North Carolina estuarine finfish management program

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

NORTH CAROLINA ESTUARINE FINFISH MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Steve W. Ross
Jess H. Hawkins
Douglas A. DeVries
Cl i fton H. Harvel 1

Robert C. Harriss, Jr.

North Carolina Department of Natural Resources

and Community Development

Division of Marine Fisheries

Morehead City, NC .28557

Completion Report for Project 2-372-R

July 1982

This project was conducted under the Commercial Fisheries

Research and Development Act (PL 88-309, as amended) and

funded, in part, by the U.S. Department of Commerce,

National Marine Fisheries Service.

SH
328
.N6
N67
1982

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
Project I: Longhaul Seine and Pound Net Surveys
Abstract 2
Introduction 3
Methods 4
Results 5
Long haul seine fishery 5
Pound net fisheries 24
Discussion 30
30
Long haul seine fishery
Core Sound flounder pound net fishery 36
Acknowledgments 37
Literature cited 38

Nursery Area Monitoring 40
Abstract 41
Introduction 42
Methods 43
Study area 43
Sampling gear 50
Results and discussion 51
Hydrographic description 51
Finfish 51

Invertebrates 109
Acknowledgments@. 127
Literature cited 128

Project II: Inshore Paralichthid Flounder Tagging 137

Abstract 133

Introduction 139

Methods 139
Results and Discussion 140
Pamlico River, September-November 1980 - 140
Core and Back Sounds, October-November 1980 148

Page
Neuse River, 3-13 April, 1981 150
Miscellaneous locations, November 1980- 153
July 1981
Cape Lookout-Beaufort Inlet, June-July 1981 154
Recommendations 154
Acknowledgments 154
Literature cited 155

Project III- Western Albemarle Sound Non-Anadromous Fisheries 157
Abstract 158
Introduction 159
Methods 161
Adult harvest survey 161
Results and Discussion 163
White perch 163
Catfish 163
Acknowledgments 167
Literature cited 171

US Departme nt of Comme rce
VOAA Coastal Services center Library
2234 South Hobson Avenue
Charleston, SC 29405-2413

PROJECT I

ESTUARINE FISH STOCK ASSESSMENT

LONG HAUL SEINE AND POUND NET SURVEYS

Steve W. Ross

Abstract

Long haul seine and pound net fisheries were sampled for species
composition, seasonality, age and size structure from October 1980 through
July 1981 in southwestern Pamlico Sound, Core Sound and their tributaries.
Twenty-nine long haul seine samples, yielding 46 species, were taken. Spot,
Atlantic croaker, Atlantic menhaden, pinfish, and weakfish composed 95% (by
number) of the total samples. Spot and croaker composed 69.9% by weight.
This fishery was mainly a sciaenid fishery of which.young-of-the-year and
yearling spot and croaker dominated the marketable catch. Samples from 'the
Core Sound pound net fishery were dominated by Paralichthys flounders (94.3%
by weight) of which P. lethostigma was the most abundant (87.7% by number
and 94.7% by weight). Southern flounder were primarily one and two years
old.

INTRODUCTION

North Carolina contains the largest sounds (semi-enclosed estuarine water
bodies) of any single state on the United States east or gulf coasts. These
estuaries and their tributaries function as major nursery areas for the young
of commercially important fishes and invertebrates as well as providing habitat
for adults. While inshore waters south of Morehead City are productive, sounds
to the north support most of the commercial fishing activities (Roelofs 1953).
Pamlico Sound (Figure 1) is the largest of the inshore water bodies with an
estimated total drainage area (including large rivers) of 5,180,000 ha (Roelofs
and Bumpus 1953) and is generally the major contributor to commercial fishing
activities. Hygrographic and some physiographic information has been summarized
by Roelofs and Bumpus (1953), Hobbie (1970), Schwartz and Chestnut (1973) and
Williams et al. (1973).

One of the earliest accounts of the North Carolina fishing industry (Earil
1887) reported that finfish (exluding anadromous species) landed in 1880
totaled 2,307,878 kg (5,088,000 lb) and consisted of bluefish (Panatomus
saltatrix), mullet (mugil spp.) spotted seatrout (cynoscion nebulosus), weakfish,
(cynoscion regalis). By 1980 preliminary landings for these species had risen to
12,779,905 kg (28,174,867 lb) and total finfish landings (excluding anadromous
fishes) were 135,924,015 kg (299,722,193 lb) including at least 39 species
(Street 1981; K. B. West pers. comm.). These figures are not directly comparable
since North Carolina fisheries have experienced a tremendous increase in effort
and diversification since the mid-twentieth century. Presently, inshore finfis
operations depend primarily on sciaenids (drums), southern flounder (Paralichthys
lethostigma), and Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus).

The objectives of this project were to evaluate the species composition,
seasonality, age and size structure of involved species, species growth, and
localities of several of the major fisheries. These studies concentrated on the
long haul seine and pound net fisheries, and covered the period from October 1980
through July 1981. This project was originally designed as a three year study but
was prematurely,curtailed bec ause of a reduction in supporting federal funds.
Unfortunately, for this reason some of the results are neither complete nor
definitive.

METHODS

An attempt was made to sample monthly a minimum of four long haul and two
pound net catches during the fishing seasons. Long haul fishing generally occurs
from spring through fall. The flounder pound net fishery of Core Sound occurs in
the fall. The sciaenid Pamlico Sound pound net fishery takes place during early
summer through fall. At least one unculled randomly collected.fish basket
( 36 kg) sample was obtained at the fishing location or occasionally at the fish
dealer. All species in the basket were identified, counted, and measured to the
nearest millimeter fork length (FL,for species with forked tails), total length
(TQ, or disk width (for s kates and rays). Individual species group weights (to
the nearest gram) were obtained separately for croaker (Micropogonias undulatus),
Spot (LeioStOMUS xanthurus), weakfish, southern flounder, and menhaden (B.revoortia
tyrannus). All other species were weighed together. Only southern flounder,
summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) and Gulf flounder (P. albigutta) were weighed
separately during Core Sound pound net sampling. Additional species seen in the
catches but not appearing in our samples were noted.

Scales were collected each month from a representative size range of croaker,
spot, and a s time permitted, weakfish. Scales were taken from below the lateral
line under the posterior tip of the pectoral fin. Scales were washed with water
and read on a microfiche reader at 36 X magnification (spot),or 24 X magnification
(croaker). Scale measurements were made on an axis from the focus to the center
of the anterior field. Annuli were distinguished using a combination of circuli
spacing, cutting over.in the lateral field, and the distribution of marginal
increments.

Since croaker and spot have extended spawning and a long growing season,.agi.ng
is facilitated by assigning a birthdate when fish of a particular year-class are
assigned to the next year class even though the annulus for that year may, not have
formed., January.was the birthdate. given to spot, which is possibly near the peak
in spawning. October has been used for croaker birthdates (White and Chittenden
1977) and it is probably near maximum spawning on the Atlantic (Morse.1980);
therefore; that-month was used in this study as a birthdate. A direct proportion
method of back-calculation with a correction factor (Lee method) was used in this
study (Bagenal and Tesch 1978).

Since the project was curtailed early, weakfish scales were not analyzed.
Otoliths were removed from southern flounder and analyzed as described by
DeVries (1981a).

Aging Definitions

Age Class (age group): A group of fish with the same age in years. Due to
extended spawning and growing season, especially in sciaenids, fish of a
particular age class designation may actually be older or younger than the
designation implies.
Young-of-the-Year Age class 0 fish that are less than one year old,
generally having no marks on scales or.otol.,iths.
Yearlings Fish in age class 1 that are in their second year.
Age Class 2: Fish in the third year of life.

RESULTS

Long Haul Seine Fishery

Twenty-nine long haul catches were sampled from October 1980 through July
1981 in an area from middle Pamlico Sound south to Back Sound (Figure 1). The
majority of the samples (13) came from Core Sound during October

The sampling yielded 46 finfish species, 3 species of invertebrates, and
one species of sea turtle (Table 1). Almost twice as many species were observed
in October as other months (Table 1). This is due to a greater sampling effort
for that month and the fact that, in general, inshore species d'iversity is at a
maximum in North Carolina during the fall. The number of species was fairly
stable from May through July.

Nearly 93% (by number) of the total was contributed by five species,.spot,
Atlantic croaker, Atlantic menhaden, pinfish, and weakfish (Table 1). All except
the pinfish were commercially important, and croaker, spot, and weakfish were
the desired marketable species of this fishery. The high@ranking of pinfi,sh was
due to the large numbers encountered in October in Core Sound. Other fishing
areas or months did not exhibit large pinfish catches.. Spot, croaker, menhaden,
and weakfish also were the major fishes fin our samples by weight (Table 2),
comprising at least 39.3%, 30.6%, 9.8%, and 8.5% of the total weight, respectively.

Stumpy
Point

ungo R.

Og IS!AMLICO
SOUND
lot Z-100 41@ CAPE
HATTERAS

West
Bay Ocracoke
Inlet

Neu e Ftivet Rumley Day
5

Morehead City

Sound
0
t
Beaufort
Inlet
Back Sound
CAPE LOOKOUT
,Figure' !.-r-i-'@clednumbers indicate locations (and number) of long haul seine catches
sampled from October 1980through July 1981 in North Carolina waters.

Table 1. Monthly composition and rankingi of species sampled from North Carolina
commercial long haul catches, October 1980-July 1981.*indicates present in
catch but not in subsamples. Numbers in parentheses indicate frequency of
occurrence in catches sampled.

Month
Oct Apr May Jun Jul Total % TotA
No. of samples 13 1 6 5 4 29 0
Species

Leiostoznus xanthurus 2143(13) 46 515(6) 1332(5) 837(4) 4873(29) 43.
Micropogonias undulatus 144(12) 139 1218(6) 691(5) 481(4) 2673(28) 23.
Brevoortia tyrannus 990(11) 229(3) 71(4) 47(4) 1337(22) 11.
Lagodon rhomboides 1077(11) 14(l) l(l) 4(l) 1096(14) 9.8
Cyhoscion regalis 47(9) 2 93(4) 102(4) 171(4) 415(22) 3. 1
Peprilus alepidotus 257(8) 1(2) 2(2) 98(4) 358(16) 3.2
orthop-ristis chrysoptera 372(10) 3(l) 4(2) 379(13) 0.;
Bairdiella chrysoura .4(3) 1 18(2) 5(2) 38(3) 66(1:1) 0.
Chaetodipterus faber 35(8) *(l) *(2) 30(2) 65(13) 0.
Chloroscombrus chrysurus 45(8) 45(8) 0.
Pomatomous saltatrix 13(11) 3(3) 6(4) 15(4) 37(22) 0.
Callinectes sapidus *(3) 3(4) *(3) 20(3) 23(13) 0 .
Paralichthys dentatus 5(4) 3(2) 3(5) 10(3) 20(14) 0.2
Dasyatis sabina 16(7) *(2) 10) 2(3) 19(13) 0.21
Peprilus triacanthus 3(3) 5(2) *(l) 10(3) 18(9) 0.2
Paralichthys lethostigma 3(6) 4(2) 2(2) 8(3) 17(13) 0.21
Menticirrhus americanus 1(6) 3(3) 11(4) 15(13) 0.1
Selene vomer 2(3) 10) 10(4) 13(8) 0.11
Prionotus scitulus 11(4) 11(4) 0.1
Prionotus evolans 7(6) 10) 8(7) 0.1
Opisthonema oglinum 6(2) 6(2) 0.11
Monacanthus hispidus 6(6) 6(6) 0.1
Sphoeroides maculatus 4(3) 4(4) <0-11
Cynoscion nebulosus 2(6) -*(2) 2(3) 4(11) <0.1
Caranx hippos 3(5) 3(5) <0.1
Eucinostomus argenteus 3(2) 3(2) '(O.l
Rhinoptera bonasus 3(3) *(l) *(l) 3(5) 40.1
Squid *(1) 20) 10) 3(3) <0.11
Caranx ruber 2(2) 2(2) <0.1

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9
Table 2 . Monthly numbers and weights (kg) and percent number and weight (wt) for
major commercial fishes (and o ther species combined) sampled from North
Carolina long haul catches, October 1980 - July 1981.

Month
Oct Apr May
Species N %N WT %WT N %N WT %WT N %N WT 0//OWT
Leiostomus 2143 41.1 297.6 53.2 46 24.5 3.0 11.6 515 24.4 37.11 17.
xanthurus
Micropogronias 144 2.8 14.7 2.6 139 73.9 22.3 85.3 1218 57.8 142.61 68.
undulatus
Cynoscion 47 0.9 25.6 4.6 2 0.5 0.7 2.6 93 4.4 15.81 7.)
regalis
Brevoortia 990 19.0 1.04.0 18.6 229 10.9 .6.81 3.
tyrannus
Paralichthys 3 0.1 2.0 0.4 4 0.2 1.9 0.9
lethostigma I
Paralichthys 5 0.1 1.4 0.2 3 0.1
dentatus
;Other species 1876 36.0 1.14.@2 20.4 1 0.5 0.1 0.4 47 2.2 4.41 2.
TOTAL 5208 559.5@ 188 26.1 2109 204.81

Jun Jul TOTAL
N %N WT %WT N %N WT %WT N %N WT %WT
Leiostomus 1332 59.8 -47.61 22.9 837 46.5 100.7 43.1 4873 43.5 486.01 39.
xanthurus
Micropogonias 691 31.0 1,32.01 63.4 481 26.7 66.6 28.5 2673 23.9 378.21 30.6
undulatus
Cynoscion 102 4.6 18.9'1 9.1 171 9.5 44.0 18.8 415 3.7 105.01 8.
regalis
Brevoortia 71 3.2 6.0 2.9 47 2.6 4.9 2.1 1337 11.9 121.71 9.)
tyrannus,
Paralichthys 2 0.1 0.21 8 0.4 1.6 0.7 17 0.2 5.51 0.
lethostigma
Paralichthys 3 0.1 3.31 0.1 10 0.6 1.1 0.5 21 0.2 2.71 0.
dentatus I
Other species 26 1.2 7.251 1.6 246 13.7 14.5 6.2 1869 16.7 136.61 11.1
TOTAL 2227 208.1- 1800 233.5 11205 1235.71

'Incomplete sample weights all samples.not weighed.

The smaller sized pinfish did not contribute greatly to the sample weights.
Although other commercially important fishes such as flounders, bluefish, and
harvestfish (Peprilus alepidotus) were often encountered in the long haul
fishery, they rarely contributed significantly to the marketable foodfish catch
(Tables 1 and 2). These data indicated that long hauling was predominantly a
sciaenid fishery, spot, croaker, weakfish, spotted seatrout, and southern kingfish
(Menticirrhus americanus) accounted for 71.2% of total numbers, while 78.5% of
total weight was contributed by spot, croaker, and weakfish. Other important
species (besides spot, croaker, and weakfish) such as bluefish, spotted seatrout,
red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) southern kingfish were encountered in small numbers
in our samples (Table 1). Occasionally large quantities of these fishes generally
considered to be recreational will be landed (K. B. West, pers. comm.); h owever,
they form a small percentage of the overall landings

Landings data (Table 3) indicated that the fall long haul fishery was
dominated by spot, with croaker and weakfish also contributing major proportions.
Unclassified scrap landings composed 51% of the total October landings and 12%
of the November landings. This category contained large numbers of small (young-,
of-the-year) spot, croaker, and weakfish. Most of the long haul activity ended
during November. In addition to the fall landings being heavily skewed toward
spot, the location of the fishery shifted during the fall from all over the
Pamlico Sound area to a more concentrated effort in Core Sound. 'After a winter
lull, long haul activity began in April, and the landings data (Table 3) showed
that croaker was the primary species from April through June, followed by weakfish
and spot. During this time the fishery was spread throughout Pamlico Sound and
its tributaries.

Overall landings for the nine month study period (Table 3) ranked croaker
first, 29.5% of total kg landed, followed by spot, 21.0%, and weakfish, 7.5%. The
scrap category was consistently a large proportion of each month's catch and
comprised 37.5% of the total landings (October-June).

Data collected from the sampled long hauls (Table s I and 2) indicated trends
similar to the overall landings (Table 3). Spot dominated the'samples in October.
Some species such as menhaden and pinfish which were numerically abundant entered
the scrap catetory. Other fishes such as pigfish (0--thopristis chrysoptera).
harvestfish, croaker, and weakfish were marketed both as food fish and scrap
depending on the sizes landed. Spring samples (April-May, Tables 1 and 2)

Table 3. Monthly long haul seine landings* (kg) of selected-species from October 1980 through June.
1981. The figures are from an area covering Pamlico Sound south of Roanoke Island, Core
Sound, Neuse River, Pamlico River, North River (Carteret Co.) and their major tributaries.
Data are from the Division of Marine Fisheries-National Marine Fisheries Service
statistics program.

Species Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Total

Leiostomus xanthurus 649,897 88,113 0 0 0 0 9,009 45,401 72,227 864,647

Micropogonias undulatus 66,586 21,185 Ill 0 0 0 200,653 500,824 488,122 1,277,481

Cynoscion regalis 104,452 15,218 200 0 0 0 56,699 81,933 68,875 327,377

Cynosclon nebulosus 5,881 1,428 0 0 0 0 272 288 815 8,684

Paralichthys spp. 4,612 14,234 0 0 0 0 227 934 2,185 22,192

Scrap (non food) 982,838 25,785 1,100 0 0 0 114,624 265,406 228,949 1,618,702

Total (above species) 1,814,266 165,963 1,411 0 0 0 381,484 894,786 861,173 4,119,083

Total (all species) 1,921,501 192,480 1,431 385,684 942,208 876,641 4,319,945

*Preliminary landings, data subject to revision in Fishery Statistics of the United States.

12
indicated a dominance of croaker. Discrepancies between catch sampling data
and overall landings were partly due to our sampling monthly in the Pamlico
Sound area south of Bluff Shoal (Figure 1). There was considerable long haul
activity north of Bluff Shoal, especially in the Stumpy Point area, and much
of these landings were dominated by large croaker (K. B. West, pers. comm.).

Figures 2-5 depict the monthly size distributions of weakfish, menhaden,
spot, and croaker collected in our long haul samples. Monthly sizes of other
commonly encountered fishes in the samples did not exhibit clear growth
patterns (Table 4) due to the small numbers in the samples during most months.
Based on literature some age compositions of a few species were discernable,
particularly in October (Table 4). Pinfish were represented by young-of-the-
year (age 0), age 1, and age 2 fish, with the majority in October being age I
(Caldwell 1957). Pigfish were ages I and 2 which overlapped broadly (Taylor
1916; Hildebrand and Cable 1930). Silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura) in the
long haul samples were mostly age 1 (Hildebrand and Cable 1930). Bluefish
ranged from age 0 through age 2 (Lassiter 1962). Summer flounder wereages 0
and 1 (Powell 1974) and southern flounder were mostly ages 1 and 2 (DeVries
1981a).

Weakfish caught in long hauls ranged in size from 142 mm to 444 Mm TL
(Figure 2). This species was not abundant enough in the samples to indicate
monthly growth or distinct age groups in the length frequency graph (Figure 2).
Using Merriner's (1973) aging data for North Carolina, weakfish in our samples
ranged from age I (yearlings) to approximately age 4.

Atlantic menhaden ranged from 83 mm to 301 mm FL (Figure 3). According to
published length-age relationship data (McHugh et al. 1959;.Reinties 19 69),
long haul samples in October contained most'ly;ages 0 and -1 ;withIa-few fish-of age 2.
Samples from May through July were composed of a mixture of age 0 and 1 fish.

The size range of spot from the long haul samples was 89 mm - 268 mm FL
(Figure 4). The October 1980 catch contained the largest, oldest fish as well as
the greatest numbers. The majority (58.8%) of the October spot were y'earli .ngs
(age class 1), ranging in size from 160 to 260 mm FL (Table 5). Young-of-the-
year.composed 27.3% of the October total followed by age class 2 at 12.0%. Spot
rarely live to,age class 3 (Sundararaj 1960); therefore, this group formed a very
small percentage (1.8%, Table 5). Age classes 1-3 exhibited a'-large size overlap
(Table 5). October data were separated-because the long haul fishery is almost

OCT 1980
N= 0

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MAY 1981
N=93

n ry@= rv-% r=IP a P0 0 A 0 L,2 r\
z
Uj
JUN
w N=102
cc
D 0
18 r
.5 JUL
N=170
0 rl ,P cIq
.0 so 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450

TOTAL LENGTHImmi.

Figure 2. Monthly length frequencies. of cynoscion regalis' from sample's -of North Carolina long
haul seines.' 'Frequencies are moving averages of three.

35-
OCT 1980
N 989
2s-

is-

w
0 MAY .1981
ILI N:227
Imc5
0% ON
LL

JUN
N: 71

I
JUL
5 N: 47
0 t
0 so 100 150 200 250 300
FORK LENGTHIMMI

Figure 3.. Month.ly -length frequencies of Brevoortia tyrannus from samples of North Carolina
r
lon� haul Seiries., Frequencies are -,,,-,ving averages of three.

45 OCT 1980
N: 2656

35-

is-

I A
APR 1981
5 N: 46

Is-
MAY
w N:515
D 5-
0
w

U. 25-

JUN
15- N:1331

J U L
N:838

0
0 so 100 150 200 250 3 0
FORK LENGTH Imml

Ln
Figure 4. Monthly length frequencies of L'eiostomus xanthurus from samples of North Carolina
long haul seines,. Frequencies are moving averages of three.

OCT 1980
N: 142

-@kPR 1981
N: 139

025- MAY
z N: 1215
LU
D
0
LU

JUN
N:694

JUL
10- N: 481

0
0 so 100 150 2.00 250 300 350 400
TOTAL LENGTH Imml

length frequencies of micr -t - -Ir m samples of
Figum'5. opogonias undula us 1 0
North Carol inalong haul seines. Frequencies are moving averages of three.

Table 4. Monthly length frequencies of fish species (excluding spot, croaker, weakfish, and menhaden) comprising !.0.2% of the long haul samples
from October 1980 through July 1981. OW disk width, FL = fork length, TL = total length.

Lagodon rhomboides Peprilus alepidotus orthopristis chrySoptera Bairdiella chrysouba Chaetodipterus faber Chloroscombrus chrysurus
(FL) FL) (FL) (TL) (TL) (FL)
0 A M J J 0 A M J J- 0 A M J J 0 A M J J 0 A M J J 0 A M J J
Length R e
Imm)
:@Ir 34 47 96 5 21 17 12
90-109 188 144 is 13 28
110-129 163 10 61 1 54 3 2 1 4
130TI49 3 1 1 1 2 120 4 1
150-169_ 301 1 3 2 117 1 3 6
170-189 56 1 34 2 1 5 1 15 1
190-209 3 32 1 1 1 1 3 4 11
210-229 4 4
230-249 3
.250-269 3

Pomtomoug; Saltatrix Paralichthys dantatus Dasgatis sabina Peprilus triacanthus Paralichth s lethostigma
(FL) (TL) (DW) (FL) ZTQ
0 A N J J 0 A M J. J 0 A M J J 0 A M J J 0 A M J. J
Length Range
(mm)
<90
90-109 1
1.10-129 1 1 1
'130-149 2 1 3 3
150-169 2 1 1 1 1 1
170-189 .3 3 1 2
190-209 2 1 1. 1 1 8 1 1
210-229 2 1 1 5 1 1
230-249 5 1 2 2 1 2
250-269 1 1 1 1 3
270-289 5 2 1 2 1 1
290-309 3 3 2 2 1 1 1
310-329 2
330-349 '1
350-369
370-389
3-390

18
Table 5. Estimated size and age relationship of October 1980 spot
from long haul.catch samples.

Percentages of observed sizes at age
Size interval Age classes
(mm) Observed frequency 0 1 2 3

90- 99 1 100

100-109 19 100
110-119 36 100
120-129 129 100
130-139 182 100
140-149 111 100

150-159 67 100
160-169 127 50 50
170-179 131 50 50
180-189 30 20 80
190-199 129 25 75

200-209 337 100

210-219 503 91 9

220-229 436 80 20
230-239 211 50 38 12

240-249 103 80 20
250-259 32 40 60

260-269 6 25 75

270-279

230-289

290-299

300-301

Total % age 27.3 58.8 12.0 1.8
composition
Total -ho. at age 722 1553 318 47

entirely directed toward spot during this month and occurs in a relatively
enclosed locality (Core Sound). Spot age composition data from April through
July 1981 (Table 6) indicated a predominance of yearlings (97.8% of the total).
Only 2.2% of the spring and early summer spot were age class 2. Young-of-the-
year fish were. generally too small to enter the fishery prior to July when a few
individuals may have been age 0. A detailed description and validation of spot
aging was presented by DeVries (1981a); therefore, some information, such as back-
calculated lengths and marginal increments, is not included here.

Very little aging data exist for croaker on the U.S. east coast; therefore,
this project concentrated on aging this species'. Five hundred and eighty7five
fish (107-358 mm FL) were aged using scales from October 1980" through July 1981.
Most of the scale samples came from long haul catches, and supplemental scale
samples were collected from a juvenile survey program, sinking qill net fishery,
winter trawl fishery, pound net fishery, and miscellaneous sampling. Eleven
scale samples (2% of total) were considered unreadable.

