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Nursery Area Survey of Northern Pamlico Sound and Tributaries Completion Report For Project Number 2-230-P, Prepared By Connell Purvis N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Morehead City, N.C. 28557 QL April 30, 1976 614.83 . N67N8-, 1976 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ........................................ .......... DESCRIPTION OF ESTUARINE STUDY AREA ....................................... 4 SAMPLING NETHODS AND MATERIALS ............... ...... o ................ 9 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ................. .................. 10 Finfish .......... .............. o......... o...o.o ................ 10 Crustacea ............... o ................. o .......................... 45 SUMMARY .............................................. o.o .................. 53 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................... 56 LITERATURE CITED ........................ o.o .................. oo ........... 57 APPENDIX ..... o ....... 60 APPENDIX II... ..................................................... 62 ABSTRACT A project was initiated in northern Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, to identify nursery areas for economically-important species of finfish and crustaceans. During the 12-month study period from July, 1974 through June 1975, a total of 709 samples was collected. Fifty-five species of finfish and seven species of invertebrates were taken. Twenty species of finfish and four species of invertebrates were considered to be of economic importance. Nursery areas were designated on maps for five species of --- finfish (menhaden, weakfish, spot, croaker, southern flounder) and three species of invertebrates (brown shrimp, white shrimp, blue crab). INTRODUCTION Pamlico Sound lies between the mainland and Outer Banks of North Carolina, covering approximately 440,300 ha (Figure 1). The c ombined freshwater inflows of the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico Rivers counteract the tidal influx through the three ocean inlets, resulting in a lack of lunar tides throughout the sound, except near the inlets. This large brackish body of water supports some of North Carolina's most important fisheries; shrimp, blue crabs, spot, croaker, flounders, mullet, bluefish, and American shad fisheries are centered or emphasized mostly in Pamlico Sound. Statistics on the co, rcial catch during the period 1969-1972 for Pamlico Sound (Table 1) show the relationship be- tween Pamlico Sound landings and the total landings for North. Carolina. Of 'all the commercially-inportant species in the North Carolina landings.' only menhaden catches are centered outside the estuary, but thewnhaden. itself is an estuarine-dependeut species. Despite the importance of Pamlico Sound to North Carolina's fisheries, little management-oriented research has been conducted in the area. Roelofs (1950) and Wolff (1972) investigated the scrap fishery and the' effects of trawling on small fish and shrimp. McCoy (1968, 1972) and Purvis and McCoy (1974) studied migration, growth, and mortality of shrimp in western Pamlico Sound. Based on McCoy's work and on current studies, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries is attempting to manage the important shrimp fishery in Pamlico Sound. Management has not been' attempted for any other species of fimfish or crustaceans in the sound be@- cause of an almost total lack of management-oriented data. Godwin, Street, and Rickman (1971 a,b), in their study of North Carolina fishery problems. and priorities, recommended a coastal estuarine inventory. program. The first federal aid project initiated was to survey and identify the important nursery areas in, the western Pamlico @Sound region (Spitsbergen and Wolff, 1974) @ The project covered in this report was initiated to con- tinue the survey of important nursery areas to include the northern -PairLlico, Sound region during July 1974 - June 1975. DARE COUN BEAUFORT t COUNTY 14 PUNGO It IV I R LAKE MATTAMUSKEET NO z M r SWAN OU&*Tcn WYE SOCKING SAY 'Ire. PA4(LICO n I cast 61.600, BAY j6h.014 *Is, 1 1, 11.1.0 IAV = M = = = M = M M = = M = M = M = M M TABLE l.