). Age 0 and 1 fish accounted for 91-98% of 1989-91 catches whereas age 2 and 3 fish dominated catches during 1987-89 (80-84%). The relative abundance of age 1 croaker during 1989-91 was much higher (63-83%) than any of the previous seven seasons. Age 3 croaker comprises 15-37% of the 1982-89 catches, but only 2-10% in 1989-91 fish. Age 4 and 5 croaker were not present in catches sampled during 1990-91 as they had been through 1989 (Appendix H). Anchored Gill Net Catches South of Bogue Inlet to Cape Fear Twenty anchored gill net catches were sampled from December 1986 through January 1990 from the months of December through May (Table 7). Fishing occurred off New River during 1986-88 seasons and between Masonboro Inlet and Carolina Beach during the 1989-91 seasons. The nets were left overnight and fished once 14 a day. Crews used between 61 m (200 ft) and 1097 m (3600 ft) of 2.5-2.75 in stretched mesh gill nets and fished in 9-15 meters. Unlike sink net catches north of Cape Lookout which were clearly dominated by weakfish and less frequently by bluefish, anchored gill nets between Bogue Inle t and Carolina beach produced a more even mix of species. Weakfish accounted for the largest component of the catches sampled each year, but except for 1987- 88 when only 2 catches were sampled, made up only 24-28% of the catches (Table 8). During at least one of the seasons, bluefish, northern (Menticirrhus saxatilis) and southern kingfish (11. americanus,--sea mullet), croaker, and spot accounted for greater than 10% of the catches. Only during 1987-88 did any one species comprise greater than 30% of the catches. SUMMARY The Outer Banks sink net fishery has gone from a growth and boom phase during the late 1970s through the late 1980s to sharp declines in landings and participation during the 1989-91 fishing seasons. After ten years of increasing total landings of finfish by ocean gill nets, annual landings declined during 1988-91 net and anchored gill net catches, the increased annual landings from 1979 through 1988 were driven by sink net landings from Dare and secondarily Carteret counties (Appendix 1). Dare County landings increased from 3 mt in 1977 to 4,023 mt in 1988 and from 3% to 65% of the state's ocean gill net landings. Annual landings have since declined nearly 50% to 2,100 mt (53% of the landings) in 1991. Carteret County ocean gill net landings, which were primarily from sink nets, were much higher from 1984 to 1988 (1,389-2,324 mt annually) than from 1989 to 1991 (354-809 mt). Dare and Carteret counties together accounted for 89-100% of the reported ocean gill net landings in North Carolina from 1972 to 1988 but only 67-70% during 1990-91. Anchored gill net landings in ports south of Bogue Inlet have increased from 4 mt in 1979 to 1,200 mt in 1991 and produced 20-30% of the ocean gill net landings in 1989-91. Although shifts in landings occurred recently, Dare County and the waters north of Cape Lookout remained the dominant producers of ocean-caught gill net fish in North Carolina (Figure 14, Appendix 1). The emphasis of sampling effort and ultimately comparative trends in species-specific CPUEs for the ocean gill 15 net fisheries was thus on vessels fishing out of Oregon and Hatteras Inlets. This was due to their dominance in landings and the fact that the fleet fished every day, weather permitting, from December through mid-April. Sink net landings of weakfish have declined and paralleled trends along the Atlantic coast (Figure 15). North Carolina ocean gill net landings and winter trawl landings in 1991 were the lowest since 1971 and 1969 respectively. Weakfish landings along the east coast during 1990 were the lowest since 1970. Nevertheless, the sink net fishery continued to be the primary producer of weakfish along the east coast, accounting for 12-20% from 1983 to 1985, 28-35% from 1986 to 1989, and 23% in 1990. The Hatteras/Oregon Inlet sink net fleet fishing north of Cape Lookout continued to dominate ocean gill net landings of weakfish but also suffered the greatest decline in landings during the 1989-91 seasons. Trends in CPUE and size/age composition of the catches indicated growth overfishing has occurred on the weakfish population. CPUEs of large weakfish were highest in 1982-84, intermediate from 1984 to 1988, and essentially non- existent from 1988 to 1991. CPUEs of weakfish in small mesh nets, after high catches from 1985 to 1989, declined dramatically during the 1989-91 seasons. The age and size composition of the catches since 1982 verify the disappearance of very old, large weakfish ("sow trout") in recent years, and the compression of the age and size composition of the catches to small, young weakfish ("pan trout") during 1990-91. The recent ASMFC stock assessment of weakfish indicated the species was overfished (Vaughan et al. 1991). Trends in catches of weakfish by the sink net fishery, particularly reduced CPUEs and compressed size/age composition of the catches, confirm their findings for the east coast. To reduce current fishing mortality levels to facilitate the rebuilding of the stock, the ASMFC management plan calls for states to implement size limits and controls on fishing effort. Sink net landings of bluefish have steadily increased since 1980 and were a large component of both North Carolina and the entire east coast's landings (Figure 16). Ocean gill net landings of bluefish, which were less than 80 mt during the 1960s and 1970s, have rang 16 ed from 881 to 1,455 mt from 1987 through 1991. Ocean gill nets produced 51-70% of the bluefish landed in North Carolina during those five years, with Dare County generally accounting for more than 80% and sink nets more than 90%. North Carolina ocean gill nets produced 16-21% of the east coast commercial landings of bluefish from 1987 to 1989 and 24% in 1990. Recent stock assessment of bluefish found the stock to be fully exploited (MAFMC 1989, NEFC 1991). There was no evidence of declining stock size based on sink net catches in recent years. Trends in CPUEs and the size/age composition of bluefish catches by sink nets in North Carolina indicate the stock's population was comparatively stable. CPUEs have shown no sign of persistent decline, even with recent increases in fishing effort. Catches continued to contain the full range of sizes and ages of bluefish represented in catches since 1982. Nearly all major components of commercial landings of croaker have declined in recent years. Atlantic coast annual landings of croaker have been dominated by North Carolina landings since the early 1960s> Annual North Carolina landings in 1991 were the lowest since 1971 (Figure 17). Seasonal landings of Atlantic croaker by ocean gill nets, trawlers, and pound nets were all lower during the 1990-91 season than any of the previous nine fishing seasons, although long haul landings increased during 1989 and 1990 (Appendix A). Ocean gill net landings of croaker fell from the highest to the lowest seasonal totals between 1987-88 and 1990-91 since the 1982-83 season (Appendix A, Figure 11). Croaker had dominated Carteret County sink net catches which had been the greatest producer of croaker; the decline there was most dramatic. Croaker became virtually insignificant in Dare County landings. Only in anchored gill net catches west of Bogue Inlet did landings increase during the last four seasons. Croaker have been growth overfished and may be showing signs of failure as well. CPUEs in sink net as well as winter trawl (Ross 1992) catches have declined and size frequency distributions of catches were compressed towards smaller, younger fish noted in sink net catches were also observed in trawl 17 occurring since juvenile croaker CPUEs having declined since 1987, and 1991 CPUEs were the lowest recorded for the 1979-91 sampling period. However, since croaker are short-lived species with historical fluctuations in abundance,r educed recruitment indices could be due to natural causes or cyclical fluctuation in abundance. MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Declining catches and compressed size composition of weakfish and Atlantic croaker evidenced in sink net catches corresponded with trends observed in North Carolina as well as other east coast fisheries (Vaughan et al. 1991; Mercer 1989). Growth overfishing was clearly evidenced and management regulations are needed to stabilize these two stocks and increase yield from all fisheries. Management plans exist for bluefish, weakfish, and Atlantic croaker. The bluefish stock has been assessed to be fully exploited (MAFMC 1989). Since commercial catches have been relatively stable, no restrictions on commercial fishing have been imposed. The croaker FMP recommended research needs and ways to increase yield per recruit and stock stability, but no regulations were required nor instituted by the Atlantic coast states (Mercer 1989). Weakfish have been assessed to be overfished (Vaughan et al. 1991). The FMP amendment recommended size limits to reduce the harvest of small weakfish, and reductions in effort to reduce the rate of fishing mortality on fully recruited ages. The imposition of size limits on the entire weakfish fishery will be most effective on the sink net fleet in terms of escapement of undersized weakfish. Gill nets are implicitly a very size selective gear. Since all fish are handled, undersized fish are quickly released and generally in survivable shape (at least 75% based on personal observation) due to the cold water temperatures and minimal damage to the fish. Less selective gears such as long hauls and trawls will have higher release mortalities. Whereas mesh size restrictions or gear modifications may be necessary for some fisheries to ensure the escapement of undersized weakfish before they are boated, they may not be necessary for the sink net fishery. With specified size limits, the sink net fleet will select mesh sizes that exclude undersized 18 weakfish to reduce excessive work picking fish that cannot be marketed. The sink net fleet has historically produced virtually no marketable-size weakfish that were discarded or sold as crab bait compared with other North Carolina fisheries (Ross and Moye 1989). However, since the sink net fleet also targets other species when the opportunity arises, management regulations must allow the fishermen some flexibility to harvest sea mullet (Menticirrhus spp.), spot, bluefish, dogfish (Squalus acanthias), croaker, and others when available. Management options currently being considered include periodic closures to limit fishing effort. However, this may have already been accomplished by the fleet. An enumeration of ocean gill netters participating in the weakfish, dogfish, and bluefish fisheries was done by Captains Jeff Oden and Rom Whitaker, Hatteras, North Carolina, in May 1992 (Pers. commun.). Whereas 74-75 Hatteras vessels fished for weakfish during the 1988-89 and 1989-90 seasons, only 55 and 27 vessels fished for weakfish during the 1990-91 and 1991-92 seasons. Due to the declining weakfish catches, crews left the fishery to fish for bluefish, king mackerel, tuna, or dogfish. During the 1991-92 season, a number of sink net crews made commitments to harvest dogfish off the Outer Banks. Since this market has been established, it should insure the fisheries continuation in the near future. In turn, this will ensure that fishing effort directed at weakfish will be reduced from the levels found during the late 1980s. The ASMFC FMP objective to reduce sink net fishing effort on weakfish stocks has already been accomplished by the shifting of a large percentage of vessels into alternative fisheries. As long as this shift to alternative fisheries persists, with its accompanying reduction in fishing effort, no further regulation, such as temporal closures, should be necessary. However, the level of participation in these fisheries should be monitored to determine if future shifting back into.the weakfish fishery occurs. Before imposing temporal closures on sink net and other fishing fleets, gear modification/selectivity work should be completed for less selective gears such as trawls, long hauls, and pound nets. Reduction in the catch of undersized fish through modification in the non-selective fisheries offers significant opportunity for increased escapement of fish to maturity, will increase yield per 19 recruit of marketably more valuable fish, and may be sufficient to stabilize and rebuild the weakfish stock. The impacts and contribution to the spawning stock should be assessed after several years of implementation and effective enforcement of regulations for gear modifications. There will also be secondary effects on other species as a result of reduced weakfish catches and recently imposed management regulations. Due to declining catches of weakfish, which was the mainstay of the 100 vessel Dare County sink net fleet during the late 1980s, there has been and will continue to be increased effort on bluefish. However, due to the market's inability to handle continuous large volumes of bluefish, it is unlikely that landings will increase dramatically. Atlantic croaker should benefit by the weakfish regulations, since fishermen targeting legal sized weakfish will employ larger mesh nets to reduce excessive picking of small weakfish, and thus reduce the number of small croaker captured incidentally. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report would,not have been possible without the field and technical assistance of Beth Burns, John Zuaboni, Tonya Stevens, Lele Judy, Rick Monaghan, Jack Guthrie, Jim Francesconi, John Schoolfield, Otto Rutten, and Joe Andrews. Paul Phalen, Mike Tangedal, Diana Tootle, and Lisa Boddie provided invaluable help with computer processing and data retrieval. Meg Foward expeditiously drafted many of the figures. I am, as always, appreciative of Dee Willis for typing and compilation of the manuscript. Finally, I am especially grateful to the commercial fishermen, fish dealers, and fish processors who continue to allow us to sample their catches. 20 LITERATURE CITED Hawkins, J.H. 1988. Age, growth, and mortality of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, in North Carolina, with a discussion of population dynamics. M.S. thesis. East Carolina Univ., Greenville, NC, 86 p. MAFMC (Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council). 1989. Fishery Management plan for the bluefish fishery, 76 p. Massman, W.H. 1963. Age and size composition of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, from pound net's in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia 1954-58. Chesapeake Sci.4:43-51. Mercer, L.P. 1989. Fishery management plan for Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus). N.C. Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish., Spec. Sci. Rep. No. 48, 90 p. Merriner, J.V. 1973. Assessment of the weakfish resource, a management plan, and aspects of life history in North Carolina. Ph.D. Diss. North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh, 201 p. Ross, J.R. 1989. Assessment of the sink net fishery along North Carolina's Outer Banks, Fall 1982 through Spring 1987, with notes on other coastal gill net fisheries. N.C. Dept. Environ., Health., and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish. SSR No. 50. 1990. Assessment of the North Carolina winter trawl fishery, September 1982-April 1985. N.C. Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish. SSR No. 53, 97 p. 1991. Assessment of North Carolina winter trawl fishery September 1985- April 1988. N.C. Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish. SSR No. 54, 80 p. 1992. Assessment of North Carolina winter trawl fishery September 1988- April 1991. N.C. Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. Proi. 2-IJ-16. Ross, J.L., and D.W. Moye ' 1989. Assessment of North Carolina finfisheries: 1985-87 fishing seasons. N.C. Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. Proj. 2-419-R, 292 p. Ross, S.W. 1988. Age, growth, and mortality of Atlantic croaker North Carolina with comments on population dynamics. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 117:461-473. 21 Tangedal, M. 1992. Juvenile abundance indices for spot, Atlantic croaker,, weakfish, southern flounder, blue crab, and brown shrimp from 1979-1991. NC Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish., unpub. manuscript. Vaughan, D.S., R.T. Seagraves, and K. West. 1991. Assessment of status of the Atlantic weakfish stock, 1982-1988. ASMFC Spec. Sci. Rept. No. 21, 29 p. Wilk, S.J. 1977. Biological and fisheries data on bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix (Linneaus). U.S. Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv. Tech. Ser. Rep. No. 11, 56 p. 22 TabLe 1. MonthLy summary of sampLing of sink nets during December 1987 through Aprit 1991, by area fished (N = north of Cape Hatteras; C Ecentra(3 Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout; S [south) = west of Cape Lookout; n number of catches sampLed). catch weight (kq) SampLe weight (kq) Season Month Area n Mean Range Mean Range 1987-88 Dec N 8 1,969.3 1,326-2,730 139.0 94-184 C 10 1,140.7 92-2,807 98.8 19-208 Jan N 2 693.3 354-1,033 102.0 91-113 C 9 2,110.1 272-4,639 156.0 68-224 Feb N 5 1,899.0 158-3,288 209.8 170-249 C 9 2,823.0 1,155-7,000 212.2 136- Mar N 5 661.1 356-1,136 166.8 68-298 C 21 1,470.1 301-4,129 135.1 42-239 Apr N 8 956.6 313-3,298 94.9 47-182 C 4 2,491.4 766-5,906 162.2 91-322 Totat N 28 1,342.6 158-3,288 C 53 1,823.5 92-7,000 OveraLl 81 1,657.3 92-7,000 1988-89 Oct S 7 376.9 167-1,096 78.9 66-106 Nov S 4 268.1 133- 366 58.3 57- 59 Dec N 11 2,086.5 182-5,460 177.7 51-454 C 2 529.3 302- 756 60.8 0-121 S 7 203.3 82- 429 69.8 54- 99 Jan N 15 1,899.7 370-4,642 133.9 45-223 C 4 2,029.0 812-3,299 159.5 68-230 S 12 807.9 59-3,840 - - Feb N 11 2,699.8 665-5,946 251.0 124-378 C 13 1,101.3 288-2,024 105.1 38-260 S 5 286.1 15- 674 42.1 15- 75 Mar N 6 2,378.5 717-4,239 178.2 181-275 C 7 782.6 106-1,250 102.2 52-212 Apr N 3 3,760.3 2,222-4,699 356.9 181-275 TotaL N 46 2,319.4 182-5,946 C 26 1,114.2 106-3,299 S 35 464.5 15-3,840 Overatt 107 1,419.8 15-5,946 23 TabLe 1. (Continued). Catch weight (kq) SaryLe weight (kq) Season Month Area Mean Range Mean Range 1989-90 Oct s 1 411.4 68.2 Nov N 2 1,830.7 1,548-2,113 120.7 0-241 Dec N 3 4,007.4 682-7,5" 369.1 147-554 C 7 2,905.9 723-5,481 232.1 0-555 Jan N 22 827.2 130-2,998 128.2 0-323 C 1 465.4 83.1 Feb N 13 1,678.8 14-5,029 104.0 0-414 Mar N 17 2,399.6 33-5,779 181.8 0-454 C 1 685.4 - 95.7 - Apr N 4 2,073.5 625-5,264 230.5 181-272 TotaL N 61 1,717.9 33-7,5" C 9 2,388.0 465-51481 s 1 411.4 - OveraLL 71 1,784.4 33-7,5" 1990-91 Dec N 9 2,906.0 114-61078 302.4 32-544 C 6 856.8 124-2,860 55.4 23- 71 s 11 263.9 18- T74 84.6 45-192 Jan N 12 420.3 10-1,546 54.0 9-101 C 4 3,056.6 589-4,813 84.2 68-100 s 17 471.3 14-1,116 60.7 3-186 Feb N 10 692.0 238-1,094 T7.9 41- 98 C 10 211.3 15- 446 54.9 15- 68 Mar N 14 1,613.5 502-5,532 123.7 45-466 C 5 519.1 207- 830 71.0 59- 85 Apr N 5 788.7 65-1,470 54.1 43- 62 Totat N 50 1,293.0 10-6,078 C 25 883.1 15-4,813 s 28 389.8 14-1,116 OveraLl 103 948.0 10-6,078 24 TabLe 2. Species composition of sink net catches sampted from December 1987 through ApriL 1991; mnumber of catches sampLed; Obs species observed in catches but not occurring in sampLes. Mean fish Percent Weight (kQ) Number weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kQ) occur a) 1987-88 (n=81) Cynoscion regalis 976.2 58.88 1,207 65.94 0.809 92.6 Pomatomus saltatrix 540.9 32.62 156 8.51 3.471 70.4 Micropogonias undulatus 119.8 7.23 "6 24.35 0.269 64.2 Euthynnus altetteratus 16.0 0.97 3 0.18 4.779 40.7 PepriLus triacanthus 1.4 0.09 14 0.77 0.100 5z,:3 , 5 Carcharhinus spp. 0.6 0.03 2 Leiostomus xanthurus 0.5 0.03 3 0.15 0.185 21.0 ALopias vuLpinus 0.4 0.02 <1 <0.01 15.400 2.5 Isurus oxyrinchus 0.3 0.02 <1 <0.01 27.200 1 2 Cynoscion nebutosus 0.3 0.02 <1 0.01 1.252 9:9 Menticirrhus americanus 0.3 0.02 1 0.03 0.480 21.0 Scomberomorus cavalla 0.2 0.01 1.2 Mustetus canis 0.2 0.01 6.2 ALosa sapidissima 0.2 0.01 <1 @CO.01 2.112 V Menticirrhus spp. 0.2 0.01 <1 0.01 0.493 ll@:,' ALosa mediocris 0.1 0.01 <1 0.02 3.025 12.3 Sphyrnidae 0.1 0.01 <1 <0.01 11.800 1.2 Lophius aaericanus 0.1 0.01 <1 <0.01 1.233 4.9 Acipenser oxyrhynchus 0.1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 5.000 1.2 Urophycis LMjj <0.1 <0.01 <1 -CO.01 0.232 2.5 Alosa spp- <0.1 <0.01 2.5 Paratichthy dentatus; <0.1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 0.333 2.5 Centropristis striata <0.1 <0.01 :::2 Alosa aestivatis <0.1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 0.167 2 Urophycis spp. <0.1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 0.500 1.2 Pogonia cromis <0.1 C0.01 <1 @CO.01 0.500 1.2 Paratichthys spp. <0.1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 0.250 1.2 Brevoortia tyrannus Obs b) 1988-89 (n=107) Cynoscion regalis 719.7 50.82 921 56.79 0.781 719.0 Pomatomus saLtatrix 518.5 36.62 153 9." 