A linear relationship between scale radius (SR) and total length (TQ was
expressed by the formula,

TL=43.5 + 2.23 (SR),

with a high correlation coefficient (r = 0.969). The y-intercept-(43.5.) became
the correction factor used in the Lee (1920) back-calculation equation. Mean
weighted back-calculated lengths at age wdre: age 1 - 178.8 mm, age 2 - 252.9 mm,
age 3 - 293.6 mm , and.age 4 - 323 mm (Table 7). Back-calculated length frequencies
(Figure 6) indicated that marks in the four age classes formed at a similar size
range. Age classes 2-4 exhibited large overlap which is expected in fish with
rapid growth and very extended spawn ing seasons.
Monthly frequency of marginal increments (Figure 7) exhibited wide varia-
bility and was somewhat inconclusive for the third and fourth annuli.. Increment
data for annuli I and 2 indicated that annual marks were formed in the late spring
(April-May)-, although some marks'may form as early as January. Unlike a previou s
study from the.Gulf of Mexico (White and*Chittenden 1977), North Carolina croaker
usually form one mark a year.
Croaker in the long haul catch samples ranged from 108 - 352 mm TL (Figure 5).
Age classes were not apparent from the le.ngth-frequency data (Figure 5). The age

Table 6. Estimated size and age relationship of April-July 1981
spot from long haul c&tch samples.

Percentages of observed sizes at age
Size interval.' Age classes
(mm) Observed frequency 0 1 2 3

80- 89 1 100

90- 99 2 100

100-109 24 100

110-119 54 100

120-129 101 100

130-139 219 100

140-149 284 100

150-159 270 100

160-169 273 100

170-179 307 100

180-189 334 100

190-199 362 100

200-209 329 100

210-219 129 71 29

220-229 35 40 60

230-239 1 100

Total % age 97.8 2.2
composition
Total.no. at-age .26.66

Table 7. Mean back-calculated total lengths (mm) and standard deviations (S D)
for croaker, October 1980 - July 1981.

Age class N* 1 SO 2 SD 3 SO 4

1 146 169.1 39.4 - -

2 180(85) 180.7 31.1 244.7 31.3

3 88(19) 191.6 28.4 260.4 25.7 289.1 33.2

4 100) 172.1 22.1 256.1 25.9 302.5 18.3 323

Mean weighted 178..8 252.9 293.6 323.0
TL

Total N 424 183 29 1

*Numbers in parenthesis equal number of fish in.last.age class. Number of fish
in last age class do not equal number in previous age classes because some of
the fish in a particular age group had not yet formed the final annulus.

10. Age Class 4

Age Class 3

10.

30.
>. Age Class 2
U
z
w
M 10.

30.

20- Age Class I

0
70 90 liO 1@0 liO 1@0 liO 2iO 230 2@O 2iO 2;0 3iO 3iO 35'0 37'0
TOTAL LENGTH Immi
Figure'6-. Back-calculated length-frequencies for croaker age classes from October 1980
through july 1981. r-I first annulus, pl-A 'second annulus, 3rd annulus,
4th annulus.

Ist annulus 2nd 3rd Ath

OCT

5
pt as NOV

5
DEC

5
.9 JAN

(05
z aML jog a a MAR
W

05
LU APR

5
Lj at.- MAY

JUN

10
5
JUL
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 0 10 20 30 40 0 110 20 30 4b' 0 10 20 . . . .
MARGINAL INCREMENT

Figure 7L.. Monthly scale marginal-increments for'-Xicropogonlas undUilatus from October 1980
through-July 1981.. Scales were magnified 24 X, and all 'measurements were in mi.

24
distribution of October 1980 long haul croaker indicated that 90% were yearlings
and 10% were age class 2 (Table 8). Croaker are generally neither abundant nor
large during the fall. If there is a good period for croaker in the long haul
fishery, it usually occurs in the spring and early summer. April - July 1981 age
frequency data produced percentages of 0.1, 16.7, 81.3, 1.7, and 0.2 for age
classes 0-4, respectively (Table 9). Our samples were predominantly age classes
I and 2, and the data reflect that somewhat older, larger croaker occurred in the
April - July period. Croaker are fully recruited into.this fishery by age 1;
however, young-of-the-year (age 0) enter the fishery in late summer and fall. Few
age 0 fish are apparent in these data (Table 9, Figure 5).

Pound Net Fisheries

Pamlico Sound Sciaenid Fishery

In general the Pamlico Sound pound net operation occurs from spring through
early fall and is directed toward sciaenids. Only two pound nets were sampled, one
in western Pamlico Sound near Hog Island and the other in eastern Pamlico Sound
near Hatteras. Both were sampled in July 1981, and the.samples were dominated by@
croaker (32% by number, 48% by weight, Table 10). Spot, menhaden, bluefish, silver
perch, and weakfish were also common in these samples. There are not enough data
to adequately discuss more details of this fishery.

Core Sound Flounder Fishery

This pound net fishery usually operates from Ocracoke through the whole length
of Core and Back.Sounds from late September through December. The fishery is
directed toward, the yearly migration of paralichthid flounders toward the ocean.

Eight pound nets were sampled from 7 October through 13-November 1980 on the
eastern side of Core Sound approximately opposite Rumley Bay. These samples yielded
35 fish species, two invertebrate species and one species of sea turtle @Ijable 11).
Southern flounder, harvestfish, summer flounder, and Gulf flounder were the four
most abundant species (96% by number), comprising 50.5, 38.4, 5.6, and 1.5% of the
samples by number (Table 11). The three species.of Paralichthys comprised 94.3% of
the samples by weight, clearly dominating the fishery in all aspec ts.

Southern flounder was the most abundant flounder (87.7% by number, 94.7% by
weight), followed by summer flounder (9.8 and 4.2% by number@and weight) and Gulf

Table 8. Estimated size and age relationship of October 1980 croaker from
long haul catch samples.

Percentages of observed sizes at age
Size Interval Age classes
Observed frequency 0 1 .2 3

100-109

110-119
120-129 1 100

130-139

140-149

150-159 2 100

160-169 18 100

170-179 17 100

180-189 33 100

190-199 17 100

200-209 8 100

210-219 16 100

220-229 11 88 12

230-239 9 54 46
240-249 6 19 81
250-259 1 100

260-269 1 100
270-279 2 100
280-239

290-299

300-309

310-319

Total % age 90 10
composition
Tot'a'i no. at,age 128' 14.-

26
Table 9 Estimated size and age relationship of April - July 1981 croaker
from' long haul catch samples.

Percentages of observed sizes at age
Size interVal Age classes
(mm) Observed-frequency 0 1 2 3 4

100-109 1 100

110-119 2 100

120-129 11 11 89

130-139 21 100

140-149 35 100
150-159 70 100
160-169 102 100
170-179 112 100

180-189 212 100
190-199 203 100
200-209 250 100

210-219 220 100

220-229 263 88 12

230-239 250 54 46

240-249 287 19 81

250-259 222 17 83

260-269 129 100
270-279 90 9 90

280-289 38 89 11
290-299 12 100
300-309 8 60 30 10
310-319 9 33 58 9
320-329 5 25 75
330-339 1 100

340-349
350-359 1
Total % age
composition 0.1 16.7 81.3 1.7 0.2
.,Tota.I.no--at-@age- l.-, 1705 BZ9 -- 17 - 2--

. 27

Table 10. Composition and ranking of species sampled from two Pamlico
Sound "sciaenid" pound nets on 13 July 1981. *indicates present
in catch but not in subsample. Numbers in parenthesis indicate
frequency of occurrence in catches sampled.

Species Number Weight (kg) Size Range (mm)

Micropogonias undulatus 129(2) 23.1 167-320

Leiostomus xanthurus 74(2) 6.1 110-200

Brevoortia tyrannus 65(2) 4.8 105-203

Pomatomus saltatrix 47(2) 1.8 112-217

Bairdiella Chrysoura 45(l) 4.0 155-221

Cynoscion regalis 19(2) 5.8 215-322

Peprilus triacanthus 14(2) 0.9 120-156

Peprilus alepidotus 5(2) 0.5 140-168

opisthonema oglinum 3(l) 175-189

Paralichthys dentatus 2(2) 180-292

Prionotus evolans 1(2) 0.8 135

orthopristis chrysoptera 10) 283

Trinectes maculatus 10) 130

Trachinotus carolinus

TOTAL 406 47.8

Table 11. Species composition (numbers and weights, kg) of eight Core Sound
"flounder" pound nets samples durin g October - November 1980. SIze
ranges are fork length unless otherwise noted. * indicates species
observed in catch but not sampled.

No. catches
Species No. % A % in which Size range
species was (mm)
observed
Paralichthys lethostigma 1172 50.5 865.7 89.3 8 265-606 TL
Peprilus alepidotus 892 38.4 7 94-204
Paralichthys dentatus 131 5.6 38.8 4.0 3 L09-475 TL
Paralichthys albigutta 34 1.5 9.5 1.0 7 172-342 TL
Leiostomus xanthurus 16 0.7 8 268-311
Pomatomus saltatrix 9 0.4 55.8-1 5.8 7 304-464
Peprilus triacanthus 9 0.4 3 182-190
Chaetodipterus faber 9 0.4 4 @112-136
Selene vomer 8 0.3 3 1113-150
Cynoscion regalis 5 0.2 6 432-516
Micropogonias undulatus 5 0.2 5 1302-367 TL
Archosargus probatocephalus 5 0'.2 3 335-498
Brevoortia tyrannus 4 0.2 4 215-323
Lagodon rhomboides 3 0.1 3 206-288
Monacanthus hispidus 3 0.1 3 1164-254 TL
Sciaenops ocellatus 3 0.1 4 1377-527
Mugil cephalus 2 0.1 3 365-371
Ancylopsetta quadrocellata 2 0.1 2 246-285
Scophthalmus aquosus 2 0.0 5 210-239
Sphoeroides maculatus 2 0.1 3 263-277
Chilomycterus schoepfi 2 0.1 4 '154-300
Trachinotus carolinus 1 3 31-8
Astroscopus guttatus 1 4 380
Scomberomorus maculatus 1 2 344
Aluterus schoepfi 1 3 319 TL
Callinectes sapidus 1 2 142

Dasgatis sabina

Rhinoptera bonasus

.@Table 11 (continued) 29

No. catches
Species No. % A in which Size range
(mm)
species was
observed

Dorosoma cepidianum .1
Trachinotus falcatus I
Orthopristis chrysoptera 1
Cynoscion nebulosus 2
Menticirrhus americanus 2
Pogonias cromis 1
Prionotus evolans 2
Trinectes maculatus' 1
Limulus polyphemus 2

Caretta caretta

':Weight of all remaining species

flounder (2.5 and 1.0% by number and weight). Although spot and some other
sciaenids-were being taken by the long haul fishery during the same time -in Core
Sound, these fishes were very rare in the pound nets. Other important species
besides spot and flounder comprised less than 0.7% of the total samples by number.

Monthly pound net landings from Core Sound (Table 12, October-December 1980),
indicated that October was the most successful month. Paralichthys spp. made up
82.7% of the total landings in October, 98.3% in November, and 97.2% in December.
Peprilus spp. was the second most important category in all three months. These
data (Table 12) agree well with the samples collected from various catches (Table 11).

Southern flounder from the pound nets ranged from 265-606 mm TL (Figure 8)
with an average weight of 0.75 kg. Age class I comprised 51.5%, age class two 45.1%,
and age class three 3.3%. More detailed data on aging of southern flounder in North
Carolina, including validation of the aging technique was presented by DeVries
(1981a). Summer flounder ranged from 209 to 475 mm TL (Figure 9), having, an average
weight of 0.30 kg. These fish seemed to be primarily late one year-olds based on
Smith and Daiber's (1977) back-calculated length at age two of 260 mm TL in Delaware
Bay. Gulf flounder lengths ranged from 172 to 342 mm TL (Figure 9) with a mean
weight of 0.28 kg.

DISCUSSION

Long Haul Seine Fishery

DeVries (1981b) presented detailed information on the long haul fishery from
a broad area of western Pamlico Sound, Core Sound, and their tributaries,
including catch and age data. Guthrie et al. (1973) gave a description of fishing
methods and some historical perspecti-ve, reporting that this fishery started in
North Carolina around 1910. Contrary to this, Earll (1887) reported that the haul
seine fishery (then cal-led drag nets) began soon after 1800 and was directed
largely toward weakfish. By 1925 the fishery was well devel oped with techniques
that have changed little since that time (Higgins and Pearson 1928).

Seasons of the fishery in its earliest days were not always consistent, and
the fishery often targeted on one or two species such as spotted-seatrout in the
spring and fall (Earll 1887)..,Guthrie at al. (1973-) stated that the fishery was
originally conducted only in October and November for spot; however, he was

Table 12. Monthly pound net landings *(kg) for selected sp ecies from
Core Sound, N.C. from October through December 1980.

Month
Species Oct Nov Dec Total

Le.lostomus xanthurus 838 0 0 838

Micropogonias undulatus 179 0 0 179

Cynoscion regalis 116 0 0 116

Paralichthys spp. 116,465 93,341 16,465 226,271

peprilus SpP. 21,909 1,476 379 23,764

Pomatomus saltatrix 129 0 0 129

Archosargus probatocephalus 1,114 168 0 1,282

scrap 0 0 0 0

TOTAL (above spp.) 140,750 94,985 16,844 252,579
TOTAL (all spp.) 143,180 96,449 16,844 256,473,

*Preliminary landings, subject to revision in Fishery Statistics of the United States.

120.

100.

OCT & NOV 1980
80-
n=1172

060-

Uj
OC40-

0 CPI
0 @0 4's 50 55 60
10 15 2 25 30 35
TOTAL LENGTH ICMI

Figure 8. Length fre quencies Of Paralichthys lethostigma'in October and November 1980
from Core Sound pound net samples.

20-

Parallchthys dentatus

10- n=131

01,

P. albigutta

n=34

El M
0.. 45 50
10 i5 20 25 30 35 40

Figure 9.- Length frequencies of.Paralichthys dentatus and P. albigutta from October
and November 1@80 Core Sound pound nets.

probably only referring to the Core Sound area. Data in this report indicate
that long hauling is a mixed species fishery dominated by sciaenids (Tables I
and 2). The fishery starts either in March or April and continues through
December, although most activity is over by early November. In general, croaker
dominate the spring catches, and fishing is widespread in Pamlico Sound and its
tributaries. By fall the fishery is almost completely in Core Sound and is
directed toward spot. Roelofs (1951) remarked on this consistentpattern in the
fall spot fishery. Although weakfish is not always abundant, it can contribute
a large percentage of some catches at.various locations and times. Previous
studies (Higgins and Pearson 1928: DeVries 1981a, 1981b) yielded similar results
on fishing localities and major species.

The long haul seine is a very efficient gear, capturing nearly all species
and sizes of fishes that it encounters. The species list in Table 1 and those
of Guthrie et al. (1973) and DeVries (1981a, 1981b) indicate a large catch
diversity. It should be noted that the variability in the number of species and
the size range of fishes among individual catches can be high depending on the
season and the habitat the net crosses.

The two major species in this study, spot and croaker, were mainly repre-
sented by yearling (age class 1) fish. Young-of-the-year for both species began
recruiting to this fishery during late summer and were well represented,
especially for spot in the fall (see October data, Figures 4 and 5). Although
these young-of-the-year can be quite numerous in fall catches, they are too small
to be marketed as food and thus are part of the scrap landings. Long haul samples
during 1978 (Sholar 1979) also revealed that yearli-ng spot and croaker were the
most abundant. Age class I also dominated both spot and croaker samples in 1979
(Ross 1980; DeVries 1981a), except that for croaker age class 2 was noticeable in
April and abundant in May (Ross 1980). Fifty-six years ago the size-age structure
of the long haul fishery was very similar (Higgins and Pearson 1928). This is
particularly interesting since Higgins and Pearson used the same techniques to
sample the fishery as the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries has used
since 1978. The available data seem to indicate that the age structure of the long
haul fishery overall is fairly stable.

Since the fishery is based on one or two year classes (I and 2) and since the
major species, spot and croaker, are short lived (3-5 years maximum), this fishery
should be very vulnerable to the success of any one year class. Drastic

fluctuations in long haul landings would not be surprising and have occurred.
Overall landings were particularly low from 1965 to 1972, increasing steadily to
a record high in 1979 (DeVries 1981b). DeVries pointed out that the landing
fluctuations were not necessarily linked to fishing effort..

The most detailed report on croaker aging to date was accomplished in
the western Gulf of Mexico by White and Chittenden (1977). Their fish were aged
by scales, and many of their techniques were similar to those of this report. A
major finding of White and Chittenden was that croaker in the Gulf seemed to
form two marks per year. Contrary to this the North Carolina specimens aged for
this project usually formed one mark per year. The reasons for this difference
in scale marking.are not yet deteymined. Although croaker length-frequencies
from October 1980 through July 1981 only indicate a clear peak for age class one,
the mean back-calculated lengths at age (Table 7) are similar to th ose calculated
in 1979 and closely match the April-May 1979 estimated ages on the length-
frequencies (see Figure 5, Ross 1980).

Assuming the October birthdate, the young-of-the-year that became yearlings
in October 1980 had a mean.total length of 130 mm. These data were derived from
a concurrent juvenile sampling program (Hawkins 1982), and this length is surely
a minimum since it does not take into account emigration of the larger croaker
out of the sampling area or gear avoidance by larger croaker. Length at year one
in the fall from this study agrees well with tha t of other.report s: 150 mm, Texas
(Pearson 1929); 135 mm, Texas (Gunter 1945); 143 mm, North Carolina (Hildebrand
and Cable 1930); 175-180 mm, Chesapeake Bay (Haven 1959); 150 mm, Gulf of Mexico
(White and Chittenden 1977). The mean weighted back-calculated length at first
annulus (which probably formed during Apr il and May) was 178.8 mm (Table 7).

White and Chittenden (1977) report an observed size range of 190-360 mm in
October for age class 2 croaker and a mean back-calculated length at age 2 of
270 mm (based on six fish col'lected in March). The Nor Ith Carolina data indicate
that this length range in October was occupied by age classes 2 (one mark on
scales) and 3 (two marks on scales). The mean weighted size back-calculated to
age,2 was 253 mm (n=183, Table 7). Differences in aging results between the Gulf
of Mexico and the At lantic Coast need to be burtherevaluated. Perhaps an
examination of more large croaker (>age T) from the Gulf would clarify the double
mark per year phenomenon.

Core Sound Flounder Pound Net Fishery

Pound nets were first used in Core Sound in 1879 and were originally
unsuccessfully fished for weakfish or speckled trout (Earll 1887). They were
eventually removed and fished in the rivers and in Pamlico Sound for sciaenids
and clupeids (shad and herring). The fishery in Core Sound as it presently
exists is relatively young, probably less than 20 years old (Billy Smith, pers.
comm.). DeVries (1981a) described the gear and techniques presently used in
Core Sound pound nets, including information on catches.

Flounder pound net data from October-November 1980 were very similar to
that of 1979 (DeVries 1981a).' Three fish species observed in 1979 were inot
present in 1980, and 7 fishes, 1 invertebrate, and the loggerhead turtle
appearing in the 1980 samples were absent in 1979. Southern flounder, harvest-
fish, summer flounder, and Gulf flounder were the four most abundant fishes in
both years. The three paralichthid species composed 93.1% of the total weight
in 1979 and 94.3% in 1980.

Although the Core Sound pound nets capture a wide diversity of species
(Table 11), quantities of fishes other than flounders and harvestfish are
uncommon. This is particularly interesting for spot which is very abundant in
Core Sound in the fall and is harvested heavily by long haul seines. This
distinct catch separation is possibly due to the diff ering migratory habits of
the spot and flounders. Both species are migrating through Core Sound toward
the ocean (generally going from north to south). Spot seemingly use the deeper
channels on the western side of Core Sound; therefore, the long haul fishery
concentrates there. The paralichthid flounders appear to follow the shoals
which are more extensive on the eastern side and are conducive to being "led"
into the many pounds on that side. Spot probably do not lead well along the
large mesh ( =102 mm) used in the pound nets.

The age composition of the major species, southern flounder, was different
between 1979 and data in this report, 1980. DeVries' (1981a) 1979'samples
indicated the fishery was supported by ages 1-4 in the-following perceniages
20.9, 36.9, 41.7,.and 0.4. The fishery shifted-from being largely composed of
three age classes to one with.enly two abundant classes (I and 2) in 1980. The
largest proportion, three-year olds, in 1979 was almost entirel-y absent in 1980.
One-year olds increased from 20.5% in 1979 to 51.5% in 1980.

One possible reason for the age structure shift is that sampling in one
or both years was not representative of the actual age composition. This
seems unlikely since sampling was spread out over most of the fishing season
and sampling effort was reasonably consistent. A more reasonable explanation
is that natural-variation in year class strength caused certain ages to be
more abundant one year than the other. Another possible cause of age structure
shift is that fishing pressure was so high that certain age classes were over-
exploited before reaching full size or maturity (growth overfishing). Although
pound net effort has increased steadily in recent years, this latter explanation
is not necessarily the best. A combinati on of year class variability and
exploitation mayinfluence the yield in this fishery. Continued annual
monitoring to analyze ages, growth, and mortality should indicate the conirolling
factors in-the Core Sound pound net fishery.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This report would not have been possible without the invaluable assistance
of Thomas Arnold, Douglas DeVries, Manley Gaskill, Clifton Harvell, Jess Hawkins,
Robert Jones, Gregory Judy, Paul Moore, Darrell Mumford, and Randy Rouse. Douglas
DeVries was particularly helpful in preparingand analyzing flounder pound net,
flounder aging and spot aging data. I am especially grateful to the many
commercial fishermen and dealers who cooperated with this project. Margaret
Stafford is greatfully acknowledged for typing the manuscript. I greatly
appreciate the comments on the manuscript by Douglas DeVries, Jess Hawkins, Terry
Sholar, Dennis Spitsbergen and Michael Street.

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1957. The biology and systematics of the pinfish Lagodon rhomboides
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1981a. Stock assessment of adult fishes in the Core Sound, N.C. area.
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1969. Synopsis of biological data on the Atlantic menhaden
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Roelofs, E. W.
1951. The edible finfishes of North Carolina. :p 109-139. In: Taylor,
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Carol7na-Press, Chapel Hill, 555 p..

Roelofs, E. W.
1953. Distribution of fishery resources in relation to hydrographic
conditions in North Carolina estuaries. Proc. Gulf Carib. Fish. Inst.
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Roelofs, E. W. and D. F. Bumpus.
1953. The hydrography of Pamlico Sound. Bull.,Mar. Sci. Gulf Carib.
3(3): 181-205

Ross. S.. W.
1980. Commercial adult finfishes assessment, p. 17-27.' In: A plan for
management of North Carolina's estuarine fisheries - Phai_eI. Semiannual
Rep. for North Carolina's Office of Coastal Zone Management, Fisheries
Assistance Program Grant, March-November 1979. N.C. Dep. Nat. Resources
.0jmm.',`1DeveT., Div. Mar. Fish.,.53 p.

Schwartz, F. J. and A. F. Chestnut.
1973. Hydrographic atlas of North Carolina estuarine and sound waters,
1972. Univ. North Carolina Sea Grant Prog., UNC-SG-73-12. 132 p.

Sholar, T. M.
1979. Adult stock assessment, p 11-27. In: A plan for management of
North Carolina's estuarine fisheries - PhTs-e I. Semiannual Rep. for
North Carolina's Office of Coastal Zone Management, Fisheries Assistance
Program Grant, Oct. 1978 - Feb..1979. N.C. Dep. Nat. Res. Comm. Devel.,
Div. Mar. Fish. 45 p.

Smith, R. W. and F. C. Daiber
1977. Biology of the summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, in Delaware
Bay. Fish. Bull. 75(4): 823-830.

Street, M. W.
1981. Trends in North Carolina's commercial fisheries, 1965-1980. N.C.
Dep. Nat. Res. Comm. Devel., Div. Mar. Fish. 13 p.

Sundararaj, B. I.
1960. Age and growth of the Spot, Leiostomus xanthurus Lacepede. Tulane
Stud. Zool. 8(2): 41-62.

Taylor, H. F.
1916. The structure and growth of the scales of the squeteague and the
pigfish.as indicative of the life history. Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish. 34:
285-330

White,-M. L.'.and M. E. Chittenden.
1977. Age determination, reproduction and population dynamics of the
Atlantic croaker,

Williams, A. B., G. S. Posner, W. J. Woods and E. E. Deubler, Jr.
A hydrographic atlas of larger North Carolina sounds. Univ..Noirth
Carolina Sea Grant Prog., UNC-SG-73-02. 129 p.

PROJECT I

ESTUARINE FISH STOCK ASSESSMENT

NURSERY AREA MONITORING

Jess H. Hawkins

ABSTRACT

One hundred and thirty-eight stations located in estuarine tributaries
of North Carolina were sampled monthly during October and November, 1980 and
March through July, 1981. Salinity and temperature data were recorded at
each station. Salinities during the spring, 1981 were the highest recently
documented for the tributaries of northern and western Pamlico Sound. Eighty-
eight species of fish and 23 species of invertebrates were captured. The
sciaenid family represented 72% of the total catch of fish. Leiostomus xanthurus
was the most abundant fish captured, comprising6l% of the total catch. C'ai-
linectes sapidus was the most abundant invertebrate captured, representing 43%
of the total invertebrate catch.
Temporal and spatial distributions, growth patterns, and relative abundances
were briefly examined for Brevoortia tyrannus, Anchoa mitchilli, Bairdiella
chyrsoura, Cynoscion regalis, L. xanthurus, Micropogonias undulatus, Paralichthys
lethostigma, Penaeus aztecus, P. duorarum, P. setiferous.. and c. sapidus. Peak
abundance of sampled fauna in estuarine tributaries occurred during spring, cor-
responding with recruitment of young-of-the-year for the maj-ority of estUarine
species. B. t-qrannus, L. xanthurus, P. lethostigma,, P. azterus, and P. duorarum
recruited during spring, while B. chyrsoura, C. regalis, and P. setiferOUs re-
cruited during Juneand July. Small young-of-the-year M. undulatus Oess than
35 mm TL) were captured in fall and spring. A. mitchilli and c. sapidus recruits
were,captured from March through July. Most species preferred shallow tribu-
taries as initial recruitment habitat; however, large numbers Of C. regalis,
B. chyrsoura, and m. undulatus recruits were captured in deeper waters. Growth
was rapid for most species sampled, especially c. regalis, B. chrysoura.. and
M. undulatus. Several size classes of most fish species were captured in estu-
arine tributaries. Large numbers of yearling L. xanthurus were present in
catches during March through May. Catch per unit effort indicated L. xanthurus
were mo re abundant and x. undulcltus.less abundant in estuarine tributaries of
Pamlico Sound during 1981 than during' 1979 an-d'1980.