-Statewide landings of commercial fish, shrimp and crabs, and percent total from Pamlico Sound, 1969 through 1972. (Pounds x 1000) 19@69 1970 1971 1972 State- Pamlico % StatZ7 State- Pamlico % State State- Pamlico 7o State 7ate- Pamlico 76 State Species wide Sound total wide Sound total wide - Sound total wide Sound wide total Alewife & Blueback 19,762 2 0.0 11,521 0.0 12,722 1 0.0 11,237 0.0 Bluefish 891 170.4 19.1 496 128.8 26.o 578 122.4 21.2 1,167 48.3 4.1 Butterfish 130 14.2 10.9 133 1.1 .8 58 2.7 4.7 88 2 2.3 Croaker 1,369 57.6 4.2 807 123.9 15.4 948 139.1 14.7 4,108 241.9 5.9 Drum, red .9 2.7' 17 2.2 12.9 42 14.7 35.0 Flounder 2,766 355.4 12.8 3,163 158.6i 5.0 4,011 159.3 4.0 4,655. 240.9 5.2 Harvestfish 25 18.2 72.8 Z7 17 " 63.0 48 26.5 55.2 57 14.8 26.o Kingfish 843 4f.7 4.9 563 31.6'. 5.6 478 37.9 7.9 683 21 3.1 mullet 1,090 0.0 1,123 108.8: 9.7 713 56 7.9 1,176 12.7 1.1 Pigfish 181 54.1 29.9 181 69 38.1 257 84.1 32.7 171 24.2 14.2 Spotted trout 189 47 24.9 405 104.2 25.7 338 111.1 32.9 502 132.1 26.3 spot 1,488 255.2 17.2 1,529 46.3 3.0 1,190 370.3 31.1 3,902 193.6 5.0 Spanish Mackeral 89 68.8 77.3 63 38.4 61.0 95 21.3 22.4 96 2.1 2.2 Sturgeon 1.9 .7 78 4.7 6.o 154 3.2 2.1 Puffer- fish 1.8 2.8 43 3.7 8.6 55 0.0 White perch 207 .7 .3 211 2.5 1.2 367 10 2.7 201 5.9 2.9 Eel 18 0.0 16 0.0 167 0.0 77 0.0 Weakfish 1,539 136.3 8.9 2,441 119.4 4.9 3,645 110.3 3.0 7,372 102.9 1.4 Shad 719 124.9 17.4 953 432.1 45.3 680 189.4 27.9 468 78.7 16.8 Menhaden 145,235 0.0 lo8,235 0.0 79,488 0.0 84,692 0.0 Shrimp 7,854 4,627.8 58.9 5,054 2,564.8 50.7 7,615 3,398.3 6 5,563 1,871.7 33.6 Blue crab 22,159 12,187 55.0 20,880 11,644.1 55.8 14,472 8,858.6 61.2 13,479 7,421.6 55.1 Data compiled from Branch of Statisticst National Marine Fisheries Service, Pivers Island, Beaufort, N,C. -4- General criteria for designation of nursery areas have been developed for the estuarine waters of western Pamlico Sound. As evidenced by these criteria, the various classifications are based- to some extent on salinities and bottom type. For purposes of Pamlico Sound management application and standardization, catch-effort densities required for designation of nursery areas for western Pamlico were utilized for this project. Area Type I - Primary nursery These are areas in the system (usually shallow tributaries, low salinity, mud and/or mud-grass bottom) where initial post-larval development takes place. Primary nurseries are usually located in the uppermost sections of a system,and where populations were uniformly very early juveniles. Area Type II - Secondary nursery These are in the mid-portion of a system (usually shallow bays or navi- gation channels; moderate depths, slightly higher salinities, and sand and/ or sand-grass bottoms) where juvenile development takes place. Populations were usually developing juveniles of-similar size. Area Type III - Temporary nursell or transport area These are the lower portions of a system where young-of-them-year and adults mix. Of the three types, these usually have the greatest depth and highest salinity with sand bottoms. Type III areas are utilized as late- stage gathering areas prior to migration or as a migration route to and from the ocean. DESCRIPTION OF ESTUARINE STUDY AREA The study area consisted of all waters in northern Pamlico .Sound located between Abel's Bay and Stumpy Point Bay under the jurisdiction of the Division of Marine Fisheries (Figure 1). In order to observe each tributary system seperately and also to aid in data processing, the total area was divided into 10 sub-areas. The sub-areas consisted of the major tributary systems -5- with the exception of the "P-stations" which were representative of Pamlico Sound proper. Each sub-area had an adequate number of stations to sample the representative ecological and hydrological conditions existing in that area (Figure 2). The study area totaled approximately 17,485 ha of estuarine waters. The area is characterized by low-lying pine pocosin drainages, bordered along the estuarine zone primarily by black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus). Extensive agricultural land clearing and drainage operations surround the area. The conversion of large areas from swamp to farmland, even though known by State officials to be economically-beneficial, caused concern about damage to the environment. Of major concern are changes in the water quality of the sounds and