3.381 49.0 Micropogonias undulatus 116.1 8.20 466 28.73 0.249 54.0 Brevoortia tyrannus 20.3 1.43 20 0 Euthynnus aHetteratus 12.2 0.86 3 0.19 3.651 33:0 Leiostomus xanthurus 10.4 0.73 51 3.27 0.195 13.0 CLupeidae 4.1 0.29 1.0 Carcharhinidae 3.8 0.27 <1 0.01 55.843 4.0 Scorriberomorus macutatus 2.7 0.19 4 0.25 0.594 4, Menticirrhus spp. 2.2 0.15 4 0.25 0.547 17:00 PepriLus triacanthus 1.8 0.13 14 0.87 0.128 34.0 Menticirrhus americanus 1.4 0.10 3 0.19 0.414 8.0 Unidentified fish 1.3 0.09 3.0 Cynoscion nebuLosus 0.7 0.05 1 0.07 0.818 21.0 Scomberomorus cavaL La 0.2 0.02 <1 0.01 3.850 2.0 Atosa sapidissima 0.1 0.01 <1 0.01 1.067 4.0 Lophius antericanus 0.1 0.01 <1 0.01 6.800 3.0 EMIU cephaLus, 0.1 0.01 <1 0.01 0.922 1.0 Centropristis striata, 0.1 0.01 <1 0.01 0.513 3.0 Menticirrhus littoratis 0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.376 2.0 Menticirrhus saxatilis 0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.432 6.0 Sciaenops ocellatus; <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.607 1 0 Orthopristis chrysoptera <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.190 2: 0 Urophycis spp. <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.900 1.0 Atosa mediocris <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.700 1.0 ParaLichthys spp. <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.500 2.0 PoLtachius virens <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.900 2.0 Caranx hipms <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.500 1.0 Tautoga onitis <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.500 1.0 Pepritus atepidotus <0.1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 0.057 1.0 Mustetus canis <0.1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 <0.001 3.0 Prionotus evoLans; <0.1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 <0.001 1.0 25 TabLe 2. (Continued). Mean fish Percent Weight NO Number weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kQ) occur c) 1989-90 (n=71) Pomatomus saLtatrix 1,428.1 80.04 393 41.76 3.636 76.1 Cynoscion regaLis 326.9 18.32 486 51.67 0.673 54.9 Euthymus aLLetteratus 8.1 0.45 2 0.22 3.836 18.3 Sgualus acanthias 5.1 0.28 8.5 Leiostomus xanthurus 3.7 0.21 19 2.03 0.194 2.8 SquaLiformes 3.4 0.29 7.0 ALosa mediocris 2.2 0.12 5 0.49 0.473 4.2 Micropogonias undulatus 1.9 0.11 13 1.33 0.155 7.0 Brevoorti tyrannus 1.5 0.08 8 0.89 0.177 8.5 Pepritus triacanthus 1.4 0.08 13 1.40 0.103 23.9 Bairdie(La chrysoura 0.7 0.04 <1 0.01 7.722 1.4 Menticirrhus spp. 0.5 0.03 <1 0.03 1.655 4.2 Scoffberonorus cavalla 0.1 0.01 <1 <0.01 3.167 1.4 Cynoscion nebulosus 0.1 0.01 'Cl 0.01 0.856 4.2 Menticirrhus americanus 0.1 0.01 <1 0.03 0.382 5.6 Atopias vulpinus 0.1 0.01 1.4 ALosa sapidissima 0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.857 7.0 Orthopristis chrysoptera 0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 1.080 1.4 Menticirrhus saxatiLis 0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.460 2.8 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.760 1.4 Synodus foetens 0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.740 1.4 Lophius americanus 0.1 <0.01 <1 <0.01 1.800 1.4 Scomber scombrus <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.700 2.8 Tautoga onitis <0.1 <0.01 1.4 Urophyci.a regia <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.207 4.2 Centropristis striata <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 o.233 1.4 Lagodon rhomboicles <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.098 2.8 Prionotus carolinus <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.180 1.4 Arenaeus cribarius <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.100 1.4 Callinectes sapiclus <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.01 0.120 1.4 Peprilus alepidotus <0.1 <0.01 <1 0.050 1.4 cl) 1990-91 (n=103) Pomatomus saltatrix 568.8 60.03 453 27.87 1,255 69.0 Cynoscion regaLis 274.1 28.93 884 53.75 0.310 84.0 Micropogonias unclulatus 29.8 3.15 171 5.73 0.174 48.0 Brevoortia tyramus 16.9 1.78 76 4.47 0.222 22.0 Euthynnus aLLetteratus 16.7 1.76 3 0.22 5.059 36.0 niclentified fish 7.0 0.74 7.0 Carcharhiniclae 6.1 0.65 5.0 ULeiostomus xanthurus 5.5 0.58 53 3.28 0.103 32.0 Menticirrhus americanus 5.5 0.58 19 1.25 0.282 37.0 Peprilus triacanthus 4.4 0.46 50 2.67 0.088 67.0 Squalus acanthias 4.1 0.43 8.0 Mustetus canis 2.7 0.29 <1 <0.01 <0.001 6.0 Menticirrhus spp. 1.9 0.20 4 0.25 0.556 24.0 Menticirrhus saxatilis 0.8 0.08 2 0.13 0.375 17.0 Alosa mediocris 0.5 0.05 <1 <0.01 1.468 27.0 Oclontaspis taurus 0.4 0.04 <1 0.01 20.650 2.0 Centropristis striata 0.2 0.02 1 0.05 0.251 16.0 Evorthodus lyricus 0.2 0.02 1.0 Lophius americanus 0.2 0.02 <1 <0.01 9.800 6.0 Atosa spp. 0.2 0.02 <1 0.02 0.616 7.0 Urophyci.j regia 0.1 0.01 <1 0.02 0.394 12.0 Saircliella chrysoura 0.1 0.01 <1 0.03 0.211 6.0 OrthopriTtis chrysoptera 0.1 0.01 <1 0.01 0.302 11.0 ALosa sapidissima 0.1 0.01 <1 <0.01 1.100 4.0 Urophycis spp. 0.1 0.01 <1 0.01 0.680 9.0 Cynoscion nebulosus <0.1 0.01 <1 <0.01 0.248 5.0 Tautoga onitis <0.1 0.01 <1 <0.01 0.660 6.0 r- U Table 2. (Continued). Mean fish Percent Weight (kq) Nur*er weight freq. Species Mean Percent Mean Percent (kq) occur Sconteromorus macuLatus <0.1 0.01 3.0 Gadidae <0.1 0.01 <1 <0.01 1.400 3.0 Clupeidae <0.1 0.01 <1 <0.01 1.400 1.0 Clupea harengus <0.1 0.01 <1 <0.01 0.500 2.0 Prionotus spp. <0.1 0.01 2 0 Pepritus spp. <0.1 0.01 1:0 Caranx spp. <0.1 0.01 1.0 Paralichthys spp. <0.1 0.01 1.0 Pepritus atepidotus <0.1 0.01 <1 <0.01 0.023 3.0 Prionotus evoLans Obs Table 3. Species composition, mean weight (kg) and mean number of fish per trip of the top 99% (by weight) of the sink net catches, partitioned by area fished, from December 1987 through April 1991; n = number of catches sampled. Mean Mean Mean Mean fish Mean fish Mean fish no. weight no. weight no. weight Species Mean % fish (kq) Species Mean % fish (kg) Species Mean % fish (kg) NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT 1987-88 (rr-28) 0=53) cynoscio regatis 832.2 61.9 1,016 0.819 Cynoscio regalis 1,052.3 57.7 1,038 0.805 Pomatomus sattatrix 328.8 24.5 96 3.427 Pomatomus sattatrix 652.9 35.8 187 3.483 Micropogonias undulatus 162.9 12.1 657 0.248 Micropogonias undutatus 97.0 5.3 334 0.291 Eutymus alletteratus 14.6 1.1 3 4.795 Euthynnus attetteratus 16.8 0.9 4 4.772 1988-89 (n=46) 0=26) 0=35) Cynoscio regatis 1,296.2 56.1 1,570 0.825 Cynoscion regatis 480.6 43.1 835 0.575 Micropogonias undutatus 173.8 37.4 815 0.213 Pomatomus sattatrix 994.7 43.0 264 3.769 Pomatomus sattatrix 355.3 31.9 139 2.555 Cynoscion regatis 139.7 30.1 293 0.476 Euthynnus at tetteratus 11.3 0.5 9 0.279 Micropogonias undutatus 26.2 2.3 8 3.171 Brevoortia tyrannu 61.9 13.3 - Micropogonias undutatus 2.5 0.1 2 4.617 Euthynnus alletteratus 239.4 21.5 888 0.270 Leiostomus xanthurus 31.7 6.8 163 0.195 Fo-matomus saltatrix 14.0 3.0 22 0.630 Atosa spp. 12.4 2.7 - - Scomberomorus maculatus 8.1 1.7 14 G.579 Menticirrhus sp. 6.0 1.3 9 0.640 ra Pepritus triacanthus 3.9 0.8 34 0.113 -4 Menticirrhus americanus 3.9 0.8 10 0.406 1989-90 0=61) (n=9) 0=1) Pomatomus saltatrix 1,357.3 79.1 374 3.632 Pomatomus saLtatrix 2,065.5 86.5 561 3.679 Leiostomus xanthurus 246.5 59.9 1,288 0.191 Cynoscio regalis 336.9 17.6 468 0.719 Cynoscion regatis 294.7 12.3 658 0.448 Pepritus triacanthus 55.0 13.4 588 0.094 Euthynnus atletteratus 9.3 0.5 2 3.828 Micropogonias undulatus; 11.5 0.5 87 0.131 Brevoortia tyrannus 38.6 9.4 1a8 0.205 Squatus acanthias 5.9 0.3 - Menticirrhus americanus 27.7 6.7 - Pomatomus saltatrix 12.3 3.0 38 0.322 Micropogonias undulatus 8.6 2.1 41 0.210 Cynoscio regatis 6.7 1.6 14 0.479 1990-91 0=50) 0=25) 0=28) Pomatomus saltatrix 803.8 62.2 270 2.981 Pomatomus sattatrix 731.8 83.1 1,230 0.595 Cynoscion regatis 155.0 39.8 562 0.276 Cynoscion regatis 432.1 33.4 1,357 0.319 Cynos regalis 91.5 10.4 261 0.351 Micropogonias undulatus 101.6 26.1 584 0.174 Euthynnus atletteratus 19.0 1.5 4 4.433 Euthynnus attetteratus 19.0 2.2 4 4.394 Brevoortia tyrannus 55.0 14.1 256 0.215 Carcharhinus spp. 16.2 1.0 <1 - Micropogonias unduLatus 8.4 8.0 43 0.194 Un-identified fish 25.9 6.7 - - Squalus acanthias 6.5 0.5 - - Menticirrhus americanus 7.0 0.8 24 0.295 Leiostomus xanthurus 19.1 4.9 185 0.103 Menticirrhus americanus 4.9 0.4 18 0.275 i-revoortia tyrannus 6.1 0.7 - - Euthynnus atleteratus 10.2 2.6 - Mustetus canis 4.0 0.3 <1 - Pepritus triacanthus 5.1 0.6 61 0.084 Pepritus triacanthus 6.7 1.7 77 0.087 Menticirrhus americanus 5.2 1.3 19 0.280 Pomatomus saLtatrix 3.6 0.9 11 0.314 28 Table 4. Monthly comparison of dominant species (top 997. by @eight) and mean catch/trip, partitioned by area for sinki nets from December 1987 through April 1991; n = number of catches sampled, % wt = percent of total catch weight. Percent Percent Percent Species CPUE weight Species CPUE weight Species CPUE weight NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT Dec 1987 (n=8) (n=10) 2. regatis 1,547.8 78.4 C. regatis 1,016.3 89.1 P. saltatrix 396.9 20.1 P. sattatrix 84.7 7.4 alletteratus 22.6 1.2 M. undulatus 22.4 2.0 Jan 1988 (rr-2) (rr-9) q. regalis 689.1 99.4 P. saltatrix 1,209.6 57.3 P. sattatrix 3.4 0.5 C. regatis 891.5 42.2 Feb 1988 (n=5) (n=9) q. regaLis 920.0 48.4 P. saLtatrix 1,882.3 66.7 P. saltatrix 908.5 47.8 C. regalis 879.1 31.1 i. undutatus 39.1 2.1 altetteratus 61.2 2.2 E. alLetteratus 27.2 1.4 Mar 1988 Crr-5) (rr-21) P. sattatrix 229.2 34.7 C. regatis 1,226.9 83.4 undutatus 216.4 32.7 M. unduLatus 228.8 15.4 regatis 202.9 30.7 E. aLtetteratus 9.9 0.7 Apr 1988 (n=8) (n=4) C. regatis 490.7 51.3 P. saLtatrix 1,474.2 59.2 M. undutatus 407.3 42.7 @. @eqatis 97.5 39.2 sattatrix 42.1 4.4 M. undulatus 27.4 1.1 Oct 1988 Cn=7) !I. xanthurus 157.1 41.7 M. undulatus 136.2 36.2 a. macuattus 40.4 10.7 P. saltatrix 27.4 7.3 M. americanus 6.4 1.7 E. triacanthus 2.8 0.8 Menticirrhus spp. 1.2 0.3 Nov 1988 (n=4) M. unduLatus 182.7 68.2 a. tyrannus 45.4 16.9 Unidentified fish 28.3 10.6 @. regalis 7.9 2.9 L. xanthurus 1.8 0.7 Dec 1988 0=11) (n=2) (n=7) g. regatis 1,086.3 53.0 C. regalis 274.7 51.9 C. regatis 132.0 64.9 P. saltatrix 941.3 45.9 R. undutatus 207.1 39.1 R. 'UnduLatus 21.6 10.6 undutatus 10.5 0.5 P. saltatrix 32.4 6.1 Menticirrhus spp. 18.7 9.2 Renticirrhus sp. 7.5 1.4 E. triacanthus 11.9 5.8 M. americanus 3.5 0.7 M. americanus 11.8 5.8 Unidentified fish 3.2 1.6 C. nebulosus 2.3 1.1 Jan 1989 (n=15) (n=4) (n=12) regalis 1,890.9 99.5 P. saLtatrix 1,927.8 95.0 C. regalis 320.0 39.6 Ear-charhinus spp. 51.3 2.5 @. undutatus 258.1 31.9 E. altetteratus 40.0 2.0 B. tyrannus 153.3 19.0 ilosa sp. 36.3 4.5 a. sattatrix 24.6 3.0 E. attetteratus 7.9 1.0 29 Table 4, lConlinuedl. Percent Percent Percent Species CPUE weight Species CPUE weight Species CPUE weight NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT Feb 1989 (n=11) (n=13) (m5) I P. saltatrix 1,759.2 65.2 C. reqatis 888.6 80.7 M. unduLatus 230.4 80.5 E. regatis 909.1 33.7 W. 7ndulatus 176.8 16.1 i. tyrannus 29.4 10.3 E. alletteratus 30.3 1.1 E. alletteratus 31.1 2.8 Z. regatis 17.6 6.2 P. triacanthus 6.4 2.2 Mar 1989 (n=6) (n=7) 2. regaLis 1,551.6 65.2 M. undutatus 501.7 64.1 P. saLtatrix 795.7 33.5 P. saltatrix 206.6 26.4 Carcharhinus spp. 30.2 1.3 C. reqatis 55.6 7.1 E. alLetteratus 16.1 2.1 Apr 1989 (n=3) P. sattatrix 3,757.3 99.9 Oct 1989 (n=1) L. xanthurus 246.5 59.9 P. triacanthus 55.0 13.4 i. tryannus 38.6 9.4 Menticirrhys spp. 27.7 6.7 P. saLtatrix 12.3 3.0 M. undulatus 8.6 2.1 regaLis 6.7 1.6 Nov 1989 (n=2) regaLis 919.8 50.2 P. saltatrix 895.8 48.9 Dec 1989 (n=3) (n=7) P.. saitatrix 3,922.0 97.9 P. sattatrix 2,558.5 88.0 ocris 50.2 1.3 C. regaLis 345.0 11.9 'Jan 1990 (n=22) Cn=l) regalis 567.8 68.8 C. regalis 237.2 50.9 P. saltatrix 237.5 28.7 M. undutatus 96.5 20.7 S. acanthias 13.5 1.6 B. tyrannus 66.5 14.3 B. chrysoura 46.3 9.9 L. xanthurus 16.3 3.5 Feb 1990 In=13) P. saLtatrix 1,217.0 72.5 @. regatis "9.0 26.7 Mar 1990 (n=17) (n--1) P. saltatrix 2,349.1 97.9 P. saLtatrix 680.4 99.3 C. atletteratus 19.5 0.8 E. regalis 16.8 0.7 Apr 1990 (r,=4) P. sattatrix 2,064.5 99.6 Table 4. (Continued). 30 Percent Percent Percent Species CPUE weight Species CPUE weight Species CPUE weiqht NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT Dec 1990 (n=9) (n=6) 0=11) P. saLtatrix 2,857.3 98.3 P. sattatrix 783.0 91.4 M. undulatus 93.8 35.6 regaLis 35.0 1.2 C. regatis 57.4 6.7 tyrannus 70.9 26.9 aLLetteratus 12.0 1.4 regaLis 27.6 10.5 E. aLLetteratus 15.5 5.9 L. xanthurus 13.8 5.2 M. americanus 11.4 4.3 P. triacanthus 7.4 2.8 P. saLtatrix 6.2 2.3 M. saxatilus 5.8 2.2 Jan 1991 (n=12) (rr-4) Jan 1991 0=17) g. regatis 387.8 92.4 P. saltatrix 2,818.4 92.2 C. regalis 237.4 50.4 E. alletteratus 12.5 3.0 @e-qaLis 101.2 3.3 M. undulatus 106.6 22.6 S. acanthias 8.1 1.9 alLetteratus 92.8 3.0 B. tyrannus 44.6 9.5 triacanthus 3.6 0.9 M. americanus 29.3 1.0 Unidentified fish 42.7 9.1 A. mediocris 2.1 0.5 L. xanthurus 22.6 4.8 P. saLtatrix 1.7 0.4 E. alletteratus 6.8 1.4 M. americanus 1.7 0.4 P. triacanthus 6.2 1.3 Feb 1991 (ry.--10) (nx-10) 2. regalis 569.5 82.3 C. regatis 152.9 72.3 E. aLletteratus 59.5 8.6 R. undutatus 19.5 9.2 P. saltatrix 19.0 2.7 B. tyrannus 15.2 7.2 Menticirrhus spp. 12.3 1.8 i. acanthias 9.0 4.2 S. acanthias 11.3 1.6 Menticirrhus spp. 4.3 2.0 Farcharhinus spp. 10.4 1.5 P. triacanthus 3.1 1.5 M. canis 2.5 0.4 L. xanthurus 2.4 1.1 F. Tr-iacanthus 2.4 0.3 Mar 1991 0=14) (rr-5) P. saltatrix 1,018.7 63.1 P. saitatrix 463.2 91.2 g. regaLis 508.7 31.5 M. canis 16.1 3.2 Carcharhinus spp. 36.3 2.3 P. triacanthus 13.3 2.6 M. canis 12.6 0.8 M. americanus 9.8 1.9 M. americanus 9.7 0.6 E. aLketteratus 8.3 0.5 Apr 1991 Cn=5) g. regaLis 764.1 96.9 M. americanus 14.0 1.8 P. triacanthus 4.5 Table 5. Mean catch/trip (CPUE, kg) and percent of catches sampled M for sink net catches from north of Cape Lookout, partitioned by small (-<411 stretched), and large (5-611 stretched) mesh gilt nets, and all catches combined. Ocean gilt net landings for Dare County during the period September through April are included, together with the percent of total state ocean gilt net landings they accounted for during the 1982-1991 fishing seasons. Fishing season 1982- 1983- 1984- 1985- 1986- 1987- 1988- 1989- 1990- 9 season 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 mean- Weakfish CPUE - Overall 558.3 716.5 730.5 1,003.7 1,094.4 976.2 1,001.7 331.5 318.6 747.9 M (39.4) (62.2) (46.9) (61.2) (63.4) (58.9) (53.3) (18.4) (27.6) CPUE - Big mesh 750.0 673.9 295.6 73.8 140.2 351.7 0.0 81 0.0 327.6 M (27.5) (41.8) (11.2) (3.6) (6.0) (10.9) (0.0) (0.3) (0.0) CPUE - Small mesh 444.5 745.6 896.2 1,289.8 1,352.3 1,095.6 1,265.3 654.8 373.3 901.9 M (68.8) (88.8) (78.6) (84.7) (86.6) (80.7) (81.7) (87.0) (49.7) Landings - Dare (mt) 673.9 1,159.3 1,138.6 1,830.2 1,871.0 2,692.1 1,813.4 681.2 373.5 1,359.2 (% of state) (79.6) (74.5) (72.8) (69.0) (82.2) (82.8) (74.3) (56.7) (44.3) Bluefish CPUE - Overall 848.4 399.7 726.2 539.6 479.0 540.9 763.8 1,448.4 779.8 725.1 M (59.8) (34.7) (46.8) (32.9) (27.7) (32.6) (40.6) (80.3) (67.5) CPUE - Big mesh 1,979.1 914.5 2,346.8 1,914.2 2,148.7 2,874.3 3,119.7 2,819.8 3,424.5 2,393.5 M (72.5) (56.8) (88.7) (94.5) (92.0) (88.9) (99.5) (98.8) (97.6) CPUE - Small mesh 183.3 48.0 108.9 116.6 27.7 94.8 143.8 77.0 325.2 125.0 M (28.3) (5.7) (9.5) (7.7) (1.8) (7.0) (9.3) (10.2) (43.3) Landings - Dare (mt) 845.9 550.4 493.7 577.8 876.1 1,206.9 564.4 940.0 1,079.7 792.8 (% of state) (87.2) (86.4) (87.9) (77.6) (89.5) (88.9) (82.6) (78.8) (83.5) Croaker CPUE - Overall 0.2 11.6 84.3 37.4 120.7 119.8 88.1 1.8 3.5 51.9 M (<0.1) 0.0) (5.4) (2.3) (7.0) (7.2) (4.7) (0.1) (0.3) CPUE - Small mesh 0.3 19.4 115.9 48.5 151.6 142.7 111.2 3.7 3.5 66.3 M (<O.I) (2.3) (10.2) (3.2) (9.7) (10.5) (7.2) (0.5) (0.5) Landings - Dare (mt) 8.8 35.7 199.3 114.9 161.0 340.8 108.8 4.5 5.6 109.19 (% of state) (2.3) (6.6) (16.4) (9.2) (13.4) (26.6) (18.7) (1.2) 0.9) Table 6. Mean catch/trip (CPUE, kg), percentage of the total catch (% wt), mean number of f ish/trip and mean f ish weight of weakf ish, bLuef ish, and Atlantic croaker in sink net catches, partitioned by season, area,,and mesh size of sink nets. 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 1986-87 1987-88 1988-89 1989-90 1990-91 SMALL MESH (-4.0" STRETCHED) CATCHES NORTH OF CAPE LOOKO(JT 0=17) (n=41) (n=42) (n=52) (n=74) (n--68) (n=57) (n=35) (n=64) Cynoscion regalis CP(JE 444.5 745.6 896.2 1,289.8 1,352.3 1,095.6 1,265.3 654.8 373.3 % wt 68.8 88.8 78.6 84.7 86.6 80.7 81.7 87.0 49.7 Num/trip 968 1,189 1,607 2,186 2,678 1,366 1,608 954 1,178 Mean fish wt. 0.460 0.627 0.558 0.590 0.505 0.802 0.787 0.6a6 0.317 Micropogonias undutatus CPUE 0.3 19.4 115.9 48.5 151.6 142.7 111.2 3.7 3.5 % wt <0.1 2.3 10.2 3.2 9.7 10.5 7.2 0.5 0.5 Num/trip 1 85 04 212 576 525 412 24 19 Mean fish wt. 0.354 0.229 0.240 0.229 0.263 0.272 0.270 0.152 0.186 Pomatomus sattatrix CPUE 183.3 48.0 108.9 116.6 27.7 94.8 143.8 77.0 325.2 % wt 28.3 5.7 9.5 7.7 1.8 7.0 9.3 10.2 43.3 Num/trip 304 76 149 112 26 49 68 58 549 Mean fish wt. 0.603 0.629 0.730 1.038 1.070 1.942 2.117 1.317 0.592 % of total catch weight (97.1) (96.8) (98.3) (95.6) (98.1) (97.2) (98.2) (97.5) (93.5) SMALL MESH (-4.0" STRETCHED) CATCHES SOUTH OF CAPE LOOKOUT 0=0 (n=O) (n=D) (n=O) WO) 0=0) (n=35) (n=l) (n=28) Lj N) Cynoscion regatis CPUE 173.8 6.7 155.0 % wt 37.4 1.6 39.8 Num/trip 365 14 562 Mean fish wt. 0.476 0.479 0.276 Micropogonias unduLatus CPUE 139.7 8.6 101.6 % wt 30.1 2.1 26.1 Num/trip 656 27 584 Mean fish wt. 0.213 0.322 0.174 Leiostomus xanthurus CPUE 31.7 246.5 19.1 % wt 6.8 59.9 4.9 Num/trip 163 1.291 185 Mean fish wt. 0.195 0.191 0.103 % of total catch weight (4.3) (3.6) (0.8) LARGE MESH (<=4.011 STRETCHED) CATCHES NORTH OF CAPE LOOKOUT Or-10) (n--28) (rr-16) (n=16) (rr-20) (rr-13) (rv=15) (n--35) (rv-11) Pomatomus saltatrix CPUE 1,979.1 914.5 2,346.8 1,914.2 2,148.7 2,874.3 3,119.7 2,819.8 3,424.5 % wt 72.5 56.8 88.7 94.5 92.0 88.9 99.5 98.8 97.6 Num/trip 500 232 568 474 640 709 798 744 789 Mean fish wt. 3.958 3.946 4.130 4.043 3.358 4.053 3.910 3.790 4.340 Cynoscion regatis CPUE 750.0 673.9 295.6 73.8 140.2 351.7 8.1 % wt 27.5 41.8 11.2 3.6 6.0 10.9 0.3 Num/trip 788 259 140 70 227 387 2 Mean fish wt 0.940 2.602 2.106 1.059 0.616 0.909 4.734 % of total catch weight (100.0) (98.6) (99.9) (98.1) (98.0) (99.8) (99.5) (91.2) (97.6) 33 Table 7. Monthly summary of sampling of anchored gill nets fished between Bogue Intet and Carolina Beach from December 1986 through January 1991; n = number of catches sampled. Catch weight (kq) Sample wei,ght (kqI Season Month Range Kean, Range 1986-87 Dec 2 258.2 211-305 134.5 131-138 Jan 2 294.7 231-358 119.T 116-121 Apr 2 410.5 361-459 11881.1 128-248 May 2 587.0 442-732 219.8 21:1-228 Total 9 387.6 211-732 1987-88 Dec 2 133.3 110-156 99.3 93-105 Total 133.3 110-156 1989-90 Dec 3 343.7 150-485 148.6 104-219 Feb 1 231.9 46.2 Total z 315.8 150-485 1990-91 Dec 4 448.7 311-575 60.4 43- 79 Jan 2 239.2 131-347 35.3 32- 38 Total 378.9 131-575 TabLe B. Species cmiposition, mean weight (ka) and mean ruTber of fish/trip of the top 99% (by weight) of the anchored gill net catches from west of Bogue Inlet to Cape Fear sanpled from 1986-1991; n = nud)er of catches saupled. Mean Kean fish fish Weight (kg) Mean weight weight (kq) Mean weight Species Mean Percent number (kq) Species Mean Percent maber (kg)- 1986-87 0=8) 1989-90 0=0 Cy"Osci regalis 74.3 24.4 218 0.341 Cynoscion regatis 83.4 28.3 289 0,288 Pomatmus sattatrix 72.1 23.7 197 0.365 Leiostomus xanthurus 83.4 28.3 728 0.115 Menticirrhus americanus 69.7 22.9 316 0.222 Unidentified fish 40.3 13.7 hiURR222aW undulatus 51.1 16.8 347 0.147 Micropogonias undutatus 38.9 IL2 320 0.122 Henticirrhu saxatitus 29.0 9.5 109 0.267 Menticirrhu americanus 15,9 5.4 57 0.281 Scomberamorus macutatus 3.7 1.2 16 0.235 Pomatomus sa(tatrix 13.7 4.7 57 0.242 Acipenser 2uthr-chus 1.4 0.5 1 1.683 Brevoortia tyrannus 11.2 .3.8 Centropristis Itriata 1.4 0.5 11 0.133 Peprilus triacanthus 7.5 2.5 Ila 0.068 4@- 1987-88 (nz2) 1990-91 (n=6) @@cion re5alis 59.8 58.5 160 0.375 Cynosci regalis 96.3 25.4 340 0.283 Meqticirrhus saxatilus 11.7 11.4 34 0.349 Leiostomus xanthurus 70.3 1B.6 657 0.107 tenticirrhus americanus 11.0 10.8 39 0.286 Micropoganias undulatus 47.2 12.5 314 0.150 tjSERRq22njRs undulat 11.0 10.8 87 0.126 Menticirrhus americanus 44.3 11.7 168 0.265 _Leiostomus xanthurus 2.6 2.5 22 0.121 Brevoortia tyrannus 42.0 11.1 353 0.119 @cion nebulosus 2.3 2.2 8 0.281 Unidentified fish 36.1 9.5 striata 1.8 1.8 9 0.206 Pomatomus sattatrix 20.7 5.5 38 0.545 AEjpenses oxyrhynchus 1.1 1.1 1 2.300 Yr-thopristis chrysopteria 8.6 2.3 34 0.250 Menticirrhus saxatitus 8.1 2.1 to 0.270 35 Chesapeake Say J., VA 37* NC oiolla .t Albem3r e S10un Wanchese regonlet le Shoals Englehard, 36* 01-% von Rocks Hatteras. Hatteras Inlet Ocracoke Inlet ..30 Morehead City/Beaufort lip Bague Inlet.. 35 ape L okout a ,'1P13 '77 7:6 75* Figure 1. Sink ne t fishing grounds off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. 6 CPUE-small mesh CPUE-overall CPUE-large mesh Commerciai iandings 1400- 3000 1200- -2500 L A 1000- N C 20010 D P U 800 - ........ - ----- 1500 N E G 600- S 9 400- -1000 Ft- ----a M -500 t 200- 0 0 82-83 84-85 86-87 88-89 90-91 FISHING SEASONS (19--) Figure 2. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) from 1982-1991 sink net fishery in waters north of Cape Lookout. overall Dare county Carteret county S. of Booue Inlet Other counties 3500- 3000- L A 2500- N D 2000- 1 N G 1500- 1000- M 500- A. ........... ,A . ................... ... . ......... . ............. A., 0-1 - I I =7= - T 82-83 84-85 86-87 88-89 90-91 SEASON (19--) Figure 3. Commercial landings of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) from the sink net fishery during the 1982-1991-fishing seasons. is- go- M Northern [M Con tral Northern Central M Southern 14- p im-se p E E n-7,601 n-7,710 19- R Is- C E E N 10- N 41 7 F a - R fl E E It; it E E N 4 N C Y Y 9 W 0-4 0 1 1 . 201- 301- 401- 501- 601- 701- 801- 201- 301- 401- 501- 601- 701- Sol- 220 320 420 520 620 7ZO 820 220 320 420 520 620 720 820 00 go- so- MNorthorn CDContral =lNorthern Mconual Meouthern lose-DO so* 1090-91 p p E Is n-4.094 E n-8,,84l R R C C 25- E E N N T 7 20- 10- F R R E E Is- E ia- N 6- N 0 Eli C o4 201- 301- 401- 501- 601- 701- 801- 201- 301- 401- 501- 601- 701- 801- 220 320 420 520 620 720 820 220 320 420 520 620 720 820 TOTAL LENGTH (mm) TOTAL LENGTH (mm) Figure 4. Length-frequency distribution (20 mm size classes) of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) M M 06 1%W99WWk "catiWW. M M M M M M M M M M 50- 1982-83 1985-86 1988-89 30- 10 1 M PA z Mr 92 w D 50 1983-84 1986-87 1989-90 a w Q'- 30- 10- z w T. or CP 0 W 50- 1984-85 1987-88 1990-91 w 30- 10- 0 1 2 3 4 5 6+ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6+ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6+ AGE CLASSES Figure 5. Age composition of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) in sink net catches during 1982-1991 fishing seasons. CPUE-small mesh --0- CPUE-overall CPUE-large mesh Commercial landings 4000- -1400 3500- /* - 1200 L 3000- . ........ .......... 1000 A N C 2500- P D -800 U E 2000- N 600 G k 1500- S, 9 -400. 1000- M t 500- B -200 A- 0 1 1 ! -- 1 0 82-83 84-85 86-87 88-89 90-91 FISHING SEASONS (19--) Figure 6. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) from 1982-1991 sink net fishery in waters north of Cape Lookout. M M M M M M M M M Overall Dare county '-A Carteret county S. of Bogue Inlet Other counties 1400- 1200- A 1000 N D 800 - I N G 600- S M 400- t 200- ..................... A .. ................... ...A .. ................. -A .. .................... -A 7z t =.==-7 r L-= ...... t . . ... 0- T-i- 82-83 84-86 86-87 88-89 90-91 FISHING SEASON (19--) Figure 7. Commercial landings of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) from the sink net fishery during the 1982-1991 fishing seasons. go- go- C-INOrthern CenlrW MNOrtMrs Centrd Southern p n-1.069 p E E R R 15- C E E N N T F 10- 7-1 10 R E E Q U j: E E N N 6- 0 C Y Y 0 0 201- 301- 401- 501- 601- 701- 801- 201- 301- 401- 501- 801- 701- 801- 220 320 420 520 620 720 820 220 320 420 520 620 720 820 96- 30- r-INarthwo CMCentrW MBouthern MNOrtherm Mcontrai 8outhern p 1089-90 P 25. 1990-01 E go- E R n-2.998 R n-6.017 C E E 20 N N T F R E 10- E U U io- E E 7 N C Y Y 0 - 201- 301- 401- 501- 601- 701- 801- 201- 301- 401- 5@1' 601- 701- Sol- 220 320 420 520 620 720 820 220 320 420 520 620 720 no LA LT@I , FORK LENGTH (MM) FORK LENGTH (M M) Figure 8. Length-frequency distribution (20 mm size classes) of bluefish (Pomatom us saltatrix) in 1987-1991 sink net catches. m m = m mm = m = m mm MIM 40- 1982-83 1985-86 1988-89 20- z w 0 w 40- 1983-84 1986-87 1989-90 W LL - 20- z LIJ C) MAN, rAc= M 0 1 1 1 -1 w w 75- cL 40- 1984-85 1987-88 - 1990-91 20- VA V1,j VA U. rM 0 am 0 T, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7., 0 1 2 3 6 7+ AGE CLASSES Figure 9. Age composition of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) in sink net catches during 1982-1991 fishing seasons. CPUE-small mesh CPUE-overall Commercial landings 160- 400 140- -350 120- ------ Q -300 L A C N P 100- 250 D U E 80- -200 N G k 60- -150 S 9 40- 100 M t 20- -60 0- 0 82-83 84-85 86-87 88-89 90-91 FISHING SEASONS (19--) c r Figure 10. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of Atlantic- roaker (Mic opogonias undulatus) from 1982-1991 sink net fishery in waters north of Cape Lookout. Overall Dare county Carteret county S. of Bogue Inlet Other counties 1400- 1200- L A 1000- A. ................... ..A. N Ln D 800- N G 600- 400- M t 200- 7 .. .................... Ag 0 T T 'T 82-83 84-85 86-87 88-89 90-91 FISHING SEASON (19--) Figure 11. Commercial landings of croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) from the sink net fishery during the 1982-1991 fishing seasons. 10- 12- Northern M Central Northern Control Southern p p 10- iesli-ao E 8- E R n-9,068 R n-3,084 C C E E S- N N 41- IF R R E 4- E 0 A 4- U E E N N C Y 2 Y 0 9. 0 ... ...... 0 ...... ITVT+ 161 20 261 301 351 401 161 201 261 M 361 401 -156 -206 -266 -306 -366 -406 -166 -206 -266 -305 -355 -406 4@b M 20- 14- M Central M southern M Northern p p 12- 1989-90 E M central E R 16- n-133 R W Southern C C 10- E 1990-91 E N N n-2,316 T IF 10- IF R R E E 41- U E N E 4- C Y Y L 161 901 261 801 361 401 161 201 251 301 361 401 -166 -206 _2" -306 _14156 -406 -156 -206 -266 -306 -366 -406 TOTAL LENGTH (6 MM SIZE CLASSES) TOTAL LENGTH (5 MM SIZE CLASSES) Figure 12. Length-frequency distribution (5 mm size classes) of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) in 1987-1991 sink net catches. mv m m = m m m = m m = m m M. = m m = m @ so- 1982-83 1985-86 1988-89 60- 40- 20- 0. 1 EP I T- z I Mir W 80 S 1983-84 1986-87 1989-90 w 60 cc 40- 20- z W 0. U I I = W 80 w 1984-85 1987-88 1990-91 60 40- 20 1 M@ 01 "Ta-Morn- 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 5 4 5 AGE CLASSES r-T-- Li Figure 13. Age composition of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) in sink net catches during 1982-1991 fishing seaso-ns. ED Dare County Carteret County % Dare+Carteret W. of Bogue In. Misc. Landings 7- X- X X -100 L -80 A 5- 4@b N P D -60 E 1 4- R N C rm 3- E S -40 N 2- T M -20 1 0 0 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 YEAR (19--) Figure 14. Total commercial landings of marketable finfish by the ocean gill net fisheries from 1972 through 1991, including the percent of the landings produced by Dare and Carteret counties. 