INTRODUCTION

Estuaries are highly productive water bodies. They serve as nursery areas
for finfish and shellfish because of abundant food supplies, protection from
predation and other factors (Gunter 1938, Dahlberg 1972, Weinstein 1979). Most
sport and commercial fisheries are dependent upon the productivity of marshes
and creeks (de la Cruz 1973 in Hackney et al. 1976). Over half of the nation 's
commercial fish, shellfish, and marine sportfish utilize estuaries (Smith 1966
in Hackney et al. 1976). North Carolina possesses 1.2 million ha of coastal
marshes and estuarine waters (Wolff 1976). The Pamlico-Albemarle Sound system,
containing 679,000 ha, ranks as the third largest North American estuarine system
(Gross 1972).

Investigations were initiated in North Carolina by the North Carolina
Division of Marine Fisheries during 1971 to study selected fauna in estuarine
waters. Spitsbergen and Wolff (19741,Purvis (1976) and Wolff (1976) investigated
the role of various estuarine areas as nursery grounds for juvenile fish and
crustaceans. As a result of these studies, the North Carolina Marine Fisheries
Commission enacted regulations in 1977 protecting designated nursery areas.
Carpenter (1978, 1980) and Ross (1980, in press) briefly summarized subsequent
Division investigations on juvenile fishes and crustaceans. Many additional North
Carolina studies have involved pre-adult estuarine fish and crustaceans (Hildebrand
and Cable 1930, Williams and Deubler 1968a, Kjelson et al. 1975, and Marshall 1976).
Numerous estuarine-studies have been completed in the lower Cape Fear River
assessing the potential effects of a nuclear power plant on juvenile and adult
estuari ne species (Hobbie 1971; Copeland and Birkhead 1972, 1973; Weinstein 1979;
Weinstein et al. 1980). Other studies in North Carolina waters involving juvenile
estuarine-dependent fauna often have been species.or family specific: Cynoscion
rega lis (Merriner 1973, 1975, 1976), Paralichthys dentatus and P. lethostigma
.(Deubler 1958, Powell 1974, Powell and Schwartz.1977, DeVries 1981, micropogonias
undulatus (Higgins and Person 1928, Roelofs 1954, Morse 1980), Brevoortia tyrannus
Wilkins and Lewis 1971, Lewis and Mann 1971, Kroger et al, 1974)9 callinectes sapidus
Vischler 1965; Dudley and Judy 1971, 1973), and penaeid shrimp (Williams 1979,
McCoy 1968, Purvis and McCoy 1972).

The present study briefly summarizes the composition of a portion of the
nekton community in North Carolina's estuarine tributaries for October and November

1980, and March to July, 1981. Temporal and spatial distributions, growth
patterns, and relative abundances were analyzed for several commonly occurring
estuarine species: spot, Atlantic croaker, weakfish, southern flounder, silver
persh (Bairdielia chrysoura), bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli), Atlantic menhaden,
blue crab, brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus), pink shrimp (P. duorarum), and white
shrimp (P. setiferus).

METHODS

Study Area

A total of 138 sampling stations were located through North Carolina Is
estuarine waters, from northern Pamlico Sound to the Cape Fear River (Figures 1-4).
Stations were separated into primary and secondary nursery area sites according
to the classification by Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) and Purvis (1976). Stations
were sampled monthly during October and November, 1980 and March through July,1981.

The study area was divided into three generalized sections (northern, central,
southern) to simplify discussions. The northern section covers northern Pamlico
Sound from Stumpy Point Bay westward, including the Pamlico and Pungo rivers
(Figure 2). Pamlico Sound is the largest embayment formed behind barrier beaches
along the Atlantic coast of the United States, consisting of a complex of drowned
river valleys (Giese et al. 1979). The Sound is shallow (mean depth - 4.6 m) and
extends 113 km longitudinally and 17 to 48 km latitudinally. The bottom types vary
from sand to mud, with extensive shoaling along the shorelines, grading into
extensive marshes. The marshes are typified by low-lying pine pocosin drainage,
bordered by black needlerush (juncus roemerianus) along the estuarine zones.
(Purvis 1976).

Lunar tidal oscillations are negligible, due to restricted water circulation
through the few narrow inlets (Ocracoke, Hatteras, and Oregon). The shallowness
of Pamlico Sound allows wind to thoroughly mix its waters throughout most of the
year. Wind tides of 0.6 m are not uncommon (Street and McClees 1981). The
horizontal salinity distribution is influenced by wind tide s and seasonal
variation in river discharge. Salinities generally range from 0 parts per
thousand (ppt) in the upper tributaries to,about 25 ppt near the three inlets.

T'7

COASTAL NORTH CAROLINA
-36 ALBEMARLE SOUND 36-

(P OR
INLET

PAMLICO
SOUND

C HATTERAS
INLET

35-
OCRACOKE
INLET

SCALE
.34 34-
CAPE FEAR IT
RIVER
fi* 90 00 W WL0

Figure 1. Generalisa!qRji@ng areas in coastal North Carolina for the juvenile finfish
andcrustac A-n-tinv6stigation. N northern area, C central area, S
southern'@area',."..*

MILES
14400 0 10
/C0 PRIMARY
A SECONDARY

STUMPY POINT
SAY

Figure 2. The northern study area with juvenile finfish and crustacean sampling stations in North Carolina.

/c,
0

PAMLICO
SOUND

NEUSE RIVER

WHITE OAK
RIVER

800 R/ WPOR
SO
V40
BOGUE jk%4
INLET

0 .0
0 '500 DRUM
MILES INLET
10
PRIMARY BEAUFO T
A SECONDARY INLE T %

BARDEN INLET

Figure 3. The central study area with juvenile finfish and crustacean sampling stations in North Carolina.

NEW RIVER

MILES

0 10

CAPE FEAR 0 PRIMARY
RIVER A SECONDARY

Fi gure 4. The southern study area with juvenile finfi sh and crustacean sampl i ng stations i n North Carol i na

-ributaries in the northern area are the Pamlico and-Pungo rivers.
Two major 4q.
The Pamlico River extends 63 km, while the Pungo River estuary reaches 25 km.
Both rivers have salinities ranging from 0 to 20 ppt, and-negigible lunar tides,
which are overwhelmed by wind tides up to 0.9 m (Hobbie 1970). High marshes
(juncus spp.) are found sporadically along both rivers.

The central section extends from the mouth of the Pamlico River to the
White Oak River (Figure 3). The major water bodies in the area include the
western tributaries of Pamlico Sound, Ne.use River, Core Sound, and Bogue Sound.
Western Pamlico Sound and the lower Neuse River encompass 72,484 ha of estuarine
waters (Spitsbergen and Wolff 1974) and are similar to the tributaries of
northern Pamlico Sound in salinity and tidal characteristics.

-Core Sound is a very shallow embayment, averaging 0.9 - 1.2 m in depth.
It stretches 67 km from Pamlico Sound southward to Beaufort Inlet, where it
meets Bogue Sound (Street and McClees 1981). Bogue Sound extends approximately
46 km westerly, averaging 0.8 m in depth (Marshall 1951). Both sounds vary
from 1.9 to 5.4 kin in width and contain numerous shoals. Sandy bottoms
predominate the areas, often covered with eel grass (zostera marina) and shoal
grass (111alodule rvrigi-,tii) .Diurnal tides are generally less than 0.9 m in
&nplitude. Salinities in the sounds vary with locality, being higher near the
four inlets (Drum, Barden, Beaufort, Bogue), but generally averaging 25 ppt or
more (Street and McClees 1981). The three major tributaries of these sounds are
the North, Newport, and White Oak rivers (Figure 3).

The area from Bogue Inlet to the Cape Fear River constitutes the southern
region (Figure 4). The coastline of this area is fringed with numerous small,
shallow lagoons interrupted by marshes and bordered with small creeks
(Marshall 1951). These marshes and creeks are characterized by large amounts of
smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), muddy Uottoms, and diurnal tides of
0.9 - 1.5 m. Salinities in the area generally are above 20 ppt, except in the
upper reaches of the estuaries. Numerous inlets transverse the area, dividing
the coast into many water bodies (Street and McClees 1981). New River interrupts
the extensive marshes, extending northerly for 86 km (Sholar 1975).

The Cape Fear River stretches 45 km from the salt boundary at Wilmington to
the river mouth (Weinstein 1979). The area is characterized by high salinities
that are stratified into a two layer system (Carpenter 19.79). Tidal current

Two major tributaries in the northern area are the Pamlico and Pungo rivers.
The Pamlico River extends 63 km, while the Pungo River estuary reaches 25 km.
Both rivers have salinities ranging from 0 to 20 ppt, and negigible lunar tides,
which are overwhelmed by wind tides up to 0.9 m (Hobbie 1970). High marshes
(juncus spp.) are found sporadically along both rivers.

The central section extends from the mouth of the Pamlico River to the
White Oak River (Figure 3). The major water bodies in the area include the
western tributaries of Pamlico Sound, Neuse River, Core Sound, and Bogue Sound.
Western Pamlico Sound and the lower Neuse River encompass 72,484 ha of estuarine
waters (Spitsbergen and Wolff 1974) and are similar to the tributaries of
northern Pamlico Sound in salinity and tidal characteristics.

Core Sound is a very shallow embayment, averaging 0.9 - 1.2 m in depth.
It stretches 67 km from Pamlico Sound southward to Beaufort Inlet, where it
meets Bogue Sound (Street and McClees 1981). Bogue Sound extends approximately
46 km westerly, averaging 0.8 m in depth (Marshall 1951). Both sounds vary
from 1.9 to 5.4 km in width and contain numerous shoals. Sandy bottoms
predominate the areas, often covered with eel grass (zostera marina) and shoal
grass (Halodule wrightii). Diurnal tides are generally less than 0.9 m in
amplitude. Salinities in the sounds vary with locality, being higher near the
four inlets (Drum, Barden, Beaufort, Bogue), but generally averaging 25 ppt or
more (Street and McClees 1981). The three major tributaries of these sounds are
the North, Newport, and White Oak rivers (Figure 3).

The area from Bogue Inlet to the Cape Fear River constitutes the southern
region (Figure 4). The coastline of this area is fringed with numerous small,
shallow lagoons interrupted by marshes and bordered with small creeks
(Marshall 1951). These marshes and creeks are characterized by large amounts of
smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), muddy bottoms, and diurnal tides of
0.9 - 1.5 m. Salinities in the area generally are above 20 ppt, except in the
upper reaches of the estuaries. Numerous inlets transverse the area, dividing
the coast into many water bodies (Street and McClees 1981). New River interrupts
the extensive marshes, extending northerly for 86 km (Sholar 1975).

velocities are high, averaging 1.5 m/s at the river mouth during ebb tide. The
Cape Fear River contains extensive salt marshes (8,900 ha) which form the
largest continuous system of this type in North Carolina (U.S. Amy Corps of
Engineers 1977). Smooth cordgrass, black needlerush, and giant reedgrass
(s. cyanosuroides) dominate the vegetation bordering the estuary. Weinstein
(1979) estimated that the Cape Fear's tidal creeks cover 648 ha, and shoals
between the channel and salt marshes form approximately 7,285 ha of potential
nursery habitat for juvenile fish and crustaceans.

Sampling Gear

The primary nursery area stations (92) were sampled with a 3.9 m head rope
flat trawl composed of 6.3 mm bar mesh knotted wings and body, with a 3.2 mm bar
mesh knitted tail bag (4" trawl). Secondary nursery area stations (46) were
sampled with similar gear, except the head rope measured 6.4 mm and the bar mesh
was 19.2 mm in the wings (3/4" trawl). The secondary nursery area trawl was
originally fitted with a 19.2 mm bar mesh tail bag; however, a6.3 mm bar mesh
tail bag was installed in October, 1980 for the central area, in March, 1981 for
the southern area, and in May, 1981 for the northern area. Both trawls were fitted
with bottom towing doors and a tickler chain.

The primary and sceondary nursery area trawls were standardized by towing at
a speed necessary to cover 68.6 m in one minute. The primary stations were
pulled for one minute and the secondary stations forfive minutes. The following
data were recorded at each station: date, location, tow time, gear type, and
surface and bottom salinities and water temperatures.

All fish and crustaceans were identified and counted, with a maximum of 60
randomly-selected individuals per species measured at each station. Species
measured during October and November, 1980 were visually placed in 10 mm modal
groups and exact lengths were recorded for those measured during 1981. Most fishes
were measured in fork length; however, total length was taken on species without a
forked tail (Atlantic croaker, summer flounder, etc.). Disk width was recqr ded for
skates and rays. Carapace width was recorded for all crabs, in addition to sex and
maturity state for blue crabs. Exact lengths were taken on blue crabs during 1981
from the northern and central areas, and 10 mm modal groups were recorded in the

southern area. Shrimp were measured in total length and usually placed in
10 mm modal groups. Length frequency data were presented as moving averages
of three, with frequencies rounded to a minimum value of one if specimens were
captured. Species abundance data were loglo transformed prior to seasonal
abundance analysis to decrease the effect of extreme values.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Hydrographic Description

Monthly ranges of temperatures (OC) and salinities (ppt) for each region
are presented in Table 1. The highest water temperatures were found in July
and the lowest in March for all three areas. Water temperatures during 1980
remained fairly warm through October, averaging approximately 200C. Temperatures
began to increase again during late March, 1981.

Highest salinities occurred in the.proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and
decreased further inland. The southern area exhibited the widest salinity
fluctuation, due to daily lunar tidal effects. The central area stations in Core
and Bogue Sounds were also considerably influenced by lunar tides. The Outer
Banks and Pamlico Sound buffer lunar tides for most of the central area's stations
and for all of the northern area's stations. Salinities in the northern and
central areas were greatly influenced by the natural discharge of the Neuse and
Pamlico rivers. The lowest salinities in each area were usually recorded upstream
in those rivers. The lowest season al salinities were recorded during November, 198
Salinities continued to rise throughout winter, peaki.ng in March, 1981 for stations
in the northern and central areas. Salinities remained extremely high in the
tributaries of Pamlico Sound throughout spring, due to unusually low amounts of rain-
fall. Salinities*appeared to be the highest ever documented for the March-May period
in tributaries of western and northern Pamlico Sound.

Finfish

Total Catch Composition

Numerous fishes spawn in the ocean and enter estuaries during their early
life stages. Many authors have noted large number of juvenile fish utilizing

Table 1. Monthly extremes of salinities (ppt) and temperatures (OC) in
North Carolina estuarine waters, October-November, 1980 and March-July,
1981. (W=northern area, C=central area, S=southern area.)

Salinity Temperature
Area Area

R C S N C S
Oct 6.0-17.0 14.0-33.0 4.0-35.0 18.0-22.0 16.0-23.0 16.0-23.0

Nov 4.5-22.6 3.0-29.0 4.0-32.0 8.5-14.0 8.0-18.0 11.0-14.5

Mar 10.5-24.0 1.0-33.0 0.0-30.0 7.1-15.7 2.9-18.0 10.0-16.0

Apr 2.0-18.5 2.0-29.0 2.0-33.0 16.0-22.0 15.9-22.0 17.0-25.0

May 2.0-19.0 10.3-33.1 0.0-30.0 15.4-28.0 17.0-25.4 18.0-23.0

Jun. 6.0-20.0 6.5-30.6 0.0-30.0 25.0-33.0 16.1-32.6 28.5-32.0

Jul 1.0-21.0 6.5-20.6 0.0-32.0 27.0-32.0 27.7-32.3 28.0-35.0

shallow estuarine tributaries, a few of which are Dahlberg and Odum (1970), Cain
and Dean (1976) and Marshall (1976). The present study captured 88 species
during October and November, 1980 and March through July, 1981 (Table 2).
Similar North Carolina coast estuarine studies produced 86 to 107 fish species
between 1978 and 1980 (Carpenter 1979; Ross 1980, in press). The slightly higher
species number in 1978 (107) was due to the inclusion of twelve Outer Banks
stations which produced several-stenohaline marine species, and the addition of
seine stations which resulted in the capture of more shoreline-associated species.
Species composition has not changed measurably during the past four years.

The sciaenid family represented by 11 species, composed the majority (72%)
of the finfish catch. Leiostomus xanthurus (Spot), Micropogonias undulatus
(Atlantic croaker), Bairdiella chrysoura (silver perch), and Cynoscion regalis
(weakfish) were the most abundant sciaeni.ds. Other well-represented families
included engraulids (23%), consisting almost entirely of Anchoa mitchilli (bay
anchovy), and clupeids (N), composed Of Brevoortia tyrannus (Atlantic menhaden)
and alosids. Spot was the most abundant fish, comprising 61% of the total juveniles
captured (Table 3). The percentage of spot in the total catch in 1981 was con-
siderably higher than the 48% and 41% found during 1979 and 1980 (Ross 1980, in
press).

Bay ahchovies, second in numerical abundance, composed almost 25% of the total
catch in 1981. Ross (1980, in press) found similar percentages in previous surveys.
Atlantic croaker was the third most abundant fish, composing 5% of the total number.
This percentage was lower than the 10% of the 1979 catch and the 23% of the 1980
catch (Ross 1980, in press). Two other sciaenids, silver perch and weakfish, were
also common, ranking fourth and sixth in abundance, respectively. Both species were
considerably more abundant in trawl catches during 1981 than in 1980 or 1979, when
each composed 3% of the total numbers caught. Some increase in numbers may reflect
a more efficient sampling gear in deeper waters. Silver perch only composed 0.7%
of the total catch in 1979 and 0.8% in 1980, and weakfish, only 0.1% and 0.3%.
Menhaden represented 3% of the total catch (fifth in abundance), compared to 7% in
1979 and 3% in 1980 (Ross 1980, in press).

The.present juvenile survey compares favorably with similar studies along the
Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, where sciaenids, engraulids, and clup6ids were
the most abundant taxa'in estuarine waters -(Dahlberg 1972, Christmas and Waller 1973,

Table 2 Total numbers and size range of fish collected by flat trawls in North Carolina estuarine monitoring for
October 1980 July 1981.

Areas

Northern Central Southern

1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl

gize Size Size Size Size Size
Species range N range N range N range N range N range

Carcharhinidae

Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
(Atlantic sharpnose shark) 1 331
Dasyatidaet,
Dasgati.5'" awricana
(southern-.stingray) 1 269
Dasyatls sabina
(Atlantic stingray) 1 990- 1 1 391
Lepisosteidae
Lepisosteus,osseus
(longnose-gar) 8 880
.Elopidae
Vlops saurus
(ladyfish) 4 367146 26 25-418 26 25-148
Anguillidae

Anyuilla rostrata
I
,,(American eel) 44 51-535 16 125-460 144 53-520 18 212-705 18 53-397 7 174-274
Ophichthidae
Myrophis punctatus
(speckled worm eel) 1 235
Ln

Table 2 (continued),

Areas

Northern Central Southern

1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4". trawl 3/4" trawl 1/411 trawl 3/4" trawl
Size Size Si ze- Size Size Size
Species N range N range N range N range N range N range
.Clupeidae

Alosa aestivalis
(blueback herring) 7 35-78 10 49-222

A. mediocris
(hickory shad) 1 138

A. pseudoharengus
.1
(alewife) 3 73 '101 3 77-125 .72

A. sapidissima
(American shad) 1 -40
B.reVOOrtia'-,--.'ty.tannus
Atlantic.menhaden) 3,304 18-135 526 32-244 1,116 21-146 694 30-183 3,699 23-140 989 31-158

Dorosoma cepedianum
(gizzar&shad) 3 75-261 10 135-305 2 124-241 2 85-104
Engraulidae

Anchoa hepsetus
(striped anchovy) 35 42-89 54 48-74 1 59 2 76-100 4 45-71

A. mitchilli
(bay anchovy) 18,535 16-86 10,435 21-92 22,335 17-106 15,631 22-105 4,300 19-93 6,134 26-86
Synodonitidae

Synodus foetens
(inshore lizardfish) 3 38-107 33 33-205 8 72-157
Cyprinidae
Notiro.bis- hu'dsoni us
(spottail shinner) 6 15-25
Ln

Table 2. (continued)

Areas

Northern Central Southern
1/4'.' trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl
Size Size Size Size Size Size
Species N range N range N range N range N range N range
Not @p@4plq spp. 6 15-25
Ictaluridae'
lctalurus.,C'atus 1 225 1 165 2 182-425
(whi catfish)
Batrachoididae!
Opsanus-.'I@u
(oyster toadfish) 2 25-105 2 196-201 4 55-135 4 73-176
Gobiesocida:e
Gobiesox strumosus 1 46

Gadidae

Urophycis floridana
(southern'@hake) 5 75-147
U. regi a
(spotted hake 10 147-181 2 64-132 45 82-159 58 727179
CyprinodontidaO

Fundulus hetetoclitus
(mummichog) 52
ii n d D !'Us* S'PP.'- 52

Lucania parva
(rainwater killifish) 230 16-@50
Atherinidae

Membras martinica
ON
(rough silverside) 1
Menidia beryllina
(tidewater silverside), 6 45-@-105 5 35-63

Table -2. (contin ed)

Areas

Northern Central Southern
1/4'! trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl
Size Size Size Size Size Size
Species N range N range N range N range N range N range

M. menidia
(Atlantic silverside) 21 59-113 4 61-86

Syngnathidae
Syngmathus floridae
(dusky pipefisO 3 83-236 2 168-194

S. fuscus
(northern pipefish) 5 82-164 2 129-147 1 173

S'. - louisianae
(chain pipefish) 7 106-348
Percichthyidae

Morone americana
(white perch) 48 65-225 1 230 1 188
Serranidae

Mycteroperca microlepis
(gag) 1 175 1 41
.Centrarchidae

Centrarchus macropterus
(flier) 1. 29
Leponds gibbosus
(pumpkinseed) 16 73-185 6 64-195

L. macrochirus
(bluegill) 195

Ln
,@j

Tabl e (continued).

Areas

Northern Central Southern
1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl
Size Size Size Size size Size
Species N range N range N range N range N range N range
Percidae

Perca fla%@escens
(yel low perch 1 175
Pomatomidae

Pomatomus saltatrix
(bluefish) 6 52-103 20 59-155 5 66-94 3 96-227 4 63-72 7 21-227
Carangidae
Caranx hippos
(crevalle Jack) 7 34-72 19 32-128 52 24-43 3 34-52 11 27-41 3 21-32
Ohl orosconOkUb - chrysutu's
(Atlantic bumper) 2 50-64 5 32-92

Selene vomer
(lookdown) 1 75 1 32 3 37-61 6 43-63
Lutjanidae
Lutjanus -gri�eus--
(gray@snapper) 3 65-115 1 135
L.' synagrig.:..@
(lane snapper) 1 130 1 55
Gerreidae

Diapterus auratus
(Irish pompano) 9 34-56
Eucinostomus argenteus
(sPotfin moJarra) 19 45-65
Ln
CO

Table 2 (contin ed)

Areas

Northern Central Southern
1/4" trawl 3/41' trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/411 trawl 3/4" trawl
size size size f Size Size Size
Species N range N range N range N range N range N range
E. gula
(silver Jenny) 7 45-55 58 36-75 52 55-105
Haemulidae
or@ho,pli-44':,chrysoptera
(Plgfish) 14 23-165 4 105-204 5 20-135
Sparidae
Archosargus probatocephalus 2 95-135
(sheepshead)
Lagodon rhomboides
(pinfish) 199 24-125 6 29-85 350 18-180 40 56-165 2,043 16-145 462 21-146
Sciaenidae

Bairdiella chrysoura
(silver perch) 1,863 8-126 5,299 12-258 3,609 11-205 199 24-172 30 51-141 96 111-162

Cynoscion nebulosus
(spotted seatrout) 22 22-58 3 52-56 1 102 1 175
C. regalis 4'
(weakfish) 198 14-108 4,7915 23-272 354 18-182 2,101 25-257 18 153-228

C. nothus
(silver seatrout). 43 30-73 124 31-145

Leiostomus xanthurus
(spot) 39,391 17-195 23,920 31-195 42,614 17-219 50,009 18-214 40,097 15-183 13,583 18-199
Menticirrhus americanus Ln
(southern kingfish) 1 47 UD

M. saxatilis
(northern kingfish) 20 41-101
m m m m m m . m m m m m m m M M m m m m

Table (continued),

Areas

Northern Central Southern,
1/411 trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/41' trawl 3/4" trawl
Size size Size Size Size Size
Species N range A range___ N range N range N range N range

Micropogonjas undulatus
(Atlantic croaker) 3,425 15-240 3,882 29-283 1,489 9-194 3,676 26-240 1,279 15@158 4,803 12-230

Pogonias cromis
(black drum) 2 225

Sciaenops ocellata
(red drum) 2 23-42 5 51-268 17 36-76
stellifer.:Ianceolatus 7
(star drum) 75
Ephippidae
Chaetodipterus faber
(Atlantic spadefish) 2 38-65 3 48-56 3 38-54 11 52-95 1 129 3 27-33
Mugilidae
Mugil cephalus
(striped mullet) 6 122-205 6 90-233 55 23-408 28 115-322 15 31-289 26 31-155
Sphyrae,,'nlidae
@Sphyraena spp. 1 31
Blennidae.