estuaries, caused by rapid runoff of water. Although this problem cannot be completely avoided, some of its effects can be minimized by the application of sound management policies based on urater-resourices'-, technology now available. Spencer-Bay Study Area This area, located where the Pamlico and Pungo Rivers converge, consists of Spencer's Bay, Germantown Bay, and Abel's Bay. The area'contains 1,037 ha of water and 5 stations were selected as sampling sites. Commercial activity consisted primarily of crab-potting, long haul seining, and peak-season trawling for shrimp and crabs also occurred. Mean salinity for the area was 11 parts per thousand (ppt). Mean high was in Wovember, 1974 at 15 ppt, while the mean low of 8 ppt occurred in June, 1975. Rose Bay Study Area Deep Bay and Deep Cove are included in this tributary system of Pamlico Sound. Rose Bay is one of the State's better oyster-producing are" and the beat in northern Pamlico Sound. Co rcial activity was seasonal with oyster- dredging in winter, shrimp-trawling in summer, and crab-trawling in fall and spring. Crab pots covered the upper bay and tributaries. For this area, 10 sampling stations were selected. Base year mean salinity was 11 ppt. Mean high was in December, 1974 at 15 ppt, and the mean low was 8 ppt in May, 1975. DARE COU .................. ,A- A- It BEAUFORT COUNT C 0%3 P-10 PUNGO wl A P-9 LAXE MATTAMUSKEET P-8 SWAN QUART(* ASOCKING BAY off. 44, P-1 2 PA Lico R VER SO col9p 0 lArl BLUFF say JUMPLO A4 DAV �LU,, 64,3 AS 0'*- .00 -7- Swanquarter Bay Study Area Swanquarter Bay, Oyster Creek, and Caffee Bay make up this study area which contains 2,073 ha of water. Six stations were selected as sampling sites. Like Rose Bay, Swanquarter Bay is a heavy oyster-producer. con- centrated commercial activity included shrimp-and crab-trawling,_ long haul- seining, and crab-potting. This area also supports heavy sport fishing activity. Mean salinity for the area was 12 ppt. Mean high was in December, 1974 at 16 ppt and the mean low was 8 ppt in April, 1975. Juniper Bay Study Area This area, including an imnamed tributary at Juniper Bay Pt., contains 1,700 ha. Four sampling sites were selected for this area. Commercial activity would be labeled as moderate when compared with Rose and Swanquarter Bays. The activity was primarily crab-trawling with some shrimp-trawling during the peak of the season. Long haul crews and crab-potters occasionally utilize the area. Base year salinity was 11 ppt. Mean high was 15 ppt in November, 1974 and the mean low was 8 ppt in April, 1975. Outfall Canal Study Area This area encompasses the mouth of Outfall Canal, West Bluff Bay, and East Bluff Bay. Three sites were selected to sample the 1,264 ha of water contained in the area. Comm rcial activity was predominately crab-potting. Base year mean salinity was 13 ppt. Mean high was 16 ppt in November, 1974 and the mean low was 10 ppt in May, 1975. Wysocking Bay Study Area Wysocking Bay Study Area is comprised of Mt. Pleasant Bay, Douglas Bay, and Long Tree Creek. This area contains 1,544 ha. of water, and 5 sampling sites were selected. Moderate commercial activity included shrimp- and crab-trawling with most emphasis being placed on crab-potting. Base year mean salinity was 14 ppt. Mean high was 17 ppt in,Novenber, 1974 and tI6 mean low was 10 ppt in April, 1975. Far Creek Study Area Middletown Anchorage, tributary to Pamlico Sound, and Waupopin Creek, tributary to Far Creek, were included in this area. There were 5 stations located throughout the 321'ha area. This area has been closed to all trawling activity for three years, and provided an excellent opportunity to study populations not. affected by trawling activities. Base year mean salinity was 15 ppt. Mean high was IS ppt in November, 1974, and the mean low was 10 ppt in April, 1975. Long Shoal River Study Area Otter Creek, Broad Creek, Deep Creek, and Pains Bay were tributaries of Long Shoal River included in the study area.. This area is the largest open body of water in the entire study area. Moderate comnercial activity includes peak shrimp- and crab-trawling, long haul-seining, pound-netting, and crab-potting. Six sampling stations were needed to adequately represent the 1,793 ha of water contained in the area. Base year mean salinity was 12 ppt. Mean high was 16 ppt