20- 0 M -0- AtI. Coast Com'l E T NC Commercial R 15- Ocean gill nets T 0 N 10- N E 0 0 .1 SL f I T IT' I 0 T T ? T 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 YEAR (19--) Figure 15. Annual commercial landings of weakfish from 1945-1991. 8- M AtI. Coast Com'l E NC Commercial T R 6- Ocean Gill Nets I C T 0 4- Ln N E 2 (A-6-0, 0 0 -0, Ir 0-IIIIITrIIIIIIVVTYYTYYTY 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 YEAR (19--) Figure 16. Annual commercial landings of bluefish from 1950-1991. I I I I I I I A P P E N D I X I I I I I I .I I I I I I 14- M AtI. Coast Com'l E 12- NC Commercial T R Ocean Gill Nets 1 10- C Ar T 0 8- N N E 6- 4- 0 0 2 'is 0 . . .... . .... 0 T 1 T 1 60 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 YEAR (19--) Figure 17. Annual commercial landings of Atlantic croaker from 1950-1991. APPENDIX A. Seasonal conmrciat tandings of sciaenid pound net 1, tong haul 2, ocean gilt net (gilt net) 3, and winter trawler 4 fisheries in North Carolina for 1982-1990 fishing seasons (season = May-Aprit), including total landings/species (mt), total value of state landings (value in 1000s of dollars) and relative contribution of the three fisheries/species (percent). May 82-Apr 83 May 83-Apr 84 May 84-Apr 85 May 85-Apr 86 May 86-Apr 87 May 87-Apr 88 May 88-Apr 89 - May 89-Apr 90 May 90-Apr 91 Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Species ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent Atlantic croaker 4,475 $3,572 3,697 $3,099 4,707 $3,278 4,211 $3,204 3,757 $2,909 3,552 $3,133 3,164 $3,036 2,787 $3,201 2,550 $2,749 Pound net 863 19.3 292 7.9 443 9.4 567 13.5 234 6.2 579 16.3 451 14.2 244 8.8 218 8.5 Long haul 2,064 46.1 1,883 50.9 1,339 28.4 1,114 26.4 1,392 37.0 679 19.1 1,177 37.2 1,427 51.2 1,769 69.4 Trawler 547 12.2 478 12.9 1,359 28.9 1,069 25.4 721 19.2 761 21.4 653 20.7 436 15.7 154 6.1 Gilt net 385 8.6 540 13.3 1,219 25.9 1,252 29.7 1,204 32.1 1,283 36.1 636 20.1 385 13.9 304 11.9 Weakfish 5,163 $4,695 5,486 $3,936 4,728 $3,874 6,626 $4,458 5,276 $4,152 6,561 $4,717 5,298 $5,041 2,854 $3,320 2,759 $2,803 Pound net 126 2.5 73 1.3 167 3.5 192 2.9 88 1.7 199 3.0 232 4.4 58 2.0 74 2.7 Long haul 737 14.3 704 12.8 762 16.1 508 7.7 586 11.1 412 6.3 608 11.5 240 8.4 481 17.4 Trawler 3,054 59.5 2,740 49.9 1,760 37.2 2,570 38.8 1,971 37.4 2,364 36.0 1,590 30.0 1,168 41.1 1,220 44.4 Gilt net 846 16.4 1,555 28.4 1,565 33.1 2,654 40.1 2,2T7 43.2 3,253 49.6 2,440 46.1 1,202 42.2 842 30.5 Bluefish 3,470 $914 1,618 $565 1,344 $509 1,734 $513 1,712 $732 2,603 $755 1,417 $538 1,761 $678 2,150 $ 740 Pound net 89 2.6 31 1.9 38 2.9 51 3.0 30 1.8 41 1.6 35 2.5 14 0.8 14 0.7 Long haul 194 5.6 153 9.5 ill 11.7 216 12.5 212 12.4 214 8.2 164 11.6 136 7.7 139 6.5 Trawler 1,776 51.2 465 28.7 359 26.7 353 20.3 185 10.8 564 21.7 234 16.5 206 11.7 124 5.6 Gilt net 970 28.0 637 39.4 561 41.8 744 42.9 979 57.2 1,357 52.1 683 48.2 1,193 67.8 1,293 60.1 Cn Spot 2,214 $1,063 1,388 $699 1,562 $809 1,843 $900 1,473 $742 1,296 $663 1,378 $666 1,464 $785 1,590 $ 805 Pound net 150 6.8 30 2.1 89 5.7 56 3.1 22 1.5 51 3.9 33 2.4 33 0.2 19 1.2 Long haul 1,556 70.3 885 62.3 938 60.1 1,126 61.1 865 58.8 529 40.8 896 65.0 903 61.7 1,104 69.4 Trawler 36 1.6 69 5.0 50 3.2 75 4.1 38 2.6 37 2.8 37 2.7 63 4.3 33 2.1 Gilt net 37 1.7 65 4.7 131 8.4 150 8.2 213 14.5 268 20.7 142 10.3 232 15.9 113 , 7.1 Flounders 3,970 $5,486 6,027 $7,293 6,403 $10,132 4,231 $9,304 3,256 $7,993 4,571 $10,957 3,927 $9,649 2,637 $9,685 3,003 $9,554 Pound net 55 1.4 34 0.6 53 0.8 34 0.8 99 3.0 163 3.6 257 6.5 150 5.7 76 2.5 Long haul 28 0.7 36 0.6 27 0.4 29 0.7 43 1.3 12 0.3 38 1.0 32 1.2 19 0.6 Trawler 2,888 72.8 4,769 79.1 5,185 81.0 2,891 68.3 1,825 56.1 3,219 70.4 2,326 59.2 1,105 41.9 1,686 56.2 Gilt net 0.2 <0.1 6 <0.1 9 0.2 6 0.1 6 0.2 4 0.1 2 0.1 6 0.3 <0.1 <0.1 Striped bass 110 $451 185 $356 211 $365 101 $170 135 297 54 $119 43 $96 77 $212 50 $ 156 Pound net - - - - - - 0.2 0.2 - - - - - - 0 0 Long haul 0.1 <0.1 - - - - - 0 0 Trawler 2 1.5 6 3.3 - 10 <0.1 3 6.0 Gilt net 22 20.3 0.3 0.2 - - - - - - - - 34 0.1 0 0 Butterfish 5 135 $76 53 $43 80 $64 63 $47 79 $72 62 $53 26 $28 104 $67 122 S 97 Pound net 11 8.1 1 2.7 7 8.6 14 22.2 10 12.6 5 7.3 7 26.9 0.9 0.9 15 1.2 Long haul 4 2.7 4 8.4 2 2.9 0.2 0.3 13 16.3 0.6 1.0 1 5.4 0.5 5.3 21 17.2 Trawler 74 55.0 38 71.7 52 64.6 34 53.6 39 49.3 32 51.6 10 38.5 71 69.3 41 33.6 Gilt net 38 28.4 6 10.6 13 15.7 9 14.4 11 14.1 ll 18.2 3 11.5 16 15.5 12 9.8 APPENDIX A. (Continued). May 82-Apr 83 May 83-Apr 84 May 84-Apr 85 May 85-Apr 86 May 86-Apr 87 May 87-Apr 88 May 88-Apr 89 May 89-Apr 90 May 90-Apr 9 Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Species ings percent ings percent in2s percent ings percent ings Percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percen Harvestfish 5 199 $123 101 $60 110 $97 186 $200 137 $167 115 $158 114 $164 100 $129 98 $135 Pound net 34 17.2 17 16.8 32 28.9 86 46.5 34 24.6 38 32.7 34 29.8 18 18.0 24 24.5 Long haul 41 20.6 20 19.4 21 19.5 16 8.8 33 23.9 33 28.5 16 14.3 6 6.2 9 9.2 Trawler 34 17.2 7 7.1 5 4.7 43 23.0 7 4.s 6 4.8 a 7.1 22 22.0 13 13.3 Gilt net 42 21.1 6 6.0 5 4.7 18 9.5 11 8.3 13 11.0 5 4.4 13 13.3 16 16.3 Spanish mackerel 86 $61 19 $15 58 $42 79 $67 105 $81 229 $145 199 $141 268 $215 380 $318 Pound net 3 3.6 3 14.2 6 10.9 10 12.4 16 15.2 81 35.6 75 37.7 71 26.5 22 5.8 Long haul 0.9 1.1 1 7.9 3 4.5 5 6.3 13 12.4 is 6.4 18 8.9 33 12.3 12 3.2 Trawler 0.4 0.4 - - - 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.1 '(0.1 0.2 0.1 3 1.1 0.7 0.2 Gilt net 30 34.7 4 20.3 14 24.4 27 34.1 41 38.9 50 21.9 43 21.6 114 42.5 143 37.6 Florida pompano 14 $33 2 $4 4 $11 11 $32 17 $41 9 $24 3 $9 9 $28 14 $24 Pound net 3 23.5 0.1 3.1 0.4 8.9 1 9.0 3 16.3 2 24.4 0.4 13.3 5 55.6 0.5 3.6 Long haul 6 38.9 0.4 18.7 2 56.6 5 48.4 4 24.3 2 19.7 0.7 18.9 2 18.6 1 7.2 Trawler - - - - - - - - - - - - .002 <0.1 Gilt net 0.7 4.7 - - 0.6 13.7 0.1 1.4 2 11.2 0.5 5.5 0.3 10.0 <0.1 <0.1 Spotted seatrout 42 $72 72 $120 68 $123 65 $171 85 $157 156 $277 167 $326 161 $345 110 $219 Pound net 5 11.6 5 6.8 4 6.0 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.3 2 1.5 0.2 0.1 - - 0.3 0.3 Long haul 15 35.6 19 25.6 15 22.3 9 14.9 10 11.8 36 23.2 35 21.1 31 19.0 21 19.1 Trawler 0.4 1.0 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.6 2 2.8 6 6.7 2 1.4 0.7 0.4 8 4.8 <0.1 <0.1 Gilt net 2 5.4 4 5.8 4 6.1 16 24.4 .10 11.5 17 11.0 22 13.2 10 6.3 10 9.1 Red drum 22 $11 146 $81 91 $60 77 $113 104 $109 115 $149 99 $124 118 $164 82 $105 Pound net 0.3 1.5 2 1.1 0.8 0.9 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 19 16.4 4 4.0 5 4.2 1 1.2 Long haul 5 20.4 9 6.5 7 7.7 2 2.8 32 30.9 16 13.8 11 11.1 25 21.6 8 9.8 Trawler 6 27.7 13 9.0 6 7.1 2 2.1 2 1.5 1 1.3 2 1.9 1 1.1 0.2 0.3 Gilt net 5 24.0 37 25.1 21 22.8 19 24.4 9 8.4 11 9.6 9 9.1 12 10.4 5 6.1 Stack sea bass 213 $343 446 $619 544 $976 503 $1,002 267 $519 495 $979 452 $1,118 509 $1,384 285 $1,042 Trawler 71 33.5 266 59.7 363 71.4 296 58.9 95 35.7 315 63.6 206 45.7 205 40.3 60 21.1 Scup or porgies 658 $840 835 $997 505 $759 188, $212 ill $186 61 $65 15 $11 47 82 71 $60 Trawler 304 46.2 477 57.2 267 52.9 171 90.8 ill 99.7 58 94.3 15 100.0 47 ' 99.6 71 100.0 Bait 4,302 $354 4,430 $376 4,695 $381 3,437 $230 2,836 $201 4,084 $300 2,596 $168 2,167 $159 2,566 $177 Pound net 349 8.1 201 4.5 421 9.0 549 16.0 123 4.3 329 8.1 271 10.4 306 14.1 341 13.3 Long haul 1,879 43.7 1,901 42.9 1,884 40.1 1,148 33.4 1,386 48.9 1,474 36.1 1,078 41.5 1,112 51.8 1,635 63.7 Trawler 1,364 31.7 1,613 36.4 1,728 36.7 1,620 47.1 905 31.9 2,109 51.1 794 30.6 195 9.0 78 3.0 Gilt net 62 1.5 44 1.0 100 2.1 13 0.4 23 0.8 7 0.2 127 4.9 6 0.3 1 APPENDIX A. (Continued). May 82-Apr 83 May 83-Apr 84 May 84-Apr 85 May 85-Apr 86 May 86-Apr 87 May 87-Apr 88 May 88-Apr 89 May 89-Apr 90 May 90-Apr 91 Land- Value/ Land- VaLue/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- VaLue/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Land- Value/ Species ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent ings percent Total finfish (w/out menhaden) 31,767 $23,406 32,776 $23,639 37,030 $28,220 32,319 $27,182 25,462 $25,399 31,772 $30,301 25,225 $29,622 20,905 $41,836 24,812 $28,731 Pound net 1,699 5.4 706 2.2 1,285 3.5 1,553 4.8 684 2.7 1,558 4.9 1,432 5.7 935 4.5 827 3.3 Long haut 6,579 20.7 5,649 17.2 5,175 14.0 4,250 13.2 4,714 18.5 3,353 10.6 4,308 17.1 4,112 19.7 5,299 21.4 Trawler 10,367 32.6 11,779 35.9 11,899 32.1 9,850 30.5 6,493 25.5 10,256 32.3 6,099 24.2 4,481 21.5 4,081 16.4 Gilt net 2,671 8.4 3,071 9.4 3,825 10.3 5,157 16.0 5,067 19.9 6,698 21.1 4,430 17.6 3,555 17.0 3,548 14.3 Total marketable (w/out menhaden) 27,465 $23,092 28,346 $18,994 32,336 $23,263 28,882 $26,952 22,626 $25,197 27,688 $29,884 22,629 $29,454 18,738 $41,677 22,246 $28,554 Pound net 1,350 4.9 505 1.8 864 2.7 1,003 3.5 561 2.5 1,229 4.4 1,161 5.1 630 3.3 468 2.1 Long haut 4,700 17.1 3,748 13.2 3,291 10.2 3,102 10.7 3,328 14.7 2,074 7.5 3,230 14.3 2,991 16.0 3,665 16.5 Trawler 9,003 32.8 10,166 35.9 10,177 31.5 8,230 28.5 5,588 24.7 8,147 29.4 5,304 23.4 4,285 22.9 4,056 18.2 Gilt net 2,613 9.5 3,028 10.7 3,725 11.5 5,144 17.8 5,043 22.3 6,691 24.2 4,303 19.0 3,549 18.9 3,547 15.9 1Pound net Landings include Dare County (annual timeframe). 2Long haut landings: Long haut landings include April through December from Dare, Hyde, Carteret, Craven, Pamlico and Beaufort counties (annual timeframe). 3Winter trawl landings include: Dare, Hyde, Pamlico, Beaufort, Craven, Carteret, Brunswick and Onslow counties. 4Ocean gilt net landings include all state landings September through April. Ln 5Worth Carolina commercial landings combined harvestfish and butterfish landings in 1985 are harvestfish; for the purpose of this presentation, we extrapolated out butterfishLn landings based on monthly relative proportions of the two species in our samples. APPENDIX 8. Seasonal comm 'ercial landings (weight; kg) in North Carolina from gitt nets fished in the ocean for 1987-91 (season = September-Aprit) for North Carolina, Dare County, Carteret county, and other areas combined, including the total value of the landings and relative contribution of each area grouping (percent). September 1987-Aprit 1988 September 1938-Aprit 1989 September 1989-Aprit 1990 September 1990-April 1991 Weight Value/percent Weight Vatue/percent Weight Vatue/percent Weight Value/percent Bluefish 1,357,166 S 342,466 683,399 S 300,439 1,192,829 S 456,168 1,292,845 S 455,159 Dare 1,206,901 88.9 564,459 82.6 940,049 78.8 1,079,702 83.5 Carteret 83,888 6.2 58,098 8.5 77,039 6.5 95,298 7.4 others 66,377 4.9 60,842 8.9 175,751 14.7 117,845 9.1 Weakfish 3,252,545 $2,472,318 2,440,237 $2,287,497 1,201,856 $1,559,978 842,277 $1,108,307 Dare 2,692,175 82.8 1,813,420 74.3 681,210 56.7 373,507 44.3 Carteret 376,600 11.6 415,454 17.0 123,329 10.3 164,305 19.5 others 183,770 5.6 211,363 8.7 397,317 33.1 304,465 36.2 Atlantic croaker 1,283,319 $1,202,406 636,080 $ 632,897 385,153 $ 467,414 304,071 $ 322,766 Dare 340,791 26.6 118,822 18.7 4,510 1.2 5,671 1.9 Carteret 796,482 62.1 359,211 56.5 138,87 36.1 98,978 32.5 Others 146,046 11.3 158,047 24.8 241,766 62.8 199,422 65.6 Red drum 11,058 S 14,521 9,347 $ 10,390 12,192 $ 16,618 4,919 S 5,881 Dare 216 2.0 871 9.3 3,632 29.8 90 1.8 Carteret 8,260 74.7 5,721 61.2 7,289 59.8 2,568 52.2 Others 2,582 23.3 2,755 29.5 1,271 10.4 2,261 46.0 Ln M King mackerel 15,338 S 29,023 33,355 S 86,227 5,400 $ 13,566 13,514 $ 23 068 Dare 11,658 76.0 33,098 99.2 5,183 96.0 12,928 45.7 Carteret 1,911 12.5 67 0.2 82 1.5 206 1.5 Others 1,769 11.5 190 0.6 135 2.5 380 2.8 King whiting 201,381 S 201,830 91,068 $ 102,716 183,317 $ 262,372 217,392 $ 274,026 Dare 3,675 1.8 829 9.1 2,985 1.6 15,161 7.0 Carteret 108,008 53.6 41,299 45.3 19,434 10.6 18,164 8.3 Others 89,698 44.6 48,940 53.7 160,898 87.8 184,067 84.7 BUtterfish 11,306 $ 8,927 2,999 $ 2,708 15,913 $ 11,969 12,173 $ 11,049 Dare 5,190 45.9 2,312 77.1 5,755 36.2 9,270 76.2 Carteret 1,178 10.4 2,640 16.6 430 3.5 Others 4,938 43.7 687 22.9 7,518 47.2 2,473 20.3 Spotted seatrout 17,081 S 29,421 21,701 $ 45,246 10,029 S 20,501 10,712 $ 19,600 Dare 1,035 6.1 15,623 72.0 836 8.3 1,388 13.0 Carteret 12,701 74.4 3,367 15.5 5,745 57.3 7,457 69.6 others 3,345 19.6 2,711 12.5 3,448 34.4 1,867 17.4 Spanish mackerel 50,095 $ 36,566 42,795 $ 31,916 113,649 S 108,879 143,104 $ 120,860 Dare 7,293 14.6 16,653 38.9 78,470 69.0 77,948 54.5 Carteret 37,418 74.7 17,719 41.4 12,211 10.8 29,718 20.8 Others 5,384 10.7 8,423 19.7 22,958 20.2 35,438 24.8 Spot 267,993 S 152,840 142,308 $ 77,860 232,305 $ 136,654 113,468 S 53,447 Dare 4,910 1.8 6,959 4.9 35,071 15.1 4,609 4.1 Carteret 153,755 57.4 65,OT7 43.6 79,148 34.1 24,442 21.5 Others 109,328 40.8 70,272 49.4 118,086 50.8 84,417 74.4 APPENDIX B. (Contimied) September 1987-Aprit 1988 September 1988-Aprit 1989 September 1989-April 1990 September 1990-Aprit 1991 Weight Value/percent Weight Vatue/percent Weight Vatue/perceni Weight Vatue/percent Dogfish 17,167 S 3,144 364,989 S 65,930 Dare 16,955 98.8 355,852 97.5 Carteret 212 1.2 5,080 1.4 Bait 6,775 $ 653 126,627 S 10,170 6,293 S 635 1,191 S 113 Dare 6,775 100.0 7,528 5.9 - - 1,191 100.0 Carteret - - 119,138 94.1 - - - 0.0 Others 39 <0.1 6,293 100.0 0 0.0 Marketabte finfish 6,691,159 $4,614,240 4,302,981 $3,766,229 3,549,152 $3,271,541 3,547,210 $2,567,978 Dare 4,344,559 64.9 2,635,142 61.2 1,826,043 51.4 2,039,497 57.5 Carteret 1,658,635 24.8 1,000,794 23.3 524,011 14.8 490,066 13.8 Others 687,965 10.3 667,045 15.5 1,199,198 33.8 1,017,747 28.7 Totat finfish 6,697,934 $4,614,893 4,429,608 $3,776,399 3,555,545 $3,270,906 3,548,401 $2,568,091 Dare 4,351,334 65.0 2,642,670 59.7 1,826,043 51.4 2,040,688 57.5 Carteret 1,658,635 24.8 1,119,932 25.3 524,011 14.7 490,066 13.8 Others 687,965 10.2 667,006 15.0 1,205,491 33.9 1,017,647 28.7 Ln -4 APPENDIX C. Size composition of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) captured in sink nets by season (1982-91) and area (1987-91); n number of fish measured. Percent frequency/size class (TL. on) 201- 251- 301- 351- 401- 451- 501- 551- 601- 651- 701- 751- SEASON n 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 >800 1982-83 2,243 0.4 7.1 40.3 41.8 5.2 0.7 0.2 <0.1 0.3 1.3 1.5 0.8 0.3 1983-84 6,"9 0.9 14.0 39.4 24.7 8.9 2.9 1.3 0.3 1.2 3.7 2.4 0.4 1984-85 4,902 0.4 3.4 27.3 37.7 20.2 8.5 1.2 0.2 <0.1 0.2 0.7 M <0.1 1985-86 5,522 0.4 6.6 28.4 31.0 21.9 9.5 1.8 0.3 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 1986-87 6,652 0.1 3.1 37.5 " .2 12.6 2.0 0.4 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 4. 1 1987-88 7,719 <0.1 0.5 9.7 31.1 31.8 17.8 7.4 1.4 1.2 <0.1 <0.1 1988-89 7,601 <0.1 0.2 7.3 35.8 34.0 14.6 5.8 2.1 0.2 <0.1 <0.1 1989-90 4,094 <0.1 3.3 26.7 36.1 15.3 12.2 4.9 1.2 0.2 KO.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 1990-91 8,841 2.3 35.0 52.6 9.1 0.8 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 AREA 1987 88 Northern 1,913 <0.1 0.7 11.1 29.3 34.0 16.8 6.5 1.3 0.3 Central 5,806 <0.1 0.4 9.3 31.7 31.1 18.2 7.7 1.5 0.2 <0.1 <0.1 1988-89 Northern 5,507 <0.1 4.2 31.7 36.6 17.1 7.3 2.7 0.3 <0.1 <0.1 Central 1,554 <0.1 0.5 15.4 49.9 26.8 6.6 0.7 <0.1 Southern 540 0.1 3.6 42.8 44.7 5.7 2.4 0.8 1989-90 Northern 3,408 0.6 20.2 37.7 18.1 15.3 6.1 1.5 0.3 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 Central 672 0.2 13.7 52.5 29.7 4.0 Southern 14 57.1 42.9 1990-91 Northern 5,481 1.0 33.9 54.2 9.9 0.9 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 Central 1,435 2.1 20.7 56.7 18.9 1.6 Southern 1,925 9.4 46.5 42.9 1.2 <0.1 <0.1 APPENDIX D. Age composition of weakfish (Cynoscion regatis) captured by North Carolina sink nets, 1982-91. Percent frequency/age class Seasons 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1982-83 0.04 ".36 ".99 6.07 0.62 1.70 0.92 0.52 0.30 0.41 0.07 1983-84 0.00 24.29 46.89 16.81 4.35 2.69 1.84 1.36 0.84 0.75 0.17 0.03 1984-85 0.04 36.52 49.47 11.21 1.61 0.38 0.32 0.24 0.10 0.10 0.01 1985-86 0.02 36.78 50.02 11.44 1.69 0.03 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 1986-87 0.01 28.73 48.31 20.38 2.31 0.27 0.001 0.001 0.00 0.001 1987-88 0.00 13.12 47.58 34.21 4.56 0.52 @CO.01 <0.01 1988-89 0.00 7.32 49.03 39.67 3.59 0.40 <0.01 <0.01 1989-90 0.06 40.03 41.77 16.80 1.17 0.13 0.01 <0.01 0.02 0.01 <0.01 <0 1990-91 0.05 48.62 40.40 10.34 0.58 - --------- 59 APPENDIX E. Size composition of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) captured in sink nets by season (1982-91) and area (1987-91); n number of fish measured. Percent frequency/size class (FL. mm) 201- 251- 301- 351- 401- 451- 501- 551- 601- 651- 701- 751- 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 >800- SEASON 1982-83 1,319 1.4 28.6 16.3 1.0 <0.1 0.4 2.4 8.0 11.2 20.0 10.0 0.6 1983-84 1,553 0.4 6.0 5.5 20.2 3.3 0.2 0.3 0.1 4.2 18.9 28.3 11.2 1.2 1984-85 2,086 0.3 25.6 12.5 0.4 <0.1 <0.1 0.1 1.2 2.5 14.3 32.2 10.3 0.5 1985-86 1,374 1.7 34.3 10.3 1.5 0.2 0.1 7.2 17.8 17.6 8.3 1.0 1986-87 1,202 <0.1 2.2 1.2 4.0 2.1 2.3 6.9 12.6 11.3 22.9 20.3 13.2 1.1 1987-88 1,052 <0.1 0.3 2.6 12.3 0.8 0.1 3.2 12.3 24.7 36.1 7.5 o.2 1988-89 1,348 0.7 2.0 9.5 2.5 0.1 <0.1 0.3 17.1 40.0 23.0 4.4 0.4 1989-90 2,228 0.1 3.2 0.8 1.1 0.2 <0.1 1.5 3.1 5.8 40.1 35.8 7.7 0.5 1990-91 5,017 0.2 2.7 42.4 34.3 4.2 <0.1 2.3 11.1 2.8 0.1 AREA 1987-811 .Northern 416 0.8 4.7 10.4 1.8 0.1 4.2 26.2 20.9 25.8 5.0 0.1 Central 636 <0.1 0.1 2.1 12.8 0.6 0.1 3.0 8.4 25.7 38.8 8.2 0.2 1988-89 Northern 877 0.2 0.4 0.8 0.1 0.4 22.2 47.2 24.1 4.3 4.1 Central 399 3.1 34.6 9.9 0.3 <0.1 3.7 21.7 21.4 4.9 0.4 Southern 72 35.4 54.6 10.1 1989-90 Northern 1,797 0.1 0.2 1.3 0.2 <0.1 1.9 4.0 7.3 40.9 35.4 8.0 0.6 Central 410 14.7 3.0 0.2 0.3 37.7 37.3 6.6 0.2 Southern 21 27.3 48.7 21.4 2.7 1990-91 Northern 3,473 <0.1 2.7 18.5 19.1 3.4 0.2 8.0 38.4 9.6 0.2 Central 2,301 <0.1 2.1 52.4 40.8 4.5 0.1 <0.1 Southern 243 20.9 66.4 12.3 0.4 APPENDIX F. Age composition of bluefish (Pomatomus sattatrix) captured by North Carolina sink nets, 1982-91. Percent frequency/age cLass Season 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1982-83 36.98 10.43 2.73 6.79 16.67 15.42 8.59 2.01 0.38 1983-84 9.71 25.02 1.24 5.22 20.47 22.24 10.87 3.46 1.20 0.44 0.13 1984-85 37.73 1.17 0.61 3.35 9.15 32.65 8.72 5.89 0.57 0.03 0.11 0.03 1985-86 311,36 9*74 0,02 1,51 15*55 15,30 12,49 5,49 1*10 0,41 1986-87 4.80 6.78 3.93 17.98 14.06 27.91 15.44 6.78 1.80 0.58 1987-88 1.64 14.42 0.84 5.93 18.36 14.70 33.72 4.24 1.84 4.31 1988-89 1.65 12.55 0.77 7.26 28.97 24.29 13.32 10.26 0.65 0.28 1989-90 3.87 1.55 2.22 8.28 11.90 45.46 11.81 11.51 2.11 1.29 1990-91 9.47 73.66 0.68 0.21 1.48 4.93 5.62 3.56 0.06 0.33 60 APPENDIX G. Size composition of AtLantic croaker (Micropogonias unclutatus) captured in sink nets by season (1982-91) and area (1987-91); n number of fish measured. Percent frequency/size c(ass 150- 176- 201- 226- 251- 276- 301- 326- n 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 350 >350 SEASON 1982-83 12 16.0 40.0 16.0 8.0 20.0 1983-84 723 0.1 2.0 7.9 41.8 38.7 8.1 1.2 0.2 1984-85 1,568 0.4 7.8 40.4 41.0 10.0 0.4 <0.1 1985-86 1,593 0.7 21.4 49.2 23.8 4.5 o.3 0.1 1986-87 2,000 0.1 6.5 32.4 36.1 18.7 5.3 0.9 1987-88 2,656 0.1 5.6 31.8 36.0 20.6 4.9 0.9 1988-89 3,084 0.1 5.0 36.2 38.5 15.5 3.6 1.0 1989-90 198 0.8 34.1 56.1 6.8 2.1 1990-91 2,315 <0.1 0.5 11.3 47.2 37.3 3.4 0.3 AREA 1987-88 Northern 946 <0.1 7.1 41.4 36.4 12.8 2.0 0.3 Centrat 1,710 0.1 4.4 24.4 35.8 26.6 7.2 1.3 1988-89 0.2 Northern 101 6.8 25.1 35.2 32.7 Centrat 1,401 2.6 29.3 41.7 19.9 5.1 1.5 Southern 1,582 0.4 10.7 52.8 31.2 4.8 0.2 1989-90 CentraL 98 0.8 36.1 57.6 4.1 1.4 Southern 37 29.7 54.1 16.2 1990-91 Northern 62 1.3 23.8 49.7 22.7 2.6 CentraL 56 1.5 17.5 48.1 26.3 6.6 Southern 2,197 -CO. 1 0.5 11.1 47.2 37.5 3.4 0.3 APPENDIX H. Age composition of AtLantic croaker (Micropoganias undutatus) by North CaroLina sink nets, 1982-91. Percent frequency/age ctass Season 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 1982-83 10.27 47.61 34.73 4.93 2.46 1983-84 3.97 60.88 35.02 0.07 0.06 0.04 1984-85 2.02 61.37 36.60 0.01 <0.01 1985-86 3.79 73.55 22.58 0.06 0.02 1986-87 33.48 49.98 14.96 1.57 0.02 1987-88 14.26 51.96 31.56 2.03 0.20 1988-89 19.41 54.34 25.67 0.55 0.02 0.01 1989-90 82.66 15.37 1.96 0.01 1990-91 63.41 28.08 8.51 61 APPENDIX 1. Total Landings of marketable finfish landings by ocean gitL nets in North Carolina; counties west of Bogue Inlet OnsLow, Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick. Ocean gill net Landings (mt) Counties Percent west of Other Total, Dare and Year Dare Carteret Bogue Inlet counties state Carteret 1972 599.1 11.4 610.5 98.1 1973 "1.0 6.5 447.9 98.5 1974 237.8 2.9 240.7 98.8 1975 5.6 149.3 10.2 165.0 93.8 1976 48.5 48.5 100.0 1977 12.7 376.0 <0.1 4.6 393.3 98.8 1978 35.2 503.4 21.8 1.9 562.3 95.8 1979 174.4 630.9 34.5 0.9 840.7 95.8 1980 413.6 1,740.3 329.6 29.6 2,513.1 85.7 1981 964.5 748.4 162.4 .2.9 1,878.2 91.2 1982 985.9 787.0 193.8 15.6 1,982.3 89.4 1983 1,686.5 641.8 197.2 11.7 2,537.2 91.8 1984 2,046.6 1,516.8 305.0 14.2 3,882.6 91.8 1985 1,876.5 1,389.2 356.0 33.6 3,655.3 89.4 1986 2,666.1 2,324.0 495.1 115.9 5,601.1 89.1 1987 3,448.1 1,601.8 478.3 133.7 5,661.9 89.2 1988 4,123"6 1,573,1 439,6 176*4 6,212*7 90"1 1989 2,733.1 809.5 784.6 168.5 4,495.7 78.8 1990 2,008.6 354.1 1,049.0 55.5 3,545.2 66.6 1991 2,100.5 651.4 1,111.8 88.8 3,952.5 69.6 ASSESSMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES Completion Report for Project 2-IJ-16 May 1992 JOB 5 REEF FISH AND COASTAL PELAGIC FISHERIES ASSESSMENT By Fred C. Rohde and James J. Francesconi ABSTRACT Commercial vessels from the North Carolina reef fish fishery were sampled monthly to determine species composition, size distribution, and related trip information ' such as catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Approximately 50-60 vessels fished on a full-time basis in North Carolina. One hundred fifty-nine trips were sampled in Year 1 (July 1988-June 1989); 147 in Year 2 (July 1989- June 1990); and 191 in Year 3 (July 1990-June 1991). Three types of gear were used: handlines (hydraulic or electric "bandit" reels), longlines, and fish traps. Handlines were also fished near the surface for coastal pelagic fishes. The number of reef fish handline reels per boat ranged from 2 to 6 (mean 3.5); longline lengths ranged from 1600 to 9656 m; number of hooks ranged from 250 to 1200; and number of sets per trip ranged from 43 to 105. The CPUEs for handline vessels were higher for those vessels landing in Morehead City/Beaufort than for those landing in Southport. The CPUEs for wreckfish boats fluctuated between months and years, but were much higher than those for handline vessels. Longline CPUEs were lowest in Year 1 and almost doubled the two subsequent years. Catches for sea bass traps varied with Year 2, having the highest average. Sea basses (Serranidae) were generally the dominant reef fish family in the landings, followed by snappers (Lutjanidae), porgies (Sparidae), wreckfish (Percichthyidae), and tilefishes (Malacanthidae). Ninety-eight species in 28 reef fish families were caught. Black sea bass and vermilion snapper were the two most abundant species in both numbers and weight. Some 19 pelagic and shark species were also landed and sold. Over the three year study period, annual mean lengths decreased for some fishes (black sea bass, speckled hind, silk snapper, red porgy, knobbed porgy, gray triggerfish, white snapper, tilefish, wreckfish). In some fishes, the annual mean length remained constant (gag, scamp, vermilion snapper) while in the blueline tilefish and red grouper, it fluctuated among the years. Most of the coastal pelagic species landings were from the area near Cape Hatteras (Manteo, Wanchese, etc). Statewide, the landings increased each year. King mackerel dominated the landings followed by yellowfin tuna and dolphin. Annual mean length of king mackerel decreased during the three'years, which is partially attributable to sampling effort. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . iii INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 METHODS AND MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Serranidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Lutjanidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Sparidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Malacanthiae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Balistidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Haemulidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Percichthyidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Coastal Pelagic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 INTRODUCTION The reef fish communities of the outer continental shelf of the southeastern United States consist of demersal tropical and subtropical species of snappers (Lutianidae), sea basses and groupers (Serranidae), porgies (Sparidae), tilefishes (Malacanthidae), grunts (Haemulidae), triggerfishes (Balistidae), wrasses (Labridae), and jacks (Carangidae). These communities, inhabit the sparse and patchily distributed, nearshore sponge-coral ("live bottom") habitats or the offshore rocky outcrop habitats. Fish populations of these types of habitats are difficult to inventory because of obstructions to trawli'ng and the secretive behavior of the fish. Recent descriptions of these communities have been based on analyses of headboat catch records, exploratory hook and line, trawl, and trap fishing, and underwater television, diver, and submersible observations (Struhsaker 1969; Miller and Richards 1980; Powles and Barans 1980; Grimes et al. 1982; Wenner 1983; Barans and Henry 1984; Chester et al. 1984; Sedberry and Van Dolah 1984; Parker and Ross 1986). This rich fauna supports a thriving recreational headboat fishery and a commercial fishery off North Carolina. In addition to the reef fishes, there are several species of recreationally and commercially important coastal pelagic fishes, including Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus), king mackerel (S. cavalla), dolphin (Coryphaena hippurus), and cobia (Rachycentron canadum) which occur seasonally along the North Carolina coast. The purpose of this project was to collect biological and fisheries data from the commercial fisheries for reef fishes and coastal pelagic species for use in rea ching management decisions. METHODS AND MATERIALS Reef fish catches were sampled monthly and analyzed by "fiscal seasons": July 1988 - June 1989 (Year 1), July 1989 - June 1990 (Year 2), and July 1990 June 1991 (Year 3). Sampling was conducted at fish houses while the catches were being unloaded. Most samples were obtained in Southport and Morehead City-Beaufort; some catches landed at Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Wanchese were also 2 examined. Captains were interviewed to obtain information on general fishing location, type and quantity of gear, number of days out and days fished and other miscellaneous information. For each year of the study, personnel sampled at least 40 of the commercial trips. Sampling effort was distributed throughout each month and the actual number of trips sampled was dependent on availability of fish, weather conditions, and the cooperation of fishermen and seafood dealers. All species in an individual trip were identified. For each market category, as many random samples (22.7 or 45.4 kg fish boxes) as possible were obtained from each market size category, e.g. small, medium, large. The individual fish packed in a fish box were identified to species and the total number of individuals by species was counted. The total weight for each market category was obtained from the trip ticket supplied by the fisherman or fish house dealer. In addition, as time and fish house packing procedures allowed, a random sample of individuals by species was measured for lengths (mm TL for all species except scamp (Mycteroperca phenax), gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus), hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) and coastal pelagic species - mm FL). Weight (whole or gutted in kg) and sex were also recorded if the data were available and time permitted. The number of fish measured was spread out over the study period. In cases where only partial data sets-were obtained, estimates based on means calculated from recent catches were used to fill in missing values if deemed statistically and biologically reasonable. Species numerical abundance/catch was calculated by first calculating the number of fish per grade by simple proportions and then summing the various grades/species. Length-frequencies were derived by expanding the sample length-frequencies for each market category by an expansion factor to represent the species market grade weight. Monthly species-specific commercial land ings were obtained by first determining the percent composition of each species in the monthly samples by district and landings category such as groupers, snappers, porgies and 3 multiplying each species' percentage by the total reported monthly commercial landings of the appropriate category and district. When no bioprofile sample was taken for a particular sampling cell (district, category, month), the market category reported in the commercial landings statistics was used. Average catch/trip (CPUE in kg) for handlines was defined as the total catch/number of days fished x number of fishermen. CPUE for longlines was total catch/total number of hooks fished and CPUE for fish traps (including sea bass) was total catch/number of traps set. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION There are six primary North Carolina ports where reef fishes are landed: Southport, Carolina Beach, and Wrightsville Beach in the southern district; Beaufort and Morehead City in the central district, and Hatteras in the northern district (Figure 1). The central and southern districts together accounted for >92% of the reef fish landings in all 3 years (Table 1). There have been 122 vessels identified as commercially landing reef fishes at North Carolina ports from July 1983 through June 1991. Approximately 50-60 vessels fished on a full-time basis in North Carolina waters; the others fished only part-time or often landed at South Carolina or Florida ports, depending on weather and market prices. One-hundred fifty-nine trips were sampled in Year 1 (1988-89), 147 in Year 2 (1989-90), and 191 in Year 3 (1990-91). Three types of gear were used: handlines, (hydraulic or electric "bandit" reels), long lines, and fish traps. Most fish were caught on handlines (Table 1). This gear type also includes the heavy duty, hydraul -ic reels 'used in the wreckfish fishery. Handlines were usually fished near the bottom with two hooks per line, but occasionally a rally or "pinky" rig with up to five smaller hooks was used to target vermilion snapper and red porgy. Wreckfish reels used up to eight hooks per line. Handlines were also fished near the surface for coastal pelagic species such as king mackerel, dolphin, bluefish, wahoo, cobia, and tunas (Thunnus spp.). The number of reels per boat ranged from 2 to 6 with an average of 3.5. Bottom longlines were also used over the offshore "live bottom" habitat, particularly in the deeper waters (>183m) for snowy grouper (Epinephelus 4 niveatus) and tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps). Most of these catches were landed at Southport. Yearly mean longline lengths ranged from 4305.0 to 6269.1 m with an average of 612.5-662.6 hooks per set (Table 2). Duration of the set ranged from 30 minutes up to several hours. Mean number of sets per trip ranged from 22.0 to 27.1. Bait used for both handlines and longlines included round scad or cigar minnows (Decapterus punctatus), Atlantic or Boston mackerel (Scomber scombrus), and squid. Some of the smaller or economically less important fishes caught were also used for bait. While the other gears are used year-round, the sea bass trap fishery operates predominantly from November through March. Participating in this fishery are persons who are otherwise in the snapper/grouper, shrimp, or charterboat fisheries during April through October. Several reasons account for this switching fishery interest. Primarily, the winter weather allows only short trips and only one day is needed to pull and reset traps. The shrimp fishery is non-existent during this period and fishing boat charters are low due to a decrease in tourism during the winter. The sea bass grounds are 16 to 48 km offshore, with bass moving offshore as the season progresses. The number of traps set ranged from 43 to 105 (Table 2). In addition to sea bass traps, several fishermen (approximately four boats) experimented with the larger fish traps such as those used off Florida to catch snappers and groupers. The number of larger traps used ranged from 7 to 13. Four depth strata were typically fished by reef fish vessels landing in North Carolina: <55 m, 73-101 m, 119-146 m and >165 m. Vessels fishing for wreckfish (Polyprion americanus) fished on the Blake Plateau in depths ranging from 450 to 600 m. Vessels in the southern district (Southport, Wrightsville Beach) were generally large, 13-15 m, fished in the shallow waters (<66 m) of Long Bay and southern Onslow Bay, and usually fished an average of five days per trip (Table 3). Vessels in the central district (Morehead City-Beaufort) were smaller, 9-13 m, and fished in the deeper waters in Onslow and Raleigh bays an average of two days per trip. Fishing in the northern district was exclusively in deep water, particularly in Raleigh Bay and trips were usually for one to three days. 5 Catches by handline vessels (n=463) reflected the trip duration (Table 3). Vessels In the southern district landed over twice as many kilograms of fish per trip than did vessels in the central district but the days fished in the southern district were also twice as much. To some degree, CPUEs reflect these differences. Annual mean CPUEs in the central district was higher each year than those in the southern district (Table 3), but there were wide monthly variations (Figure 2). Annual CPUEs have risen in the past three years in the central district while those in the southern district have fluctuated. Wreckfish catches (n=33) were high, ranging from 388.2 to 8219.7 kg/trip (Table 4). Fishing effort in Year 3 was cut short by a fishing moratorium imposed in August when the South Atlantic quota of 908,000 kg was reached. Catch per unit effort fluctuated between the months and years but were much higher than those of regular handline vessels. Longline catches (n=41) generally averaged higher than the handline catches. Mean catches were low in Year I (mean 1947.6 kg/trip) while those in Years 2 and 3 were 1.6 times greater (3145.8 kg/trip and 3145.9 kg/trip, respectively) (Table 2). The CPUEs also reflected the higher catch - 0.12 vs. 0.34 and 0.33. Length of the longlines, number of hook sets, and number of sets per trip were relatively consistent between the years. Catches with the sea bass traps (n=14) varied with Year 2 having the highest average (Table 2). Similarly, CPUE was high in Year 2. Four fish traps' were sampled in Year 3. Catches were high (736.4-1333.4 kg/trip) and so was the CPUE, compared to sea bass traps. The sea basses (Serranidae) were generally the dominant reef fish family in all three years, both overall and within each district, followed by snappers (Lutjanidae), porgies (Sparidae), wreckfish (Percichthyidae), and tilefishes (Malacanthidae) (Table 5). Numerous other reef and non-reef families are generally of minor importance in the reef fish catches. Ninety-eight species in 28 reef fish families were caught during the three years. Some 19 species of coastal pelagic fishes and sharks were also landed. 6 In the northern district, sea basses (mainly black sea bass, Centropristis striata) dominated the landings, followed by tilefishes (blueline tilefish, Caulolatilus microgs), snappers (vermilion snapper, Rhomboplites aurorubens) and porgies (red porgy, Pagrus Pagrus) (Tables 6-8). Rankings in the other two districts varied each year, but generally sea basses, snappers, porgies and grunts were the important families. Large catches of sharks in the central district in Years I and 2 boosted this group up to third place in Year 1 and first in Year 2. Large landings of wreckfish in the southern district in Years 2 and 3 raised their places up to first and third, respectively. Southern district catches were most diverse (often up to 18 species) and consisted primarily of red porgy, vermilion snapper, black sea bass, gag (Mycteroperca microlepis), scamp, snowy grouper, other groupers, and white grunt (Haemulon Plumieri). Central district catches were less diverse (usually 6 to 10 species) and consisted primarily of red porgy, vermilion snapper, snowy grouper, gag, scamp, and gray triggerfish. Several species, including black sea bass, vermilion snapper, red snapper (Lutianus campechanus), red porgy, tilefish, and groupers were marketed by size grades (Table 9). Serranidae Four species of sea basses, black sea bass, gag, snowy grouper and scamp, accounted for the majority of the serranid biomass landed (Table 5). Winter landings were dominated by black sea bass while landings of the other three species showed no definite patterns. Black sea bass accounted for 76-96% of the serranid catches in the northern district in the three years (Tables 6-8). Snowy grouper, specked hind (Evinephelus drummondhayi) and yellowedge grouper (f. flavolimbatus) were of minor importance. Highest landings of serranids in the northern district occurred in the summer. Central district serranid catches during the three years were composed primarily of black sea bass (7-38% of the yearly total), gag (13-50%), snowy grouper (23-27%) and scamp (5-12%) with additional 11-15 species accounting for <16% of the catch (Tables 6-8). Although catches were high in most months, they were generally higher in the winter and spring. Twenty-four species of serranids were marketed in the southern district but only four species, black sea bass (35-40%), gag (19-23%), snowy grouper (10- 7 17%) and scamp (13-16%) dominated the landings (Tables 6-8). Southern district landings were highest in winter, reflecting the abundance of black sea bass. By Year 3 as catches of some fishes declined, fish traditionally not marketed were being landed and sold. These include bank sea bass (Centropristis ocvurus), sand perch (Diplectrum formosum) and tattler (Serranus phoebe). Centropristis striata Black sea bass were seasonally important in all three districts but most were landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8). Highest landings occurred from November through March in the central and southern districts and in the summer in the northern district. Highest yearly landings occurred in Year 2 when the species accounted for 44% of serranid landings (Table 5). Black sea bass ranged in length from 165 to 515 mm TL (Figure 5.3). Yearly mean size declined from 317.9 mm in Year 1 to 306.3 mm in Year 3. State and federal minimum size limit is 8 in (203 mm TL); 25 of the 2054 fish measured (1.2%) were under this minimum size. Epinephelus niveatus Snowy grouper landings were highest in Year 2 but were not substantially greater than those in the other two years (Table 5). Each year, landings were highest in the southern district but overall snowy grouper contributed more to the central district landings (approximately 23% of the serranid biomass) than it did to the southern district (12-17%) (Tables 6-8). Catches were spread fairly evenly throughout the year with some higher landings occurring in April of each year. Snowy grouper ranged in length from 210 to 1130 mm TL with most between 300-700 mm TL (Figure 4). The smaller fish were typically caught in shallowerwaters by handline fishermen while larger specimens were usually caught in waters greater than 165 m, either by handline or longline. Annual mean size increased from 478.1 mm in Year I to 541.9 mm in Year 3. This may reflect increased effort by deep water fishermen. Evinephelus drummondhayi Speckled hind landings declined substantially from Year I to Year 3 (18,587 kg to 5758 kg)(Table 5). Most were landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8). Speckled hind ranged in size from 200 to 940 mm TL with most between 300 and 600 8 mm TL (Figure 5). Mean annual size decreased from 449.0 mm in Year I to 427.4 mm in Year 3. Epinephelus morio Red grouper landings have increased in each of the three years in both weight and percent composition (Table 5). Most red grouper were landed in the southern district (Table 6). Sizes ranged from 230 to 890 mm TL with most fish between 450 and 650 mm (Figure 6) A substantial number of fish larger than 650 mm were also caught. Ten of the 1395 fish measured (0.7%) were under the state and federal size limit of 12 in (305 mm). Effective I Jan 1992, the federal minimum size will be 20 in (508 mm TL); 377 of 1395 fish measured (27.0%) would have been under this minimum size. Mycteroperca microlepis Gag ranked first in grouper landings in the first two years but it ranked second behind snowy grouper in Year 3 when gag landings were 50% lower (Table 5). Yearly landings of gag were always greater in the southern district than in the central district (Tables 6-8). Gag made up 19-27% of the yearly serranid landings in the southern district while in the central district they comprised 50% of the landings in Year 1 and declined to only 13% in Year 3 when substantially fewer fish were landed. Gag ranged in size from 210 to 1240 mm TL (Figure 7). Although catches declined, annual mean size remained constant. A minimum size of 20 in (508 mm) was established by the Division of Marine Fisheries in January 1991. Ten of the 221 fish (4.5%) measured in 1991 were under this minimum size. Effective I Jan 1992 the federal minimum size will also be 20 in. Mycteronerca Rhenax Scamp landings remained relatively steady in the three years and accounted for 10-13% of the serranid landings (Table 5). Most scamp (84.2% of the total) were landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8). Scamp ranged in length from 210 to 850 mm FL (Figure 8). Yearly mean size was constant between Years 1 and 2 and increased in Year 3. Effective I Jan 1992, the federal minimum size for scamp will be 20 in (508 mm TQ. If this is converted to 475 mm FL, 2257 of the 5132 scamp measured (44.0%) in this study would be under the limit. 9 Lutjanidae As a family, snappers were second in importance to the sea basses (Serranidae), particularly in the central and southern districts (Table 5-8). A single species, vermilion snapper accounted for >86% of the snapper catch in all three years. In Year 3, it accounted for about 96% of the catch. Red snapper and silk snapper (Lut.ianus vivanus) also contributed significantly to snapper landings with seven other species of minor importance (Table 5). Records of the Carribean red snapper (I. purpureus) in the North Carolina commercial catches were the first records of this species from United States waters. Snapper landings were highest in the summer in the southern district and in the winter in the central district (Tables 6-8). Most species were graded by size (Table 9) and fishermen were paid more for the larger grades. The vermilion snapper (beeliner) was targeted by the fishermen because of its high price and abundance. Lutianus campechanus Red snapper landings were high in Year 2 and dropped significantly by Year 3 (Table 5). Most red snapper (73% of the total) were landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8). Red snapper ranged in size from 235 to 995 mm TL (Figure 9). Annual mean size increased from Year I to Year 3 with a slight drop in Year 2. Nine of the 1193 fish measured (0.8%) were under the federal size limit of 12 in. Effective I Jan 1992, the federal minimum size limit will be 20 in. Based on this size, 508 (42.6%) would have been under the minimum. Lutianus vivanus Silk snapper landings have declined drastically during the last three years from a high in Year 1 of 15,727 kg to 3,286 kg in Year 3 (Table 5). In Year 1, they comprised 6.4% of the snapper landings while in Year 3 it was only 1.1%. Most silk snapper (68%) of the total) were landed in the central district (Tables 6-8). Sizes ranged from 220 to 940 mm TL (Figure 10). Annual mean size decreased from 417.8 mm in Year 2 to 384.0 mm in Year 3. One major reason for the decrease in size was there were no fish larger than 580 mm caught in Year 3. Effective 1 Jan 1992, the federal minimum size limit will be 20 in; 72 of the 1113 fish measured (6.5%) would have been under this limit. Silk snapper are 10 usually captured when fishing for vermilion snapper and are referred to by fishermen as "yelloweye red snapper". Rhomboplites aurorubens Vermilion. snapper are the most abundant fish caught by handlines (Table 5). They are landed in all three districts but highest landings occur in the central and southern districts (Tables 6-8); over 67% of the catch is landed in the southern district. Fish are sorted in five size categories (Table 9). Vermilion snapper ranged in length from 180 to 610 mm TL (Figure 11). Annual mean sizes were approximately the same in all three years. Effective 1 Jan 1992, the federal minimum size limit will be 12 in; 1,218 of the 6,332 fish measured (19.2%) would have been under this limit. Sparidae Although nine species of sparids or porgies are landed, only two are of importance - red porgy and knobbed porgy (Calamus nodosus). With the exception of the red porgy, these species do not command a high price and are considered a "trash" fish. Red porgy is marketed as "pink snapper" and is graded into size categories similar to those of the vermilion snapper (Table 9). Pagrus pagrus Red porgy landings were relatively constant during the three years and they were important components of the total reef fish landings with rankings from third to fifth (Table 5). Although red porgy landings were important in both the central and southern districts, over 75% were landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8). Red porgy ranged in length from 205 to 690 mm TL (Figure 12). Annual mean size decreased from 386.7 mm in Year I to 358.1 mm in Year 3. Effective I Jan 1992, the federal minimum size limit for red porgy will be 12 in; 857 of the 4617 fish measured (18.6%) would have been under this minimum size. Calamus nodosus Knobbed porgy landings ranged from 22,700 to 27,248 kg and comprised from 12.6 to 16.8% of the sparid landings (Table 5). Most (89.5%) were landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8). The market name is "jolthead" or "margate." Knobbed porgy ranged in size from 235 to 580 mm TL; annual mean size decreased from a high of 379.5 mm in Year I to 365.7 mm in Year 3 (Figure 13). Malacanthidae Two species of tilefish were major components of the reef fish landings blueline tilefish and tilefish. Three other species were of minor importance. Malacanthids were second in importance to serranids in the northern district (Tables 6-8). Blueline tilefish, along with blackline tilefish (11. cyanops) and goldface tilefish (L. chrysops), are marketed as "gray tile". Lopholatilus is sold as "gold tile" while the sand tilefish (Malacanthus plumieri) is sold as "rainbow tile". Caulolatilus microps Blueline tilefish landings increased each year from 9241 kg in Year 1 to 28,746 kg in Year 3 (Table 5). Most (58.6%) were landed in the northern district with 31.3% landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8). Highest landings were in the late spring and summer. Fish ranged in size from 275 to 875 mm TL (Figure 14); annual mean size fluctuated between 544.5 mm in Year I to 502.6 mm in Year 2 and back to 518.0 mm in Year 3. Loyholatilus chamaeleonticeps Tilefish were almost exclusively landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8) and all were taken on bottom longlines sets made primarily in Long Bay off South Carolina (Figure 1). Landings increased each year (Table 5). Landings fluctuated with the fishing effort of those vessels targeting this species. Vessels would switch back and forth between this fishery and that for wreckfish. Some of the largest monthly landings occurred when the wreckfish fishery was closed in September and October 1990 (Table 8). Tilefish were separated into three market or size categories (Table 9). Fish ranged in size from 290 to 1150 mm TL (Figure 15). Annual