Hypsoblennius en tZi
(feather bl ennA 1 75

H. ionthas
(freckled. blenny) 1 39 1 45
Gobiidae

Gobionellus boleosoma CD
(darter goby) 12 15-52

Tabl e 2. (continued).

Areas.

Northern Central Southern
1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl
Size Size Si zi-7 S.-
Fi-ze ize Size
Species N range N range N range N range N range N range
G. has tatus
(sharptail Oby) 2 65-105
GoSiosoma bosci
(naked goby) 139 15-51 109.". 10-53 27 22-45
Microgobius thalassinus
(green goby) 133 21-51 84 21-47 1 30
Trichiuridae

Trichiurus lepturus
(Atlantic cutlassfish) 1 476 15 186-691
Scombridae

Scomberomorus maculatus
(Spani sh-..macker@i Y 2 84-105
Stromatei dae

Peprilus alepidotus
(harvestfish) 7 28-48 114 28-95 10 23-55 26 34-90 1 73 1 95
triaca'hthus
(butterfish) 1 48" 1 68 6 32-54 7 41-75 19 24-101
Triglidae

Prionotus evolans
(striped seayobi,n',)@, 2 42-51 1 151 4 42-66 5 37-81 24 25-151

P. scitulus
(leopard. searb4in 2 85
M
P. tribulus
(bighead searobin). 1 43 13 35-100

Table 2. (continued).

Areas

Northern t Central Southern
1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/49 trawl 3/41' trawl 1/4." trawl 3/4" trawl

Size Size Size Size Size Size
Species N range N range N range N range N range N range
Bothidae

Ancylopsetta quadrocellata
(ocellated flounder) 1 139 2 101-105 6 89-105
Citharichthys spilopterus
(bay whiff) 3 74-86 23 42-115 14 99-130 19 35-88 15 41-105

,'Etropus@crossotus
(fringed flounder) 1 95 1 95 31 53-115
Paralichthys dentatus
(summer flounder) 1 300 22 86-288 10 21-161 10 122-291 36 28-125 8 37-130
P. lethostigma
(southern flounder) 330 12-292 75 44-210 422 15-405 125 32-341 324 12-146 21 35-245

Scophthalmus aquosus
(windowpane) 2 89-101 30 52-90
Soleidae

Trinectes maculatus
(hogchoker) 119 25-143 67 54-145 273 11-146 147 27-163 21 41-78 15 51-82
Cynoglossidae
symphurus plagiusa
(blackcheek tonguefish) 2 91-104 9 31-79 15 65-150 32 35-88 24 26-134
Balistidae

Monacanthus hispidus
(planehead filefish) .1 105 15 36-115

Table 2. (continued),

Areas

Northern Central Southern
1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl
Size Siie Size size Size Size
Species N range N range N range N range N range N range
Tetraodontidae

Sphberoides maculatus
(northern puffer) 1 17

Total vo. -Apecies 43 57 61

iSizes reported in fork length or total length (mm) except stingrays, which are measured in disk width.

Table 3. Total numbers and percent of total catch for the most commonly occurring
juvenile finfish captured by trawl (all stations combined) in North
Carolina estuarine waters, October-November, 1980 and March-July, 1981.

Percent of
Species Total number total fish caught
*Leiostomus xanthurus 209,584 61.46
Anchoa mitchilli 77,370 22.69
*Micropogonias undulatus 17,244 5.06
Bairdiella chrysoura 11,097 3.25
*Brevoortia tyrannus 10,338 3.03
*Cynoscion regalis 7,465 2.19
Lagodon rhomboides 3,168 0.93
*Paralichthys lethos.tigma 1,297 0.38
Trinectes maculatus 642 0.19

Gobiosoma bosci 275 0.08

*Anguilla rostrata 242 0.07
Lucania parva 230 0.07
Microgobius thalassinus 217 0.06
Cynoscion nothus 167 0.05
*Peprilus alepidotus 159 0.05
*Mugil cephalus 136 0.04
Eucinostomus gula 117 0.03
Urophycis regia 116 0.03
Anchoa,hepsetus 96 0.03
Caranx hippos 95 0.03
*Paralichthys dentatus 87 0.02

*Commercially important species

Shealy et al. 1974). The relatively shallow estuarine waters of North Carolina
offer habitat for numerous species; however, a few particular species, such as
spot, croaker, bay anchovies, weakfish, silver perch, and menhaden dominate the
areas sampled. Species numerically dominating estuarine waters are migratory,
usually returning to the ocean or more open waters to spawn. Weinstein (1979)
noted the importance of these species to the ecology of the shallow marsh
habitat in southern North Carolina. He observed that if the transient species
of the shallow marsh community were removed, the remaining year-round
inhabitants would form a community noted for the scarcity of its taxa.

Interregion Comparisons

The largest number of specie s (61) was captured in the southern area. Pre-
vious investigations also found more species in the southern area relative to
other state regions (Carpenter 1979; Ross 1980, in press). Carpenter (1979)
attributed the high number of species in the southern region to the influx of
stenohaline marine species and to the occurrence of more warm water species. The
relatively high exchange of water in the area's estuaries with the Atlantic Ocean
provides fish with easily accessible habitat, characterized by desirable higher
salinities. The lack of such habitat in the northern area may account for the
death of stenohaline marine species in that area's collections.

The most abundant species (spot, bay anchovy, Atlantic croaker) were similar
in percent composition among regions (Table 4). Spot and bay anchovies composed
the majority of the juvenile catch by number and appeared.ubiquitous. Copeland
and Birkhead (1972) and Weinstein (1979) found spot, croaker, and bay anchovies
to dominate catches in the southern area. Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) and
Purvis (1976) found similar species compositions in the central and northern areas.
Spot were much more common and caught in higher quantities in the central and
northern areas during 1981 than during -any other similar Division investigation.
Spot composed 63% and 54% of the total catch in each area, compared to 35% and 40%
during 1979 and 1980 (Ross 1980, in press). Purvis (1976) found 'spot accounted
for 55% of the commercially-important individuals captured in a juvenile survey
during 1974-75 in the northern region. Spot represented 79% of the commercially-
important species captured in 1981. In the central area during 1972-73,
Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) found that spot composed 45% of the commercially-..
important fish captured, compared to 90% of the catch in 1981.

Tabl e 4. Total numbers and percent of total catch by area for selected species captured by trawl in North Carolina
estuarine waters, October-November, 1980 and March-July, 1981.

Areas

Northern Central Southern

Percent of area's Percent of area's Percent of area's
.Species - N total number N total number N total number
*Leiostomus xanthurus 63,111 53.9 92,623 63.4 53,680 68.0
Anchoa mitchilli 28,970 24.7 37,966 26.0 10,434 13.2
*Micropogonias undulatus 7,307 6.2 5,165 @.5 6,082 7.7
Balrdlella chrysoura 7,162 6.1 3,808, 2.6 90 0.1
*Cynoscio'n regalis 4 , -07 -07 3 4.2 2,455 1.7 18 0.1
*Brevoortia tyrannus 3,830 3.3 1,810 1.2 4,688 5.9
*Paralichthys lethostigma 405 0.3 547 0.4 345 0.4
Lagodon rhomboides 205 0.2 390 0.3 2,505 3.2
Trinectes maculatus 186 0.2 420 0.3 36 0.1

Total Number 117,429 146,061 78,873

*Commercially important species

Differences in annual species composition between regions were also noticeable
with Atlantic croaker. In 1981 croaker were less abundant in juvenile trawl
catches than during any other similar investigation. Croaker composed only 3% of
the central region's catch in 1981, compared to 8% in 1979 and 29% in 1980 (Ross,
1980, in press). Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) found croaker accounting for 29%0 of
the commercially-important species in the central area during 1972-73. In 19815
croaker representedonly 5% of the@commercial species captured -in the region. Croaker
accounted for only 6% of the northern area's total catch during 1981, compared to
15% and 24%,found in 1979 and 1980 (Ross 1980, in press). In the southern area,
Atlantic croaker composed 8% of the total catch. Weinstein (1979) reported that
croaker were vi.rtually absent in the tidal creeks of the Cape Fear region, while
Copeland and Birkhead (1972) Tisted croaker as one of the more abundant species in
the lower.Cape Fear.

Juvenile Atlantic menhaden were common in all three regions. Previous
investigators noted the species' abundance in catches (Carpenter 1979; Ross 1980,
in press). In 1981 menhaden represented 1% to 6% of the total catch in each region,
with the highest occurrence found in the southern area. Purvis (1976) and
Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) found that juvenile menhaden represented somewhat
higher percentages in previous surveys of the northern and central regions; however,
studies in 1979 and 1980 found menhaden abundances similar to this study (Ross 1980,
in press).
Other distinct differences in relative abundance of species between regions
were noted with weakfish, silver perch, and pinfish. Weakfish were more common in
catches from the northern and central regions, comprising up to 4% of the total
catch. Juvenile weakfish catches in the southern area were insignificant in 1981,
a phenomenon also reported by Carpenter (1979) and Ross (1980, in press). In
contrast, Hobbie (1971) and Copeland and Birkhead (1972) reported weakfish as the
most abundant juvenile finfish in the lower Cape Fear. Weakfish composed a major
part of the total juvenile catch in the northern and central areas, ranking fifth
in abundance in each region and representing 4% (northern) and 2% (central) of the
catch in each region. These percentages are somewhat higher than those found
during 1979 (0.3%) and 1980 (0.5%) (Ross 1980, in press). The i.ncreases.were at
least partially due to the addition of a smaller mesh tail bag to the secondary
areas' sampling gear. Silver perch also occurred in low numbers in the southern.
area and relatively high numbers in the northern and central regions. Silver

perch were more abundant in trawl catches during 1981 than in 1979 and 1980,
composing 6% of the northern area's and 3% of the central area's total catch.
The inverse situation holds true for pinfish, where numbers were much higher
in the southern area than either the northern or central areas.

Major Species

Seven species of fish are discussed in detail. These species were chosen
because of their economic importance and high abundance.

Brevoortia tyrannus (Latrobe)-Atlantic menhaden

The Atlantic menhaden yield the highest harvest volume of any single fish
species in North Carolina and the entire Atlantic coast. Itis utilized for fish
meal, oils, and fish solubles. Atlantic menhaden range from Nova Scotia to Florida,
spawning in some part of their range during almost every month (Hildebrand 1963,
Higham and Nicholson 1964). Off North Ca rolina, menhaden spawn during early winter
through early spring (Lewis and Mann 1971). After hatching offshore, larvae are
transported to estuarine waters by currents and tides. Once in estuarine waters,
larval menhaden move upstream into lower salinities to metamorphose into juveniles
(June and Chamberlain 1959, Wilkens and Lewis 1971). Metamorphosis usually begins
at 30 mm FL and is generally complete as the fish approach 40 mm FL (Hildebrand 1963).
Juveniles, grow rapidly (20-30 mm per month) while in estuaries, where the fish
generally remain until fall. Juvenile migration towards open water is usually
completed by late fall, with most of the young moving into the ocean and some over-
wintering in the estuaries (Kinnear 1973). A large menhaden purse-seine fishery
exists in North Carolina primarily exploiting age 1 and 2 menhaden (Nicholson 1972).
Landings during 1981 were 140,350 mt (K. B. We st, pers. comm..). The fishery also
expl-oi ts.- migrat-ing-young:-Iof-the7wyear during.,the."lat61al I.

Atlantic menhaden was the most abundant clupeid captured (10,338 individuals).
Menhaden were present in the estuaries throughout the sampling period, except during
November in the southern area (Figure 5). Peak numbers of juvenile menhaden were
observed in spring. New recruits were first captured in all three regions during
March, at a size range of 25-48 mm FL (Figure 6). Recruitment began some time
earlier as indicated by the large size of juveniles. Recruitment extended through

,q- N 1/4 C 1/4
13 3/4 a 3/4
3 )3- - - - - - - - a--- D- - -- a _ I
2-

0
x
@o
C>4 1/4 TOTAL 1/4
3/4 3/4

'13
1- 0-

0 N M A M i j 0 N M A M
MONTH MONTH

Figure 5. Seasonal abundance of Brevoortia tyrannus in primary (1/4") and secondary
(3/4") trawl stations in North Carolina during'October and November, 1980
and March - July, 1981. N=northern area, C=central area, S=southern area.
Addition of 1/4" mesh tail bag to 3/4" trawl is denoted by
0 3/4
/13- - @-D-

50- 70

25- MAR
nz 334

90-

75-

So-

25 APR
>- n 1,023

z
LLI

w
ir-
U-
65-

25- MAY
n= 923

JUN
15- nz 518

JUL
n = 152
5-

0 50 100
FORK LENGTH (mm)

Figure 6. Length frequencies Of Brevoortia tyrannus
captured in primary stations in North Carolina
(March-July,1981).

spring, for small fish (less than 25 mm FL) were caught through May. Previous
investigators have found extended recruitment periods, beginning as early as
November and extending as late as June. Lewis and Mann (1971) and Wilkens and
Lewis (1971) found larvel menhaden recruited into North Carolina waters from
November through May, with large peaks occurring from January through March.
Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974), Purvis (1976), and Wolff (1976) found that
recruitment into Pamlico Sound began in February and extended into late spring/
early summer according to length frequency data. Weinstein (1979) first
captured young menhaden during March in the Cape Fear River.

Peak juvenile menhaden abundance was observed during April in the shallow
waters of the northern and southern areas, and during May in the central region.
Relatively high nu mbers of small menhaden (25-60 mm FL) were also captured in
the secondary areas during April in the central and southern regions. Weinstein
also noticed that menhad en utilized the open waters of the Cape Fear River soon
after juvenile recruitment. He found that juvenile menhaden preferred the main-
stem of the river as nursery habitat and attributed the phenomenon to menhaden's
feeding preference for zooplankton. As the season progressed, numbers decreased
in the shallow areas of all three regions, but more rapidly in the southern area.
Corresponding with decreases in juvenile abundance of the shallow areas were
increases in the open, deeper waters of the northern and central regions. The
decreases were apparently due to menhaden migration out of the pri mary habitat
waters. Juvenile abundance data from secondary stations in the southern area
indicated that menhaden move rapidly from tidal creeks to open waters, and were
not nearly as abundant in the region by July. Menhaden were least abundant at
all stations in the fall, when most juveniles had migrated out of nursery areas
into the sounds and ocean.

At least two menhaden year classes utilized both the upper tributaries and
open waters during March through July (Figures 6 and 7). In addition to new
recruits, menhaden greater than 75 mm FL were also captured-in March and April.
Menhaden range between 50 and 165 mm FL when they form their first annulus and
growth differentiation among individuals in a year class results in tremendous
size ranges for menhaden of the same age (Kroger et al. 1974). The larger
individuals found in March and April were probably small age 1 fish that over-
wintered in the estuaries or later-spawned northern menhaden that migrated into

MAR
n= 30

5-
O-_ T I

15-
APR
5- n =228
0

z
LLJ 15-

MAY
n=308
w
a: 5
U_
T_

15-

JUN
.n=258
5 r

15-
JUL
n =289

0-
0 50 100 150 200
FORK LENGTH (mm)

Figure.7. Length frequencies Of Brevoortia tyrannus mtured in secondary
stations in North Carolina (March-July, 1981

North Carolina estuaries. After April,separation of year classes by length
frequency modes was difficult, due to mixing of faster growing young-of-the-
year and smaller yearlings. Previous length frequency data also indicated
at least two year classes present in the tributaries of Pamlico Sound, mainly
during winter through spring (Williams and Deubler 1978a, Spitsbergen and Wolff
1974, Purvis 1976). General estimates of young-of-the-year mehnaden growth
approximated by length frequency modes are presented in Table 5.

Anchoa mitchilli (Valenciennes)-Bay anchovy

Although many finfish species are not commercially important, they
potentially serve an important role in the transfer of energy within the
estuarine system (Subrahmanyan and Drake 1975). One such species is the bay
anchovy, which feeds on various types of zooplankton and in turn is fed upon by
many predacious estuarine fish. Bay anchovies appear abundant throughout their
range of Massachusetts to Texas (Hildebrand 1963). Perret et al. (1971) stated
that this species probably has the greatest biomass of any fish in the South
Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico estuaries. Bay anchovies spawn nearshore in the
Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico and also in estuaries and sounds throughout
their range (Kuntz 1914, Hildebrand and Cable 1930). The species has a prolonged
spawning season, lasting from March through December (Hildebrand and Schroeder
1928, Kilby 1955). Spawning in North Carolina occurs from late April to early
September, with peak activity in July (Kuntz 1914, Hildebrand and Cable 1930).
Very little specific information exists on juvenile movement into and out of
estuaries. Gunter (1945) and Christmas and Waller (1973) documented offshore
movement of bay anchovies in the Gulf of Mexico during winter.

The bay anchovy was the second most abundant species captured (77,370 indi-
viduals), representing almost 23% of the total catch. Bay anchovies were
captured consistently during the sampling period, but were most abundant in
early spring (Figure 8). Relatively low-numbers in the secondary stations during
fall in the southern region and during fall and early spring in the northern region
could be partially attributed to sampling gears that were selective for larger
fish. Previous studies in North Carolina have also found bay anchovies to be one
of the most abundant and ubiquitious fish inhabiting estuarine waters (Carpenter
1979; Ross 1980, in press).

Table 5. Length data for age 0 year class individuals of selected species in North Carolina estuarine waters, all
station collections combined by area.* (N=northern area, C=central area, S=southern area.)

M;irqh April May June July
N C
Species N C S N C S C S N C S
Leiostomus xanthurus*
Mean length 26.3 27.8 27.4 38.7 41.4 35.5 44.2 47.1 39.2 55.4 58.0 43.4 70.9 71.8 61.
Range 17-39 17-40 15-41 19-68 18-65 20-69 21-89 27-79 27-73 36-89 27-99 31-80 46-116 40-106 38-10
Sample size 331 644 478 1,257 1,850 710 1,273 1,842 656 1,317 2,027 682 1,176 1,664 52

Micropogonias undulatus
Mean length 35.7 25.2 34.9 38.0 40.2 28.6 49.5 51.3 45.2 82.4 66.7 72.1 99.8 101.6 81.
Range 22-38 9-56 21-57 25-78 10-78 16-72 21-96 26-104 18-95 26-126 28@133 30-168 55-148 61-163 50-14
Sample size 3 95 35 344 297 262 715 473 344 1,068 739 393 889 610 22

Cynoscion regalis
Mean length - 50.4 47.8 74 71.1 75.5 -
Range - 14-99 18-81 - 30-120 31-129 -
Sample size - 216 79 1 642 465 -

Brevoortia tyrannus*
Mean length 34.3 35.0 31.5 34.8 36.6 38.0 37.5 45.3 39.8 53.4 51.4 54.0 62.3 69.0 61.
Range 28-39 30-39 25-38 18-53 21-66 23-97 26-81 21-86 25-62 34-87 31-91 37-89 42-98 43-96 42-9
Sample size 193 33 96 574 309 419 537 394 289 216 342 44 254 145 2

-4
-P.

Table 5.(continued)

March 1 June ju y
Species N C N C S N C S N C S N C S
Anchoa mitchilli*
Mean length 46.8 42.6 41.8 43.0 46.0 51 .5 45.2 50.4 49.3 44.0 51.2 49.8 46.7 42.2 40.0
Range ;-'@22-89 20-76 21-71 22-82 23-86 29-93 20-82 19-96 28-83 16-86 20-96 19-86 16-92 17-106 20-84
Sample s i ze.@!;,- 414 838 234 803 740 511 583 709 476 879 1,432 401 1,174 1,438 308

Bairdielia 6hrysoura
Mean length;,,:, 29.0 23.6 46.0 53.3 68.0
Range 12-67 11-42 16-103 19-82 51-88
Sample sizo.@ 727 370 790 580 24

Paralichthys lethostigm
Mean length 19.2 20.4 26.8 31 .3. 38.1 38.9 63.5 54.7 51.7 77.8 81.4 63.8 87.9 89.6 -
Range 12-25 15-28 10-38 37-54 21-57 26-70 27-122 29-81 38-81 42-120 42-149 54-92 62-124 43-137 -
Sample size 13 12 86 80 126 144 99 84 15 77 96 6 75 90

-'!-*Species were measured in fork length (mm), others in total length (mm).

N 1/4 C 0 1/4
0 3/4 o 3/4

- Ck
13-

3- CT' ---a-

)3,

+
x 0-
05- S 1/4 TOTAL 1/4
-1 C) 3/4 3/4

0
2-

6
0

0 N 11 A M 4 J 0 N IA A M J J
MONTH MONTH

Figure 8. Seasonal abundance.of Anchoa mitchilli in primary,.(1/4") and secondary
(3/4") trawl stations in North.Carolina during October and November, 1980
and MarcK ------July.-l98l. 'N=northern area,. C=central area, S=southern area.
.1 -
.,..Addition,,.t:.O"/4,",@m,esh -tail bag to the 3/4" trawl is denoted by
13

77
Bay anchovy recruitment appeared continuous, with individuals 15-20 mm FL
found from March through July in the upper tributaries (Figure 9). Two apparent
peaks of abundance in the primary stations were observed and were probably
associated with juvenile recruitment. One peak was noted during March in the
primary stations of all three regions. These fish were predominantly 25-50 mm FL,
and apparently were the result of recruitment during fall or winter. The other
abundance peak (July) for the northern and central regions was the reault of large
numbers of new recruits (15-30 mm FL) first captured during June and reaching peak
numbers a month later. Previous investigators have also noticed continuous bay
anchovy recruitment in North Carolina waters. Williams and Deubler (1968a) found
the greatest numbers of small anchovies in the Neuse River during June through
August, with individuals less than 25 mm TL caught year around. Hobbie (1971)
observed large numbers of bay anchovy larvae during June through August in the
Cape Fear River. Mean lengths calculated from length frequency modes, also
indicated continuous recruitment, as lengths increased and decreased randomly
from month to month within areas (Table 5). Weinstein (1979) also reported monthly
decreasing bay anchovy lengths in the Cape Fear River that were probably the
result of bay anchovy recruitment.

Length frequencies were essentially unimodal in the upper tributaries until
June, when large numbers of newly recruited bay anchovies were captured. Most of
the recruits were found in the shallow marsh and creak habitat; however, gear
selectivity may have accounted for low recruit numbers in deeper waters. The
secondary areas were inhabited by large quantities of bay anchovies during summer,
ranging from 45 to 75 mm FL (Figure 10). Those fish possibly had migrated from
primary areas as indicated by length frequencies and abundance data. Migration into
open waters was observed during April and May for the southern region, as shown by
large increases in anchovy abundance in the secondary areas, accompanied by decreased
catches in primary areas. Abundance in.the secondary areas of the northern and
dentral regions in-creased,"gradually from spring through summeri. and primary 'station
catches decreased f rom -@March -through May". -Say anchovi es -,'Were sti 11 abundant i n
estuar-in-e--.waters during October and November.

Bairdiella chrysoura (Lacepede)-Silver perch

Silver perch is a common sciaenid, ranging from New York to Texas (Hildebrand
and Schroeder 1928). The species is.commonly found throughout the year in estuarine

MAR
50- n: 1,300 78

25-

100- APR
n= 1,904

75-

50-

54 . . . .
r
50- MAY
1,072

25-

z 5
w

JUN
w nz 1,649

LL. 50-

25-

100-
JUL
n 1,913

75-

25-

5-
T--r
0 50 (MW 75 100
FORK, LENGTH

Figure 9. Leh'th frequencies of Anchoa mitchilli
captured in primary
stationt in North Carolina,(Marr-h-July, 1981).

MAR
n -- 186

15-

APR
25- nz 394

- MAY
686

25-

Z'
LIJ 5j

LLI 50- JUN
Cr s1z 13082
LL

50- JUL
n: Ia52

25-

5
0-
0 25 50 715 j I I 1 100
FORK LENGTH (rnm)

Figure 10. Length frequencies Of Anchoa mitchilli captured in
secondary stations in North Carolina (March-July, 1981).

waters of'the south Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, but is usually most abundant
during late summer or early fall (Gunter 1938, Dahlberg and Odum 1970, Chao and
Musick 1977). Spawning of silver perch is considered to take place in estuarine
or nearshore oceanic waters. Numerous investigators have noted that silver perch
spawn from spring to summer throughout their range. Dahlberg (1972) found that
spawning in Georgia occurred during April and May. Hildebrand and Cable (1930)
found eggs from April to June in North Carolina while Chao and Musick (1977)
thought spawning ranged from late spring to early summer in Chesapeake Bay. After
hatching, young juveniles migrate to various estuarine habitats, where they grow
rapidly.(Hildebrand and Cabl.e 1930). Most juveniles begin migration during fall
into more open waters and by winter, the majority have moved offshore (Gunter
1945, Christmas and Waller 1973, Chao and Musick 1977). Due to their small size,
silver perch are not commercially important in North Carolina, but commonly occur
in the bycatch of other fisheries.

A total of 11,097 silver perch were captured during the study period, repre-
senting 3% of the total finfish catch and ranking fourth in total abundance.
Catches of silver perch fluctuated greatly within each region. Individuals were
present in estuarine waters throughout the sampling period, except in the northern
area, where none were caught during November, March, and May (Figure 11). A
noticeable increase in abundance occurred during June and July in the northern and
central areas, attributable to recruitment of young-of-the-year into estuarine
waters. Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) and Purvis (1976) observed high numbers of
small silver perch in Pamlico Sound slightly later (July-August). Very low catches
of juvenile silver perch were observed in the southern area relative to the other
two state regions, especially during June and July. Individuals thought to be
young -of-the-year ranged in size from 8 to 50 mm TL in the primary stations, with
a mode of about 25 mm TL (Figure 12). In the secondary stations young-of-the-
year ranged from 8 to 67 mm TL, with the majority about 30 mm TL during June. The
large size range for newly recruited young-of-the-year was also observed by Shealy
et al. (1974) and Chao and Musick (1977). Although recruitment primarily occurred
in June, a few individuals less than 20 mm TL were noted during July. Recruitment
peri ods as indicated by length frequencies,agreed with the reported spawni.ng
period of late April to late June (Hildebrand and Cable 1930).