mean size increased from 594.1 mm in Year I to 691.6 mm in Year 3. Balistidae Although five species of triggerfish were landed, only the gray triggerfish was of importance (Table 5). Landings of this species rose sharply from 19,000 12 kg in Years 1 and 2 to over 46,000 kg in Year 3. Landings of gray triggerfish were relatively equal between the central district (41.4% of the total) and the southern district (54.0%) (Tables 6-8). Gray triggerfish ranged in size from 240 to 590 mm FL (Figure 16); annual mean size declined gradually from 416.7 mm in Year I to 397.0 mm in Year 3. Haemulidae Three species of grunt were landed, but only the white grunt was of importance and accounted for over 95% of the grunt landings (Table 5). Most white grunt (92.8%) were landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8). They are considered a "trash" fish and fishermen do not receive a high price for them. Fish ranged in size from 195 to 595 mm TL (Figure 17). Annual mean size decreased from 380.7 mm in Year I to 342.1 mm in Year 3. Perci chthyidae Wreckfish landings, which were nonexistent prior to Year 1, rose from 16,011 kg in Year I to over 242,000 kg by Year 3 (Table 5). All but 7,969 kg were landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8). Landings were high in most months but were particularly high in June and July 1990. The fishery was shut down mid-August 1990 when the 1990 quota of 908,000 kg was reached. The fishery reopened 16 April 1991 after the mandatory spawning closure. Wreckfish ranged in size from 680 to 1400 mm TL (Figure 18). Annual mean size increased from 967.6 mm in Year I to 983.3 mm in Year 3. COASTAL PELAGIC COMPONENT OF THE REEF FISH FISHERY The major coastal pelagic species caught in the reef fish and directed 'pelagics species fishery are king mackerel, yellowfin tuna, dolphin, and bluefish. Additional coastal pelagic species caught but of lesser importance are wahoo, cobia, and bigeye and blackfin tunas. Coastal pelagic species are taken in a directed effort or incidentally while bottom fishing. The directed effort targets king mackerel and tunas during the fall and spring, by trolling artificial baits, drifting natural baits, and with surface longlines. Incidental catches of all coastal pelagic species mentioned above are taken by surface handlines, one or two per boat, baited with 13 squid, Spanish sardine (Sardinella aurita) or round. scad! (Re-capterus punctatus), cigar minnow" while bottom fishing over reef structures., Sometimes a speci!al "king rig" will be used on the bandit reel for king mackerel and dol-ph4n, where aggregations of these species occur around the boat. Pellaglic species other than tuna are also taken while bottom fishing with bandit reels for snappers and groupers. Bottom longlining for snapper and grouper, wAlIl: often produce, considerable catches of cobia; however, federal and state regulations now prohibit more than two cobia per person per trip or day. The I argest porti on of the pel agi c 1 andi ngs was frm the northern di strict (Table 10). Fifty-nine percent in Year 1, 77% in Year 2,, and 69% in Year 3 of the state's landings occurred in the northern district. The southern district landed the next largest amount of coastal pelagics with 27% in Year 1, 14%, int Year 2, and 19% in Year 3 of the state's overall landingis.., The statewide landings increased each year. From Year 1 to, Year 2,, the increase was 49.8%; however, landings increased only 1.4%, from, Year 2' to Year 3. The yearly landings by district fluctuated with Year 2 being highest for the northern district and the lowest for the central and southern, district. King mackerel ranked first for each year and district. Ye:l,lowfin tun:a ranked second each year and,landings were highest in the, northern district. Dolphin was third in rank by year and district except, for the central and southern districts in Year 1. Wahoo, cobia, blackfin and bigeye tuna occurred intermittently during the study without any pattern on gear, type or year. Length frequencies of king mackerel, dolphin, bluefish, Wahoo and coHa are presented in Figures 19-23. Table 10 presents total landings for pelagic species by year, district, and gear for the period July 1988 throug@h, June 1991.. Scomberomorus cavalla King mackerel landings were highest in Year 3 by 41% over Year I and 13% over Year 2. The northern district had the highest landinqs of 56.3% in Year 1, 75.4% in Year 2, and 66.3% in 3. The lowest Tandings were from the central di stri ct wi th 10. 2% i n Year 1, 10. 0% i n Year 2, and 9.6 X in Year 3 (Tabl e 10) . 14 Length ranges were 325-1525 mm for all years with an annual mean length of 806 mm in Year 1, 787 mm in Year 2, and 737 mm in Year 3 (Figure 19). This decrease in length is partly or completely due to increased sampling in the northern district. The northern district king mackerel fishery is almost entirely a trolling effort, which has a tendency to take fish that are smaller than those caught by lightlining while bottom fishing for snappers and groupers. Coryphaena hippurus Dolphin landings were highest in Year 3 by 30% over Year I and 59% over Year 2. For each year the northern district had the highest landings. Northern district landings were 53.3% in Year 1, 49.5% in Year 2, and 43.3% in Year 3 of the state's landings. The central district had the lowest landings of 18.0% in Year 1, 14.3% in Year 2, and 25.4% in Year 3 (Table 10) . Dolphin ranged in length from 250 to 1300 mm with mean lengths of 639 mm in Year 1, 651 mm in Year 2, and 634 mm in Year 3 (Figure 20). Pomatomus saltatrix Bluefish landings were highest in Year 1 by 104% over Year 2 and by 24% over Year 3. The central district had the highest landings of 66.4% in Year 1 and 46.9% in Year 3. The northern district had the highest landings in Year 2 with 40.3% of the landings (Table 10). Bluefish landings were highest in Year 1 due to high troll year catches in the central and southern districts. Each district had its turn at having the lowest landings. Landings were lowest for the northern district in Year 1, the central district in Year 2, and the southern district in Year 3. Bluefish is the only species in the study that was sampled from both gill net and hook-and-line catches. Length ranges are 225-475 mm for gill net caught fish and 525-900 mm for hook-and-line caught fish. Gill net caught fish mean lengths are 375 mm in Year 1, 385 mm in Year 2, and 292 mm in Year 3. Mean lengths for hook-and-line caught fish are 743 mm in Year 1, 703 mm in Year 2, and 775 mm in Year 3. The two gears account for the bimodal distribution of length frequencies (Figure 21). Acanthocybium solanderi Wahoo landings were highest in Year 3 by 22% over Year I and by 53 % over Year 2. The southern district had the highest landings with 52.6% in Year 2 and 15 45.7% in Year 3. The central district had the highest landings for Year 1 with 51.1 % of the state's landings. The lowest landings occurred in the northern district each year of the study accounting for 22.1% in Year 1, 0.0% in Year 2, and 16.3% in Year 3 (Table 10). The length range for wahoo was 400-1825 mm with a mean length of 1318 mm, 1348 mm and 1133 mm for Years 1, 2, and 3 (Figure 22). Rachycentron canadum Cobia landings were highest in Year 3 by 92 % over Year 1 and 9 % over Year 2. The southern district had the highest landings with 49.6% in Year 1 and 55.8% in Year 2. The central district had the highest landings during Year 3 with 51.9 % of the state's landings. The lowest landings were from the northern district for each year of the study with landings accounting for 12.8% in Year 1, 3.4% in Year 2, and 0.8 % in Year 3 (Table 10). The range of lengths was 325-1350 mm with mean lengths of 945 mm in Year 1, 991 mm in Year 2, and 989 mm in Year 3 (Figure 23). The southern and central district produced the highest and nearly equal amounts of cobia during the study period. The landings indicate that trolling was the predominant gear with handline adding to the landings in the central district and bottom longline in the southern (Table 10). Thunnus albacares Yellowfin tuna landings were highest in Year 2 of the study by 180 % over Year I and 42% over Year 3. The northern district had the highest landings for each year with 96.3% in Year 1, 94.4% in Year 2, and 97.4% in Year 3. The central district did not have any reported yellowfin tuna landings for the 3-year study period (Table 10). This zero landing is in part due to dealers' preference to place yellowfin tuna in an unclassified market category and nonspecific reporting by dealers to port agents. This accounts for the relatively high (to other districts) unclassified tuna landing weight. The length range was 425-1275 mm with a mean of 923 mm in Year 1, 996 mm Year 2, and 700 mm in Year 3. The yellowfin tuna sample size was small (n=20) due to the infrequent occurrence of specimens in the snapper/grouper fishery where sampling takes place and also that often only cores (carcasses with heads removed) are landed. Thunnus atlanticus 16 Blackfin tuna landings were highest in Year 3 by 138% over Year I and 128% over Year 2 (Table 10). The southern district had the highest reported landings with 57.0% in Year I and 100.0% in Year 2. The northern district had the highest reported landings for Year 3 with 78.5% of the landings (Table 10). There were not any reported landings for the central district for Years 1, 2, and 3 nor any landings in the northern district for Year 2. Blackfin tuna had a length range of 400-1450 mm (n=20) with mean lengths of 788 mm in Year 1, 690 mm in Year 2, and 767 mm in Year 3. Thunnus obesus Bigeye tuna landings were highest in Year 2 by 65% over Year 1 and 107% over Year 3. The northern district had the highest landings with 99.9% in Year 1, 95.2% in Year 2, and 85.7% in Year 3. The central district reported no landings for Year 1, 2.5% of the landings for Year 2, snf 22.8% of the landings for Year 3 (Table 10). The southern district did not have any reported landings of bigeye tuna during the study period. The length for bigeye tuna sampled ranged between 750 and 1,250 mm (n=5). Thunnus spo. unclassified Tuna in the unclassified category had the highest landings in Year 3 by 56% over Year 1 and 22% over Year 2. The highest landings were in the central district with 96.6% in Year 1, 65.5% in Year 2, and 95.4% in Year 3. The lowest landings occurred in the northern district with 0.2% in Year 1, 2.5% in Year 2, and 0.0% in Year 3 (Table 10). The highest percentage of unclassified tuna occurring in the central district landings is due to dealers' disinterest in classifying tuna with proper names. 17 LITERATURE CITED Bar ans, C.A. and V. J. Henry, Jr. 1984. A description of the shelf edge groundfish habitat along the southeastern United States. Northeast Gulf Sci. 7(l):77-97. Chester, A. J., G. R. Huntsman, P. A. Tester, and C. S. Manooch III. 1984. South Atlantic Bight reef fish communities as represented in hook- and-line catches. Bull. Mar. Sci. 34(2):267-279. Grimes, C. B., C. S. Manooch, and G. R. Huntsman. 1982. Reef and rock outcropping fishes of the outer continental shelf of North Carolina and South Carolina, and ecological notes on the red porgy and vermilion snapper. Bull. Mar. Sci. 32(l):277-289. Miller, G. C. and W. J. Richards. 1980. Reef fish habitat, faunal assemblages and factors determining distributions in the South Atlantic Bight. Proc. Gulf Caribb. Fish. Inst. 32:114-130. Parker, R.O., Jr. and S. W. Ross. 1986. Observing reef fishes from submersibles off North Carolina. Northeast gulf Sci. 8(l):31-49. Powles, H. and C. A. Barans. 1980. Groundfish monitoring in sponge-coral areas off the southeastern United States. U.S. Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Mar. Fish. Rev. 42(5):21-35. Sedberry, G. R. and R. F. Van Dolah. 1984. Demersal fish assemblages associated with hard bottom in the South Atlantic Bight of the U.S.A. Environ. Biol. Fish. 11(4):241-258. Struhsaker, P. 1969. Demersal fish resources: composition, distribution and commercial potential of the continental shelf stocks off the southeastern United States. Fish. Ind. Res. 4:261-300. Wenner, C. A. 1983. Species associations and day-night variability of trawl-caught fishes from the inshore sponge-coral habitat, South Atlantic Bight. U.S. Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Fish. Bull. 81:532-552. 18 Table 1. North Carolina commercial reef fish landings in kilograms by district and method of capture. Bottom Bottom Fish Year District handlines longlines traps Total 7/88-6/89 Northern 81,130 4,882 86,012 (Year 1) Central 276,672 47,933 1,631 326,236 Southern 609,626 116,851 172,953 899,429 Total 967,428 164,784 179,466 1,311,677 7/90-6/90 Northern 71.196 4,252 75,447 (Year 2) Central 322,829 189,910 52,987 671,726 Southern 915,363 78,081 184,313 1,177,756 Total 1,309,388 367,991 247,552 1,924,929 7/90-6/91 Northern 111,081 564 111,645 (Year 3) Central 256,689 3,568 38,263 298 520 Southern 744,996 137,155 151,652 1,033,804 Total 1,112,766 140,723 190,479 1,443,969 19 Tabie 2. SLvmry of reef fish catches by Longtines and sea bass traps. Jut 88- Jut 89- Jut 90- Jun 89 Jun 90 Jun 91 (Year 1) _(Year 2) (Year 3) LONG LINES No. of sanpLes 18 12 15 Catch - mean 1947.6 3145.8 3145.9 range 77.6-3656.0 1681.6-5056.6 556.3-4809.1 CPUE - mean 0.12 0.34 0.33 range 0.05-0.21 0.12-1.35 0.12-1.01 Length - mean 5285.1 5980.0 4170.0 range 3219-9656 2784-8047 1600-5633 Hooks - mean 662.6 612.5 650.0 range 500-1000 400-1000 250-1200 Sets - mean 27.1 23.4 22.0 SEA BASS TRAPS range 10-44 5-42 6-42 No. of sanples 1 9 4 Catch - mean 162.5 274.9 177.0 range 113.0-401.0 84.4-286.5 CPUE - mean 5.8 3.7 2.3 rarge 1.4-6.1 0.5-6.4 No. pots - mean 14 67.5 89-5 rarge - 43-100 45-105 FISH TRAPS No. of samptes 0 0 4 Catch - mean 1068.4 range - - 736.4-1333.4 Days fished , mean 3.6 - range 1.5-7 No. traps - mean 10 range 7-13 20 Table 3. Summary of reef fish catches per trip, days fished, catch per unit effort (CPUE) and number of boats samipted by district (excluding sea bass trap, Longiine, and wreckfish catches). Number Catches Days fished CPUE boats @ean Range Mean Range sampled Mean Ra;'ge CENTRAL Jul 19a8 490.3 45.6-1144.5 2.6 1.0-7.0 43.8 15.2- 63.4 7 Aug 272.7 1.0 90.9 - 1 Sep 481.7 3.0 53.5 1 act 504.8 146.7- 880.7 1.9 1.0-3.0 78.9 46.6-107.7 7 Nov 288.7 94.6- 964.4 1.4 0.1-3.0 91.1 24.6-270.0 10 Dec 326.2 31.3- 81a.a 1.9 0.5-3.0 42.4 25.2- 68.2 4 Jan 1989 379.4 13.6- 862.3 1.8 0.5-3.0 67.9 6.8-137.7 6 Feb 472.1 142.0- 850.2 2.9 2.5-3.0 46.4 2B..4- 70.8 4 Mar 542.2 273.5- 928.8 1.5 1.0-2.0 165.6 59.3-305.3 4 Apr 497.7 201.3- 762.5 1.4 0.5-2.5 164.2 67.1-379.5 6 148Y 388.6 126.5-1145.3 1.6 0.3-4.0 91.8 .46.7-131.1 5 Jun 755.5 348.8-1340.3 2.5 2.0-3.0 80.5 43.6-117.2 7 Total 459.1 13.6-1340.3 1.9 0.1-7.0 86-.2 6.8-379.5 62 SOUTHERN JUL 1988 1144.4 115.6-2821.9 4.2 1.0-6.0 63.8 23.0-141.1 a Aug 1044.2 335.8-2051.7 5.8 2.5-9.0 56.8 33.6- 68.9 7 Sep 1110.3 205.0-1783.7 4.2 3.0-7.0 65.7 14.6-108.6 8 Oct 1298.5 229.6-2787.5 4.0 1.0-7.0 91.4 48.6-130.9 6 Nov 1109.0 696.8-2115.3 4.9 2.5-8.0 66.2 50.8- 76.9 5 Dec 1346.0 367.8-2171.6 4.8 2.0-7.0 72.6 59.2- 99.5 6 Jan 1989 1093.2 261.1-2317.1 4.1 2.0-7.0 65.7 36.3- 92.7 9 Feb 755.6 209.4-1258.1 5.5 3.0-8.0 54.0 44.9- 61.0 4 Mar 1402.6 340.2-3250.4 4.5 2.0-7.0 82.1 49.4-130.0 12 Apr 1267.7 517.9-2017.1 5.1 2.0-7.0 64.8 51.4- 81.0 12 May 1471.8 208.4-1979.8 5.4 3.0-7.0 62.4 34.7- 78.0 7 Jun 1074.0 275.5-2271.8 4.8 3.0-7.0 65.0 29.2- 90.9 11 Total 1197.7 115.6-3250.4 4.7 1.0-9.0 68.1 14.6-141.1 95 CENTRAL Jul 1989 280.0 212.7- 347.3 1.5 1.0-2.0 64.4 57.9- 70.9 2 Aug 1151.8 660.4-1845.4 3.9 3.5-4.0 76.9 55.0- 92.3 4 Sep 406.4 45.4- 830.1 2.2 0.2-3.0 165.3 23.7-567.5 5 Oct 822.9 - 3.0 68.6 1 Nov 700.2 479.8- a85.5 1.8 1.5-2.0 94.3 67.2-143.8 5 Dec 302.1 1.5 50.4 1 Jan 1990 537.6 106.5-1138.1 1.9 0.3-3.5 86.6 46.2-161.4 13 Feb 328.2 132.1- 714.1 1.5 1.0-2.0 58.8 40.2- 81.3 5 Mar 611.6 233.7-1301.9 2.4 1.5-5.0 71.9 39.0-130.2 8 Apr 705.4 257.2-1464.1 2.4 0.6-4.0 a4.1 48.3-107.2 6 May 631.7 434.2-1105.9 2.1 0.4-2.5 126.5 57.9-398.8 6 Jun 769.0 233.a-1341.8 2.6 1.5-3.5 82.3 35.8-136.1 9 Total 619.9 45.4-1845.4 2.2 0.2-5.0 90.0 23.7-567.5 65 SOUTHERN Jul 1989 952.9 172.0-1861.6 3.4 1.5-6.0 75.6 43.0-138.5 9 Aug 1756.6 186.6-6285.2 6.0 1.0-a.0 70.6 19.5-196.4 11 Sep 1343.8 747.3-2108.7 4.6 1.5-7.0 80.6 63.1-100.3 4 Oct 1244.8 524.4-2453.8 3.9 3.0-6.0 84.9 58.3-109.0 6 NOV 1216.7 303.3-2386.1 5.4 3.0-9.0 74.9 43.9-130.1 7 Dec 1398.7 3.5 79.9 1 SOUTHERN Jan 1990 2603.1 456.3-8083.9 5.1 2.0-7.0 109.7 45.6-336.8 7 Feb 1508.1 102.2-1808.4 5.4 1.0-8.0 47.6 25.6- 75.4 5 Mar 1236.5 5".2-2604.0 5.2 3.0-7.5 54.3 33.8- 79.8 7 Apr - 1318.5 172.0-2635.0 5.7 1.5-8.0 61.4 35.0-114.7 8 may 1496.7 1000.1-2546.2 5.1 4.0-6.5 83.3 62.5-115.9 5 Aun 1263.0 350.5-2297.5 5.3 2.0-8.0 65-6 39.7-117.3 12 TotaL 1442.2 102.2-8083.9 5.0 1.0-9.0 72.8 19.5-336.8 82 21 Table 3. (Continued). Nunber Catches Days fished CPUE boats Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range sampled NORTHERN Aug 1990 306.9 2.0 - 76.7 1 CENTRAL JuL 1990 - - Aug 568.6 250.8-1268.5 2.6 1.5- 6.0 69.8 31.6-137.1 7 Sep 551.9 237.5- 885.8 2.7 2.0- 3.0 63.2 19.8-110.7 3 Oct 382.7 57.5- 620.9 1.5 0.3- 2.0 80.4 43.6-129.9 10 Nov 1184.0 549.5-1815.0 3.0 0.4- 7.0 222.4 51.9-529.2 4 Dec 221.3 45.4- 486.6 0.5 0.2- 0.8 142.3 28.1-389.3 5 Jan 1991 403.0 120-9- 599.2 0.8 0.5- 1.0 148.2 67.4-278.0 8 Feb 624.0 203.6- 908.1 1.6 0.5- 2.5 111.0 84.8-139.3 6 Mar 344.0 105.7- 865.5 1.5 0.5- 7.0 94.8 5.0-193.4 13 Apr 268.2 202.6- 333.7 1.1 1.0- 1.2 58.7 50.6- 66.7 2 May 418.0 94.3- 567.5 1.6 0.4- 2.0 89.7 65.7-117.9 4 Jun 506.0 266.6-1004.3 4.2 2.0- 7.0 41.6 27.9- 52.2 4 Total 469.4 45.4-1815.0 1.8 0.3- 7.0 103.2 5.0-529.2 66 SOUTHERN Jul 1990 896.4 409.8-1756.5 5.0 3.0- 7.0 56.5 22.8-108.0 14 Aug 1471.6 802.2-1979.3 5.3 3.5- 7.0 76.1 50.7-96.2 5 Sep 2095.5 5.0 - 83.8 1 Oct 1437.2 507.5-2886.4 5.2 2.0-10.0 75.0 25.4-115.4 11 Nov 1400.0 217.3-2615.4 4.8 2.0- 7.0 69.8 36.2-127.5 10 Dec 1056.9 359.2-2404.9 4.5 1.5- 7.0 60.7 5.8-129.7 8 Jan 1991 1092.8 225.6-3014.5 5.1 3.0- 9.0 52.0 32.3- 86.1 8 Feb 976.4 347.3-2070.2 5.2 4.0- 7.0 45.9 12.4- 82.8 4 Mar 720.7 93.5-1563.9 4.8 1.0- 8.0 41.5 31.2- 52.1 6 Apr 1097.5 269.7-1830.6 5.6 2.0- 8.0 65.1 37.7-114.0 10 May 1023.4 338.7-1943.6 4.4 2.0- 6.0 59.1 37.6- 77.0 10 Jun 641.2 451.1- 787.6 4.3 3.0- 6.0 57.3 46.1- 65.6 3 Total 1115.2 93.5-3014.5 4.8 1.0-10.0 61.4 5.8-129.7 90 NORTHERN Aug 1990 306.9 2.0 76.7 1 Feb 1991 241.4 - 1.5 - 40.2 - I Total 274.2 241.4- 306.9 1.8 1.5- 2.0 58.4 40.2- 76.7 2 22 Table 4. Sumiary of wreckfish catches per trip, days fished, catch per unit effort (VUE) and nunber of boats sampled. Munber Catches Days fished CPUE boats Mean Ra;ge Mean Range Mean Range swVted Apr 1989 849.0 1 424.5 1 Jun 3342.3 8 208.9 1 Total 2095.6 849.0-3342.3 4.5 1 8 316.7 208.9-424.5 Aug 1989 6285.2 8 392.8 1 Jan 1990 8083.9 6 673.6 1 Apr 1725.2 3 287.5 1 May 2807.8 1372.0-4243.5 4.5 4 -5 333.8 137.2-530.4 2 Jun 5292.7 2415.7-8099.8 6.9 6 -8 388.1 201.3-623.1 4 Total 4764.5 1725.2-8099.8 5.9 3 -8 397.1 201.3-673.6 9 JUL 1990 6506.6 3761.4-8219.7 8.3 7 -10 415.5 188.1-587.1 3 Aug 5547.8 4578.1-6517.6 5.5 5 - 6 500.4 457.8-543.1 2 Apr 1991 2944.7 388.2-4513.7 4.4 1 - 8 315.8 49.6-564.2 8 May 2989.3 1657.9-4537.7 4.8 2.5- 7 302.2 132.6-560.0 6 Jun 3839.6 2994.6-4496.9 4.2 3 - 6 274.4 166.4-335.6 3 Total 3801.2 388.2-8219.7 5.1 1 -10 336.8 132.6-587.1 22 Table 5. Summary of species conposition for the North Carolina coffnerciat reef fish by year. Year 1 July 1988-june 1989. Year 2 = July 1989-june 1990. Year 3 = July 1990-June 1991. Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Kilograms % cow. Kilogram % Cory. Kilograms - % comp. Serranidae 611,262 100.0 695,934 100.0 511,174 100.0 Centropristis ocyurus - - - 348 0.1 Centropristfs striata 224,707 37.6 301,474 44.2 208,671 41.8 Diplectruin formos - - 364 0.1 EpinephetUs adscensionis 4,537 0.8 5,696 0.8 9,384 1.9 Epinephelus afer 6 4. 1 13 <0.1 Epinephetus cruentatus 84 <0.1 197 <0.1 217 <0.1 Epinephelia drLimmdhayi 18,587 3.1 9,193 1.3 5,758 1.2 1pinenhetus ftavolimbatus 4,414 0.7 2,137 0.3 2,072 0.4 Epinepbelus futvus 697 0.1 1,229 0.2 1,173 0.2 EpineoelAs guttatus 4,149 0.7 7,225 1.1 5,598 1.1 Epinephetus inermis 197 <0.1 60 <0.1 - - Epinephelus morio 15,748 2.8 21,962 3.2 31,813 6.4 Epinephel mystacinus 18 <0.1 5 @Co. 1 18 '(0.1 Epinephet nigri us 2,310 0.4 673 0.1 458 0.1 Epinephet niveatus 76,899 12.9 AQQ,QG3 14.6 84,954 17.0 Epinephetus striata - - 6 <0.1 - - Epinephetim spp. 162 <0.1 - - - - GonioRtectrus hispanus - - - - 5 <0.1 Hemanthial leptus 49 <0.1 16 <0.1 Mycteroperca bonaci 40 <0.1 220 <0.1 43 <0.1 Mycteroperce Interstitiatis 4,503 0.8 4,050 0.6 1,948 0.4 Mycteropecc-a- microle is 158,625 26.6 158,552 23.2 78,896 15.8 KycteCoperca phenax 78,398 13.1 68,791 10.1 66,694 M3 MycteropeLca venenosa 527 0.1 2,079 0.3 939 0.2 Parenthfas furcifer 1,433 0.2 828 0.1 336 0.1 Rypticus saponicus - - - - 28 <0.1 Serranu Phoebe - - - - 36 <0.1 Lutjanidae 250,720 100.0 271,796 100.0 291,039 100.0 Lutianus analis 2,101 0.8 2,294 0.8 664 0.2 L ut I anus buccanetta, 364 Q.1 263 OA 2`15 0.1 LutiarMl canvechanus 13,565 5.5 18,782 7.0 7,639 2.6 Lutlanys cyanopterus 2,321 0.9 447 0.2 92 CO. 1 LutiarMl arfseus 107 <0.1 76 <0.1 149 50.1 Lutianus jocy 18 <0.1 LutianMs jUrpureus 14 -CO. 1 34 <0.1 - LutlarMs vivanus 15,727 6.4 11,039 4.1 3,286 1.1 Ocyurus chrysurus 7 <0.1 5 <0.1 2 0. 1 RhontmLites aurorubens 212,605 86.1 237,017 Bi.a 276,233 95.8 Table 5. (Continued). Year I Year 2 Year 3 Kilograms % corrP. Kilograms % cony. Kilograms % cwp. Sparidike 164,925 100.0 211,768 100.0 184,326 100.0 Catanm baionad - - 11 <0.1 Calaus calamus 4 <0.1 Catenm teucosteus 2,031 1.2 936 0.4 561 0.3 Calans nodosus 27,248 16.8 26,177 12.6 22,750 12.6 Cataow proridens 11 <0.1 4 <0.1 pintockAs hotbrooki 854 0.5 1,255 0.6 1,301 0.7 Lagodon rhonboides - 35 <0.1 3 <0.1 Pagrus p�grus 131,876 81.4 179,328 86.3 155,686 86.3 Stenotomus caprinus/chrysops 45 <0.1 29 <0.1 36 <0.1 malacanthidae 50,005 100.0 62,207 100.0 96,775 100.0 cautotatitus chrysops 471 1.3 1,338 2.7 661 1.0 Cautolatitu� cyanops 257 0.7 4 <0.1 340 0.5 Cautolatilus microps 9,241 25.8 14,969 29.8 28,746 41.5 Lopholatitus chmaeleonticeps 25,847 72.2 33,826 67.4 39,263 56.6 Matecanthus plumieri - - 40 0.1 317 0.4 Batistidw 23,085 100.0 20,947 100.00 49,586 100.0 Aluterus monocenos - 10 <0.1 -p- Batiste capriscus 19,737 95.7 19,732 97.6 46,642 98.5 Balistes vetula 888 4.3 465 2.3 627 1.3 Canthidermis sufftamen - - 46 C0.1 I Monocanthus hispidus - - 15 0.1 10 <0.1 Haemitidae 74,539 100.0 81,177 100.0 82,234 100.0 Hoerauto aurotineat 2,008 2.7 3,925 4.8 2,503 3.2 Haemulo ptumieri 72,157 97.3 77,252 95.2 75,292 96.8 Orthopristis chrysoptera - - 5 Percichthyidae 16,011 100.00 242,072 100.0 118,587 100.0 Polypri americanus 16,011 100.00 242,072 100.0 118,587 100.0 Scorpoenidae 354 100.0 3,437 100.0 8,414 100.0 Peticolenus dactytopterus 354 100.0 3,437 100.0 8,407 99.9 Neomerinthe herningwayi - - 7 0.1 Scosibridme 6,844 100.0 5,000 100.0 4,064 100.0 Acanthocybium sotanderi 621 14.3 767 15.21 638 16.2 EuthynnA atteteratus I <0.1 - 26 0.6 scwberawrus cavalla 2,976 6B.6 3,098 62.0 2,735 69.4 Scorrberomrus macutatus 4 0.1 - - 17 0.4 Thumus p(bacares 544 12.5 191 3.8 244 6.2 Tabie 5. (Continued). Year I Year 2 Year 3 Kitograms % coop. Ki tog raw % cony. Kitograms % comp. Thumus attanticus 127 2.9 50 1.0 142 3.6 Thunnus obesus - 85 1.7 - Thumus spp. 63 1.4 809 16.2 141 3.6 Carangidw 16,928 100.0 12,226 100.0 33,152 100.0 Alectis ciliaris - 385 1.2 Caranx crysos - 17 0.2 39 0.1 SerfoLa dLmriLi 4,984 41.9 4,489 44.0 13,604 43.0 Serlola fasciat 95 0.8 13 0.1 1 <0.1 Seriota rivotiana 6,801 57.2 4,586 44.9 11,507 36.4 Serlota zonata I <0.1 697 6.8 682 2.2 Serlota spp. - - 401 3.9 5,420 17.1 Caryphaenidae 1,234 100.0 2,291 100.0 4,320 100.0 Coryphaen hippurus 1,234 100.0 2,291 100.0 4,320 100.0 Rachycentridae 606 100.0 2,551 100.0 2,796 100.0 Rachycentron canaclum 606 100.0 2,551 100.0 2,796 100.0 rlj Pomatowidae 1,448 100.0 3,409 100.0 140 100.0 -Pomatomus saitatrix 1,448 100.0 3,409 100.0 140 100.0 Labridme 3,974 100.0 5,245 100.0 12,185 100.0 Bodianus putchettus 7 0.2 5 0.1 172 1.4 Lachnotaimus Paximus 3,967 99.8 5,211 99.9 11,982 98.4 Hatichoeres garnoti - - - a <0.1 Hatichoeres cyanacephatus - - - 20 0.2 PrIacanthidw 31 100.0 107 100.0 483 100.0 Cookeotus boops - - 1 '0.1 14 4.9 Priacanthus arenatus 30 96.8 100 93.4 237 82.9 Pristigenys alta 1 3.2 6 5.6 35 I'La sciamidw 15 100.0 14 10010 5 100to Equetus iwamotoi 13 86.7 14 100.0 6 85.7 Eciuetus unbrosus 2 13.3 1 14.3 Sphyramidne 41 100.0 16 100.0 76 100,0 Sphyraene barracuda 41 100.0 16 100.0 .76 100.0 Gadidae 11 100.0 127 100.0 44 100.0 Table S. (Continued). Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 togram corrp. i1tograms % CORP. Kilograms % cmv. St. teidw 53 100.0 644 100.0 5,355 100.0 Hyperoginh perciformis 53 100.0 644 100.0 5,355 100.0 Congridae 71 100.0 996 100.0 1,688 100.0 Nuraenidw - - - - 11 100.0 Tetroodontidme 926 100.0 84 100.0 438 100.0 Posecanthidae - - - - 536 100.0 Holocentridw - - 46 100.0 Holocentrus ascensionis - - - - 5 100.0 Xilphiidae 44 100.0 - - 223 100.0 Xiphias gtadjus 44 100.0 - - 223 100.0 Istiophoridae 19 100.0 - - - Istiophorus elatypterus 19 100.0 - - - - Squaliformes 100,562 100.0 324,229 100.0 37,144 100.0 not tusca 16,436 100.0 7,370 100.0 li,803 100.0 Table 6. Species composition in kilograms for the North Carolina commercial reef fish landings by district, based on catches for the fishery, July 1988-June 1989. n number of boats sampled. Percent of species NORTHERN DISTRICT composition within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Total major species n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O categories Serranidae 14,008 9,915 7,435 2,022 164 1,467 912 913 11,665 9,220 940 58,661 100.0 Centropristis striata 13,748 8,647 5,695 1,897 159 1,446 890 774 7,805 3,422 44,483 75.8 Lutianidae 28 176 196 1,481 6 892 222 766 124 3,891 100.0 Sparidae 445 346 331 468 5 98 439 565 163 2,B60 100.0 Hatacianthidae 928 1,259 591 20 19 89 24 971 7,258 1,720 12,879 100.0 Batiatidne 118 58 173 171 11 22 35 198 266 100 1,152 100.0 Scoffibridae 14 6 870 890 100.0 Carangidae 586 187 425 225 97 463 304 472 14 3,663 100.0 Coryphaenfdae 182 182 100.0 Squatifonnes 110 48 158 100.0 -4 Percent of sppcies CENTRAL DISTRICT composition within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Total major Species n=7 n=1 n=1 n=7 n=10 n=4 n=6 n=4 n=4 n=7 n=5 n=7 n=63 categories Serranidae 8,212 19,996 7,340 11,430 20,054 11,042 11,469 5,320 4,581 10,462 9,304 7,305 126,515 100.0 Centrooristis striata 1,207 555 273 1,264 306 506 311 1,988 112 1,010 201 849 8,582 6.8 Evinephelus adscensionis 172 2 42 21 9 6 252 0.2 EtAnephelus drummondhayi 334 1,246 91 361 594 384 218 442 98 192 3,960 3.1 Epilneghelus fLay_oLimbatus 2 153 79 24 10 268 0.2 E[Aneyhelus futvus 14 5 8 4 31 %0.1 EsAne091MI gottatus 106 5 6 20 3 140 0.1 EptneebAlm 1mrmis 35 30 65 <0.1 Epineyholus Wrio 247 71 30 81 199 286 152 33 80 452 1,631 1.3 EMneftlyA mystacinul 4 4 Q. 1 Eplnephslw- n 19 dj@Ls 114 408 419 283 95 1,319 1.0 Epf nephplus niveatus 490 2,356 982 6,354 4,919 6,928 1,936 1,073 4,456 1,801 2,326 33,621 26.6 Myctepo- - 2,111 KnCcj interstitiatis 34 1,976 66 16 19 1,7 MycteropercA microtepts 4,300 17.307 7,687 12,529 3.153 2,374 397 1,709 3,667 6,939 2.926 62,988 49.8 NYC !eroKEU Phenax 1,296 2,134 1,489 1,213 425 1,096 775 397 810 1,171 204 387 11,397 9.0 Par Whias fUrcifer 10 6 14 66 18 32 146 0.1 Table 6. (Continued). Percent ol species CENTRAL DISTRICT compositioi within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Total major species n=7 n=1 n--1 n=7 n=10 n=4 n=6 n=4 n=4 n=7 rr-5 n=7 n=63 categories Lutianidae 5,155 4,636 2,050 4,066 6,280 11,934 9,957 5,806 4,401 7,363 6,388 6,845 74,881 100.0 Lutianus buccanetta 4 28 81 a 1 3 125 0.2 Lut Jamis caffoechanus 307 800 10 165 72 409 248 252 482 498 199 3,442 4.6 Lutianu cyanopterus 70 71 141 0.2 Lut lanus v i vanus 268 1,954 41 156 1,136 119 3,054 46 623 2,102 795 10.294 13.7 Phomb2ptites aurorubens 4,576 3,836 96 4,015 5,889 10,726 9,330 2,423 4,095 6,247 3,788 5,848 60,879 81.3 $perjdae 3,470 1,363 1,674 3,094 5,577 2,435 3,064 2,068 1,642 2,574 3,110 3,017 33,088 100.0 Catamus calamus 4 4 CO. I Calamus leucosteus 33 165 79 21 15 3 79 92 8 495 1.5 Calamus nodosus 224 20 752 298 703 365 43 79 50 266 22 2,822 8.5 Diplodus holbrooki 81 25 83 24 39 79 14 184 147 142 818 2.5 Pagrus Pagrus 3,132 1,318 835 2,607 4,747 1,970 3,006 1,989 1,625 2,239 2,605 2,845 28,918 87.4 Stenotomus caprinus 9 9 @(O. I Stenotomus chrysops 22 22 0.1 Hatacanthidae 972 561 347 1,103 788 225 644 6 6 81 112 261 5,106 100.0 Cautotatilus chrysops 184 112 2 70 6 7 381 10.0 Cautotatitus cyanops 34 4 38 1.0 Cautolatilus microps 788 1,103 788 225 498 6 11 106 254 3,379 89.0 Balistidibe 1,366 591 717 1,160 2,122 1,343 549 1,037 592 462 563 1,019 11,521 100.0 Batiste capriscus 1,272 1,160 2,122 1,343 549 1,037 592 462 563 1,019 10,119 99.1 Batistes vetula 94 94 0.9 Haemutidae 742 384 1,393 1,180 3,056 1,221 1,481 283 300 432 676 580 11,728 100.0 Haemuion aurotineatum 2 168 123 290 953 267 191 7 2,001 17.6 Haemuto plumieri 750 1,393 1,012 2,933 931 528 283 33 241 676 573 9,353 82.4 Scosbridae 398 544 65 343 553 1,618 96 80 205 201 126 4,229 100.0 Acanthocybi solanderi 91 168 30 53 342 13.1 Scomberomorus cavatta 307 376 35 144 472 33 37 134 128 126 1,792 68.6 Sconberomorus macutatus 2 2 0.1 Thunnus atbacares 199 81 33 69 20 402 15.4 Thunnus attanticus 10 10 0.4 Thurnus spp. 63 63 2.4 Carangidae 377 395 945 493 6,196 1,237 348 130 121 300 517 416 11,475 100.0 Seriola dumeriti 216 253 2,168 429 248 40 58 87 228 136 3,863 37.9 Serfola fasciata 19 8 64 91 0.9 Serlota rivotiana 207 240 4,033 809 81 82 63 149 289 280 6,233 61.2 CoiMitmmidae 225 115 8 51 108 144 651 100.0 Corypheena hippurus 225 115 51 108 U4 651 100.0 Rachyr.entridoe 16 11 27 40 107 201 100.0 Rachycentr canadum 16 11 27 40 107 201 100.0 Tabie 6. (Continued). Percent of species CENTRAL DISTRICT corriposition within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Totat major Species n=7 n=l n=l n=7 n=10 n=4 n=6 n=4 rr-4 n=7 n=5 n=7 n=63 categories Pomatomidae 1,069 5 156 10 1,240 100.0 Pomatomus sattatrix 1,069 5 156 10 1,240 100.0 Labridae 23 40 5 68 100.0 Lachnotaimus maximus 23 40 5 68 100.0 Priacanthidae 1 1 100.0 Priacanthus arenatus 1 1 100.0 soyraenidae 41 12 4 a 65 100.0 Sphyraena barracuda 41 12 4 a 65 100.0 Congridae 1 16 5 3 6 31 100.0 Squalifo 589 690 1,564 8,861 4,397 3,711 5,304 9,686 4,436 21,299 5,848 66,385 100.0 Nottusca 3 11 5 19 100.0 Percent of species SOUTHERN DISTRICT composition within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar. Apr May Jun Totat major Species n=8 n=7 n=8 n=6 n=5 n=6 n=9 n=5 n=12 n=12 n=7 n=11 n=96 categories Serranid3e 40,114 28,118 30,706 22,244 24,157 70,973 61,870 35,466 32,912 25,847 33,361 20,318 426,086 100.0 Centropristis striata 5,230 1,136 1,010 1,802 6,205 55,810 46,543 20,924 9,748 8,714 10,186 4,334 171,642 40.3 Epinephetus adscensionis 76 187 200 486 680 480 437 246 464 328 537 164 4,285 1.0 Epinephetus cruentatus 3 10 5 2 13 9 16 21 5 84 <0.1 Epinephetus drumTxwKhayi 1,650 708 3,519 1,154 628 571 1,207 605 2,002 675 1,572 336 14,627 3.4 Eninephelus ftavotimbatus 1,450 2,050 29 20 93 112 a 124 39 56 152 13 4,146 1.0 Epinephelus fulvus 32 8 20 40 61 95 124 22 102 59 77 26 666 0.2 Epinephetus guttatus 11 96 70 499 637 257 1,495 165 253 220 250 56 4,009 0.9 Epinephelus Inermis 9 50 26 34 13 132 <0.1 Epinephelus morio 1,323 813 4,529 2,083 747 467 69 32 2,089 614 1,765 586 15,117 3.5 EpInephetus mystacinus 13 1 14 <0.1 Epinephetus nigritus 37 54 58 460 52 301 29 991 0.2 Eplnephetus niveatus 8,420 7,571 7,104 1,711 1,170 1,992 1,364 2,943 3,015 4,004 2,537 1,447 43,278 10.2 Epinephelus spp. 117 45 162 <0.1 Hemanthias teptus 14 24 11 49 <0.1 Mycteroorca bonaci 3 37 40 <0.1 Mycte[operca interstitiatis 69 58 343 41 522 182 584 32 215 135 194 17 2,392 0.6 Mycteroperca microlevis 13,520 9,253 8,620 7,239 8,121 6,596 5,193 6,738 5,337 6,743 9.286 8,991 95,637 22.4 Mycteroperca Phenax 8,204 6,138 5,058 6,411 4,556 4,227 4,570 3,433 9,585 4,153 6,385 4,281 67,001 15.7 Mycterope-rca venenosa 10 204 117 91 14 24 64 3 527 0.1 Paranthlas furcifer 78 10 136 743 18 318 54 17 53 98 18 1,287 0.3 Table 6. (Continued). Percent of species SOUTHERN DISTRICT cm"si t ion within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Total maj or Species n=8 n=7 n=8 n=6 n=5 n=6 n=9 n=5 n=12 n=12 n=7 n=11 n=96 categories Lutjanidae 22,037 19,245 18,962 20,742 11,817 11,740 14,720 7,285 8,265 12,268 14,012 10,855 171,948 100.0 Lutianus anatis 13 390 65 64 385 368 401 128 39 86 a 154 2,101 1.2 Lutianus buccanella 14 10 10 15 5 14 7 34 20 110 239 0.1 Lutianu camechanus 457 581 341 416 650 576 1,146 1.449 1,104 843 1,649 911 10,123 5.9 Lutianus cyanopterus 65 16 616 831 45 49 112 333 15 52 46 2,180 1.3 Lutianu griseus 16 30 5 17 13 5 9 12 107 0.1 Lutlanus locu 18 18 (0.1 Lut ianus purpureus 8 6 14 <0.1 Lutlanu vivanus 992 156 442 479 561 794 354 104 601 692 95 163 5,433 3.2 Ocyurus chryourus 2 5 7 <0.1 Rhomboolites aurorubens 20,494 18,102 17,472 18,942 10,131 9,943 12,668 5,246 6,449 10,575 12,095 9,609 151,726 88.2 Sparidae 10,614 10,556 16,299 9,173 7,574 8,040 9,302 6,820 12,507 12,548 13,363 12,181 128,977 100.0 Calamus leucosteus 32 65 60 358 188 226 76 101 315 23 61 31 1,536 1.2 Calamus nodosus 1,806 2,335 3,873 2,818 1,039 1,852 2,034 1,946 2,305 2,579 940 896 24,423 18.9 Catamus proridens 4 4 3 11 <0.1 Diptocki holbrooki 21 14 36 <0.1 Pagrus pagrus 8,776 8,156 12,366 5,997 6,347 5,941 7,192 4,773 9,887 9,924 12,348 11,251 102,958 79.8 Stenotomus caprinus 4 10 14 <0.1 Hatacarithidae 1,640 1,850 5,292 3,874 2,842 3,651 3,817 811 367 953 1,646 5,277 32,020 100.0 Caulotatitus chrysops 85 2 3 90 0.3 Calolatilus cyanops 1 209 7 2 219 0.7 Caulotatitus microps 942 1,125 276 241 376 402 796 131 319 340 829 85 5,862 18.3 Lophotatitu chamaeteonticeps 698 724 4,931 3,633 2,466 3,249 2,812 680 48 602 817 5,187 25,847 80.7 Batistid3e 813 785 1,557 1,730 985 724 927 482 828 622 535 424 10,412 100.0 Balistes capriscus 813 785 1,543 1,717 590 557 781 456 828 589 535 424 9,618 92.4 Balistes vetula 14 13 395 167 146 26 33 794 7.6 Haemut idae 6,993 5,170 5,544 5,335 4,612 4,174 5,134 2,973 4,128 5,126 7,938 5,684 62,811 100.0 Haenuto aurotineatun 7 7 <0.1 Haermito plunjer! 6,993 5,170 5,544 5,335 4,612 4,174 5,134 2,973 4,128 5,119 7,938 5,684 62,804 99.9 Percichthyidee 2,907 8.934 4,170 16,011 100.0 Polyprion americanus 2,907 8,934 4,170 16,0`11 100.0 Scorpeenidee 116 14 2`13 11 354 100.0 Heikolems dactylopterus 116 14 213 11 354 100.0 Scambridme 104 69 82 5 178 189 145 16 45 16 451 425 1,725 100.0 Acanthocybjun sotanderi 4 3 52 15 13 16 14 6`1 101 279 16.2 Euthyng atleteratus 1 1 0.1 ScodwromorMl cavai to 90 56 80 4 99 115 103 16 299 322 1,184 68.6 Sconbera2rue macutatus 2 2 0.1 Thunma albacares 10 9 2 9 22 82 142 8.2 Thurim atlantIcus 1 is 59 21 9 9 117 6.8 Tabte 6. (Continued). Percent of species SOUTH9RN DISTRICT oltion c7l 'th in Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Totat major Species n=8 n=7 n=8 n=6 n=5 n=6 n=9 n=5 n=12 n=12 n=7 n=11 n=96 categories Carangidwe 155 127 101 96 286 102 579 258 30 15 41 1,790 100.0 Seriota clumerit! 155 26 88 261 98 348 129 6 1 9 1,121 66.2 Serlota fasciata 1 2 1 4 0.2 Serlota rivotlana 101 13 25 4 231 129 22 12 31 568 33.5 Serioia zonata I 1 0.1 CorvVhamidBe 64 15 28 67 12 15 9 29 4 106 27 25 401 100.0 Coryphaen hippurus 64 15 28 67 i2 15 9 29 4 106 27 25 401 100.0 Rachycentrildw 87 44 35 11 24 4 12 97 10 32 31 18 405 100.0 Rachycentron canadum 87 44 35 11 24 4 12 97 10 32 31 18 405 100.0 Poeiatmidae 194 9 5 208 100.0 Pomatomus sattatrix 194 9 5 208 100.0 Labridae 209 107 383 445 715 556 308 259 306 276 184 158 3,906 100.0 Bodianu putchettus 1 6 7 0.2 Lachnotaimus maximus 209 107 383 445 715 556 308 259 306 275 184 152 3,899 99.8 Pria canthidae 1 12 14 3 30 100.0 w Pristinenys atta 1 1 3.3 Priecanthus arenatus 1 12 13 3 29 96.7 Sciaerilldee 1 2 3 2 1 1 5 15 100.0 Eauetus iwamotoi 1 1 3 1 1 1 5 13 86.7 Eauetus uffbrosus 1 1 2 13.3 Gadidw 10 1 11 100.0 Strcoateid3e 22 17 14 53 100.0 Hyperoglyphe Perciformis 22 17 14 53 100.0 Conaridibe 4 5 31 40 100.0 Tetraodontidae, 35 162 642 87 926 100.0 SqLat 1 forses 1,568 1,129 1,028 1,928 1,676 6,143 4,616 986 1,935 5,257 5,653 2,100 34,019 100.0 Xiphiidee 44 44 100.0 Xiphlas gladius 44 44 100.0 Istiophoridee 19 19 100.0 Istionhorus Ptatypterus 19 19 100.0 Nottusca 78 24 512 5,802 7,484 1,765 655 98 54 42 16,436 100.0 Table 7. Species composition in kilograms for the North Carolina commercial reef fish landings by district, based on catches for the fishery, July 1989-June 1990. n = number of boats sampled. Percent of species NORTHERN DISTRICT composition within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Total major Species n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O categorie Serranicise 8,948 9,897 6,866 2,861 889 69 5,594 1,258 2,826 4,475 8,354 1,762 53,799 100.0 Centropristis striata 5,357 9,238 6,756 2,832 875 69 5,575 1,244 2,761 4,309 3,558 193 42,767 79.5 Lutjanidae 144 141 422 442 6 7 1 11 161 467 17 1,819 100.0 Sprf doe 245 1,570 1,309 781 38 8 5 296 26 4,278 100.0 Natecanthidae 1,447 1,977 1,416 19 156 421 128 600 3,873 1,978 12,015 100.0 Batlatidne 26 41 69 256 28 4 4 8 182 58 59 735 100.0 carovid3e 85 425 32 7 252 51 852 100.0 Labridae 29 2 29 100.0 Corgridae 7 212 33 2 254 100.0 Gadidae 13 a 25 2 48 100.0 Nottusca 2 2 100.0 :Fe--rcent of species CENTRAL DISTRICT composition within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Total fla i cj r Specis n=3 n=4 n=5 n=l n=5 n=1 n=13 n=5 n=B n=6 n=6 n=9 n=66 categories Serranidae 8,453 11,252 7,674 12, 733 11,280 11,839 15,424 19,488 28,032 9,498 19,799 20,314 175,786 100.0 Centr2Rristis striata 1,073 429 5 213 1,092 2.448 7,084 10,218 22,844 4,595 12,085 3,197 65,283 37.1 Epinephelus adscensionis 11 158 161 102 97 14 45 32 7 64 691 0.4 Epinephetus cruentatus 14 it 25 <0.1 Et)inephetus drummondhayi 33 ill 203 26 368 338 508 315 106 12 260 2,280 1.3 foinephetus ftavotimbatus 44 6 14 40 16 120 0.1 Wnephelus futvus 14 68 21 11 3 16 133 0.1 Epinephelus guttatus 113 209 98 a 15 20 243 706 0.4 Epinephetus Inermis 18 18 @(O. I EpIneghltus modo 68 701 554 42 714 147 460 66 80 735 3,567 2.0 Epinephetus mystacinus 5 5 <0.1 EtAnepholus nfgritus 13 119 13 145 0.1 Epinepholus niveatu 5,429 4,351 1,617 4,701 1,420 1,432 3,027 2,441 1,963 3,640 6.929 4,995 41,945 23.9 Epinephetus striata 6 6 <0.1 Mycteroperca bonaci 95 28 123 0.1 Mycteroperc interstitiatis 90 58 43 30 57 183 461 0.3 Mycterop-e-rc microtepfs 1,721 4,214 4,151 6,543 6,08 6,000 .4,144 5,853 1,185 681 515 9,709 50,854 28.9 Mycterop-erc t)henax 68 886 618 1,106 1,176 1,959 581 468 937 205 156 676 8,836 5.0 Mycteroperc venenosa 36 32 20 184 272 0.2 Paranthias furcifer 6 129 56 87 6 20 10 2 316 0.2 Tabte 7. (Continued). Percent of species CENTRAL DISTRICT composition within Jut Aug Sep Oct Noy Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Totat major Species n=3 n=4 n=5 n=I n=5 n=l n=13 n=5 n=8 n=6 n=6 n=9 n=66 categories LutJanidae 9,106 12,337 11,871 14,518 17,603 3,491 13,456 4,478 5,197 5,818 3,568 7,464 108,907 100.0 Lutianus anatis 939 108 60 23 391 1,521 1.4 Lutlanus buccanella 8 82 6 12 a 3 105 224 0.2 Lutlanus campechanus 548 ill 169 73 311 1,917 117 675 284 203 443 4,851 4.4 Lutlanu cyanonterus 275 275 0.3 Lutlanus vivanus 564 309 1,144 4,149 384 240 255 100 108 184 1,323 8,760 8.0 RhogbopLites aurorubens 7,055 11,909 10,450 14,445 13,001 3,107 11,293 4,094 4,399 5,418 3,178 4,927 93,276 85.7 Sperldae, 3,394 4,491 2,884 3,562 4,679 2,390 2,868 2,174 1,034 1,558 4,293 18,317 51,644 100.0 Caiamus leucosteus 14 38 14 15 12 93 0.2 Calamus nodosus 28 331 311 567 858 182 167 a 5 29 14 1,160 3.660 7.1 Diptodus holbrooki 13 65 2 10 45 135 0.3 Lagod rhomboides 8 a -CO. 1 Pagrus pagrus 3,352 4,160 2,522 2,981 3,756 2,208 2,676 2,166 1,029 1,519 4,279 17,100 47,748 92.4 Halacanthidae 203 421 53 52 69 138 279 157 242 3T7 335 786 3,112 100.0 Cautolatitus chrysops 13 27 3 27 138 6 32 53 24 32 355 11.4 Cautolatilus microps 190 394 53 49 42 262 125 169 353 296 786 2,719 87.4 Malacanthus ptumieri 2 11 20 7 40 1.2 W Baltisticlae 305 413 626 913 880 288 500 494 598 321 945 1,100 7.383 100.0 W Batistes capriscus 305 371 626 913 880 288 477 494 571 316 936 1,100 7,277 98.6 Batistes vetuta 42 23 27 5 9 106 1.4 Naetmitidae 678 677 1,650 1,629 2,089 295 901 662 273 656 360 346 10,216 100.0 Haemuton aurolineatum 678 75 1,629 720 282 5 71 360 3,820 37.4 Haemuto pLumieri 677 1,575 1,369 295 619 662 268 585 346 6,396 62.6 Percichthyidae 1,895 3,464 5,359 100.0 Potyprion americanus 1,895 3,464 5,359 100.0 Scanbridae 6 263 15 60 2 324 206 538 90 4 1,101 2,609 100.0 Acanthocybjum sotanderl 12 48 427 487 18.7 Scomberomorus cavalta 6 178 3 60 2 146 206 426 74 4 122 1,227 47.0 Thunnus albacares 1 1 <0.1 Thunnur, obesus 85 85 3.2 Thurrm spp. 177 64 16 552 809 31.0 Caranoldae 44 267 999 1,429 358 300 1,089 1,244 1,117 770 659 1,262 9,538 100.0 Caranx grysos 17 17 0.2 Seriole dumeriti 87 60 154 256 875 582 468 211 868 3,561 42.2 Seriols fasciata 2 2 <0.1 Serlote rivotlana 42 148 634 339 265 146 682 336 456 302 448 394 4,192 49.6 Serlote zonat 32 365 33 28 33 79 570 6.7 Serlota spp. 106 106 1.2 CavOwenid3e 63 41 31 15 92 786 1,030 100.0 Corynhaena hippurus 63 41 2 31 15 92 786 1.030 100.0 Tabte 7. (Continued). Percent of species CENTRAL DISTRICT composition within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Totat major Species n=3 n=4 n=5 n=l n=5 n=l n=13 n=5 rr-8 n=6 n=6 n--9 n=66 categories Rachycentridee 54 20 179 64 27 4 33 34 366 89 870 100.0 Rachycentron canadum 54 20 179 64 27 4 33 34 366 - 89 B70 100.0 Pomtmfdae 386 1,067 504 2,827 100.0 Pomatomus saitatrix 386 1,067 504 2,827 100.0 Labridae 31 71 116 9 227 100.0 Lachnotaimus maximus 31 71 116 9 227 100.0 sphyrners 3 16 19 100.0 Sphyreena barracuda 3 16 19 100.0 Priacmthfdae 16 6 2 9 1 10 4 48 100.0 Priacanthus arenatus 16 6 2 9 3 45 94.0 Pristinenys atta 1 1 3 6.0 Sciaenid3e 1 6 7 100.0 Equetus iwamotoi 1 6 7 100.0 Strowteidae 14 14 100.0 Hyperogtyph Perciformis 14 14 100.0 Congridae 13 1 2 45 70 421 62 26 53 10 703 100.0 Tetraodontidae 8 8 100.0 Squatiformes 1,565 19,134 44,209 166,247 52,161 5.315 5,332 1,757 763 5,454 3,810 305,747 100.0 Nottusca 5 5 2 1 13 100.0 Percent of species SOUTHERN DISTRICT composition within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Totat major Species n=9 n=ll n=4 n=6 n=7 n=l n--6 n=5 n=7 n=8 n=5 n=12 n=81 categories Serranidee 25,783 29,494 19,406 30,882 46,143 63,657 92,263 42,069 29,933 32,903 31,004 22,812 466,349 100.0 Centropristis striata 4,547 2,398 2,516 7,267 20.503 51,661 58,331 20,197 8,387 7,359 5,118 5jI40 193,424 41.5 Epinephetus adscensionis 492 350 156 305 1,259 112 462 65 346 127 898 433 5,005 1.1 Epinephetus afer 6 6 <@O. 1 Epinephetus cruentatu 9 2 32 20 9 5 8 33 54 172 @0.1 EpInephelus drumnondhayi 669 273 760 603 280 216 750 1,046 all 266 497 742 6,913 1.5 Epinephetus flavotiffbatus 266 548 172 235 59 463 95 179 2,017 0.4 Epinephetus fuivus 110 18 5 32 121 41 18 164 12 435 140 1,096 0.2 Epinephetto guttatus 432 418 465 245 2,861 196 503 32 302 2 1,335 528 7,019 1.5 Epinephetus Inermis 21 4 13 4 42 <0.1 Epinephetus morlo 1,698 1,805 1,731 3,319 2,155 245 1,019 147 1,146 534 2,639 1,957 18,395 3.9 Tabie 7. (Continued). Percent of species SOUTHERN DISTRICT Composition within Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Totat rmior Species n=9 n=ll n=4 n=6 n=7 n=l n=6 n=5 n=7 n=8 n=5 n=12 n=81 categories EgAnephetus nigritu 33 118 73 232 17 55 528 0.1 Epinerhelus niveatus 2,929 6,521 1,955 1,717 1,790 2,623 8,321 8,476 7,506 10,255 4,905 1,060 58,058 12.4 Hemanthlas teptus 8 8 16 <0.1 Mycterop-erca bonaci 4 93 97 <0.1 Mycterop2rca interstitiatis 351 23 38 340 214 150 26 2,374 73 3 589 0.8 Mycteroperca microtepis 8,850 10,772 9,258 12,498 9,866 4,735 16,353 6,386 5,767 8,749 8,098 6,366 107:698 23.1 ftycteroperca phenax 5,354 6,341 2,519 4,786 6,273 3,634 5,944 5,160 4,702 5,324 3,698 6,220 59,955 12.8 Mycteroperca venenosa 76 16 13 597 91 6 179 9 757 63 1,807 0.4 Paranthfas furcifer 1 116 39 48 57 128 28 63 32 512 0.1 Lutjanidme 13,663 19,812 12,908 17,027 15,936 7,165 13,367 5,840 12,753 14,784 13,600 14,215 161,070 100.0 Lutlanus anatis 63 41 107 65 96 11 20 4 19 35 295 17 m 0.5 tutlamis buccant-tia 1 13 15 27 3 59 -0.1 Lutlami canpechamis 690 720 280 1,285 1,099 1,399 3,417 1,418 1,452 1,078 480 613 13,931 8.6 Lutlanu cyanopterus 5 25 64 29 49 172 0.1 Lut lamis ariseus 10 11 11 6 10 17 11 76 <0.1 Lutlanus purpureus 22 12 34 <0.1 Lut iamis vivamis 786 8 182 78 165 12 465 44 71 224 64 180 2,279 1.4 Ocyurus chrysurus 5 5 <0.1 Rhomboolites aurorubens 12, 23 19,006 12,328 15,599 14,540 5,737 9,378 4,357 11,167 13,420 12,744 13,342 143,741 89.2 Li Ln Sparidae 12,980 14,468 6,248 8,090 8,510 9,492 27,215 15,324 14,804 11,940 10,977 15,798 155,846 100.0 Cataims teucosteus 64 121 45 35 29 135 326 46 42 843 0.5 Calaim nodosus 1,867 795 1,649 1,351 2,360 1,225 4,040 1,013 2,709 1,515 2,594 1,129 22,517 14.4 Writodus hotbrook! 296 136 101 251 140 196 1,120 0.7 Lagod Chookbolde 27 27 <0.1 Pagrus Pagrus 11,049 13,552 4,599 6,694 6,115 8,238 22,744 13,849 11,944 10,122 8,243 14,431 131,580 84.4 Stenotomu caprinus 3 25 28 .<O.l Stenomus chrusops 1 1 @O.l Hatacanthidae 2,866 3,575 9,434 4,110 4,707 2,332 4,268 2,128 3,866 2,539 1,188 6,067 47,080 100.0 Coulolatitus chrysops 3 863 116 1 983 2.1 Cautolatflus cyanops 4 4 'O'l Cautolatitus microps 666 2,844 4,717 74 49 66 362 204 1,009 1,804 424 31 12,250 26,0 Lopholatitus chamaeteonticeps 2,200 728 3,854 4,036 4,658 2,266 3,790 1,924 2,840 730 764 6,036 33,826 71.8 Balfutidme 479 893 704 1,370 1,488 884 1,225 699 1,553 970 1,338 1,226 12,829 100.0 Ballstes capriscus 471 893 624 1,357 1,432 884 1,184 691 1,553 930 1,218 1,218 12,455 97.1 Ballstes y1tula 8 80 13 56 41 a 25 120 a 359 2.9 Monochnthus hispidus 15 15 <0.1 Haemtjdae 6,742 8,054 5,236 7,259 7,079 3,164 5,686 3,831 4,982 4,621 6,339 7,968 70,961 100.0 Haemulo aurolineat 10 95 105 0.1 Haeouto ptunieri 6,742 8,054 5,236 7,259 7,079 3,164 5,676 3,831 4,9B2 4,526 6,339 7,965 70,856 99.9 Percichthyidme 2,302 13,776 14,521 17,027 19,945 17,414 25,021 15,499 22,248 24,499 13,259 51,022 236,713 100.0 Poiyprlon americamis 2,302 13,776 14,521 17,027 19,945 17,414 25,021 15,499 22,248 24,499 13,259 51,022 236,713 100.0 Table 7. (Continued). Percent of species SOUTHERN DISTRICT composition within Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Total major Species n=9 n=11 n=4 n=6 n=7 n=1 n=6 n=5 n=7 n=8 n=5 n=12 n=81 categories Sc,rp@,id,e 236 693 75 45 279 309 160 468 1,172 3,437 100.0 Heticotenus dactylopterus 236 693 75 45 279 309 160 468 1,172 3,437 100.0 Scambricbe 116 720 110 114 53 4 91 58 232 344 120 429 2,391 100.0 Acanthocybium solanderi 67 36 22 3 24 32 38 15 43 280 11.7 Scomberamorus cavatia 116 653 74 48 41 4 35 26 167 249 72 386 1,871 78.2 Thunnus albacares 26 7 54 22 48 33 190 7.9 Thunnus attanticus 18 2 2 a 11 9 50 2.1 Caramidee 315 135 65 101 16 a 123 209 760 54 4 46 1,836 100.0 Serfola durneriti 135 36 745 12 928 50.5 Seriola fasciata 11 11 0.6 Seriota rivoliana 293 20 1 57 15 8 394 21.4 Serfota zonata 11 81 7 26 2 127 6.9 Seriota spp. 4 209 54 4 24 295 16.1 Coryphamidae 427 129 40 8 4 1 2 8 312 330 1,261 100.0 Coryphaena himurus 427 129 40 8 4 1 2 B 312 330 1,261 100.0 Rachycentridae 60 88 6 1,149 12 15 345 6 1,681 100.0 Rachycentron canadum 60 88 6 1,149 12 15 345 6 1,681 100.0 Powtooldae 268 274 40 582 100.0 Pomatomus saitatrix 268 274 40 582 100.0 Labridae 5 712 198 622 691 227 680 308 184 158 420 7a4 4,989 100.0 Bodianu Putchellus 1 4 5 0.1 Lachnotaimus maximus 4 712 198 622 691 227 680 308 184 154 420 784 4,984 99.9 Priacanthidae 6 1 2 1 2 1 22 23 1 59 100.0 Cookeotus boops 1 1 1.7 Priacanthus atta 2 1 3 5.1 Priscanthus arenatus 3 1 1 1 2 1 22 23 1 55 93.2 Sciamidee 1 6 7 100.0 Eauetus iwamotoi 1 6 7 100.0 Gadidne 10 15 40 12 2 79 100.0 stromateldne 47 47 536 630 100.0 Hyperogtyph perciformis 47 47 536 630 100.0 Corgridae 17 16 6 39 100.0 Tetraoduntidae 44 19 10 3 76 100.0 SquaLiformes 1,773 820 861 1,298 1,539 1,224 4,022 2,392 1,693. 