The easily discernible length frequency modes and mean lengths calculated
from those modes indicated that young-of-the-year growth was rapid (Table 5).

1/4 1/4
0 V4 3/4

3-
=2-

-0
04 - S 1/4 TOTAL 1/4
0 3/4 0 3/4___

_j
3

Ck
2- P_ - -E3 MI

0 M A 0 M A
MONTH MONTH

Figure 11. Seasonal abundance Of Bairdlella chrysoura' in primary (1/4") and
secondary (3/4") trawl' stations in.North Carolina during October and
November'- 1980 and March-July 1981. N=northern' area, C=central area,
S=touthern area. Addition'01/4" mesh tail bag to the 3/4" trawl
is denoted by

MAR 82
n=49

AtR
51 n - 15

JUN
50- nz-855

z
Ld 25-

JUL
25- nx 965

5-
0-
0 go 160 15,0 200 250
TOTAL LENGTH (MM)

MAR
nz8

I
APR
P=50

MAY
Q 5j nZI
z
LjLj
20- JUN
n =299

a:
LL. 5-

JUL
20- n=419

5-
0 i
0 50 wo 150 200 2@0
TOTAL LENGTH (mm)

Figure 12. Length frequencfes Gf Bairdiella chrysoura.captured in primary
(A) and secondary (B) stations in North Carolina (March-July, 1981).

Length estimates corresponded with observations of Hildebrand and Cable (1930)
and Christmas and Waller '(1973), who noted an average monthly growth of 15 mm TL
during the warmer months in North Carolina and Mississippi, respectively.
Hildebrand and Cable (1930) found that silver perch averaged 120 mm TL by the
end of their first year. Length frequency plots also showed that at least two
year classes of silver perch utilized estuarine waters.. The majority of the
larger fish (greater than 90 mm TQ captured during March through May appeared
to be the result of the previous spring/summer spawn. Other investigators have
noted similar sizes of perch in estuaries during spring (Dahlberg 1972, Shealy
et al. 1974, and Chao and Musick 1977). Some yearlings were still present in the
estuaries when recruitment of the new year class first occurred, but by July had
migrated out of the creeks and bays.

Very few silver perch were found in estuarine waters during the fall, except
in the open waters of the northern and central areas, where a large number of
individuals 95-175 mm TL were captured. Abundance data indicated that most of the
perch had migrated out of the estuarine tributaries by November. Abundance data
also exhibited an apparent difference in habitat preference by silver perch
juveniles between the northern and central areas during recruitment. Recruits in
northern Pamlico Sound were abundant in both shallow.tributaries and open waters,
while those in western Pamlico Sound were noticeably more common in shallow
tributaries than in open-waters.

Cynoscion regalis (Bloch and Schneider)-Weakfish

The weakfish or gray trout is a littoral sciaenid, commonly found from
Massachusetts to Florida (Hildebrand and Cable 1934). Weakfish is a major commercial
and recreational species from North Carolina to New York (Bigelow and Schroeder
1953). Historically, most of the commercial catch came from off the coasts of New
York and New Jersey, but since 1958,.North.Carolina has been the major weakfish-
producing state along the Atlantic coast. North Carolina weakfish landings have
risen rapidly since 1975, reaching 9.196 mt in 1980 (K.B. West,pers. comm).
Although weakfish are presently relatively abundant, the stocks have apparently
fluctuated widely in abundance (Joseph 1972).

@ More information has been published about the reproductive biology of weakfish
than any other sciaenid studied along the Atlantic coast of the United States.

Several researchers have reported weakfish spawning around the inlets and in
nearshore areas along the coast of North Carolina (Welsh and Breder 1923, Higgins
and Pearson 1928, Hildebrand and Cable 1934). Merriner (1976) noted that weakfish
may also spawn in.North Carolins's sounds and bays. Weakfish spawning has been
documented along the Atlantic coast from the Gulf of Maine to Georgia (Pearson
1941, Harmic 1958, Dahlberg 1972). The magnitude of northern area spawning is
unknown (Merriner 1976). Harmic (1958) concluded that spawning activity north of
Chesapeake Bay was insufficient to maintain the northern stock. Questions remain
as to whether Chesapeake Bay and nearshore waters serve as major weakfish spawning
grounds (Chao and Musick 1977). Massman (1963) suggested the southern spawning
stocks may provide Chesapeake Bay's weakfish population.

Merriner (1976) reported weakfish spawning in North Carolina from March through
August and reported peak spawning activity from April through June. He also observed
a second spawn of smaller magnitude in late July and August. After hatching,
weakfish larvae are dispersed by either wind or lunar tides into the estuaries
(Hildebrand and Cable 1934, Massman et al. 1958). The sounds and bays of North and
South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland serve-as nursery grounds for young juveniles
along the Atlantic coast (Merriner 1973). Growth is rapid once the weakfish enter
the estuaries (Pearson 1941, Massman et al. 1938, Merriner 1973). The juveniles
remain in the estuaries until late fall or realy winter, when they migrate to
deeper, more open waters (Hildebrand and Cable 1934, Massman et al. 1958, Merriner
1973).

Weakfish are exploited by many fisheries in North Carolina. Long haul seines
and pound nets are two major gears used to harvest weakfish in Pamlico Sound and
its tributaries. Wolff (1972) stated that substantial numbers of small weakfish
were taken incidentally with shrimp trawls, long haul seines, and pound nets.
In recent years, a large offshore winter trawl fishery for weakfish has developed
along the North Carolina coast.

A total of 7,365 weakfish were captured during the investigation, represent-
ing 2% of the total finfish-catch. Weakfish were captured thr o.ughout the study
period, except during November, March,-and Apri-l in the northern area, March in
the central area, and November and March in the southern area (Figure.13). They
were not abundant anywhere until June and July, when large numbers of newly
recruited you.ng-of-the-year were captured. Juveniles were captured only in the

4- 1/4 C 1/4
a 3/4 A 3/4
'13

kD
04- S 1/4 TOTAL 1/4
_j 13 3/4 13 3/4/

0-1
0 N M A M i 1 0 N M A M j i
MONTH MONTH

Figure 13. Seas onal abundance of cynoscion regalis in primary (1/4") and
secondary (3/4") trawl stations in North Carolina during October
and November, 1980 and March-July 1981. N=northern area, C=ce'ntral
area, S=southern area. Addition of 1/4" mesh tail bag to the 3/4"
trawl is denoted by

northern and central regions, with tributaries of Pamlico Sound serving as
the major nursery areas. Juvenile weakfish were first noted during June at a
size range of 19-99 mmTL (Figures 14 and 15). Recruitment times in Pamlico
Sound indicated that spawning occurred earlier than previously reported by
Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) and Purvis (1976). Recruitment times substantiated
Merriner's (1976) conclusion that the weakfish spawning peak occurred from late
April/early May through June in North Carolina. Peak weakfish numbers were
observed during July, when large quantities of young-of-the-year were present
in the estuaries, agreeing with the findings of former Pamlico Sound investi-
gations (Purvis 1976; Ross 1980, in press). Hobbie (1971) noted peak abundance
of young weakfish in the Cape Fear River during July and commented that weakfish
was the most abundant finfish in the estuary from summer through fall. In
contrast, Ross (1980, in press) and the present investigation found very low
numbers of weakfish in the southern region. No weakfish were captured in the
primary stations of the southern region.

Length frequencies and mean lengths calculated from length frequency modes
(Table 5) indicated rapid growth for juveniles, agreeing with the results of
previous investigations (Hildebrand and Cable 1932, Massman et al. 1958, Chao
and Musick 1977). Length frequenc ies showed at least two size classes present in
estuarine tributaries. The few weakfish captured in the fall of 1980 (57-210 mm TQ
appeared to be young-of-the-year and yearlings. During the spring, relatively large
individuals (89-188 mm TQ were still evident in the tributaries. The majority were
probably approaching a year in age. Extended and multiple spawning made separation
of year classes by size.difficult, except during major recruitment periods. Two size
modes were obvious in June and July. Fish, greater than 120 mm TL were probably
yearlings, while those less than 120 mm TL were probably a mixture of slowergrowing!
later recruited individuals of the 1980 year class and newly recruited.you.ng-of-the
year. Merriner (1973) found most weakfish reached 200 mm TL their first year.

Weakfish were consistently more abundant in catches from the secondary stations
(Figure 13). New recruits seemed to favor the secondary areas as nursery habitat,
reaffirming similar observations by Spitsbergen and Wolff -T9T4), Purvis(1976), and
Baisden (1979). Most weakfish migrated out of the tributaries by late fall and did
not return until April. Age 0 weakfish were more abundant in 1981 in the northern
and central areas' primary stations than during 1979 and 1980 (Table 6). Catch-per-
unit-effort data exhibited larger weakfish catches with the 3/4" trawl when the tail
bag 'mesh size 'was.decreased in 1981.

NOV
n=1

T T-

APR
n:1

MAY
5- nz- 6

z A /I r\ IN f'k
Ld
D
JUN
n: 33

JUL
n: 310

15-

5-
04
I I -T I V
a 50 too w z
TOTAL LENGTH (mm)
Figure 14. Length frequencies Of Cynoscion regalis' cap'tured in primary
stations in North Carolina (October and November, 1980 and
MArch-July,'.'1981).

OCT
n-- 29

C@n m

NOV
5- n -- 2

APR
5- n:20

5- MAY

ri-11 f, f\

JUN
n : 276

15-

9 r1p

JUL
nz 843
?5-

0- F CP 1) P r% r%
0 .50 100 150 200 250
TOTAL LENGTH (mm)

Figure 15. Length freqtiencies'of Cynoscion reg'alis captured in secondary
stations in-North Caroli'na.(Octob6r and November 1980 and March-
July,-1981.).

Table 6. Catch per unit effort data (No. fish/trawl) by general area in North Carolina estuarine waters for major
commercial species, March July, 1979-81.1

Northern Area

March April May June July

1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4
Species Year trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl
Leiostomus 1979 93.73 1.33 331.74 34.20 254.16 12.27 186.32 2.71 62.70 18.00
xanthurus 1980 16.32 2.31 96.00 19.63 92.73 15.56 66.55 16.88 28.39 13.94
1981 101.38 3.62 450.59 31.33 496.16 '7 15..9 32 143.39 13.072 55.37 311.6 92
Micropogonias 1979 13.06 0.00 76.87 2.20 89.25 23.87 54.00 26.64 23.09 22.40
undulatus 1980 1.39 0.19 30.34 1.88 67.36 4.38 69.15 24.44 32.15 12.56
1981 0.15 0.00 22.28 1.53 32.19 47.202 29.12 76.732 19.13 "�0. 94 2
Cynoscion 1979 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.13 0.00 0.33 0.19 1.21 0.58 0.40
regalls 1980 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.06 0.15 0.06 1.24 2.00
1981 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.76 '34. 40 2 5.73 265.942
Paralichthys 1979 0.03 0.07 1.81 0.00 1.50 1.13 1.29 0.86 0.70 0.47
lethostigma 1980 0.71 0.38 1.06 0.44 2.48 0.25 2.24 0.69 1.58 1.13
1981 0.54 0.00 2.56 0.13 2.42 1.602 2.00 1.202 2.10 1. 38 2
No. trawls 1979 33 15 31 15 32 15 31 14 33 15
(units of effort) 1980 31 16 32 16 33 16 33 16 33 16
11981 34 16 26 15 26 13 32 15 31 15

Table 6 (dontinued).

Central Area

March April May June July
1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4
Species Year trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl
Leiostomus 1979 41.14 37.56 357.32 16.89 247.49 1.50 159.21 2.67 73.14 5.22
xanthurus 1980 1.02 54.61 124.11 15.50 115.60 18.442 53.20 20.39 36.11 14.39
1981 63.51 .5.002 483.72 705.502 218.34 1132.56 178.00 673.282 65.67 333.942
micropogonias 1979 4.65 4.44 63.52 3.33 50.09 5.31 32.00 15.17 17.36 12.67
undulatus 1980 2.21 223.892 20.37 10.72 75.16 23.72 62.39 23.94 30.78 23.12
1981 2.21 0.94. 9.14 33.892 6.79 31.942 9.63 60.672 4.37 52.942
Cynoscion 1979 0.00 0.50 0.18 0.61 0.30 0.75 0.07 2.00 1.61 2.06
regalis 1980 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.17 0.03 2.72 0.44 0.17 0.20 0.84
1981 0.00 0.002 0.02 0.492 0.18 0.882 1.58 12.942 6.44 101.172.
Paralichthys 1979 1.12 0.17 2.59 0.00 2.63 0.25 1.40 0.28 0.70 0.00
lethostigIma 1980 0.22 0.78 1.33 1.23 2.73 0.17 1.44 0.62 1.04 0.67
1981 0.44 0.83 3.12 0.56 2.08 1.60 2.49 1.20 1.40 1.38
No. trawls 1979 43 18 44 18 43 16 43 18 44 18
(units of effort) 1980 43 18 46 18 45 18 46 18 45 18
1981 43 43 18 43 18 43 18 38 16

Table (Aontinued).

Southern-Area

March April May June July
1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4
Species Year trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl
Leiostomus 1979 164.33 14.16 1004.22 3.67 186.06 2.50 74.33 2.67 45.78 2.42
xanthurus 1980 112.94 78.67 405.39 59.42 257.00 13.33 87.17 2.08 46.72 2.50
1981 558.28 257.752 1367.92 566.172 138.50 1453.942 112.17 46.252 40.67 -20.582
Micropogonias 1979 2.67 0.50 12.44 1.67 16.28 1.42 23.56 9.08 9.22 2.50
undulatus 1980 4.00 14.75 10.44 100.92 46.27 20.33 26.78 14.42 14.11 3.33
1981 2.28 84.172 16.44 -156.082 17.61 137.172 12.83 25.502 13.67 -26.082
Cynoscion 1979 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.17 0.00 0.50 0.00 0.33
regalis 1980 0.00 0.17 0.00 1.33 0.00 0.50 0.00 0.17 0.00 0.08
1981 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.332 0.00 0.582 0.00 0.332 0.00 0.172
Paralichthys 1979 15.00 0.17 9.28 0.08 0.11 0.00 0.56 0.33 0.11 0.00
lethostigma 1980 1.22 0.33 5.00 0.67 2 2.33 0.08 2 0.56 0.17 0.00 0.002
1981 4.89 0.00 11.78 0.67 0.78 .0.67 0.28 -0.171- 0.00 -0.1.7
No. trawls 1979 18 12 18 12 18 12 18 12 18 12
(units of effort) 1980 18 12 18 12 18 12 18 12 18 12
1981 18 12 18 12 18 12 18 12 18 12

Tabl e 6. (continued).

All Areas Combined

March April May_ June July
1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4 1/4 3/4
Species Year trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl trawl
Leiostomus 1979 83.19 19.24 474.54 19.13 237.89 5.53 151.74 4.73 64.33 8.73
xanthurus 1980 28.07 44.64 176.68 29.68 141.63 16.84 92.00 15.05 2 32.09 11.64
1981 165.55 77.44 657.12 442.962 300.82 734.092 153.24 419.33 57.33 244.46'
Micropogonias 1979 7.22 1.91 58.09 2.51 57.02 10.70 37.76 17.16 17.81 13.20
undulatus 1980 2.28 95.68 23.03 32.59 70.75 16.84 61.24 22.61 45.98 14.93
1981 1.61 15.512 15.08 55.692 18.08 66.632 17.09 56.642 11.08 59. 152
Cynoscion 1979 0.00 0.22 0.09 0.29 0.14 0.44 0.10 1.34 0.95 1.04
regalis 1980 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.45 0.01 1.27 0.27 0.14 2 0.55 1.09 2
1981 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.552 0.08 0.492 0.99 16.73 4.93 141.90
Paralichthys 1979 3.39 0.13 3.62 0.02 1.75 0.49 1.20 0.48 0.59 0.16
lethostigma 1980 0.39 0.55 1.33 0.87. 2.71 0.18 1.63 0.55 2 1.09 0.41 2
1981 1.39 0.352 4.60 0.442 1.93 1.302 1.89 0.84 1.35 1.50

No. trawls 1979 94 45 93 45 93 43 92 44 95 45
(units of effort) 1980 92 44 91 44 91 44 92 44 91 44
1981 87 43 93 45 87 43 94 45 91 46

'Data for 1979 taken from Ross (1980);'data for 1980.taken froi,,I Ross (in press)..
2A 1/4 inch bar mesh tail bag was added to the 3/4 inch flat trawl in 1981 replacing the original 3/4 inch bar mesh
@-'tail bag used in 1979-80.

ko
rIJ

Leiostomus xanthurus (Lace'pede) Spot

The spot is a commercially and recreationally important sciaenid species
found along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico from Massachusetts to the
Bay of Campeche (Chao 1978). Historically, a large commercial fishery existed
for spot in the south Atlantic and Chesapeakc@. Bay (Pacheco 1962), but recently
the major production area has shifted solely to the south Atlantic, with
North Carolina the principal Atlantic coast state harvesting spot. Spot ranks
third among North Carolina sciaenids in poundage and value, behind croaker and
weakfish. Long haul seines and pound nets are the predominant gears that
commercially harvest spot in North Carolina (Sholar 1979; DeVries 1981, 1982).
These fisheries are principally located in Pamlico Sound and its tributaries. Spot
are also landed in large numbers as bycatch i n the Pamlico Sound shrimp trawl
fishery (Wolff 1972). During winter, spot are captured by the trawl fishery
operating off the North Carolina coast (Pearson 1932).

Spot are one of the most frequently-studied sciaenids from the Gulf of
Mexico and Atlantic coast. Spot along the Atlantic coast spawn during fall through
winter, with the northern individuals usually spawning later than those in warmer
waters (Dawson 1958, Pacheo 1962, Dahlberg 1972). The majority of spot apparently
spawn offshore (Hildebrand and Cable 1930, Dawson 1958, Pacheco 1962). Postlarvae
enter the estuaries of the Gulf and Atlantic coasts from late fall through spring
(Dawson 1958, Sundararaj 1960, Pacheco 1962). Spot usually remain in the estuaries
until the following fall, when a general migration to open waters begins (Dawson
1958, Pacheco 1962, Chao and Musick 1977).

Spot was the most abundant finfish collected during the study. A total of
209,584 individuals were caught, representing almost 62% of the total juvenile
fish captured. Spot were present throughout North Carolina's coastal estuaries
during the entire study period, being most abundant during spring and least abun-
,dant during fall (Figure 16). Newly spawned juveniles first appeared in catches
during March, at a size range of 15-41 mm FL (Figures 17 and 18). Small post-
larvae (less than 15 mm TL) have been captured in North Carolina waters as early
as December (Hildebrand and Cable 1930). Many North Carolina investigators have
reported large numbers of new recruits during March and April (Tagatz and Dudley
1961, Williams and Deubler 1968a, Wei nstein 1979). Small spot preferred the

5- N 1/4 C 114
4- 0 3/4 IP- 3/4
13
3- ///41/ CI,
P a,

x
0-
S 1/4 TOTAL 1/4
0 3/4 3/4

4-
P- Ck 10
3-

0 N M A M 1 0 N M A M
MONTH MONTH
Figure 16. Seasonal abundance of-Leiosto=s xanthurus.in primary (1/4") and
secondary.(3/411) trawl stationt in North Carolina duri 'ng October
and Novdmber'-, 1980 and March-July, 1981.: Additi,6h*of 1/4" mesh
bag,to-the- n-trawl*is-denoted'by-"//'.
tail-- 3/4
c

_@3

-1 OCT
2 n=203
----- r------T- 95
NOV
20 n=4

MAR
140- 1,528

80-

20-

240- APR
- n 3,836

160-

80-

20,
z
LLJ 160.
CY - MAY
w n 3,019

LL.

so-

2
e;tz =:i-

JUN Figure 17. Length frequencies
2@SSO Of r_-iostomus xanthul.,
captured in primary
stations in North
CarGlina (October anj
November, 1980 and
20- March-July,' 1981).

so JUL
nz 2@268

do.
FORK LENGTH (MM)

OCT
n=579 96

60-

201
60- NOV
- n= 196
20-

60- MAR
rn 7 4"16

20-

APR
120- n = 2,634

60-

20-

MAY
180 n z 1,348

Z 120-
LU -
D

LLI 60-
cc:
Lj_ 20

ISO- JUN
n 1,2T4

120

60-

2
01

1180- JUL
n I,Z98

120

0 50 150 200
FORK LENGTH (MM)
C OS 0
F.igure 18. Le .ngth frequen'i f Leiostomus xanthurus captured.in secondary
stations in North Carolina (October'and Novembert 1980 and March-
July, 1981).

shallow marshes and-creeks as initial estuarine habitat, although large numbers
-'n
were captured in the'deeper waters of the southern area during March. Recruits
were much more abundant during March in the southern region than in the other
two regions (FigureU). Peak numbers of recruits were noted in April in the

"a
primary stations at@,' size range of 15-70 mm FL. Many larger young-of-the-year
spot (80-120mm FL) were also observed in the secondary areas during April
(Figure 18). Ross (1980, in press) also found high numbers of juvenile spot
during April at comparable sizes.

Emigration from the shallow creeks and tributaries began during late April
or May, as juvenile abundance in the primary stations of the central and southern
areas declined significantly. Mass movement out of the primary stations in the
northern area apparently did not begin until June (Figure 16). Length frequency
data indicatedthe presence of slightly larger young-of-the-year spot in the
more open waters as the season progressed. Spot numbers in both the primary and
secondary stations of the souther n area decreased more rapidly than those in the-
central and northern reg ions (Figure 16). Spot apparently migrated quickly out of
the southern area's estuarine waters after peak recruitment in April, aphenomenon
also noted by Weinstein (1979). Abundance and length frequency data showed that
spot in the northern and central. regions moved from primary areas to secondary areas
after spring recruttment, and then gradually migrated into deeper waters.

At least two,.size classes of spot utilized North Carolina's eatuarine waters
(Figures 17 and 18). According to age/length estimates, these size classes were
composed of primarily young-of-the-year and yearlings (Dawson 1958, Sundararaj
1970, DeVries.1982). Length frequency modes were easily.discernible during March
through May in data from both the primary.and secondary stations. Juveniles
dominated catches in both the primary and secondary areas, except during March,
when yearlings were abundant in the secondary stations. After May, young-of-th@*@-
year modes were still obvious; however, lengths from faster growi-ng juveniles began
to equal or exceed those of slower growing yearlings, making separation of year
classes difficult. Monthly mean lengths calculated from juvenile length frequency
modes are presented in Table 5.
The majority of spot captured during the fall were 75-125 mm FL. This rangg@_
agreed with yearling sizes found elsewhere (Welsh and Breder 1923, Sundararaj 1.9609
'Chao and Musick 1977). Similar-sized spot were also noted the following spring,
indicating that some individuals overwintered in the estuaries or that some.

yearlings returned to the estuaries during spring. Yearling and older spot
in Virginia estuaries leave those waters after September and do not return until
the following spring (Chao and Musick 1977).

Catch rates for spot from the primary stations were consistently higher
during 1981 than during the previous two years (Table 6). Most of these fish
were juveniles. Significant increases in catches of spot in the secondary areas
occurred when the stations were sampled with a 3/4" trawl having a smaller tail
bag mesh.

Micropogonias undulatus (Lihnaeus)-Atlantic croaker

The Atlantic croaker is one of the most important commercial and recreational
species of the southeastern coastal states. It has been found from Nova Scotia to
the Bay of Campeche (Chao 1978). Croakers account for more commercial poundage than
any other sciaenid. In past years, the commercial fishery for croaker as foodfish
was primarily located in the Chesapeake Bay area (Haven 1957), but recently the
south Atlantic area has become the major producer of croaker for foodfish. Since
1976, North Carolina fishermen have harvested more croaker for foodfish than any
other state. Croaker commercial landings in North Carolina increased from 1812 mt
during 1973 to 9513 mt during 1980 (K. B. West, pers. comm.). Although North
Carolina croaker landings are presently the highest ever recorded, croaker*stocks
have a history of dramatic fluctuations (Joseph 1972).

Atlantic croaker have an extended spawning period, ranging from late summer
through early spring. Spawning north of Cape Hatteras commences during mid-August
and is completed by January, with peak spawning occurring in October and November
(Wallace 1940, Morse 1980). Haven (1957) and Chao and Musick (1977) inferred late
winter or early spring spawning offshore Virginia based on length-frequency dat,6.
White and Chittenden (1977) stated that cro aker spawning i-n wam temperate waters-
extends from September to late March, with a peak during October. Atlantic croaker
spawn for several months offshore North Carolina. Hil debrand and Cable (1930)
captured individuals less than 10 mm TL during January through May and September
through December near Beaufort Inlet.' -Hobbie (1971) and Weinstein et al. (1980)
reported croaker larvae from October through April in the Cape Fear River.

Young croaker are.transported into estuarine waters by currents (Wallace
1940, Haven 1957,, Weinstein et al. 1980). Small croaker commonly prefer the

deeper estuarine areas as nursery habitat (Haven 1957, Chao and Musick 1977,
Weinstein 1979). However, large numbers of young croaker have also been,
observed in the marsh shallows of the Gulf of Mexico (Parker 1971, Arnoldi et
al. 1974, Kobylinski and Sheridan 1979). Once in the nursery areas, growth is
rapid. Most investigators have estimated young-of-the-year croaker reach 130-
180 mm TL their first growing season (Welsh and Breder 1923, Haven 1957, White
and Chittenden 1977). However, Louisiana researchers have estimated extremely
high croaker growth rates, reaching a minimum of 200 mm their first year
(Arnoldi et al. 1974, Knudsen and Herke 1978). Croaker begin leaving estuarine
waters during late summer and early fall (Haven 1957, Shealy et al. 1974, Chao
and Musick 1977). Tagging studies in the Gulf of Mexico haye indicated that
juvenile croaker sometimes migrate quickly out of tidal marshes, utilizing the
nurseries for a maximum of four months (Arnoldi et al. 1974, Knudsen and
Herke 1978).

A substantial.commercial fishery exists for croaker within North Carolina's
estuarine waters, primarily utilizing long haul seines and pound nets (Higgins
and.Pearson 1928; Sholar 1979; DeVries 1981, 1982). The winter trawl fishery
and an expanding gill net fishery also exploit croaker off the North Carolina
coast. Large numbers of small croaker are taken as bycatch in the Pamlico Sound
shrimp trawl fishery (Fahy 1965, Wolff 1972).

A total of 17,244 Atlantic croaker were captured during the survey, represent-
ing 5% of the total juvenile fish catch. Croaker were relatively common, ranking
third in abundance and being observed every month of the study period. Recruit-
ment of recently spawned croaker(less than 20 mm TQ was observed in both fall
and spring. Recruitment times generally agree with those found by previous North
Carolina investigators (Hobbie 1971; Ross 1980, in press; Weinstein et al. 1980).
Spring recruitment in the central,and southern areas was observed during March,
but was not noticed until April in the northern area. Peak numbers of newly -
recruited croaker were evident during April through June for all three regions.
Early growth was rapid, with the ma jority of individuals ranging from 25-50 mm TL'
during April and reaching 75-125 mm TL by July. Length frequencies were similar to
thos e recorded during 1980 (Ross, in press), but sl ightly smal-ler than those
observed during 1979 (Ross 1980). North Carolina croaker captured in estuarine
tributaries ranged predominantly from 100 to 175 mm TL in the fall of 1980 (Figures
19 and 20). These individuals were probably juveniles approachi.ng a year in.age,

OCT
5 n=87
100

Nov
5 n : 7

MAR
n : 141

APR
n -- 741

25-

MAY
1,004

L)25-
z
w

w
cr 5-
LL

JUN
n: 1,279

25-

5-i I -T

25- JUL
n 734

0
0 50 -1 160 Z50
r
TOTAL LENd'FH (MM)."
Figure 19. Le.ngth frequencies of micropogonias undulatus captured in
IL

primary stations in North Carolina (October and November,
1.980 and March-July, 1981).

OCT
15 n= 310 101

NOV
15- n: 224

MAR
- nz 104

APR
n392
15-
5 -rj@ @@@

MAY
n : 708
w
S 15-
w
w 5-
LL_

JUN
- n941

15-

d9
JUL
n : 1,065
25-

15-

0
0 50 100 150 21MM) 250 300
TOTAL LENGTH

Figure 20. Length frequencies Of Ricropogonias.undulatus captured in secondary
stations in North:Carolina (October and Novemberi,1980 and March-
July, 1981).

102

according to lengths observed or back-calculated from scale samples by other
researchers (Bearden 1964, Chao and Musick 1977, White and Chittenden 1977). Noss
1982 (in press) estimated a mean back-calculated length at first annulus of
179 mm TL for North Carolina croaker. Monthly croaker mean lengths calculated
from length frequency modes are shown on Table 5.

Several croaker size classes utilized the estuarine tributaries of North
Carolina. During the fall of 1980, croakers less than 35 mm TL and those
between 75-190 mm TL reflected two distinct size modes. The modes represented
new juvenile recruits and fish probably approaching one year in.age. New
recruits were more common in the primary stations, while older individuals were
more abundant in the deeper areas. Larger individuals (100-150 mm TQ captured
in the spring had either overwintered in the estuaries or had migrated into the
area from other estuarine waters. The yearling mode can be followed through May
in the secondary areas. Theyearling modewas accompanied throughout spring by a
mode representing new recruits (Figures 19 and 20). Distinct separation of length
frequency plots by year class was difficult due to rapidly growing young-of-the-
year and slower growing yearlings. Young-of-the-year croaker were still present
in both the primary and secondary areas during July.

Peak croaker numbers were observed during spring recruitment and lowest
numbers during fall, corresponding with juvenile migration to open waters.
(Figure 21). Croaker were more abundant in the secondary areas. Apparent
differences in croaker relative abundances were noted between regions. Croaker
inhabiting the southern area during the fall were more abundant in the primary
areas, while croaker in the northern and central areas were more numerous in the
deeper waters. Numbers rose during November in the southern area's primary
stations, but declined noticeably in the other regions, especially in the northern
area. Throughout spring, croaker from the southern region were much more abundant
in deeper waters. The samples were composed of yearlings or older individuals (109-
230 mm TQ during March and a mixture of young-of-the-year and yearlings during
April and May (17-179 mm TL). Weinstein (1979) found that croaker in the Cape Fear
River primarily utilized the main channel of the river as nursery habitat. Catches,
in the southern area's secondary stations dropped substantially during June and
July, while abundance in the primary stations remained fairly steady through spring
and summer (Figure 21). Croaker catches in the deeper waters of the northern and

103

4- N 1/4 C 1/4
a 3/4 o 3/4

0
1>4- S 1/4 1/4
L TOTAL
0 D 3/4 3/4
- E3- -13

0.
0 N M A M 0 N M A M i
MONTH MONTH

Figure 21. Seasonal abundance of micropogonias undulatus in primary (1/4") and
secondary (3/4") trawl stations in North Carolina during October and.
November, 1980 and March-July, 1981. N=northern area, C=central area,
S=southern area. Addition of 1/4" mesh tail bag to the 3/4" trawl
denoted by

104

central areas generally increased as the season progressed, while those in the
shallows decreased. This inverse relationship and shifts in length frequency
modes indicated migration from the primary areas began in late spring/early

summer.

Croakers were consistently less abundant in primary stations of the northern
and central areas during 1981, relative to 1979 and 1980 (Table 6). Catches in
the southern area varied sporadically. Increased catches in the secondary areas
reflected the use of a smaller mesh tail bag.

Paralichthys lethostigma (Jordan and Gilbert)-Southern flounder

Southern flounder is one of the most common paralichthid flounders found in
North Carolina estuarine waters. The Albemarle Sound area is the northern limit
of the species' range, which extends as far south as Texas (Ginsberg 1952 in
Powell 1974). Southern flounder spawn during fall and early winter (Smith et al.
1975). Postlarvae enter North Carolina est uaries during the winter (Deubler 1958,
Tagatz and Dudley 1961, Williams and Deubler 1968b). Juveniles seek nursery grounds
characterized by low salinities and muddy substrates. Movement out of estuarine
waters is tho'ught to begin after the juvenile flounder become;, yearlings (Powell and
Schwartz 1977). Various ages of adult southern flounder also utilize North Carolina's
estuaries. Significant pound net fisheries have developed to exploit adults during
fall migrations from the estuaries (Wolff 1977, DeVries 1981).

Southern flounder was the most common flounder captured (1,297 individuals)
during the study period. Southern flounder were captured in all three regions, but
were not abundant anywhere, representing a maximum of 0.4% of the total finfish
catch in each area. Carpenter (1979) and Ross (1980, in press) also found similar
distributions and. general abundances during previous studies in North Carolina.

Southern flounder young-of-the-year were first captured in estuarine waters
during March,.at a size range of 10-40 m TL (Figure 22). Young juveniles evidently
sought the upper reaches of tributaries during recruitment since juveniles were
captured in open water stations until April and then very-few were observed. Peak
southern flounder abundance'o.ccurred during Apr-il in all three areas (Figure 23), when
young-of-the-year dominated upper tributary.-.flounder c4tC-'hes*at a size range of 18-65
mm TL. Relatively high abundances of new recruits were also noticed during March in

-n FREQUENCY

r- C+. m

00 11
-j. m

m
0

W 0
'I -h

0
C+ 0 ril
0.:3. -
cr kc -
M. W

rA
0. rt

Cf*

00 "1
C> m z >
CL z -D
iw z
= -J. -4
CL
0

=r IV

106

J N o@ 1/4 C 1/4
c 3/4 a 3/4

'3-

2- ---------

= I- --- 13-
+- CLI lit Cr
x
'0-

04- S 1/4 TOTAL 1/4
3/4 o 3/4

CX. -rr

0-
0 N M A M 1 0 N M A M j
MONTH MONTH

Figure 23. Seasonal abundance of Paralichthys lethostigma in primary (1/4") and
secondary (3/4") trawl stations in North Carolina.during October and
November, 1980 and-March-July, 1981. N=northern area, C=central area,
S=southern area. Addition of 1/4" mesh tail bag to the 3/4" trawl is
denoted by
Cr

Ct'

-C

107

the southern area. Juvenile.southern flounder utilized the areas of the coast
differently. Southern flounder numbers decreased rapidly in the southern area
after April; the fish completely migrated out of the upper creeks by July. A
few individuals remained in open waters. Weinstein (1979) and Ross (1980, in
press) also fo und peak juvenile abundance in the southern area during March
and April, and rapidly declining numbers thereafter. Flounder in the northern
and central areas utilized the shallow tributaries through July, with numbers
generally decreasing as the season progressed (Figure 23). Purvis (1976) and
Ross (1980, in press) found similar occurrences.

Several year classes of southern flounder utilized North Carolina estuarine
tributaries (Figures 22 and 24). Two size classes of flounder were captured during
March and April in both the upper creeks and more open waters. The smallest size
group represented young-of-the-year. The larger individuals represented yearlings
according to size and age compositions reported by DeVries (1981). Juveniles
approaching one year in age were taken in October and November according to length
frequency data (60-160 mm TQ. Powell and Schwartz (1977) estimated southern
flounder juveniles reached 130 mm TL by the end of their first year (December);
90-100 mm TL individuals, caught in the spring, represented extremely fast growing
young-of-the-year juveniles that were recruited in early winter. They con cluded
that growth ceased by autumn and did not resume until spring, when the fish were
age 1. The southern flounder age.and growth o bservations of this study and of
DeVries (1981) differed considerably from those-ofPowell and Schwartz (1977).
These data indicated that the 90-100 mm TL specimens caught in the spring were
probably slow growing juveniles, recruited the previous winter and spring, and
were already age 1. The apparent growth cessation noticed by Powell and Schwartz
(1977) during the fall was possib ly caused by the migration of smaller fish into
open waters, where most of the investigators' stations were located. Powell and
Schwartz (1977) also utilized sampling gears selective for larger individuals.

Different length-frequency modes were discernible for juveniles and yearlings
during March through May, but were difficult to distinguish in June and July. There-
fore, length estimates present a very general approximation of growth. Growth
estimate s for early spring indicated that flounder from the southern area were
slightly larger than those from the central and northern areas, probably due to
earlier recruitment of individuals into the region. Weinste in (1979) presented

108

OCT
n5
5-

NOV
n 13

MAR
5- n = 16

U
z
LLI
:D APR
n= 20

r%
LL I
MAY
57'

JUN
5- n= 36

JUL
n = 72

cp [-V-\ r\ /_@_r= [email protected]__-V-\, rv-\ MQ
0 20 60 160 140 180 240 240
TOTAL LENGTH (mm)

Figure 24. Length frequencies Of Paralichthys lethostigma captured in secondary
stations in North Carolina (October and NovemberS 1980 and March-
July, 1981).

109

length data on southern flounder in the Cape Fear region for February through
April, finding smaller fish than those captured in this study. Larger flounder
were captured coastwide during March through July, 1981 when compared with
length frequencies from similar areas and times during 1979 and 1980 (DeVries 1981).

INVERTEBRATES

Total Catch Composition

Although most juvenile estuarine surveys have concentrated on finfish
population s, investigators have also noted large numbers of mobile invertebrate
species in shallow estuarine creeks and marshes (Hackney et al. 1976, Carpenter
1979, and Baisden 1979). Species reported in the southeastern United States
have primarily been penaeid and caridean shrimps and the blue crab (@Caiiinectes
sapidus). The present study collected 23 species of invertebrates (Table 7).
with almost 94% of the total invertebrate catch represented by penaeid.shrimp
and blue crabs. Species composition during 1981 was very similar to a previous
North Carolina study during 1978 (Carpenter 19791,except relatively few shrimp
(Palaemonetes spp.) were collected. Brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus).was the most
common penaeid shrimp captured, accounting for 81% of the commercially-important
shrimp catch. Pink shrimp (P. duozarum) was second in abundance, representing 11%
of the coastwide totals. Blue crabs were the most abu ndant invertebrate in the
samples, representing almost 43% of the total invertebrate catch.

Interregion Comparisons

The southern area contained the largest number of invertebrate species. This
phenomenon was probably due to the proximity of the area's estuaries to the
Atlantic Ocean. The same characteristics which allowed the area to support
relatively more fish species also hold true for invertebrates: extensive tidal
action over a generally limited area provides easy.tr ansport to marshes and
creeks and also maintains higher salinities. Warmer winter water temperatures
may also contribute to greater diversity. The northern and central areas appeared
to support similar species,@and together differed noticeably.from the southern
region's species composition. Catches from the southern area contained higher

MJM M M M M RM.M =
00jal 1
Table 7. Total numbers and size range of invertebrates captured during North Carolina estuarine monitoring program
stations combined) for October-November, 1980 and March-July, 1981.

Areas

Northern Central Southern

t
1/411 trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4 rawl

Size Size Size Size Size Size
Species N range N range N range N range N range N range
Class,'Cephalopoda
Order,.Ddcapoda

r
J01 igo Opp
5 46 2 51 132
class Crustacea
Order Stomatopoda
squilla.empusa
(mantis',shr'imo) 1 130 2 17-38 12 14-128
'_'0rder',":Myifdacea
Neomysis-*.amer'icanus 54 12-19
..0eider')Ded4odda
,'Fami TYPPenadfdae

Penaenus,setiferus
(white shrimp) 38 38-95 15 65-135 231 25-125 24 45-135 119 45-135 182 65-145

P. duararum
(pink shrimp) 173 15-105 5 45-109 142 25-145 20 85-135 404 25-125 89 45-135
P. az'@6dus
(brown shtimp) 754 15-151 1,317 45-136 1,251 15-155 372 55-155 1,745 15-145 807 35-145
P.rachypenaeus constrictus 13 19-41 7 31-59
Family Sergestidae
Acetes americanus 22 15

Ta bl e. -7 (continued).
Areas

Northern Central Southern

1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl

ze size Size Size Size Size
N range N range N range N range N range N range
Species
Family Pala6monidae
Periclizienes longicudatus 20 15-19
Palaemonetos vulgaris 5 35
P. intermedius 92 18-37
P. puglo 188 17-34 17 24-32

P. sPP.
(shore@'�hrimp) 96 25 65 25-42
Family Alpheidae
Alpheus heterochaelis
(pistol shrimp) 3 37-38 1 32

A. spp.
(snapping shrimp) 1 65
Family Portunidae
Ovalipes ocellatus
(spotted Iady crab) 1 33
0. quadulpensi s-
(lady crab) 13 24-33
Pottunus gibbesfi 27 34-85
Callinectes sapidus
(blue crab, male) 998 5-175 698 15-185 928 5-163 692 10-92 314 5-165 143 15-175

C. sapidus
(blue crab, female) 517 4-163 489 15-185 514 5-155 493 18-175 73 25-155 189 25-165
C. sapidus
(sex unknown) 343 4-28 5 6-15
so smos M JM 5 JMM M M M 34M31-MM

Tabl e 7 (continued)..
Areas

Northern Central Southern
1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl 1/4" trawl 3/4" trawl

Size size Size Size Size Size
N range N range N range N range N range N range
Species
Family Xanthidae
Rhithr6panojeus!'harrIsii 12 5-22 2 20-21
(riff crab)
Neopaneope texan.a sayi 13 24-23
Fami I y. Maj i dae
Mithrax hispidus
(coral crab) 3 12-16

Total no species 9 10 21

1Sizes reported in total length (mm) for shrimp (tip of carapace to tip of rostrum) and in carapace width (mm) for crabs.
Squid were.not measured.

113

numbers of stomotopods, mysid shrimps, sergestid shrimps, shore shrimps
(Pezriclimenes spp.), snapping shrimps (Alpheus spp.), lady crabs Ovalipes spp.),
and coral crabs (Mithrax hispidus). Brown shrimp was the major invertebrate
caught in the southern area, while blue crabs dominated the northern and central
catches (Table 8). Pink and white (P. setiferus) shrimps also occurred more
commonly in trawl samples from the southern area than in those from the northern
and central regions, perhaps reflecting preferences for hi.gher salinity habitats
(Williams 1965).

Past investigations have also found brown shrimp to be the most abundant
penaeid shrimp in North Carolina estuarine waters (Spitsbergen and Wolff 1974,
Purvis 1976, Weinstein 1979). The higher numbers of juvenile brown shrimp are
reflected in the species' importance in North*Carolina's major commercial shrimp.
Pink shrimp were second in commercial shrimp abundance in catches from the northern
and southern areas. Previous studies,have shown that pink shrimp usually reach
their highest numerical peak in the estuarine tributaries of North Carolina during
late summer and early fall (Williams 1955, Spitsbergen and Wolff 1974, Purvis 1976).
The sampling period covered by this study did not include this period. Also,
Purvis (1976) noted sampling difficulties encountered with pink shrimp due to their
nocturnal habits. White shrimp also reach peak numbers during late summer/early
fall (Williams 1955, Carpenter 1979); therefore, the same seasonal sampling
limitations apply to this species.

Unlike previous studies by Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974), Purvis (1976), and
Carpenter (1979), blue crabs represented the major portion of the invertebrate
catch i n the northern and central areas duri ng 1.981 (Tabl e 8). These areas provi de
the vast majority of North Carolina's commercial crab harvest.

Major Species

Three species of penaeid shrimps and the blue crab were chosen for discussion
because of their commercial importance and relatively high abundance. Length
frequency and abundance data are presented in similar fashion as previous fish data.

Penaeus aztecus Oves)-Brown shrimp

Spawning of brown shrimp takes place offshore during late winter and early
spring (Williams and Deubler 1968b). Williams (1969) found young brown shrimp

Table 8. Total numbers and percent of total catch by area for commercial invertebrates captured by trawl
in North Carolina estuarine waters, October - November, 1980 and March July, 1981.

Areas

Northern Central Southern

Percent of area's Percent of area's Percent of area's
Species N total number N total number N total number

Pen'aen-us setiferus 53 1.0 255 5.4 301 6.3

P..duorarum 178 3.2 162 3.4 493 10.3

P. aztecus 2,071 37.6 1,623 34.2 2,552 .53.4

Callinectes sapidus 3,045 55.3 2,632 55.4 719 15.1

'e r,
a -numb. 5,508 4,748 4,775

4@b

115

postlarvae moving through several North Carolina inlets into estuarine waters
from January through May, with the largest numbers found in March. Subsequent
studies also noted spring recruitment (Purvis 1976, Carpenter 1979, Weinstein
1979). Postlarval brown shrimp.migrate to brackish creeks, characterized by
soft bottoms and usually covered with di)ssolved forest litter (Williams 1955).
Brown shrimp juveniles pprefer salinities greater than 10 ppt in North Carolina
waters (Carpenter 1979, Jones and Sholar 1981). Brown shrimp grow rapidly
(1-1 .5 mm/day) in estuarine tributaries (Williams 1955, McCoy 1968). The shrimp
migrate out of estuarine areas toward the ocean as they become larger. Spitsbergen
and Wolff (1974) and Purvis (1976) noted migration from the shallow tributaries
when brown shrimp reach.95 mm. Brown shrimp usually leave North Carolina estuarine
waters by late fall.

The present investigation collected 6,246 brown shrimp. The species was
collected throughout the study period, except during March .and ranged in size
from 15 mm during April, 1981 to 155 mm during November 1980. Brown shrimp recruit-
ment for 1981 began during April in the southern area and early May in the central
and northern areas (Figure 25). Temperatures during recruitment ranged from 15 - I
280C in all three regions and salinities, from 0 to 33 ppt. Williams and Deubler
(1968b) reported most postlarval brown shrimp in North Carolina waters recruited
during temperatures between 11 and 220C and were found at salinities of 0.1-34.8 ppt.

The highest numbers of brown shrimp were captured in the southern area, with
peak abundances occurring in the shallow tributaries during May at 15 to 95 mm.
Peak numbers in the southern area's secondary stations were found a month later at
55 to 125 mm and declined rapidly thereafter. Weinstein (1979) and Carpenter (1980)
found the highest numbers of brown shrimp in the southern area during May in
shallow water habitats.

Peak brown shrimp numbers in the northern and central areas' primary stations
did not occur until June. Shrimp sizes during June ranged from 25 to 129 mm. Previous
studies have shown that peak abundance periods in the shallow tributaries of Pamlico
Sound are variable, occurring between May and July, depending upon the year and the
location (Williams 1955, Purvis 1976, Jones and Sholar 1981). The highest number.of
brown shrimp in the secondary stations of the central area were noted during June . ._I
(Figure 25). Peak abundances in the open water stations in the northern area did not
occur until July and were accompanied by a decrease in catches from the upper
stations Shrimp captured in the secondary areas were a combination of juveniles and

116

4- N 1/4 C 1/4
3/4 (3 3/4

+I- C@

0-
04- S 1/4 TOTAL 1/4
3/4 3/4

rl
0- 1
0 N M A M 0 N M A
MONTH MONTH

Figure 25. Seasonal abundance of PenaeuS aztecus@in primary @1/4") and
secondary (3/4") trawl stat ions in North,Carolina.during
October and November.1980 and March-July'9 1981. N=northern
area, C=central area, S=southern area. Addition of 1/4" mesh
tail bag to the 3/4" mesh trawl is denoted'by

117

adults, ranging from 47 to 136 mm in size. Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974),
Purvis (1976), Carpenter (1980) and Jones and Sholar (1981) observed high
numbers of brown shrimp remaining in estuarine tributaries of Pamlico Sound
until August. Brown shrimp were abundant in this investigation through July.
Lowest brown shrimp numbers were encountered in the fall of 1980 due to
migration out of the estuaries.

Penaeus duorarum (Burkenroad)-Pink shrimp

Pink shrimp is the only penaeid shrimp which overwinters in significant
quantities in North Carolina's estuarine waters. Depending on winter conditions,
large numbers of juveniles and sub-adults may overwinter in the relatively muddy
bottoms of northern and western Pamlico Sound and the sandy/grassy bottoms of
Core Sound and the Outer Banks (Williams 1955, Purvis and McCoy 1972, Wolff 1976).
Surviving shrimp move out of their overwintering burrows as water temperatures
reach 150C or greater in the spring (Williams 1955, Purvis and McCoy 1972).
Survivors support the spring/earl y summer pink shrimp fishery of Pamlico and Core
sounds (Purvis and McCoy 1972). Growth is rapid (13 mm/week) once water tempera-
tures increase (Williams 1955). Young adults begin maturing during May. By late
June, the majority are usually sexually mature and have migrated to the Atlantic
Ocean. Most postlarval recruitment occurs in North Carolina waters during May
through August, varying annually and among localities (Williams 1955, Spitsbergen
and Wolff 1974, Purvis 1976, Weinstein.1979). Recruitment does continue into late
November, which is indicative of a protracted spawning period.

Pink shrimp were captured throughout the study period in the southern region
and captured in all months except March and July in the northern and central areas.
The shrimp ranged from 15 to 135 mm. Abundance graphs generally exhibit the pink
shrimp estuarine utilization cycle in North Car olina waters (Figure 26). Two
abundance peaks are noted for the state: the first one i-n October and November,
when both adults and sub-adults (75-135 mm) are present in estuarine waters just
before overwintering and the second during April, when small shrimp were first.
observed in Pamlico Sound and recruitment appeared well underway in the southern
region. March water temperatures during the recruitment period of the southern.
area ranged from 10 to 160C. April water temperatures for all areas ra.nged from
15.90C to 250C.

118

4- N e 1/4 C 1/4
0 3/4 E3 3/4

x
@o 7
0
C>4- S 1/4 TOTAL 1/4
_j 3/4 t3 3 A

13
ck,

ELI

-13-
cr rl
I I I I I I I I I I r
0 N M A M 0 N M A M
MONTH MONTH
Figure 26. Seasonal abundance of Penaeus duorarum in primary kl/4") and
secondary (3/4") stations in North Carolina during October and
November, 1980 and March-July, 1981. N-northern area, C=central
area, S=southern area. Addition of 1/4" mesh tail bag to the
3/4" trawl is denoted by

119

Pink shrimp were most abundant in trawl catches from the southern area.
Peak abundance was noted in the upper creek stations during fall,-at a size
range of 25 to 75 mm. The highest numbers in the open water..stations were
recorded during May, when the shrimp were 85-135 mm in length. Carpenter
(1980) also observed p6ak abundance in the southern area's shallow stations
during May; however, Weinstein (1979) found that abundances in the Cape Fear
area peaked in July and declined afterwards. The greatest numbers in the
northern and central areas' upper stations occurred during fall, agreeing with
previous investigations in Pamlico Sound (Spitsbergen and Wolff 1974, Purvis
1976, Carpenter 1980). Shrimp in these areas varied. tremendously in size,
ranging from 15 to 135 mm. Juvenile numbers in the upper tributaries again
reached a maximum during April, a result of either new recruitment in 1981 or
overwintering juveniles from the fall of 1980. Pink shrimp were not abundant
anytime in the northern and central areas during March through July 1981,
supporting previous observations of Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) Purvis (1976),
and Carpenter (1980).