1,874 624 362 18,482 100.0 NotLusca 45 7 25 137 1,077 3,319 1,187 866 369 154 84 85 7,355 100.0 Table B. Species composition in kilograms for the North Carolina commercial reef fish landings by district, based an catches for the fishery, July 1990-june 1991. n = number of boats sampled. Percent of species NORTHERN DISTRICT composition within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Kay Jun Total major Species n=O n=1 n=O n=O n=O n=O n=O n=1 n=O n=O n=O n=O n=2 categorie Serranidae 4,178 12,885 2,279 1,435 1,324 2.272 2,951 9,956 5,211 9,827 5,056 4,640 62,014 100.0 CentroPristis striata 3,412 10,928 1,435 1,101 1,165 2,239 2,951 9,549 4,247 5,112 3,444 836 46,419 96.0 Centropristis ocyurus 43 43 0.1 Epinenhetus drummondhay! 332 332 0.7 EpInei3helus fulvus 147 147 0.3 Epfnephetus niveatus 1,435 1,435 2.9 Lutjonidae 237 907 118 211 402 6 21 Is 110 339 975 327 3,666 100.0 Rhodmtites aurorubens 907 907 100.0 Sparidne 401 784 223 102 102 2 7 30 158 290 542 2,641 100.0 Pagrus Pagrus 784 784 100.0 Wacanthid3e 4,002 10,298 546 445 381 186 244 4,074 2,097 7,963 1,016 4,351 35,603 100.0 Cautolatitus microps 10,298 10,298 100.0 Balistidne 22 80 34 96 300 344 151 .64 89 424 503 224 2,331 100.0 Patistes caprinus 80 80 100.0 Haemutidee 4 4 100.0 Scorpsenidae I 1 100.0 NIMrinthe herningwayi I 1 100.0 Idee 104 18 122 100.0 CarmVidne 480 1,061 152 131 60 4 159 176 606 110 280 2,158 100.0 Serlota rivotiana 1,061 1,061 100.0 Coryphamidw 1,247 1,247 100.0 Rachycentridoe 29 29 100.0 P@tmjdae 4 4 100.0 Labridw 3 3 100.0 Yetraodontidne 265 265 100.0 Squatifomes 92 3,965 4,057 Nottusica I 1 100.0 TabLe 8. (continued). Percent of species CENTRAL DISTRICT compositio@ within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Totat major Species n=O n=7 n=4 n=9 rr-4 n=5 n=8 n=6 n=13 n=6 n=5 n=4 n=71 categorie Serranidae 11,385 6,550 4,547 4.301 7,879 7,481 13,737 11,341 10,636 14,121 6,730 10,612 109,320 100.0 Centropristis ocyurus Centropristis striata 526 633 336 692 2,581 3,873 10,348 7,383 6,808 7,134 1,220 596 42,130 38.5 Epinephelus adscensionis 248 90 21 43 103 27 532 0.5 Epinephetus cruentatus 50 2 6 58 '0.1 EpinepheLus drLmnondhayi 149 141 103 152 27 563 186 142 633 48 2,144 2.0 Epinephetus flavollobatus 7 13 52 72 0.1 EpInephelus; fuLvus 69 39 16 5 5 3 298 4 51 490 0.4 EpIneyholus guttatus 371 142 22 7 25 34 62 663 0.6 EpfnepheLus I nermis Epinerhetus morio 556 1,189 335 408 36 56 78 308 34 1,923 845 5,768 5.3 EpinepheLus mystacinus 9 9 <0.1 Epinephelus n!qrItu 34 101 135 0.1 EpInephetus niveatus 6,550 1,683 335 1,926 202 41 1,744 2,040 1,131 6,581 2,416 540 25,189 23.0 Mycteroperc bonaci 16 4 23 43 <0.1 Mycteroperc interstitiatis 784 131 22 83 45 27 25 18 12 1,147 1.0 Myeteroperce microtepis 1,445 449 1,304 780 1,963 2,504 922 343 268 123 4.133 14,234 13.0 Mycteroperc phenax 1,154 821 370 2,383 950 492 602 1,832 55 487 4,306 13,452 12.3 Mycteroperc venenosa 283 19 6 47 355 0.3 Paranthiss furcifer 4 6 24 7 41 <0.1 Ryptfcus saponicus 28 28 <0.1 Luflanidae 51813 11,112 7,026 7,593 13,578 3,899 4,744 4,811 6,161 5,158 10,651 6,655 87,201 100.0 Lutianus anatis 59 59 0.1 Lut I anus buccanella 14 20 64 24 22 28 172 0.2 L ut I anus campechanus 65 150 93 143 268 247 293 268 216 285 481 2,509 2.9 Lutlanu vivanus 921 36 92 91 58 46 10 160 50 10464 1.7 Rhomboptites aurorubens 5,748 9,968 6,897 7,338 13,155 3,594 4,381 4,511 5,757 4,823 10,651 6,174 82,997 95.2 Speridae 4,990 4,096 2,092 1,346 5,168 3,059 2,449 3,530 3,292 3,242 2,565 4,583 40,412 100.0 Calamus bajonad 11 11 <0.1 Calamus leucosteus 6 8 6 8 38 23 16 29 134 0.3 Catamus nodosus 62 52 164 331 80 310 46 156 28 257 1,486 3.9 Diptodus hotbrooki 8 5 31 142 21 15 108 330 0.9 Pagrus Pagrus 2,864 4,020 2,032 1,177 4,800 2,829 2,069 3,449 3,136 3,226 2,537 4,189 36,328 94.8 Stenotomus caprinus 2 4 6 <0.1 Hatw.anthldae M 1,215 251 152 307 246 1,154 339 358 1,124 592 766 7,323 100.0 Caulotatitus chrysom 195 a 94 32 30 102 150 611 11.8 Cautotatilus cyanops 103 25 128 2.5 Cautotatilus m1crops 1,020 1" 246 957 307 284 904 442 4,304 83.1 Lopholatitus chamaeleonticeps Ila 118 2.2 Maiacanthus Plumieri 19 19 0.4 Balistidae, 1,093 2,087 1,035 574 3,506 490 821 478 746 2,936 4,207 2,291 20,264 100.0 oatistes cooriscus 1,869 1,035 568 3,487 490 808 478 746 2.936 4,207 2,225 19,942 98.3 Balletes Vatuto 218 6 19 13 66 322 1.7 Tabte 8. (Continued). Percent of species CENTRAL DISTRICT composition within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Totat major Species n=O n=7 n=4 n=9 n=4 n=5 n=8 n=6 n=13 n=6 n=5 n=4 n=71 categorie Haemutidae 395 66a 463 524 B41 169 856 230 285 396 481 692 6,000 100.0 Haemuto aurotineat 50 42 6 6 5 180 3 2 396 346 41 1,077 18.0 Uaemuto Plunferi 618 421 518 835 164 6@6 227 283 135 651 493 82.0 Percichthyidae 2,610 2,610 100.0 Potypri americamis 2,610 2,610 100.0 Scorpeenidae 8 122 130 100.0 Hellcolenus dactylopterus 6 122 128 98.5 Neomerfnth herningwayi 2 2 1.5 Scolkirldw 35 38 99 149 6 16 14 159 44 160 112 832 100.0 Acanthocybiurn sotanderi 9 18 27 3.2 Euthynnus atteteratus 3 22 25 3.0 Scomberomorus cavalia 12 38 99 18 6 16 14 130 44 149 112 638 76.7 SComberomorus maculatus 1 1 2 0.2 7humus spp. 14 110 6 11 141 16.9 Carangiclae 425 603 323 1,189 2,255 1,084 815 2,182 1'"0 1,597 978 2,572 15,463 100.0 Atectis citiaris 18 18 0.1 W Serfola dumeriti 305 3110 1,469 38 490 644 489 663 556 871 5,905 39.3 @0 Serlota rivotiana 280 323 809 738 1,046 285 1,465 941 862 422 1,678 8,849 58.8 Serfola zonat 48 73 6 72 23 222 1.5 Serloto spp. 40 40 0.3 Caranx crysos B 4 12 0.1 Coryphaenidae 52 6 67 12 1 13 108 932 646 1,837 100.0 Coryphaen hlMyrus 52 6 67 12 1 13 108 932 646 l,a37 100.0 Rachyemtridae 13 87 34 8 14 38 57 921 1.172 100.0 Rachycentron canadum 13 87 34 a 14 38 57 921 1,172 100.0 Pcmtomidoe 13 8 21 100.0 Pomatomus saltatrix 13 8 21 100.0 Labridae 43 75 118 100.0 Lachnolgimus maximus 43 75 118 100.0 Priacanthildee 28 1 24 50 4 33 29 169 100.0 Priacanlhus arenatu 26 1 24 50 4 33 25 163 96.4 PrlstlagW sit& 2 4 6 3.6 Sciaenidee I 1 100.0 Equetus iwamotoi I 1 100.0 Sphyramildee 23 6 5 23 8 3 76 100.0 Sphyraera barracuda 23 6 5 23 a 3 a 76 100.0 Table B. (Continued). Percent of species CENTRAL DISTRICT composition within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Total major Species n=O n=7 n=4 n=9 n=4 n=5 n=8 n=6 n=13 n=6 n=5 n=4 n=71 categories Congridae 5 5 3 2 137 84 104 37 377 100.0 SquaLiformes 16 271 260 181 2,103 264 408 149 270 3,922 100.0 Not 1-- 23 11 345 158 40 68 645 100.0 Percent of species compos i t i on SOUTHERN DISTRICT within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Total major Species n=18 n=7 n=2 n=13 n=10 n=9 n=9 n=7 n=8 n=17 n=15 n=3 n=118 categories Serranidae 20,927 29,317 31,063 21,725 31,651 36,126 53,849 28,427 13,202 29,013 21,462 23,078 339,840 100.0 Centropristis ocyurus 6 .73 226 305 0.1 Centropristis striata 3,163 5,265 4,071 3,459 12,092 19,851 36,352 11,629 5,919 7,747 7,943 2,631 120,122 35.3 Diplectrum formosum 26 180 109 49 364 0.1 Epinephelus adscensionis 5T7 372 277 138 278 315 166 332 164 316 453 464 8,852 1.1 4- EpInephelus afer 13 13 <0.1 C Epf nerhet us cruentatus 28 60 5 2 15 27 18 4 159 <0.1 Epinephelus drLxmiondhayi 710 502 331 94 63 158 186 64 349 377 224 224 3,282 1.0 Epinephetus flavotimbatus 54 223 607 34 88 4 135 12 325 518 2,000 0.6 Epinephelus fuivus 93 67 37 50 39 37 46 66 13 61 27 536 0.2 Epineyhelus guttatus 283 904 947 112 290 226 439 301 588 284 168 393 4,935 1.4 Epinephetus inermis. 3 4 5 12 <0.1 EpinephetM morio 1,521 2,992 3,911 2,234 2,028 2,748 4,838 2,052 411 476 907 1,927 26,045 7.7 Epinephelus -nigritus 40 14 35 64 64 106 323 0.1 Epinephelus niveatus 2,499 5,026 10,230 7,557 4,305 2,823 1,728 4,155 652 10,030 4,054 5,271 58,330 17.2 Gonioptectrus hispanus 5 5 <O.1 Hemanthfas teptus 19 28 <0.1 Mycteroperca interstitialis 138 38 24 12 161 7 28 27 164 30 172 801 0.2 Mvcterog)erca microtepis 5,712 8,217 4,997 3,572 8,045 6,401 5,997 5,769 2,507 5,275 3,658 4,422 64,572 19.0 Mycteroperca Phenax 6,080 5,954 5,638 3,734 4,191 3,396 4,044 3,878 2,104 3,784 3,336 7,103 53,242 15.7 Mycteroperca venenosa 15 228 134 25 175 7 584 0.2 Paranthlas furcifer 14 47 40 30 76 30 14 20 3 21 295 0.1 Serranus Phoebe 24 8 4 19 36 <0.1 Lutjanidae 9,820 28,529 16,693 26,774 22,874 13,400 12,938 12,479 8,556 15,738 16,953 15,418 200,172 100.0 Lutianus anatis 26 25 67 22 71 46 58 23 44 56 52 115 605 0.3 Lutianus buccanelta 5 5 2 24 7 43 <0.1 Lutianus canpechanus 471 706 203 407 484 414 300 589 461 371 230 494 5,130 2.6 Lutlanus cyanopterus; W 5 6 20 13 23 6 92 <0.1 Lutlanu arlseus 5 26 14 54 12 3 10 19 6 149 0.1 Lutionue vivanus 55 7 794 24 287 45 87 T7 15 a 19 404 1,822 0.9 Ocyurus chrysurus 2 2 <0.1 Table B. (Continued). Percent of species SOUTHERN DISTRICT capposition within Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Total major Species n=18 n=7 n=2 n=13 n=10 n=9 n=9 n=7 n=8 n=17 n=15 n=3 n=118 categories Rhomboplites aurorubens 9,239 27,760 15,604 26,299 22,019 12,818 12,457 11,785 8,036 15,286 16.627 14,399 192,329 96.1 Speridae 15,546 18,563 15,325 8,925 11,988 7,882 10,130 11,531 8,872 11,575 10,232 10,704 141,273 100.0 Catamus teucosteus 13 64 36 14 6 62 76 56 100 427 0.3 Calamus nodosus 2,523 1.445 2,168 2,041 2,372 1.699 1.634 1,817 1,139 1,414 1,361 1,651 21,264 15.0 DIPtodus hotbrooki 21 69 4 64 190 259 95 97 112 60 971 0.7 Pagrus Pagrus 12,989 16,985 13,157 6,828 9,598 6,113 8,244 9,365 7,582 9,964 8,756 8,993 118,574 83.9 Catamus balonad C4twm Proridens 4 4 '0.1 stenotomus caprinus 20 10 30 <0.1 Lagodon rhomboides 3 3 '(0.1 Malacanthidae ill 1,755 8,258 9,331 6,072 1,456 3,563 471 6,522 9,138 3,428 3,744 53,849 100.0 Cautolatitus chrysops 50 50 0.1 Cautolatitus cyanops 174 38 212 0.4 Cautolatitu microps 75 1,319 896 3,111 1,738 974 104 51 30 3,207 951 1,688 14,144 26.3 Lopholatilu chamaeleonticeps 36 262 7,362 6,220 4,321 459 3,445 386 6,484 5.866 2,345 1,957 39,145 72.7 Halacanthus ptumieri 13 23 14 32 8 15 94 99 298 0.6 Batistidae 1,423 2,056 3,78Z 2,713 4,528 1,801 1,263 2,001 1,114 1,618 2,174 2,518 26,991 100.0 Atuteru monocenos 10 10 <0. I -T-- Balistes capriscus 1,423 2,056 3,736 2,700 4,528 1,781 1,196 2,001 1,050 1,608 2,161 2,380 26,620 98.6 Batistes vetula 13 10 57 64 10 13 138 305 1.1 Canthidermis sufftamen 46 46 0.2 14onocanthus hispidus, 10 10 <Q.1 Namutidime 7,049 12,465 9,070 5,254 9,006 4,518 5,199 4,459 3.210 4,340 5.495 6,165 76,230 100.0 Haemuion aurolineat 4 23 14 304 265 300 413 103 1,426 1.9 Haemuto ptunierf 7,049 12,465 9,070 5,250 9,006 4,495 5,180 4,155 2,945 4,040 5,082 6,062 74,799 98.1 Orthooristis chrysoptera 5 5 <0.1 Pemichthyidae 37,046 14,194 23,979 19,158 21,600 115,977 100.0 Polyprfon americanus 37,046 14,194 23,979 19,158 21,600 115,977 100.0 Scorpeenidae 1 75 355 264 648 452 568 8 456 2,753 2,369 334 8,283 100.0 Helicolenus dactyiopterus 1 75 355 264 648 452 568 8 452 2,753 2,369 334 8,279 99.9 Neofferinthe hemingwayi 4 4 0.1 Scombridne 747 151 58 359 148 53 167 450 289 237 388 63 3,110 100.0 Acanthocybiun sotanderi 46 15 29 66 63 94 242 56 611 19.6 Euthymus atieteratus I I <0.1 Scomberomorus cavatt# 643 151 26 353 140 23 25 288 M 103 146 7 2,097 67.4 Scomberomora macuiatus; 9 6 15 o.5 Thumus albacares 49 88 96 11 244 7.8 Thunnus ottenticus 17 8 54 23 40 142 4.6 Thumus spp. Tabie 8. (Continued). Percent of species SOUTHERN DISTRICT composition within Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Totat major Species n=18 n=7 n=2 n=13 n=10 n=9 n=9 n=7 n=8 n=17 n=15 n=3 n=118 categories CaraVidne 136 187 207 66 510 2,849 2,071 4,223 1,500 1,263 1,069 1,450 15,531 100.0 Atectis ciliaris 51 12 18 36 4 189 50 7 367 2.4 Caranx crysos; 15 12 27 0.2 Serfola dumerili 47 423 840 3,905 1,112 780 592 7,699 49.6 $eriota fasciata 1 1 <0.1 Seriole rivotlana 112 140 381 327 213 424 1,597 10.3 Seriola zonat 7 26 427 460 3.0 Serlota spp. 136 136 195 474 2,295 1,042 166 936 5,380 34.6 CorVphaenidae 404 61 23 27 85 54 18 340 32 192 1,236 100.0 Coryi*aena hippurus 404 61 23 27 85 54 18 340 32 192 1,236 100.0 Rachycentridae 60 608 540 112 134 109 10 22 1,595 100.0 Rachycentron canadum 60 608 540 112 134 109 10 22 1,595 100.0 Pomatomidae 54 31 30 115 100.0 Pomatomus sattatrix 54 31 30 115 100.0 Labridne 1,290 1,776 3,068 714 1,039 498 297 229 298 645 908 1,302 12,064 100.0 Bodianus pyicheltus 25 94 2 a 2 4 5 32 172 1.4 Lachnotaimus maximus 1,257 1,776 2,974 714 1,039 496 289 227 294 640 856 1,302 11,864 98.3 Hatichoeres Aarnoti 8 8 0.1 Hatichoeres cyanocephalus 20 20 0.2 Priacanthidae 26 11 73 45 10 32 66 25 22 1 3 314 100.0 Cookeolus boops 14 14 12.0 Priacanthus arenatus 12 11 3 5 7 16 13 3 1 3 74 63.2 Pristfgenys aita 1 1 13 12 2 29 24.8 Sciaenidee 7 5 1 13 100.0 Equetus -umbrosus 1 1 16.7 Ecluetus lwamotol 5 5 83.3 GadId3e 12 27 5 44 100.0 strcmteldne 3,429 514 150 73 167 53 9 11 473 75 401 5,355 100.0 Hyperogtyphe Perciformis 3,429 514 150 73 167 53 9 11 473 75 401 5,355 100.0 Congridae 5 42 5 703 278 126 72 36 1267 100.0 Huramidee 11 11 100.0 Tetraodontidee 63 110 173 100.0 Pamw.anthidae 218 318 536 100.0 Nolocentridae 41 5 46 100.0 Notocentrus ascensionis 5 5 100.0 Table S. (Continued). Percent of species SOUTHERN DISTRICT composition within Jut Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Total major Species n--18 n=7 n--2 n=13 n=10 n=9 n=9 n=7 n=8 n=17 n=15 n=3 n=118 categories Xiphildae 144 79 223 100.0 Xiphias oladius 144 79 223 100.0 Squa t i formes 827 514 422 553 852 1,123 9,563 1,69 1,348 1,344 495 3,665 29,165 100.0 198 46 86 95 718 1,850 6,319 1,252 327 147 88 31 11,157 100.0 4- 44 Table 9. Market size grades of black sea bass, vermilion snapper, red snapper, red porgy, and tiLefish by district. DISTRICT Species Central Southern C. striata <0.340 ks (3/4 Lb) <0.227 kg (1,12 Lb) Black sea bass 0.340-0.681 kg (3/4-1-1/2Lb) 0.227-0.454 kg (1/2-1 Lb) 0.681-0.908 kg (1-1/2-2tb) >0.454 kg (I Lb) >0.908 kg (2 Lb) R. aurorubens <0.340 (<3/4 1b) Vermi L ion snapper <0.454 kg 0 lb) 0.340-0.454 kg (3/4-1 lb) L. vivanus 0.454-0.908 kg (1-2 tb) 0.454-0.908 kg (1-2 (b) Silk snapper 0.908-1.816 kg (2-4 tb) 0.908-1.816 kg (2-4 lb) >1.816 kg (4 tb) >1.816 kq (4 lb) campechaiTus 0-362 kg (31b) <1.816 k (4 Lb) 1.362-2.724 kg (3-6 Lb) -8 Lb) Red snapper 1.816-3.632 kg (4 >2.724 k9 (6 Lb) >3.632 kg (8 Lb) pagrus <0.454 kg (1 Lb) <0.454 kg (1 Lb) Red porgy 0.454-0.908 kg (1-2 Lb) 0.454-0.908 kg (1-2 Lb) 0.908-1.816 kg (2-4 Lb) 0.908-1.816 kg (2-4 Lb) >1.816 kg (4 Lb) >1.816 kg (4 Lb) L. chamaeleonticeps 0.816 kg (4 Lb) Titefish 1.816-3.632 kg (4-8 Lb) >3.632 kg (8 Lb) Table 10. Pelagic species coffposition in kilograms for the North Carolina comerciat trips for the periods July 1988-june 1989, July 1989-june 1990, and July 1990-june 1991, by district, by gear, based on landings. Northern District Central District Southern District Hand- Longtine Hand- Longtine Hand- Longline Species Trott line Surface Bottom Total Troll tine Surface Bottom Total Trott tine Surface Bottom Total Totals July 1988 - June 1989 Scomberomorus cavatta 192,877 - - 192,877 35,016 - - 35,016 114,625 50 - - 114,675 342,568 Coryphaene hippurus 15,496 - 234 - 15,730 5,222 108 - 5,330 7,715 27 730 - 8,473 29,533 Pomatomus saltatrix 1,114 - - - 1,144 21,539 - - 21,539 9,550 194 5 9,749 32,432 Acanthocybium sotanderi 1,374 - 25 - 1,399 3.222 - - 3,222 1,450 178 67 1,695 6,316 Rachycentr canad 508 - - - 508 639 852 - 1,491 1,671 133 - 162 1,966 3,965 Thunnmj allacares 85,109 - 4,019 - 89,128 - 2,376 - 1,048 40 3,464 92,592 1. attanticus 543 - 18 561 737 - 7 - 744 1,305 T. obesus 6,256 - 1,916 - 8,172 - 9 - - 9 8,181 Thunnui spp. 21 - - 21 11,283 - 11,283 357 14 371 11,675 Total 309,540 77,881 141,146 528,567 July 1989 - June 1990 Scomberomorus cavatla 321,717 - - 321,717 42,862 - 42,862 62,OT7 - - - 62,077 426,656 Coryphaena hippurus 23,578 447 - 24,025 6,941 - - 6,941 13,210 - 4,046 337 17,593 48,559 Pomatomus sattatrix 6,379 - - 6,379 2,470 1,570 - 4,040 5,138 - - 268 5,406 15,825 Acanthocybi sotarderi - - 2,328 48 - 2,376 2,639 - - - 2,639 5,015 Rachycentron canadum 241 - - 241 995 1,866 - 2,861 2,248 148 - 1,525 3,921 7,023 Thunnus atbacares 236,352 - 8,122 - 244,474 - - - 3,182 - 11,428 - 14,610 259,084 1. attanticus - 487 - - 487 - 846 28 - 875 1,362 T. obesus 12,372 - 501 - 12,873 601 - 601 43 - - - 43 13,517 Thunnus Spp. - - 375 - 375 9,269 501 - 9,770 4,766 - - 4.76 14,911 Total 610,571 69,451 111,930 791,952 July 1990 - June 1991 Scomberomorus cavatla 319,430 18 - - 319,448 45,431 879 - - 46,310 116,396 - - 5 116,401 482,159 Coryphaena hippurus 25,517 1,246 3,143 - 29,906 13,901 1,766 1,905 - 17,572 20,588 - 606 430 21,624 69,102 Pomatomus saLtatrix 7,794 4 - - 7,798 12,293 21 - 12,314 6,111 - - 30 6,141 26,253 Acanthocybi solanderi 1,120 - 131 - 1,251 2,761 74 91 2,926 3,256 - 227 36 3,519 7,696 Rachycentron canadtin 30 29 - - 59 2,851 1,112 - 3,963 2,029 - 78 1,501 3,608 7,630 Thunnus atbacares 168,855 9,200 - 178,055 - - - 1,305 - 3,426 4,731 182,786 T. atkanticus 2,394 48 - 2,442 - - 601 - 69 670 3,112 T. sus 1,413 4,189 - 5,602 59 105 - 164 - - 770 770 6,536 Thunnus spp. - - - 16,698 31 590 17,319 842 - 842 18,161 Totals 544,561 TOO,568 158,306 803,435 46 370 Virginia NORTHERN DISTRICT 369 wondese North Carolina CENTRAL DISTRICT ttem, 350. 0 50 km RALEIGH BAY Wort SOUTHERN DISTRICT nead3 Morehead City Ferry Wrightsville Beach 0N.SL0,W SAY 340- South Carolina Beach Carolina port LONG BAY "IT" 749 Figure 1. North Carolina ports handling reef fish landings. 250 Southern + Central Total 200 150 LU CL U 100 A 56' 01 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1112 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 88 89 90 91 Month/Year Figure 2. Monthly mean CPUE, by district and total, of handline vessels in the reef fish fishery, July 1988-June 1991. 140 El go-91 x 306.3,n 877 089-90 x 303.7,n 573 120 088-89 x 31 7.9,n 604 100 L) 80 C D Cr Go, CD 60 LL 140 20 0 HP.M 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 Total length (mm) Figure 3. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for black seabass (Centropristis striata) in North Carolina, July 19 '88-June 1991. 300 El 90-91 x 541.9,n 1070 250 089-90 x=500.7,n=1313 F-188-89 x=478.1,n=1063 200 C (D 150 Cr U_ 50 77 200 300 4W 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 Total length (mm) Figure 4. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for snowy grouper (Eninephelus niveatus) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991. 160 1190-91 x 427.5,n 298 140 89-90 x 455.6,n 541 D 88-89 x 449.0,n 750 120 100 > Ln 80 Cr LL 60 40 20 0 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 Total length (mm) Figure 5. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for speckled hind (Eoinenhelus drymmondha, in North Carolina July 1988-June 199 M M M @ I" M M ina M M 6M M M M, M M M 140 El 90-91 x = 609.0,n = 543 E189-90 x=565.1,n=478 120 E188-89 x=574.6,n=374 100 .. .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... 10 80 ... .. ... .. C D Cr . . .... k-n CD 60 U_ 140 20 0 9 a LE 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 Total length (mm) Figure 6. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for red grouper (Eginephelus mia) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991. 160 7r E390-91 x=752.1,n=401 140 [189-90 x= 758.4,n= 606 088-89 x 751.3, n840 120 100 > :3 80 cr LL 60 40 20 HMH c=A 0 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 Total length (mm) Figure 7. Length-frequency,.mean size, and number measured for gag (MYcteroperca microlepis) in North Carolina, July 1988-june 1991. 500 E190-91 x= 510.1,n = 1603 El 89-90 x = 498.7,n = 1572 E188-89 x = 501.2,n = 1957 4W >- 300 C Cr (D LL 200 100 0- 200 3W 400 500 6W 700 800 Fork length (mm) Figure 8. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for scamp (Mycteroperca phenax) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991. 180 E190-91 x 587.9,n 202 160 089-90 x 524.0,n 549 ... E188-89 x 535.4,n 442 140 120 C 100 (D Cr k-n 80 LL 60 140 20 0' 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 1000 LLI Total length (mm) Figure 9. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for red snapper (Lutianus campechanus) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991. 160 140 El 90-91 x 384.0,n 144 089-90 x=417.8,n=319 120 088-89 x=404.7,n=650 100 > :3 80 Cr Ln LL 60 40 20 01 - 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 Total length (mm) Figure 10. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for silk snapper (Lqljanus vivanus) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991. 6W E190-91 x=365.3,n=2419 89-90 x 374.3,n 1776 500 E188-89 x 373.3,n 2137 400 C 300 Cr i-n Lm LL 200 100 01 __R 160 190 220 250 280 310 340 370 400 430 460 490 520 550 580 610 Total Length (mm) Figure 11. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for vermilion snapper (Rhomboglites aurorubens) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991. 500 E190-91 x=358.1,n=1618 1189-90 x = 371.5,n = 1421 4W El 88-89 x= 386.7,n= 1578 .. .. .. ... . >- 300 C (D Cr U_ 2W 100 0 HMMP9PqRF=iF==,_, - 210 255 300 345 390 435 480 525 570 615 660 705 Total length (mm) Figure 12. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991. 120 El 90-91 x=365.7,n=356 089-90 x 378.0,n 259 El 88-89 x=379.5,n=382 100 80 > ... . ... C (D 0, :3 60 Cr 77 CO U_ X. 20 0 220 250 280 310 340 370 400 430 460 490 520L 550 580 Total length (mm) Figure 13. Length-frequency, mean size,'and number measured for knobbed porgy (Calamus nodosus) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991. 100 El 90-91 x=518.0,n=296 089-90 x = 502.6,n = 349 1:188-89 x = 544.5,n = 159 80 > 60 ... ... C.) C .. ... ... ... Cr CD LL 40 ... ... ... ... ... .... ... 20 . ...... 77 0- MRP9 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 Total length (mm) Figure 14. Length- frequency, mean size, and number measured for blueline tilefish (Caulolatilus microps) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991. 100 El 90-91 x = 691.6,n = 346 80 89-90 x = 623.9,n = 395 El 88-89 x 594. 1,n 220 > 60 "I...: P.: C M LL 40 20 0 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 Total Length (mm) Figure 15. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991. 160 E190-91 x = 397.0,n = 625 89-90 x = 412.2,n = 342 140 E188-89 x=416.7,n=295 120 100 .. ... ... .... ... U 80 Cr .... ... ... LL . . . . ...... ... ... 60 40 20 01 F=9 1 220 250 280 310 340 370 400 430 460 490 520 550 5$0 Fork length (mm) Figure 16. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for gray triggerfish, (Balistes capriscus) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991. 140 E190-91 x = 342. 1,n 472 77 089-90 x 357.2,n 291 120 E188-89 x 380.7,n 391 100 C-) 80 C a) Cr (2 60 U_. 40 20 MI 01 150 180 210 240 270 300 330 360 390 420 450 480 510 540 570 600 Total length (mm) Figure 17. Length-frequency, mean size:, and number measured for white grunt (Haemulon plumieri) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991. 140 E190-91 x = 983.3,n = 687 120 089-90 x=981.6,n=325 77 E188-89 x 967.6,n 79 100 80 C Cr 60 ... .... U_ 140 20 LLL r77M F i: @; I 1*iA 01 LL_ 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 100010501100115012001250130013501400 Total length (mm) Figure 18. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for wreckfish (Polyprion americanus) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991. 400 r7_1 LJ90-91 x=737,n=1408 89-90 x 787,n 996 88-89 x 806,n 767 300 200 Cr LL 77. 100 0 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 Fork Length (mm) Figure 19. Length-frequency of king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) sampled from the reef fish and coastal pelagic fisheries, July 19118-June 1991. 100 E190-91 x=634,n=168 80 E189-90 x=651,n=203 E188-89 x=639,n=200 >- 60 C Ln Cr U_ 40 20 '17 0 El. E714-11 1-7-1 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 Fork Length (mm) Figure 20. Length-frequency of dolphin (Coryphaena hippurus) sampled from the reef fish and coastal pelagic fisheries, July 1988-June 1991. 7 E190-91 x=305,n=74 60 389-90 x=324,n=150 EIBB-89 x=743,n=11 >' 45 U (D Cr >1 CD U_ 30 X 15 0 r7771 rr-71 r__I r= 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 Fork Length (mm) Figure 21. Length-frequency of bluefish (Pomatomus salta.trix) sampled from the reef fish and coastal pelagic fisheries, July 1988-June 1991. 4 El 90-91 x 1 133,n 6 E189-90 x=1348,n=16 3 1:188-89 x=1318,n=15 C.) 2 Cr U_ IT- 0 375 375 475 575 675 775 875 975 1075 1175 1275 1375 1475 1575 1675 1775 Fork length (mm) Figure 22. Length-frequency of wahoo (Acanthocybium solanderi) sampled from the reef fish and coastal pelagic fisheries, July 1988-June 1991. 