Penaeus setiferus (Linnaeus)-White shrimp
.' I
The least common penaeid shrimp occurring in North Carolina is the white
shrimp. Spawning of white shrimp in North Carolina takes place offshore during
May through September, with postlarvae and small juveniles first appearing in
estuarine waters during June (Williams 1959, Spitsbergen and Wolff 1974).
Recruitment usually extends through September, with peak numbers occurring in
July, August, or early September (Williams 1955, Weinstein 1 979, Carpenter
1980). Juvenile growth is rapid (36 mm/month) upon entering the shallow
tributaries (Williams 1955). As the shrimp reach the-sub-adult stage, growth
slows considerably (12 mm/month) and movement is initiated toward open waters
(McCoy and Brown 1967). Most of the white shrimp move out of estuarine waters
by November. A small portion of the population overwinters in the southern
region (Carpenter 1980).
Only 609 white shrimp were captured duri.ng the study period., ranging in
size from 25 to 145 mm * Recruitment was first observed during June in the
southern area, and a month later in the central and northern areas. Small shrimp
(less than 35 mm) were also noted during October, 1980 in the central area. Peak

.120

numbers were observed in the central and southern areas during fall at 25
to 145 mm, and during the initial recruitment period in the northern area,
at 38 to 54 mm. Copeland and Birkhead (1972) also found peak numbers in the
fall for the southern area, while Weinstein (1979) found both initial
recruitment and high abundances during July. Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974)
and Purvis (1976) reported high numbers during the fall for western and
northern Pamlico Sound. The present investigation terminated before white
shrimp peak abundances normally occur in each respective region (July -
September). Juvenile shite shrimp (8) were captured in the northern and
western tributaries of Pamlico Sound during March, a phenomenon previously
unreported. The shrimp ranged in size from 45 to 85 mm. This occurrence
may indicate isolated juvenile overwintering in Pamlico Sound or an unusual
seasonal recruitment into Pamlico Sound during 1981.

Callinectes sapidus :(Rathburn)-Blue crab

Blue crabs are one of the most important commercial estuarine resources
along the Atlantic coast. The major fishing areas are Chesapeake Bay,
Pamlico Sound, and the St. Johns River, Fl orida. Blue crab mating occurs in
brackish water between May and October (Van Engel et al. 1973). Females mate
once, but males may mate several times. After mating, females migrate to
higher salinity waters near inlets. The male blue crabs usually remain in
brackish tributaries and overwinter in muddy substrates when water temperatures
decline in early winter, Females spawn in higher salinity waters during spring
thro.ugh fall after mating (Van Engel et al.. 1973). Individuals potentially
spawn several times during'the season and some females may also spawn the next
year after overwintering in the sediments near the inlets. In North Carolina,
tagging studies have indicated that some females move back to estuaries after
spawning in the ocean (Judy and Dudley 1970). Hatched larvae migrate or are
carried offshore by currents (Nichols and Keney 1963, Dudley and Judy 1973).
About six months after hatching, the juvenile crabs migrate back to the
brackish estuaries, where the y grow to maturity (Dudley and Judy 1973).

A total of 6,396 blue crabs were captured during the study period,
ranging in size from 4 to 185 mm for males and 5 to 185 mm for females.
Le ngth frequencies of male and female blue crabs captured in the primary and

121

secondary stations of Pamlico Sound during March through July are presented
in Figures 27-30. Exact lengths were not taken in October and November, 1980,
preventing use of fall data for length frequency analysis. Abundance by sex
in the shallow creeks and deeper waters for each region are shown in Figure 31.
Abundances of new recruits (crabs less than 40 mm) are also graphed in Figure 31.

Blue crabs were abundant everywhere and were captured during all months.
Abundance data indicated continuous recruitment. Crabs less than 40 mm were
most abundant in catches during April, but only decreased slightly thereafter.
Blue crab juvenile recruitment has been noted to exhibit two peaks in Pamlico
Sound: one during August through November, and the other during March through
May (Dudley and Judy 1973; Carpenter 1979, 1980; DeVries 1981). Large quantities
of small blue crabs were also noted in this study during October and November.
Small recruits were most evident in abundance plots for males in the northern
area (Figure 31).

Abundance of male blue crab remained high in the primary areas'l catches
through spring in all regions. A decline in catches was not observed until June.
The majority of males captured were less than 30 mm through May. Apparent move-
ment of male recruits into open waters was noted in June and July, when large
increases in the number of blue crabs greater than 50 mm were observed (Figure 28).
Male blue crabs were more abundant in the secondary areas during June (central
area) and July (northern area) than in the shallow tributaries, and represented
s.ignificant increases over the numbers found during March through May in the
deeper waters.

Female blue crabs were generally less abundant than males in all areas.
Females increased slightly in number from March through June in the primary
stations. Female blue crabs in those areas usually were less than 40 mm (Figure
29). Abundances in the secondary stations increased steadily in the northern and
central areas as spring progressed. Females became more numerous in the open
waters, relative tothe shallows, during June in western Pamlico Sound and July,
in northern Pamlico Sound. The increase was due to higher catches of 40 to 80 mm
.crabs in June and 50 to 120 mm crabs in July (Figure 30). Female blue crabs in
the southern area were more abundant in the open waters throughout spring, a
phenomenon also reported by Carpenter.(1980).-.
The results of.this study agree with the observations of Dudley and Judy
(1973). Juvenile blue crabs usually recruit and peak in number during late

122

MAR
n=206

6-
2-

APR
n=323

>- 10- MAY
0 n = 248
Z
w
6-

w
a: 2-
LL

JUN
n = 503
'o-

6-
2-

to- JUL
- nz4ZO

2-
.0
0 60 120 ISO
CARAPACE WIDTH hm)

Figure 27. Size frequencies of male Callinectes sapidus captured in primary
stations in No rth Carolina (Marc h-July, 1981).

FREQUENCY
01 1 oil

0) N
C+

W (D
.0

0 M-
0 0 0
5m
C+ >
=r x
0
C-) h >
ru
5
00)

0 (D

(D
3
1< Lo

kc ou
00 c:

0
0)
-0
C+

c- c-
(D c: C
CL r z iA- -< j

CL
0)

124

MAR
n

APR
n 162

MAY
Z 152
w

w 2- Afn A
w @@@ a r\ =@ rv-\
LL

- JUN
n=277
6-

JUL
n 179
6-

0 60 120 180
CARAPACE WIDTH (mW
Figure.29. Size frequencies of female Callinectes sapidus:captured in.
primary stations in North Carolina (March-July, 1981).

125

MAR
n 6

APR
n= 35

MAY
n=66

L) JUN
Z n= 354
w
M 6-
Or
w
X 2-

JUL
I0- n=462

0 1
0 6'0 1
120 180
CARAPACE WIDTH (MM)

Figure 30. Size frequencies of female Callinectes sapidus captured in secondary
stations in North Carolina tMarch-July, 1981).

126
A <40 nim

NORTHERN
4_ CENTRAL
x G SOUTHERN
0 13-- A
C)
_j

0- ........................

MONTH
B

N MALE N FEMALE
3-

R 13 1/4
1/4 J3- -cr
03/4 0 3/4

,-3- C C

xz-

CD C@ 13-
01- 1/4 1/4
_j W D 3/4 3/4

0- 1 1 @ I I I I I I I
3- S S

1/4 0- 41 1/@
Q 3/4 3/4

0 1 1 1 1 1 1 . t I
0 N M A M 1 0 A M
MONTH MONTH
Figure 31. A. Seasonal abundance Of Callinectes sapidus recruits (less than 40 mm) in
the northern, centra], and southern study areas of North Carolina, March-
July, 1981' (all stations combined).
B. Seasonal abundance of male and female c. sapidus in primary (1/4") and
secondary (3/4").trawl stations in North Carolina during October and
November, 1980 and March-July, 1981. N=northern area'. C-central area,
S=southern area. Addition of 1/4" mesh tail bag 'to the 3/4" trawl is
denoted by II/Pl.

127

winter/early spring and then move from shallow tributaries into bays and
sounds during summer and early fall. The larger blue crabs recruit into a
commercial pot and trawl fishery that occurs in Pamlico Sound and its
tributaries. Tagging studies by Judy and Dudley (1970) indicated that the
North Carolina commercial fishery in any estuary depended on the numbers of
crabs that reached maturity within each system. Commercial size crabs
(greater than 125 mm).were present in estuarine tributaries beginning in
April and were increasing in frequency through July.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Appreciation is extended to the following Marine Fisheries personnel who
performed all field work and assisted with data preparation: biologists Steve
W. Ross, Douglas A. DeVries, and Richard K. Carpenter; technicians Manly Gaskill,
Paul Moore, Thomas Arnold,.Gregory Judy, J. Darrell Mumford, Clifton Harvell,
Morris Allison and Elizabeth Griffin. Steve W. Ross, Douglas D. DeVries,
Sheryan P. Epperly, Terry M. Sholar and Michael W. Street reviewed the manu-
sci--ipt and provided many constructive comments. I am grateful to Murial Roy,
Juanita Tripp, Marian Alligood and Margaret Stafford for typing the manuscript.

128

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Street, M. W... and J. D. McClees.
1981. North Carolina's coastal fishing industry and the influence of
coastal alterations. p. 238-251. rn: Richardson, Curtis, J. (ed.) Pocosin
wetlands. Hutchinson Ross Publ. Co., Stroudsburg, PA, 364 p.

135

Subrahmanyan, C. C., and S. H. Drake.
1975. Studies on the animal communities in two north Florida salt
marshes. Bull. Mar. Sci., 25(4):445-465.

Sundararaj, B. I.
1960. Age and growth of the spot, Leiostomus xanthurus Lacepede.
Tulane Stud. Zool. 8(2):41-62.

Tagatz, M. E., and D. L. Dudley.
1961. Seasonal occurrence of marine fishes in four shore habitats near
Beaufort, N.C., 1957-1960. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Spec. Sci. Rep. Fish.
390, 19 p.

U.S. Amy Corps of Engineers.
1977. Maintenance of Wilmington Harbor, North Carolina. Final environ-
mental statement. U.S.-Amy Engineers District, Wilmington, N.C., 97 p.

Van Engel, W. A., D. G. Cargo, F. J. Wojcik.
1973. The edible blue crab--abundant crustacean. Atl. St. Mar. Fish.
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Wallace, D. H.
1940. Sexual development of the croaker, Micropogon undulatus, and,
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Weinstein, M.P.
1979. Shallow marsh habitats as primary nurseries for fishes and shell-
fish, Cape Fear River, North Carolina. Fish. Bull., U.S. 77(2):339-357.

, S. L. Weiss, R. G. Hodson, and L. R. Gerry.
1980. Re:Eention of three taxa of postlarval fishes in an intensively
flushed tidal estuary, Cape Fear River, North Carolina. Fish. Bull.,
U.S. 78(2):419-436.

Welsh, W. W., and C. M. Breder, Jr.
1923. Contributions to life histories of Sciaenidae of the eastern
United States coast. Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish. 39:141-201.

White, M. L., and M. E. Chittenden.
1977. Age determination, reporduction, and population dynamics of the
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Wilkins, E.P.H. and R. M. Lewis.
1971. Abundance and distribution of young Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia
ty-rannusp in the White Oak River estuary, North Carolina. Fish. Bull.,
U.S. 69(4):783-790.

Williams, A. B.
1955. A contribution to the life histories of commercial shrimps (Penaeidae)
in North,Carolina. Bull. Mar. Sci. Gulf and Caribb. 5(2):116-146.

1959. Spotted and brown shrimp postlarvae (penaeus) in North Carolina.
Bull. Mar. Sci. Gulf Caribb. 9(3):281-290.

136

1965. Marine decapod crustaceans of the Carolinas. U.S. Fish Wildl.
Serv., Fish. Bull. 65(l):1-298.

1969. A ten year study of meroplankton in North Carolina estuaries:
cycles of occurrence among penaeidean shrimps. Chesapeake Sci. 10(l):36-47.

and E. E. Deubler, Jr.
1968a. Studies on macroplanktonic crustaceans and ichthyoplankton of the
Pamlico Sound comples. N.C. Dep. Conser. Dev., Div. Comm. Sports. Fish.,
Raleigh, Spec. Sci. Rep. 13, 103p.

1968b. A ten-year study of meroplankton in North Carolina estuaries:
assessment of environmental factors and sampling success among bothid,
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Wolff, M.
1972. A study of North Carolina's scrap fishery. N.C. Dep. Nat. Econ.
Res., Div. Comm. Sport Fish., Spec. Sci. Rep. 20, 29,p.

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Pr0j. 2-222-R. N.C. Dep. Nat. Econ. Res., Div. Mar. Fish., 27 p.

137

PROJECT II

INSHORE PARALICHTHID FLOUNDER TAGGING

Douglas A. DeVries'

and

Clifton,H. Harvell

138

ABSTRACT

Of 495 southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) tagged in the Pamlico
River near Washington, N.C. during Fall 1980, 169 (34.1%) were recaptured.
Most of the recoveries were short term (<-40 days), most (89.3%) occurred
within 6.4 km of the release site, and most (152 or 89.9%) were taken in gill
nets. Twelve fish were recovered in the southeastern portion of Pamlico Sound
and northern Core Sound. One other fish was recaptured near the North Carolina/
South Carolina border and another was taken off Winyah Bay, S.C., indicating
some flounder migrate considerable distances. Six short range, long term
(104-219 days) returns indicate some fish overwinter in the river or return
there the following spring. Although the exploitation rate over about 10 months
was 34.1%, this must be considered an overestimate because the tags tended to
tangle in gill nets, making tagged fish more vulnerable than untagged fish to
that gear. Fifteen (9.4%) of 158 southern flounder tagged in lower Core and
Back Sounds in October and November 1980 were recaptured - all but two within
45 days and 6.4 km of the release site. The remaining two recoveries were made
off eastern Florida in February and July. Of 311 P. lethostigma tagged in the
Neuse River in April 1981, 110 (35.4%) were recaptured. Through July 1981,
106 (96.4%) of the recaptures had occurred within 11.3 km of the release site,
indicating very limited movement. Two long range recaptures were made - one
about 50 km downstream in Core Creek and the other about 70 km downstream off
Beaufort Inlet. Gill nets accounted for most (101 or 91.8%) of the recaptures
in the Neuse River. Sixty-seven summer 'flounder (Paralichthys -dentatus) were
J;.-.agged from Cape Lookout to Beaufort Inlet in June and July 1981. Only one
fish was recaptured, and it was taken two days after release in the release area.

139

INTRODUCTION

Paralichthid flounders, particularly summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus,
and southern flounder, P. lethostigma, are very important commercial and
recreational species in North Carolina. Commercial landings of flounder, com-
prised primarily Of P. dentatus taken in the offshore winter trawl fishery
and, to a much lesser extent, P. iethostigma taken in the inshore pound net
fishery (Wolff 1977, DeVries 1981), have ranged from 5.4-to 7.7 million kg worth
2.84-7.95 million dollars annually from 1974 through 19801 (U.S. Dept. of
Commerce 1977, 1978, 1930). In total value,.flounder has been the leading food-
fish landed in North Carolina since at least 1965, and in 6 out of the last 10
years, it has ranked second only to shrimp among all North Carolina fisheries,
including menhaden (Street 1981).

In order to effectivelymana:g-e and maintain these valuable flounder fisheries,
the sources, locations, movements and numbers of stocks involved must be
determined. Several tagging studies have been conducted on P. dentatus to answer
these questions (Westman 1946, Poole 1962, Murawski 1970), including a two year
program conducted on the offshore overwintering grounds off North Carolina by the
Division of Marine Fisheries. Despite these studies, questions still remain,
especially concerning the contribution of Pamlico Sound juveniles to the offshore
stocks. Poole (1966) suggested that Pamlico Sound may serve as a major nursery
area for summer flounder. Published tagging work on P. lethostigma has been
limited to a single Texas study (Stokes 1977) in the Aransas Bay area.

The objectives of this study were to determine the movements, number, and
distribution of stocks of southern and summer flounder in the estuarine waters
of North Carolina, particularly Pamlico and Core Sounds and their tributaries.

METHODS

Flounder were captured primarily by gill net and a 26 ft wing trawl, with
a few taken by other trawls and hook and line. Most of the tagging occurred in

'Landings data from 1977 through 1980 are preliminary and subject to revision
in the Fishery Statistics of the United States.

140

in three general areas during two time periods: upper Pamlico River just
below Washington, N.C. and lower Core Sound/Back Sound during October and
November 1980 and upper Neuse River just below New Bern, N.C. in early
April 1981 (see Figure 6 for locations). Gill nets were used during the fall
of 1980 and the 'wing trawl in.April 1981. A small number of flounder were tagged
throughout the Pamlico Sound system whenever they were captured during other
Division sampling. In addition, P. dentatus were captured in late June and July
1981 at Cape Lookout Bight and along Shackleford Banks using hook and line.

Fish were tagged above the lateral line over the pectoral fin or along
the posterior dorsal edge of the body with al 9mm diameter Petersen disc
attached with a nickel pin. All specimens were measured to the nearest mm total
length (TL) at the time of tagging. Rewards of 1, 5, 10, and 25 dollars were
randomly assigned to individual tags before tagging started. The project was
publicized by placing posters at fish houses and other public places where
fishermen might gather.

Distances traveled by recaptured fish were computed as the most direct,
straight-line route by water.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A total of 1,001 southern flounder were tagged in North Carolina estuaries
during October 1980 - July 1981; 299 (29.9%) were recaptured during that period.
Because of the difficulty in obtaining large numbers of summer flounder, only 73
were tagged, and only 1 was recaptured through July 1981. Most of the southern
flounder (962) were tagged in three widely separated locations over relatively
short periods of time (11-45 days), and results from each release area will be
discussed separately.
Pamlico River, September-November 1980
A total of 495 southern flounder 252-503 mm TL (Figure la) were-tagged and
released in the Pamlico River 6.4 km (4 mi) east of Washington, N.C. during the
period 23 September - 6 November 1980. One hundred.. sixty-nine (34.1%) ranging
from 275 to 467 mm TL (Figure la) were recaptured. Most of the recoveries were
short term; 72 occurred within 0-10 days, 8l.within 11-40 days, 5 within 41-70
days@, and 11 wi.thin 71-219 days.

141'

80-
0 -Tagged N 495
M-Recaptured , N=169
60-
Intermediate and long
- range recaptures 1>22kml
40- N=18

20-

30 N=158
LU b N=15
0 10-
Uj

LL I

50- C N 311

N=110

30-

10-

T' I
N =67
10
N=1

20 30 40 50 60."
TOTAL LENGTH (CM1

Figure 1. Length frequencies of southern flounder'tagged in a'). Pamlico
River 23 Sep - 6 Nov.1980, b) southern 'Core* and,Back-sounds,
3 Oct 10 Nov 1980, and c)'Neuse'River 3-13 Apr 1.981, and
summer flounder tagged d) between Cape Lookout Bight and
Beaufort Inlet 25 Jun and 9, 10 Jul. 1981.@

142

Most of the recaptures (89.3%) occurred within 6.4 km (4 mi) of the
release site. These short range recaptures included 141 (92.9%) of the 151
fish caught within 40 days, 2 of the 5 taken within 41-70 days, and most
notably, 8 of the 11 recovered within 71-219 days (Figures 2-5). Four
recaptures were made at intermediate ranges 22.5 - 30.6 km (14-19 mi) down-
stream of the release site, three at Mixon's Creek 9,11, and 16 days after
release and one near the mouth of South Creek 119 days after release
(Figures 2, 3, and 5).

Fourteen long range (84-386 km) recaptures were made and these are
detailed in Table 1. Ten of the 14 were caught in the southeastern corner
of Pamlico Sound off Cedar Island and in northern Core Sound, and two were
caught near Ocracoke Inlet (Figure 6); these 12 fish were at liberty an
average of 31 days. The remaining two long range recoveries were made in the
Intercoastal Waterway (IWW) near the North Carolina-South Carolina border 184
days after release and off Winyah Bay, S. C. 111 days after release.

Gill nets were responsible for 152 (89.9%) of the recaptures. Of the
remaining 17 returns, one was found dead, two were taken by hook and line, and
seven each were caught by trawl and pound net. The 152 gill net recaptures
were all made in the Pamlico River, where the total number of returns was only
155. This very high proportion of returns from gill nets reflects the rather
intense flounder gill net fishery located around the release site and the pro-
nounced tendency of Petersen disc tags to become tangled in gill nets. The
seven pound net recoveries represented all the returns from Core Sound and the
one from Portsmouth Island, areas which both have an extensive flounder pound
net fishery. The four returns from the Cedar Island Beach area were all taken,
in shrimp trawls.

The large number of short term (0-40 days), short range (<6.4 km) returns
provides little information on movements, but mainly reflects the intense gill
net fishery which was operating in the tagging area and-the tendency of the
tags to entangle the fish in those nets. The significant number of short range
returns (81, 47.9%) taken 11-40 days after release suggests that at least some of
the tagged fish, if not the population in general, remain in the area for at
least a few weeks. The-..,.low number of recaptures within 41-70 days (7) and
71-103 days (2) may reflect, in part, a sharp drop in effort during the winter

143
Washingtorl N

3 Release site' Ark

2
Recapture-site and I.-V
Uses, I. number at that site
Goose U
3

miffs
2 MILES
Pamlico
eels River Is
2 Pit.

Hickory
Islaw

Figure 2. Recaptures withi'n 0-10 days of release of southern flounder
tagged in the Pamlico River 23 Sep 6 Nov 1980. See
Figure 6 for long range recaptures.

Wash ington N

A]@L
Release site

5 Recapture site and
number at that site
.8. uop*r 4.
Goose
7 2

Hills
2 MILES
Pamlico
4 pt.
2

Hicke"
Waad

Figure 3. Recaptures within 11-40.days.of release of southern f1oulider
tagged..in@the Pamlico, River.23 Sep - 6 Nov 1-980. See
Fi.gure 6 for long 'range recaptures..

Washingwri N .144

Release site A3!hL

Recapture site and
a number at that site

Hills
PI.
2 MILES
Pamlico
Imam

Iflooll

Figure 4. Recaptures within 41-70 days of release of southern flounder
tagged in the Pamlico River 23 Sep Nov 1980.;' See Figure 6
for long range recaptures.

Wa A Ington N

3 Release site

Recapture site and
number at that site

Is
"lift
2 MILES
Pamilea
7.4
"s
2 pt.

Hichoty

Figure 5. Recaptures.within-71-219'days-of release of southern..flounde'r.
tagged in the Pamlico-River,-23 Sep .- 6@Nov 1980.--The.numbers
outside the circles indicate the days at':Iiberty" for those fish.
See Table Vfor long'range recaptures.

145

Table 1. Long range recaptures of southern flounder tagged in the Pamlico
River just below Washington, N.C., 23 September - 6 November 1980

Tagged Recaptured
Kin/Mi Days
Date TL(mm) Date Location Gear traveled out

30 Sep 80 435 30 Oct 80 Mouth of Thorofare Bay, Pound 97/60 30
Core Sound net
1 Oct 80 302 6 Nov 80 Northern Core Sound near Pound 92/57 36
Marker #13 net
2 Oct 80 314 12 Nov 801 Chain Shot Island, northern Pound 89/55 41
Core Sound net
2 Oct 80 406 20 Nov 80 Near Wainwright Island, Pound 89/55 49
northern Core Sound net
3 Oct 80 410 25 Oct 80 Northern Core Sound, 5 mi. Pound 92/57 22
NE of Atlantic, NC net
3 Oct 80 467 28 Oct 80 Off Cedar Island Beach Shrimp 84/52 25
southeastern Pamlico Sound trawl
3 Oct 80 382 30 Oct 80 Off Cedar Island Beach, Shrimp 84/52 27
southeastern Pamlico Sound trawl
3 Oct 80 390 31 Oct 80 31-, mi. off Cedar Island Beach, Shrimp 84/52 28
southeastern Pamlico Sound trawl
3 Oct 80 372 4 Apr 81 Near marker #99, IWW near Hook & 322/200 184
Ocean Isle, NC line
8 Oct 80 406 12 Nov 80 Banks side of Core Sound, Pound 109/68 3.5
south of Drum'Inlet net
10 Oct 80 422 18 Oct 80 Near Portsmouth Island Pound 92/57 8
at Ocracoke Inlet net
14 Oct 80 328 28 Oct 80 Off Cedar Island Beach, Shrimp 84/52 14
southeastern Pamlico Sound trawl
14 Oct 80 323 4 Dec 80 4 mi. E. of Ocracoke Inlet, Fish 101/63 54
Atlantic Ocean trawl
28 Oct 80 390 16 Feb 81 3 mi. N. of Winyah Bay, S.C., Shrimp 386/240 ill
Atlantic Ocean trawl

lApproximate recapture date.-

Rose B.
Swenquarter B.

Pungo R.

0 Washington Pamlico A. Pa
S

Release sites Say R.

14 2
2.5(D42
Recapture sites and
number at each site West a.
Broad
Cf.

Cedar
Is.

N:W 0
B rn

82 North R. 0
CO
Cara,
Cf.
0
Figure 6.. Long range recaptures of southern flounder
Newport
tagged.in the Pamlico Ri 'ver 23 Sep - 6 Nov R.
1980 (circles) and the Neuse River 3-13 Apr '440
1981 (diamonds). The numbers outside the 14
circles and diamonds indicate the days at
>efort inlet Barden
liberty for those fish. Inlet
0 4
e Cape
Lookout

147

months. Six of the short range returns were taken 104-219 days after release
(Figure 5), indicating that some flounder either remain in the upper Pamlico
River through the winter or return there the following spring or summer.
The intermediate and long range returns (122.5 km) indicate a downstream
movement, primarily to and into Core Sound (Figure 6), presumably enroute to
the ocean via Drum, Barden, and Beaufort Inlets. The two returns from near
Ocracoke Inlet, one from four miles offshore, indicate at least some southern
flounder utilize that inlet as well. Most of the fish recovered in or near
Core Sound had traveled an average of 2-3 km (1-2 mi) per day, assuming straight
line courses, although one fish averaged 11.5 km (7.1 mi) per day.