20 LJ90-91 x=989,n=33 1189-90 x=991,n=101 n88-89 x=945,n=40 15 a) 10 00 Cr (D 5 o 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 Fork length (mm) Figure 23. Length-frequency of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) sampled from the reef fish and c,a tal lagic fisheries, Jul 1988-June 1991 s 66 m m @W = = ASSESSMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES Completion Report for Project 2-IJ-16 May 1992 JOB 6 FLOUNDER POUND NET FISHERY ASSESSMENT By James P. Monaghan, Jr. ABSTRACT The North Carolina flounder.pound net fishery was sampled in 1989 and 1990. Southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) dominated the catches both years, representing 88% (1989) and 81% (1990) of the catch by weight. Summer flounder (E. dentatus) represented less than 1% of the sampled catches in 1989, but rose to 5% in 1990. Other frequentl.y occurring species were Gulf flounder (P. albigutta), harvestfish (Peprilus alepidotus), butterfish (E. triacanthus), red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), and striped mullet (MUgil cephalus). The population of southern flounder sustaining this fishery is probably stable considering that landings are primarily comprised of three age classes (2, 3, and 4) and that this species is a maximum age of 6 or 7 years old. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . METHODS AND MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 APPENDIX INTRODUCTION The North Carolina flounder pound net fishery targets on paralichthine flounders during their fall emigration from sounds and rivers. This fishery is very effective, landing 1.7 million pounds in 1989 and 1.4 million pounds in 1990 (NC DMF unpublished data). The pound net fishery is also very efficient in that only marketable fishes are killed and the unwanted bycatch is returned alive to the water. The pound net fishery for flounder takes place in shallow waters (<2m) along the mainland and barrier island shorelines of sounds from Roanoke Island, in the north, south to Back Sound, near Cape Lookout (Figure 1). A detailed description of the fishery is provided by Wolff (1977) and DeVries (1981). Anecdotal information indicates the number of flounder pound nets increased dramatically during the 1980's. An aerial survey in 1990 yielded an estimated 704 flounder pounds in North Carolina. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) resumed sampling of the flounder pound net fishery in 1989. The Core Sound component of this fishery was sampled between 1979 and 1982 and was reported on by DeVries (1981). This report presents statewide coverage of the fishery and includes information on species composition, relative abundance, age and size distribution and sampling effort for the 1989 and 1990 fishing seasons. METHODS AND MATERIALS Flounder pound net catches were sampled at fish houses during September through November (generally four or more samples/month). Since most flounder pound net catches were culled at the fishing site, most samples taken were random stratified (graded) samples. For each species, as many random samples (22.7 kg) as possible were obtained from each size category (large, medium, small, etc.), with more samples for larger fish. Additional species were noted. Each sample was weighed to the nearest 0.1 kg, all individuals measured JL or FL; mm) and .the total number recorded. If the individuals in a fish box were too numerous to measure, at least 30 were measured, and the remainder counted. 2 Some unculled samples were taken. An unculled sample consisted of at least one (though usually more) random, unculled fish basket sample (22.7 kg) per pound net catch. All fishes in the sample were identified and measured (fork length, FL or total length, TL; mm). Total weights for the sample, as well as individual species component weight, were taken. The total weight of each size category/species was obtained from the trip tickets. Total length frequencies for each catch were derived by expanding the sample length frequencies for each market category (grade) by a raising factor to represent the species market grade weight. Species market grade weight was obtained from trip tickets and species length frequencies were a combination of those expanded for the respective species market grades. Species numerical abundance/catch was calculated similarly by determining the number of individuals/market grade and then merging all market grades/species. Sagit tal otoliths were collected monthly from southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) representing all sizes available in this fishery. Otoliths were removed, cleaned, and stored in 70% ethanol. They were read from an image on a high resolution RGB monitor. The monitor was coupled with a chip video camera mounted in a stereo microscope set at 23.7X magnification. The otolith radius and distance to the annular mark were measured from whole sagittal otoliths as described by Wenner et al. (1990). These distances were calculated by a sonic digitizer coupled to a personal computer. The system was calibrated with an ocular micrometer before each reading session. Age-length keys were developed for southern flounder iand age composition was calculated by resolving expanded length to age. Fishing locations were partitioned into three areas: 1) Carteret, including Core Sound, Back Sound, and southeastern Pamlico Sound, 2) Ocracoke, including areas behind Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke Island; 3) Roanoke, including the waters around Roanoke Island (Figure I).. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In 1989 twenty-eight catches were sampled. Catch weights averaged 492 kg and ranged from 58 to 1,577 kg, while sample weights ranged from 23 to 140 kg 3 (Table 1) Sampled catches increased to forty-nine in 1990 with a mean catch weight of 372 kg (range of 71-1,230 kg) and sample weights ranged from 23 to 178 kg. Southern flounder dominated catches in 1989 comprising 88,54 of the catches sampled in weight and 77% in number (Table 2). Southern flounder, harvestfish (Peprilus alepidotus.), Gulf flounder (Paralicht hys albigutta), red drum (Sci aenops ocel 1 atus) , and butterf i sh (Pepri 1 us tri acanthus) represented over 95% of the sampled weight. Southern flounder also dominated the catches in 1990, representing 81% of the catch by weight and 78% by number (Table 3). Summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) represented 5% of the catch in 1.990 a tenfold increase from 1989. Southern flounder, summer flounder, red drum, Gulf flounder, Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), harvestfish, and striped mullet (agail cephalus) represented over 95%, by weight, of the catches sampled in 1990. Southern flounder also dominated the ca tches by area in both 1989 and 1990 (Tables 4 and 5). The Carteret and Ocracoke areas had similar species composition, although butterfish in the Carteret area were replaced in importance by red drum in the Ocracoke area. The relative increase of summer flounder in 1990 was due to increased occurrence in the Carteret and Ocracoke areas. An increase in the Roanoke area, an oligohaline environment, would not be expected due to the preference of summer flounder for salinities greater than 14%o (Powell 1974). Other mesohaline species present in the Ocracoke and Carteret areas were replaced by oligohaline and freshwater species such as gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), and redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) in the Roanoke area (Tables 4 and 5). Monthly species composition data are presented in the Appendix. Although length frequencies are presented for southern, summer and Gulf flounders, harvestfish, butterfish, and red drum, sufficient data were only available to comment on harvestfish (Figure 2) and southern flounder (Figure 3). Harvestfish ranged from 110 to 210 mm FL in 1989 with a similar range in 1990 (Figure 2). However, the distribution in 1989 had a mode between 160-190 mm FL while the dominant mode is 120 mm FL in 1990. These modes may represent dominant 4 year classes passing through the fishery. Southern flounder were relatively evenly distributed across the length classes between 350 mm TL and 450 mm TL in 1989. These fish represent the 2 - 4 year old fish shown in Figure 4. However, in 1990, about 70% of the expanded lengths of southern flounder between 325 and 375 mm TL. This shift towards a smaller mode was probably due to a strong 1988 year class moving through the fishery. Almost 70% of the fish sampled in 1990 were age 2 fish (Figure 4). Data from the two years of this study clearly show that southern flounder account for the bulk of the landings in the North Carolina pound net fishery for flounder. The population of southern flounder sustaining this fishery is probably stable considering that landings are primarily comprised of three age classes (2, 3, and 4) and that this species probably reaches a maximum age of 6 or 7 years old (Music and Pafford 1984; Wenner et al. 1991). However, the age composition of this species should be monitored annually to see if, in fact, an acceptable number of age classes 3) remain in the fishery. 5 LITERATURE CITED DeVries, D.A. 1981. Stock assessment of adult fishes in the Core Sound area. Compl. Rep., Proj. 2-326-R, NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish., 54 p. Music, J.L., Jr., and J.M. Pafford. 1984. Population dynamics and life history aspects of major marine sportfishes in Georgia'.s coastal waters. Ga Dept. Nat. Resour., Contrib. Ser. No. 38, 283. Powell, A. B. 1974. Biology of the summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, in Pamlico Sound and adjacent waters, with comments on P. lethostigma, and P. albigutta. M. S. Thesis, UNC, Chapel Hill, N.C., 145 p. Wenner, C.A., W.A. Roumillat, J.E. Moran, Jr., M.B. Maddox, L.B. Daniel, III, and J.W. Smith. 1990. Investigations of the life history and population dynamics of marine recreational fishes in South Carolina: Part 1. Fin. Rep., Proi. F-37, SC Wildl. Mar. Resour. Dept., Mar. Resour. Res. Inst., 180 p. Wolff, M. 1977. Preliminary stock assessment, North Carolina: hard blue crabs (Callinctes. sapidus). Compl. Rep., Proj. 2-292-R, NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish., 17 p. TabLe 1. MonthLy summary of sampLing of the North Carotina fLounder pound net fishery by area fished; n = number of catches sampLed. Catch weight (kq) SampLe weight (kg) Year Month Area n Mean Range Mean Range 1989 Sep Carteret 6 544.9 58.3 - 1,577.0 75.4 42.1-100.4 Ocracoke 3 513.5 350.2 - 662.2 91.0 83.2- 95.5 Roanoke 5 635.3 141.5 - 1,200.3 94.5 69.1-140.2 ALL areas 14 570.5 58.3 - 1,577.0 85.6 42.1-140.2 Oct Carteret 3 368.5 262.8 - 429.7 36.2 29.7- 45.6 Ocracoke 2 649.1 601.9 - 696.3 83.8 63.2-104.4 Roanoke 5 509.8 185.2 - 829.6 52.5 26.1- 84.4 ALL areas 10 495.3 185.2 - 829.6 53.9 26.1-104.4 Nov Carteret I - 339.8 - 66.5 Ocracoke 2 180.5 154.6 - 206.3 45.4 22.7- 68.1 Roanoke 1 - 139.2 - 28.5 ALL areas 4 210.0 139.2 - 339.6 46.4 22.7- 68.1 ALL months and areas 28 492.1 58.3 - 1,577.0 68.6 22.7-140.2 1990 Sep Carteret 4 273.2 110.4 - 584.3 83.4 60.0-123.5 Ocracoke 2 570.2 178.7 - 961.6 - 69.8 AL L areas 6 372.2 110.4 - 961.6 80.7 60.0-123.5 Oct Carteret a 532.5 137.9 - 1,063.7 110.2 48.4-178.4 Ocracoke 11 180.8 73.6 - 344.3 54.2 22.5-100.2 Roanoke 2 370.0 322.3 - 07.8 47.8 31.0- 63.9 ALL areas 21 332.8 73.6 - 1,063.7 76.0 22.5-178.4 Nov Carteret 9 387.9 189.1 - 922.2 106.0 55.3-168.8 Ocracoke 3 259.5 70.8 - 371.9 56.4 48.2- 60.9 Roanoke 2 512.6 249.5 - 775.6 74.3 68.2- 80.4 ALL areas 14 378.2 70.8 - 922.2 90/8 48.2-168.8 Dec Carteret a "2. 0 193.0 - 1,229.6 78.7 46.5-104.8 ALL areas a "2. 0 193.0 - 1,229.6 78.7 46.5-104.8 ALL months and areas 49 371.7 70.8 - 1,229.6 81.4 22.5-178.4 7 lable 1. Overall species composition and mean catclArip ol III North Carolina Rounder pound net catches sampled frcxn September through November 1989. Mean % Weight @kq) Number weight freq. Species Mean Perrpnr Mean Percent (kq) occur ParaLichthys Lethostigma 432.0 88.12 543 77.3 0.783 100 Pepritus atepidotus 10.6 2.16 53 7.5 0.201 29 ParaLichthys atbigutta 9.8 1.99 12 1.6 0.834 39 Sciaenops oceitatus 7.9 1.61 4 0.5 2.133 43 PepriLus triacanthus 6.7 1.36 34 4.8 0.199 7 Trachinotus caroHnus 4.5 0.92 18 2.5 0.255 29 Dorosoma cepedian 3.0 0.62 7 1.1 0.408 29 Archosarqus Probatocephatus 2.8 0.56 2 0.2 1.676 29 Micropogonias undutatus 2.3 0.47 4 0.6 0.582 39 Chaetodipterus faber 2.3 0.47 2 0.3 1.146 14 Pomatomus saLtatrix 2.2 0." 1 0.1 2.661 32 Muqit cephaLus 1.5 0.30 0 <0.1 5.661 25 CaLLinectes sapidus 1.3 0.27 9 1.3 0.1" 25 Atuterus schoepfi 1.1 0.23 7 1.0 0.154 11 Scomberomorus macutatus 0.6 0.12 <1 <0.1 1.767 7 Paratichthys dentatus 0.5 0.10 1 0.2 0.318 29 Ictaturus punctatus 0.3 0.07 <1 0.1 0.940 7 Sphoeroides macutatus 0.3 0.05 <1 0.1 0.793 14 Cynoscion regatis 0.2 0.04 1 0.1 0.292 14 Chitomycterus schoeyfi 0.2 0.04 <1 0.1 0.350 4 Leiostomus xanthurus; 0.1 0.03 1 0.2 0.102 4 Trachinotus fatcatus 0.1 0.02 1 0.1 0.125 4 Brevoortia tyrannus 0.1 0.01 1 0.1 0.110 4 Selene setapinnis <0.1 0.01 1 0.1 0.0" 7 Trinectes macuLatus <0.1 <0.01 1 0.1 0.040 4 Lagodon r1omboides <0.1 <0.01 <1 <0.1 0.070 4 Species observed Pogonias cromis Menticirrhus spp. Cynoscion nebutosus Lepomis microLophus Mugit spp. Lobotes surinamensis 8 TabLe 3. Overatt species composition and mean catch/trip of 28 North Carotina fLounder pound net catches sampted from September through December 1990. Mean % Weight (kq) Number weight freq. Species Mean % Mean % (kq) occur Paratichthys tethostigma 287.4 81.2 427 78.3 0.671 98 Paratichthys dentatus 18.9 5.3 35 6.5 0.530 80 Sciaenops ocettatus 9.7 2.7 2 0.4 3.943 53 ParaLichthys albigutta 8.5 2.4 13 2.4 0.643 41 Brevoortia tyrannus 5.6 1.6 1 0.1 0.067 6 Peprilus alepidotus 5.5 1.5 36 6.6 0.119 41 Muqit cephaLus 3.3 0.9 2 0.4 o.996 37 Chaetodipterus faber 2.4 0.7 1 0.2 1.817 14 Archosargus Probatocenhalus 1.9 0.5 2 0.4 0.853 27 Trachinotus caroLinus 1.5 0.4 7 1.2 0.229 31 Pornatomus saitatrix 1.5 0.4 1 0.2 1.025 39 PepriLus triacanthus 1.7 0.4 8 1.4 0.180 16 Cynoscion regatis 1.3 0.4 3 0.5 0.477 14 Scomberomorus macutatus 0.7 0.2 0 0.1 1.647 12 Cynosci nebuLosus 0.6 0.2 0 0.1 1.163 31 Pogonias cromis 0.6 0.2 0 0.0 8.500 10 Sphoeroides maculatus 0.4 0.1 1 0.2 0.353 31 Orthopristis chryscotera 0.3 0.1 1 0.1 0.315 6 Dorosoma cepedian 0.2 0.1 1 0.1 0.371 4 Micropogonias undulatus 0.2 0.1 1 0.1 0.316 24 IctaLurus Punctatus 0.1 0.0 'Cl C0.1 0.630 4 SeLene vomer 0.1 <0.1 1 0.3 0.063 10 CalLinectes sapidus 0.1 4.1 <1 0.1 0.191 6 Trichiurus tepturus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.380 2 Lagodon rhomboides <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.305 2 Chitomycterus schoeofi <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.350 2 Prionotus evolans <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.240 2 ScophthaLmus aquosus <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.200 4 Menticirrhus saxatitis <0.1 <0.1 <1 <0.1 0.500 2 Observed species Sphyrna spp. Menticirrhus spp. Ictaturus spp. Centropr stis striata Morone americana Atosa aestivatis Perca Ravescens Atosa mediocris Leiostomus xanthurus; Euthynnus aLletteratus Atuterus schoepfi Morone saxatilis Table 4. Species composition, by area, of North Carolina flounder pound net catches sampled for 1989, including mean catch/trip (kg) and mean number/trip. Carteret Ocracoke Roanoke Mean Mean Mean weight Percent Percent weight Percent Percent weight Percent Percent Species (kq) weight number (kg) weight number (kg) weight number ParaLlchthy lethostfgma 357.5 77.4 56.4 413.2 94.2 83.0 511.8 96.0 91.8 PwriLus aLeg)fdotus 28.3 6.0 19.2 2.0 0.4 2.6 0 0 0 Paratichthys aLbfgutta 26.3 5.7 4.2 1.4 0.3 0.5 0 0 0 PevrfLus triacanthus 18.7 4.0 13.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Trachinotus caroHnus 12.7 2.7 6.8 @Co. 1 <0.1 <0.1 0 0 0 Scleenope oceLLatus 7.7 1.6 <0.1 15.5 3.4 1.3 3.3 0.6 0.7 Archosargus vrobatocephatus 5.6 1.2 <0.1 2.3 0.5 0.8 <0.1 0.1 0.2 Mugu caphatus 3.7 0.8 <0.1 0.9 0.2 0.2 <0.1 0.1 <1 Pomatomws saLtatrix 2.9 0.6 <0.1 1.0 0.3 0.7 0 0 0 Scomberomorus macuLatus 1.6 0.3 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mfcropogonias undutatus 1.0 0.2 <0.1 0.9 0.2 0.4 4.3 0.8 1.1 Parotichthys dentatus 0.8 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.2 <0.1 0.2 Pogonia cromis 0.5 0.1 <0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cynoscion regalls 0.3 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.2 <0.1 0.2 Cynosci nebutosus 0.3 0.1 <0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Chactodfpterus faber <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 9.1 2.0 1.7 0 0 0 Atuterus schoeofi 0 0 0 4.5 1.0 6.3 0 0 0 Schoeroides macuLatus 0 0 0 1.1 0.2 0.3 0 0 0 Chitomycterus schoeofi 0 0 0 0.7 0.1 0.4 0 0 0 Trachfnotus fatcatus 0 0 0 0.3 0.1 0.6 0 0 0 Menticirrhus spp. 0 0 0 0.2 <0.1 <0.1 0 0 0 SeLen setatAnnis 0 0 0 0.2 <0.1 0.8 0 0 0 Dorosoma cet)edian 0 0 0 0 0 0 7.7 1.4 2.3 Catifnectes, savidus 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.3 0.6 2.7 IctaLurus punctatus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.8 0.2 0.1 Lefostomus xanthurus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.3 0.1 0.4 Brevoord tyrannus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.2 <0.1 0.2 Trinectes macuLatus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 <0.1 0.2 Looodon rhomboldes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 <0.1 0.1 Loomis microtophus 0 0 0 0 0 0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 NA a not avalLabLe Table 5. Species composition, by area, of North Carolina flounder pound net catches sampled for 1990, including mean catch/trip (kg) and mean number/trip. Carteret Ocracoke Roanoke Mean Mean Mean weight Percent Percent weight Percent Percent weight Percent Percent Species (k-q) weight number (kq) weight number (kg) weight number Paratichthys lethostfgma 360.9 83.3 83.1 120.9 65.5 48.5 421.9 95.6 95.3 Paralfchthys dentatus; 20.0 4.6 5.7 21.2 11.5 13.6 0.9 0.2 0.4 Peratfchthys stbigutta 13.8 3.2 3.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Brevoortl tyrannus 9.4 2.2 NA* 0 0 0 0.5 0.1 1.0 Scjaenopj oceliatus 5.8 1.3 0.3 16.7 9.1 0.5 9.7 2.2 1.1 ftWU cephatus 5.1 1.2 0.5 0 0 0 3.5 0.8 0.3 Pecritus alepfdotus 4.7 0.8 2.8 6.7 3.6 26.3 0 0 0 Archosaria probstocephatus 3.2 0.7 0.6 0 0 0 0 0 0 Peoritus trfacanthus 3.1 0.5 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pamatomus sattatrfx 1.9 0.4 0.2 1.0 0.5 0.4 0 0 0 Trachinotus carotinus 1.2 0.3 0.8 2.5 1.4 3.a. 0 0 0 Cynoscfon nebutosus 1.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0 0 0 Cynoscfon regalia 1.0 0.2 0.5 2.3 1.2 0.8 0 0 0 Pogonfas cromis 0.9 0.2 <0.1 0.3 0.2 NA 0 0 0 Orthopristis chrysoptera 0.4 0.1 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Moron saxatItis 0.3 0.1 <0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Euthynnus ailetteratus 0.2 <0.1 <0.1 0 0 0 0 o 0 0 Microoononlas undulatus 0.2 <0.1 <0.1 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.1 <0.1 0.3 Sphoeroides maculatus 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 1.0 0.5 1.0 0 0 0 Scomberamorus macutatus <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 2.1 1.2 0.4 0 0 0 Choetodfpterus faber <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 7.3 4.0 1.3 0 0 0 Selene yomer 0 0 0 0.0 0.2 1.5 0 0, 0 TrIchfurus tepturus 0 0 0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0 0 0 Lagodon rhomboides 0 0 0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0 0 0 Chftomvctorl& shoepfi 0 0 0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0 0 0 Prionotus evotans 0 0 0 0.1 <0.1 0.1 0 0 0 Doros cepedfa 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.7 0.6 1.1 Ictaturus PAnctatus 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.5 0.3 0.3 Scophthat" aquosus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.2 4. 1 0.1 NA x not available Albemarle Sound Roanoke Island F. :.Oregon Inlet PunqoP- a Pamlico PAMLICO SOUND Cape Hatteras a! so or** 09 On Ocracoke e Island Roanoke Ni Ocracoke San Carteret Ba k Soum Cape Lookout Figure 1. Flounder pound net fishing grounds in North Carolina, 1990. 12 30 30 1989 H ar vest hs n 1990 26 n @ 463 25 n - 428 20 20 16 is 10 10 6 a 0 0 90 110 130 1 SO 170 190 210 90 110 130 160 170 190 210 Butterfish 19M so Buttartish -1990 25 n 83 so n - 10 20 40 (3) 16 30 10 20 6 10 0 01 so 110 130 ISO 170 190 210 90 110 130 ISO 170 190 210 30 25 Red drum ism Red drum 1990 25 n 2D n - 79 20 16 16 10 10 6 L . . . . 0 A 325 426 626 625 726 826 926 1026 1125 325 426 626 62S 72S 826 926 1026 1125 Total length (mm) Figure 2. Annual expanded length frequencies for peprilids and red drum from the North Carolina pound net fishery for flounder, 1989-1990; L n=number of individuals measured. 13 1 - 50 Southern flounder 1 geg Southern flounder 1990 14 n 2,195 40 n - 3.704 12 10 30 8 a 20 4 2 0 0 'OL I 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 800 650 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 6W 650 35 so 0 Summer flounder 19M Summer flounder 1990 C: 30 n 14 n - 312 40 25 a) 20 30 15 20 C: 10 10 5 0 0 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 6W 650 50 50 Gulf flounder 1989 Gulf flounder 1990 40 n - 74 40 n - 74 30 30 20 20 10 10 0 0 J__L__j 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 850 1 W 2W 4W 4W 5W W) WO GW Total length (MM) Figure 3. Annual expanded length-frequencies for paralichthine flounders from the North Crolina pound net fishery for flounder, 1989-1990; n=number of individuals measured. -n (D 4b 0 cl+u:l PERCENT FREQUENCY PERCENT FR w cn cr) @4 00 -h 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 U) 0 c -n 0 0 0 c .h :3 CL 0 =r > 00 m -h 0 to CL C+ I z z m Ln 0 C+ su I 0 I I I I I I I A P P E N D I X I I I I I I I I I I I I A P P E N D I X Monthly species composition (by weight and by number) for the top (99% by weight) species sampled from the North Carolina flounder pound net fishery, 1989-1990. 1989 1990 Weight Number Weiaht Number Month Swies Mean Percent Mean Percent Mean Percent Mean Percent Sep Paratfchthys tethostigma 478.8 84.2 644 69.5 121.4 57.3 212 51.2 Pepritus atepidotu 21.2 3.7 105 11.4 4.8 2.3 22 5.3 Pepritus triacanthus 13.3 2.3 67 7.2 15.2 7.1 63 15.2 Paratichthys atbinutta 9.9 1.7 14 1.5 49.7 23.5 75 18.1 Trachinotus carotinus 9.1 1.6 35 3.8 4.5 2.1 21 5.1 sciaenops oceliatus 8.2 1.4 1 0.1 - - - - choetodipterus faber 4.6 0.8 4 0..4 Micropogonies undutatus 4.5 0.8 a 0.9 Dorosom cepedfa 4.3 0.8 10 1.1 Pomatomus saitatrix 4.2 0.7 2 0.2 2.8 1.3 22 5.3 MUIU cephatus 2.5 0.4 1 0.1 - - Atuterus schoepfi 2.2 0.4 15 1.6 - - - - Archosargus Probatocephalus 1.4 0.2 3 0.3 0.8 0.4 <1 <0.1 Paratichthys dentatus - - - - 4.9 2.3 11 2.6 Scomberomorus macutatus - - 4.8 2.3 3 0.6 Oct Paratichthys tethostigma 461.3 93.2 545 92.4 265.5 79.5 398 74.3 Sciaenops ocellatus 10.3 2.1 9 1.5 19.6 5.9 3 0.6 Paratichthys dentatus - - - 14.7 4.4 25 4.8 Pepritus atepidotus - - 9.2 2.8 69 12.9 ,-Chaetodipterus faber - - 5.6 1.7 3 0.6 0% @@ cephatus - - - - 4.2 1.2 2 0.4 Archosargus Probatocephatus 5.7 1.2 1 0.2 4.2 1.2 5 0.9 Paratichthys albigutta 9.9 2.0 7 1.2 3.1 0.9 5 0.9 Trachinotus carotinus - - - - 2.3 0.7 9 1.8 Fc@ @tomusTaitatrix 1.9 0.6 2 0.4 Cynoscion regails - - - 1.0 0.3 4 0.7 Porosoma cepedia 2.5 0.5 6 1.0 - - - Cattinectes sapidus 2.3 0.5 16 2.7 - - - Nov Paratichthys tethostfgma 194.0 92.4 .188 91.5 330.1 87.0 485 83.5 paratichthys dentatus 1.3 0.6 2 1.1 28.8 7.6 58 10.1 Ky "i cephatus 1.7 0.8 N/A - 5.0 1.3 5 0.8 Sciaenops oceltatus - - 3.9 1.0 3 0.5 Cynoscion regalia - - - - 2.8 0.7 3 0.5 Paratichthys atbiAutta 10.1 4.8 15 7.4 2.6 0.7 5 0.8 Cynoscion neWtosus - - - - 1.4 0.4 1 0.1 Pepritus atepidotus - - - 1.1 0.3 13 2.3 Sphooroldes macutatus 1.1 0.5 N/A - - - - Dec Paratichthys lethostiama - - - 395.2 85.7 565 92.7 Bravoortia tyrannus - - 34.0 7.4 NIA - Paratichthys dentatus - - 22.9 4.9 40 6.5 Paratichthya atbigutta - - 2.5 0.5 4 0.6 Pooonlas cromis - - 1.8 0.4 <1 Q. I Pomatomus sattatrix - 1.0 0.2 <1 <0.1 3 6668 00003 6691