Some southern flounder apparently migrate considerable distances, as
evidenced by the two longest range returns - one from the IWW near the North
Carolina/South Carolina border and one from the Atlantic Ocean off Winyah Bay,
S. C. (Table 1). The fish recaptured in the IWW traveled a minimum of 322 km
(200 mi) in 184 days, while the fish from off Winyah Bay traveled a minimum of
386 km (240 mi) in 111 days.

These long distance movements are not unprecendented. Stokes (1977)
reported that a southern flounder tagged at Port Aransas, Texas was recaptured
in the Gulf of Mexico in 36 fathoms of water 451 km (280 mi) northeast of the
tagging site. Tagging studies of the closely related summer flounder
(Marawski 1970, unpublished N.C. Div. of Marine Fisheries data demonstrated
movements of at least 386-483 km (240-300 mi) in the Atlantic Ocean.

Analysis of the length frequency of the 18 intermediate and long range
(L22.5 km) recaptures suggests that a much higher proportion of age II or older
flounder than age I fish migrate to the ocean in the fall. The length frequen'cy
of all fish tagged (Figure la) shows two distinct modes which probably represent
mainly age I and II fish, based on ageingdata from DeVries (1981). However,
age II or older fish comprised twice as much of the intermediate and long range
recaptures as did age I fish (Figure la). When the short range (S6.4 W)
recaptures are included in the length frequency (Figure la), the proportion of
age I and II or older fish is similar.

The exploitation rate of these fish while in the Pamlico River for the
period of 23 September 1980 31 July 1981 was 31.1%. This fiqure must be
considered an overestimate, given the tendency of the Petersen disc to easily

148

tangle in gill nets (Murawski 1970, Ricker 1975). Exploitation rate here is
defined as the number of recaptured tagged fish/total number of fish tagged
(Ricker 1975). Although nonreporting of recaptures and tagging mortality
would have resulted in underestimates of exploitation, the tendency to tangle
in gill nets was almost certainly a more important factor in recapture rates,
considering the very high (89.9%) rate of gill net recaptures.

Only 1.4% of the Pamlico River fish were recaptured in the fall pound net
fishery from OCracoke to Beaufort Inlet, but this figure is probably an under-
estimate of the true harvest rate for the following reasons. First, because
of the tendency of the tags to tangle in gill nets, a greater proportion of
tagged than untagged fish were caught whil:e in the river, so conversely, a
lower proportion of tagged than untagged fish were able to migrate from there.
Second, an unknown proportion of flounder apparently overwinter in the upper
river, so that some of the tagged fish, even if they were not caught in a gill
net, were probably not exposed to the pound net fishery. Finally, nonreporting
of recaptures almost always occurs to some unknown extent.

Core and Back Sounds, October-November 1980

One hundred fifty-eight southern flounder 290 to 562 mm TL (Figure lb) and
one summer flounder were tagged and released in lower Core and southern Back sounds
from 3 October to 10 November 1980. Of these, 15 (9.4%) fish ranging from 378 to
473 mm TL were recaptured - 10 in <14 days, 3 in 23-45 days, I in 131 days, and 1
in 275 days. Thirteen (86.7%) were captured within 6.4 km (4 mi) of their release
site (Figure 7). Three flounder moved towards Beaufort Inlet and three to or
through Barden Inlet. Only one fish moved north - a fish tagged in southern Back
Sound was recaptured three days later in the Straits north of Harkers Island about
9 km (6 mi) from the release site (Figure 7). Two long distance recaptures were
made. One fish was-recaptured in February (131 days at liberty) 4.8 km (3 mi) off
of the mouth of the St. John's River, Fla., a straight line distance of about
645 km (400 mi) and an average movement of 4.9 km (3.1 mi)/day. Another flounder
was recaptured 275 days after release (31 July 1981) by hook and line at Ponce
de Leon Inlet, Fla., a distance of about 740 km (460 mi).

Of the 15 returns, 6 were taken by gill net, 4 by hook and line, 2 by gig,
I by pound net, I by trawl, and I unknown. Two.of the gill net recaptures were
made in our project gear.

Newport
River North
River

3
32
The Straits

4'
ar ns 7
3- Ila 131 nd
1 rk era IS/ 1%4 4
sea rt %
InI t CO 8
Shock/ 2 ack SOLIJIC;,
rd
taflka

Recapture $Its and
nurnbeit'at that-site

46
Figure 7. Location and number of recaptures of 23 2 IZ7
southern flounder tagged in lower Core Barden
and southern Back sounds 3 Oct - 10 Nov Inlet
1980. The numbers outside the circles
indicate the days at liberty for those
fish. See text for information on two
recaptures from Florida.

Cape
2@p

Lookout

150

The low number of returns for these flounder probably resulted from the
fish being tagged during their spawning migration to the ocean and close to
Beaufort and Barden Inlets, so their availability to capture , especially by gill
nets,-was limited-compared to fish tagged in Pamlico and'Neuse rivers. The two
recoveries from Floridalwhich are the longest distance returns to date.may
also partly explain the lack of ret6rns, in that they provide additional
evidence that some southern flounder leave North Carolina waters and travel

considerable distances southward. It i s unknown i f these f i sh ever return to

North Carolina.

Neuse River, 3-13 April 1981

A total of 311 P. lethostigma were tagged in the Neuse River just below
New Bern, N.C. between Johnson and Fort Points, 3-13 April 1981 (Figure 8).
The tagged fish ranged from 200 to 414 mm TL (Figure lc) so most were probably
age II (DeVries 1981). One hundred ten (35.4%) of these flounder ranging
from 200 to 414 mm TL (Figure lc) were recaptured through July 1981 - 47 (42.7%)
within 0-10 days, 16 (14.5%) within 11-40 days, 30 (27.3%) within 41-70.dayS2,
and 17 (15.5%) within 71-113 days (Figures 8-11). As'in the Pamlico River,
gill nets accounted for most (101 or 91.8%) of the recaptures, with 1 fish taken
by trawl, 1 by crab pot, I by gig, and 7 by unknown means.

Through July 1981, all but four of the recaptured fish exhibited only very
limited movement; 106 (96.4%) were recaptured within 11.3 km (7 mi) of the
release site. Of the 4 other returns, one was taken 8-12.9 km (5-8 mi) down-
stream of the release site, and about 6.4 km (4 mi) west of Slocum Creek
(Figure 9); one 16 .1-20.9 km (10-13 mi) downstream, 1.6 km (l,mi) east of
Slocum Creek (Figure 11); one 49.9-54.7 km (31-34 mi) downstream at the Core
Creek Bridge (Figure 6); and one 69.2-74.0 km (43-46 mi) from the release site,
off Beaufort Inlet (Figure 6). The fartherest upstream recoveries were two
taken 1.6 km (I mi) north of the Highway 17 Bridge and 4.8-11.3 km (3-7 mi) from
the release area. No fish were recovered from the Trent River.

2EIeven tags were returned without.specific recapture dates, only a time period
which equated to a possible range of 42-83 days at liberty. All of these fish
are included in Figure 10.

151

0 11
k* 0 . OP
Sandy
Pt

3
No Gelb
Be rn @at
Cr

Fort Release site
Pt
W. 6 RecaPtUrO site and
: " Neuse -River number at that site
Johnson
Pt 6

Figure 8 Recaptures within 0-10 days of release of'souther n
flounder tagged.in the Neuse River 3-13 Apr 1981.

Sandy c.
Pt
ow _09) 3 Gelb as
Born CO,

2
rt Release site
Pt
Recapture site and
@2
number Al that site
NeuseL River
Johnson
Pt

Figure 9. Recaptures within 11-40 days of relLeasel.of southerin'flounder
tagged in the Neuse River:3-13 Apr 1981.--

152

Sandy
pt
Now At th'V Ir
earn *at Ores,

Fort Release Wts
Pt

2 Recapture site and
Johnson Neuse River number at that site
Pt

I MILE

Figure 10. Recaptures within 41-70 days of release of southern
flounder tagged in the Neuse River 3-13 Apr 1981. The
number within the square refers to a group of fish
recaptured in the area.indicated by the brackets sometime
between 42 and 83 days after release.

0 00

Sandv
3 pt
Now 0
earn C.0

2
Fort Release site
Pt
Recapture It. and
number at that site
Neuse River
Johnson
p?

I MIMS

Figure 11. Recaptures within 71-113 days of release of.'southern,'.."
flounder tagged in the Neuse'River 3-1.3.Ap''r 1981. See'-
Figure 6 foradditional long range recaptures.

153

The very large proportion of short range (<11.3 km) returns indicates
that most of the southern flounder tagged in the Neuse River spent the spring
and summer months there. The lack of recoveries from very far upstream or
the Trent River suggests that the Neuse River just below the Highway 17
Bridge at New Bern may be the normal upstream limit of distribution for the
species. Keup and Bayless (1964) noted that P. iethostigma, although
occasionally found in freshwater in the Neuse River, were most common in
salinities above 1.75 ppt. During the tagging bottom salinities in the
release area were about 3 ppt. Another likely reason for the lack of upstream
and Trent River recaptures is the lack of effort directed towards flounder in
these areas, which are traditionally fished for fresh or anadromous species.

The recaptures made in Core Creek and off Beaufort Inlet, both in early
July, suggest that some flounder move to or towards the ocean in the summer,
four or five months before the peak fall spawning migration.

The exploitation rate of the Neuse River fish from April through July 1981
was 35.6% but this is probably an overestimate for the same reason given for the
Pamlico River fish, i.e. tangling of tags in gill nets.

Miscellaneous Locations, November 1980-July 1981

Twenty-five southern flounder 192-318 mm TL were tagged in several locations
in southern and western Pamlico and northern Carteret counties, November 1980-
July 1981. These fish were tagged during the course of other Division sampling
when tags were available. Only one of these fish was recaptured - a fish
released in a tributary of Broad Creek (star in Figure 6) in southern Pamlico
County on 22 June 1981 was recaptured 22 days later in Broad Creek about 2 km
from the release site.

In addition 13 southern flounder 313-343 mm TL were tagged on 14 and 17
April 1981 in the upper Pamlico River in the same area where the fish were
tagged the previous fall. Four of these fish were recaptured, all in gill nets,
2-3 km upstream after 8, 19, 21, and 26 days. These few returns show the same
pattern seen with the Neuse River fish tagged in Apri.l.

154

Cape Lookout - Beaufort Inlet, June-July 1981

Sixty-seven summer flounder 210-421 mm TL were tagged and released from
Cape Lookout to Beaufort Inlet on 25 June and 9 and 10 July 1981. Only one
fish was recaptured through July 1981 and it was caught by hook and line two
days after release in the release area.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Continue tagging for at least two more years and attempt to tag much
greater numbers of both southern and summer flounder to better define
movements and exploitation rates by various gears and hopefully prov ide
mortality rate data with second and third year returns.

2.' Tag southern flounder in Albemarle Sound to determine their migration
routes.

3. Tag flounder off Cedar Island Beach to determine the exploitation rate in
the Core Sound pound net fishery.

4. Use pound net for tagging in Core Sound in the fall to increase the
numbers tagged there.

5. Convince other states to tag southern flounder off northeast Florida,
South Carolina, and Georgia to see if any northward migration occurs.

6. Determine feasibility of using a non-tangling tag in the Neuse and
Pamlico rivers to get better estimates of exploitation.

7. Detemine sex ratio and its relationship to size of flounder in the tagging
areas at the time of tagging.

ACKTIOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks are due to all of the stock assessment biologis ts and technicians
at the Morehead City and Washington offices for,assisting with the actual tagging.
Michael Street and Steve Ross reviewed the manuscript and provided many helpful
suggestions. Margaret Stafford typed the manuscript.

155

LITERATURE CITED

DeVries, D. A.
1981. Stock assessment of adult fishes in the Core Sound, N.C. area.
Compl. Rep., Proj. No. 2-326-R. N.C. Dept. Nat. Res. & Comm. Devel.,
Div. Mar. Fish., 54 p.

Keup, L. and J. Bayless..
1964. Fish distribution at varying salinities in Neuse River basin,
North Carolina. Chesapeake Sci. 5(3):119-123.

Murawski, W. S.
1970. Results of tagging experiments of summer flounder, Paralichthys
dentatus, conducted in New Jersey waters from 1960 to 1967. N.J. Dept.
Environ. Protec., Div. Fish Game and Shellfish, Nacote Creek Res. Sta.,
Misc. Rept. 5M, 51 p.

Poole, J. C.
1962. The fluke population of Great South Bay in relation to the sport
fishery. N.Y. Fish Game J. 9(2):93-117.

1966. A review of research concerning summer flounder and needs for
further study. N.U. Fish Game J. 13(2):9-26-232.

Ricker, W. E.
1975. Computation and interpretation of biological statistics of fish
populations. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada, Bull. No. 191. 382 p.

Stokes, G. M.
1977. Life history studies of southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma)
and Guld flounder (P. Albigutta) in the Aransas Bay area of Texas. Texas
Parks Wildl. Dept., Tech. Ser. No. 25, 37 p.

Street, M. W.
1981. Trends in North Carolina's commercial fisheries, 1965-1980. N.C.
Dept. Nat. Res. & Comm. Devel., Div. Mar. Fish., 13 p.

U.S. Dept. of Commerce.
1977. Fishery statistics of the United States, 1974. NOAA, Natl. Mar.
Fish. Serv. Statistical Digest No. 68. 425 p.

1979. M-herystatistics of the United States, 1975. NOAA, Natl. Mar.
Fish. Serv. Statistical Digest No. 69. 418 p.

1980. Fishery statistics of the United States, 1976. NOAA, Natl. Mar.
Fish. Serv. Statistical Digest No. 70. 419 p.

156

Westman, J. R.
1946. Some studies on the life history and economics of the fluke.
(Paralichthys dentatus) of Long Island waters. A report printed under
sponsorship of the Islip Town Board, Islip, N.Y. 15 p.

Wolff, M.
1977. Preliminary stock assessment, North Carolina: flounder
(Paralichthys sp.) Compl. Rep. Proj. No. 2-294-T. N.C. Dept. Nat.
Res. & Comm. Devel., Div. Mar. Fish., 19 p.

157

PROJECT III

WESTERN ALBEMARLE SOUND NON-ANADROMOUS FISHERIES

Robert C. Harriss, Jr.

158

ABSTRACT

The size and age composition of the Albemarle Sound commercial harvest
of white perch, channel catfish and white catfish was examined. White perch
from age groups three through eight were present during the 1979-80 season,with
age groups four and five dominating the samples. The situation was similar
during 1980781. Channel catfish from age groups two through nine were present,

w
th age groups three, four, and seven dominating the harvest. White catfish
i 46
from age groups three through seven were present, with age groups three and
four dominating the samples.

159

INTRODUCTION

The commercial fisheries of the Albemarle Sound area have been
historically dependent upon the harvest of anadromous fishes during their
spring migrations to and from the spawning grounds. Due to the seasonality
of the anadromous fish harvest, area fishermen and dealers have become in-
creasingly interested in the harvest of nonanadromous species. The commerc-
ially significant nonanadromous species are white catfish (ictalurus catus),
channel catfish. (-Tctalurus punctatus), white perch (Morone americana), American
eel (Anquilla rostrata), southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigm ), and
blue crab (callinectas sapidus). The landings for white perch and both
species of catfish combined in the Albemarle Sound area compared with the
entire state's landings during the period from 1976 to 1981 are shown in
Table 1 .
Catfish landings in the Albemarle Sound area averaged approximately
1,620,000 pounds over the five year period beginning in 1976. Landings
peaked in 1977, and have declined slightly each year since. The Albemarle
Sound area produces approximately 90% of the total catfish harvest in the
state White perch landings peaked in 1978. The Albemarle Sound area accounted
for approximately 85% of the total North Carolina harvest during 1976-80.
Since 1978,white perch landings have generally declined.
The purpose of this study was to obtain data necessary to develop and
implement improved management of white perch and catfish in the Albemarle
Sound area. Past work objectives of this study were to investigate the
relative abundance of juvenile white perch and catfish in the Chowan River,
determine time and areas of white perch spawning in the Chowan River, examine
the age and size composition of the-commercial harvest of white perch and cat-
fish, and conduct a tagging study on white perch.
Due to termination in federal funding for project 2-372-R, field work
was abandoned after February 1981. It should be noted that due to loss of
funding, only one-half of the adult harvest data was collected for 1980-81,
and no catfish tagging programs or juvenile assessment programs were undertaken.

160

Table 1 North Carolina and Albemarle Sound area landings for catfish
and white perch for 1976-1981 (Published and unpublished data,
Division of Marine Fisheries and NfIFS, Beaufort, N.C.)

Species Year North Carolina Albemarle Sound Percent Albemarle
landings (lb.) area landings (lb.) Sound area landings

Catfish 1976 1,538,124 1,480,200 96.2
1977 2,073,100 2,043,600 98.6
1978 1,713,102 1,637,774 98.5
1979 1,651,600 1,495,100 90.5
1980 1,625,739 1,402,770 86.3
Jan - July 1981 1,524,795 1,306,061 92.0

White perch 1976 183,625 175,800 95.7
1977 268,200 257,700 96.1
1978 687,414 482,619 70.2
1979 361,032 320,800 88.9
1980 104,803 80,625 76.9
Jan July 1931 268,177 233,252 88.8

161

METHODS

Adult Harvest Survey

During 1978-80, Keefe and Harriss (1981) sampled three sites in the
Albemarle Sound area monthly to determine the age and size composition of
the commercial harvest of the principal nonanadromous species (Figure 1 ).
Collectively, these sites best represent the commercial harvest in the area.
Beginning in October 1980,length frequencies of white perch and catfish
were taken monthly at the same three sites, with spines (catfish) and scales
(white perch) taken semi-annually (in the spring and fall) for age determina-
tion., Due to reduction of federal funding for Project 2-372.-R,,Al1l Albemarle
Sound area field work was discontinued after Februaryl.9al.. The report, there-
fore, only considers information obtained from October 1980 through February 1981.
Sample size depended on the number of specimens and the size range present
at the individual locations; all specimens were measured (FL) to the nearest
millimeter and weighed to the nearest O.Olkg. Sex information was obtained
for white perch during the spawning season when gonadal material could be
squeezed from the abdomen.
Scale samples were obtained from white perch in the area between the
dorsal fins and above the lateral line. Approximately one dozen scales were
obtained from each white perch sampled. Scales were placed in coin envelopes
and allowed to dry. Approximately six scales were mounted and impressions
were made on acetate slides by means of a roller press. Scale impressions
were viewed under a binocular dissecting microsc6pe with a micrometer eyepiece.
Annuli were counted to determine age according to the criteria set forth by
flansueti (1961).
The left pectoral spine was removed from white and channel catfish.
.When the left pectoral spine was broken or damaged, the right spine was removed.
Pectoral spines were removed by clipping the joint with wire cutters, then pull-
ing the spine outward and rotating ituntil free. Spines were prepared according
t6'.the me thod'described by Sneed (1950). Spines were sectioned by making two
cuts with a hobby saw approximately 1mm apart. Spine sections were immersed
in a watchglass containing glycerine and viewed under reflected light with a
binocular dissecting microscope. Winter zones were counted to determine the
age of the catfish.

162

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163

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

White Perch

Because of the timing of termination of funding and the planned sampling
schedule, a total of only 88 white perch were sampled for age. Number, mean
fork length and weight, and standard deviations for each age group of white
perch, sexes combined, sampled from the Albemarle Sound commercial harvest
during 1980-81 are presented in Table 2. During 1980-81, white perch from
ages three through eight were present in samples. White perch of ages four
and five accounted for 52% of the harvest. These figures correspond closely
with those of the adult harvest for the previous two years (Keefe and Harriss
1981). The fish generally tended to be longer and heavier than during 1979-
1980 (Keefe and Harriss 1981).

The length frequency distribution for white perch in 10 mm size groups
are presented in Figure 2. White perch ranged in fork length from 180 to
290 mm and were dominated by those occurring in the 231-240 size range. The
mean fork length at age three was 221 and at age eight the mean was 249.

A total of 121 white perch were examined from the commercial catch to
determine sex ratios. The sex ratio was 3.03:1 (females to males) as com-
pared to 2.58:1 and 2.39:1 in the past (Keefe and Harriss 1981). Females
dominated all age groups. The departure from the expected 1:1 sex ratio
probably is due to the selectivity of commercial gear for faster growing females,
as noted by Keefe and Harriss.

Catfish

Catfish are commercially harvested in the Albemarle Sound area by pound
nets, gill nets, fyke nets, trot lines, haul seines, and fish pots. It was
assumed that sampling in the fish houses obtained catfish from all gears used
commercially. No attempt was made to analyze the data separately for each gear.

A total of 373 catfish were sampled for length frequency, of which 125 were-
found suitable for age determination.. Forty-five of these were channel catfish,
while 80 were white catfish.

Number, mean length and weight, and standard deviation for each age group
of channel catfish are shown in Table 3. Channel catfish, sampled from the.

164

Table 2. Number, mean length and weight, and standard deviations by
age for white perch, sexes conbined, sampled from Albemarle
Sound, N.C. commercial harvest during 1980-81.

% of Fork length mm) Weight (kg)
Age Number sanple mean SD rdean SD

111 15 17 221 12.9 0.21 0.033

IV 28 32 229 13.8 0.23 0.044

V 18 20 239 23.7 0.32 0.25

VI 15 17 255 19.4 0.32 0.92
VII 8 9 263 11.2 0.37 0.066
VIII 4 5 249 23.3 0.29 0.069

165

50 P,

45 White perch
40 N 208

MIr 25

190 200 210 220 230 240 250. 260-1.- 270 280 290 -..1300
Fork length (m

Figure 2. Length frequency di.stribution foe white perch,'sexes. combined
sampled from the, Albemarle Sound--commercialharvest during 19AO-81.

166

Table 3. Number, mean length and weight, and standard deviations by
age for channel catfish, sexes combined, sampled from the
Albemarle Sound, N.C. commercial harvest during 1980-81.

Age [lumber % of Fork length (nn) Weight (kg)
sample mean SD mean SD

11 5 11 225 40.8 0.15 0.069
111 9 20 284 76.1 0.34 0.32

IV 8 18 309 111.2 0.55 0.84

V 3 7 393 30.6 0.78 0.25

VI 7 16 410 96.0 1.16 0.75

VII 10 22 457 122.8 1.56 1.26

VIII 2 4 572 104.7 2.63 1.56

Ix 1 -2 622 3.39

167

comr.iercial catch, ranged from age two to nine, and age group seven was the
most abundant.
[lumber, mean length, weight, and standard deviations for each age
group of white catfish are presented in Table 4. From the data collected,it
appears that white catfish do not live as long or grow as large as channel
catfish (Keefe and Harriss 1981). White catfish from age groups three to
seven were present, and age groups three and four were the most abundant in
the commercial harvest. White catfish from age groups three and four accounted
for 790% of the fish sampled.
The length frequency distribution for channel and white catfish in 10mn
size groups are presented in Figures 3 and 4, respectively. Channel catfish
ranged in fork length from 190 to 750mm, and were weakly dominated by those
occuring in the 210-LO39mm and 400-40.9mn size classes. White catfish ranged
from 179mm to 490mm FL and were dominated by those in modal groups between
240mm and 339mm.
As discussed by Keefe and Harriss (1981),enlargement of the lumen
was observed in most of the pectoral spines examined from both species of
catfish. The lumen increased at the expense of adjacent bony material ob-
literating the first and sometimes two or three annuli. Generally, one
annulus was added to both channel and white catfish if the lumen radius was
greater than 10 units and the distance to the first visible annulus was
greater than 18 units.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to extend thanks to several persons for their
assistance during the study:
Marine Fisheries Technicians, Doug Crocker and Sara 'Winslow for
helping with the adult harvest survey,
Marine Biologist Harrel B. Johnson for lending advice and assistance
and also for assuring that equipment and personnel were available for field
sampling,and Fisheries Management Section Chief, Michael U. Street,for reviewing
this report.
Special thanks are extended to Jackie Davis and Margaret Stafford for
typing the report.

168

Table 4. Number, mean length and weight, and standard deviations by
age for white catfish, sexes combined, sampled from the
Albemarle Sound, N.C. commercial harvest during 1989-81.

Age Number /0 of Fork length (mm) Weight (kg)
sample Mean SD mean SD

111 35 44 261 46.5 0.31 0.16

IV 28 35 328 52.8 0.62 0.33

V 10 13 341 45.8 0.71 0.38

VI 5 6 410 68.0 1.17 0.47

VII 2 2 408 36.1 1.18 0.24

169

Channel catfish
N 99

150 ?00 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750
Fo rk length (mm)

Figure 3. Length frequency distribution for channel catfish, sexes combined,
sampled from the Albemarle Sound commercial harvest during 1980-81.

170

14hite catfish
N 274

5 1Jj 11

Soo
150 200 250 300 350 --4-- M ---700
Fork length (mm)

Figure 4. Length frequency distribution for white catfish, sexes combined,
from the Albemarle Sound comnercial harvest during 1980-81.

171

C T
LITERATURE ITED

Keefe, Scott G., and R. C. Harriss, Jr.
1981. Preliminary assessment of nonanadromous fishes of the Albemarle
Sound. N. C. Dept. [lat. Res. and Community Development, Div. Mar. Fish.,
Completion Report for project 2-324-R, 46p,,

Mansueti, Roneo J.
1961. Movements, reproduction, and mortality of the white perch,
Roccus americanus, in the Patuxent estuary, Maryland. Chpsapeake
Sci. 9. (3-4): 142-2105.

Sneed, K. E.
1950. A method for calculating the growth of channel catfish,
Ictalurus lacustris punctatus. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 80: 174-183.

3 6668 14100 1588 1