in December, 1974, and the mean low was 8 ppt in May, 1975. StumpyPoint Bay Study Area This area is composed of Parched Corn Bay and Stumpy Point Bay. For this area, four sampling stations were selected. Moderate to heavy com- mercial activity includes shrimp- and crab-trawling, crab-potting, long haul seines, and pouad-netting. Base year mean salinity was 12 ppt. Mean high was 17 ppt in January, 1975, and the mean low was 5 ppt in April, 1975. P - Stations The P-statious, totaling twelve, consisted of all the stations worked in the open waters of Pamlico River, Long Shoal River, Pamlico Sound, and the mouths of the bays included in the study area. Due to inoperative Division vessels, the project was amended in September, 1974, moving the P-stations closer inshore to allow sampling from smaller skiffs. Data presented are -9- based on total collections from both P-station locations as it is felt that both locations were quite similar and representative of the open water habitat. Commercial activity was primarily shrimp- and crab-trawling. Base year mean salinity was 14 ppt. Mean high salinity was 17 ppt in January, 1975, and the mean low salinity was 10 ppt in April, 1975. SAIIPLING NETRODS AND MATERMS Standard gear and sampling procedures used in this study were based on previously-initiated Division studies of the North Carolina estuaries. The basic gear and its use is standard for all the estuarine areas of the State now under study so that quantitative data may be compared. The basic gear was a 3.96 m (13 ft) headrope, flat otter trawl with 6.4 mm (1/4 in) bar mesh knotted wings and body, and 6.4 mm CI/4 in) bar mesh knitted tail bag and extension. The trawl was towed by a 17 ft outboard skiff for one to five minutes at approximately three knots. A minimum of 30 specimens of economically-import ant species were measured in 10 mm size groups, weighed, and a count made of the remainder. A size range and total count was made of those species not considered of commercial or recreational importance in North Carolina. Fork length (FL) from the tip of the snout to the posterior edge of the caudal fork, was used to measure most finfish collected. On fishes without a forked tail (e.g. Atlantic croakery., total length M) was measured. For shrimp, total length measurement was taken from the anterior tip of the ros- trum to the posterior tip of the telson. Carapace width between the tips of the lateral spines was used on all crabs. All length measurements were in millimeters (mm) and weights were recorded in grams (g)._ At each station, surface and bottom salinity and temperature were re- corded using a YSI Model 33 S-C-T meter. Bottom type and vegetation were also noted. There were 60 trawl stations sampled monthly during the'study. _10- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION During the 12 month study period from July, 1974 through June, 1975, 709 samples were collected. Fifty-five species of finfish and seven species of invertebrates were collected during the study (Appendix I). Twenty species of finfish and four species of invertebrates were considered to be of economic importance (Appendix II). Nursery areas for some of the economically-important species were de- signated and will be discussed by species. The basic criteria that were used to designate nursery areas were the catch-effort relationship of juv- eniles in habitat types and the proportion of juveniles per catch in each type of area. Each species captured is discussed below. FINFISH LEPISOSTEIDAE Lepisosteus osseus - Longnose gar only one speciman (675 mm) was collected. It was taken in the Rose Bay study Area (Station RB-1), May, 1975 at a temperature of 22 0C, and a salinity of 10 ppt. Swingle (1971) reported this species as the most abundant gar in the tidal rivers of Alaban., and recorded it in a salinity range of 0.2 to 21.7 ppt. Dahlberg (1972) reported this species as having been collected offshore in Georgia. ELOPIDAE Elops saurus - Ladyfish The eleven specimens of ladyfish collected had a size range-of 45 to 205 mm. They occurred most abundantly in the Long Shoal River 4tudy area with nine being captured. Swanquarter Bay and Far Creek study areas also produced specimens.; Ladyfish were taken at a temperature range of 24 to 29 0C, and a salinity range of 11 ppt to 14 ppt. Dahlberg (1972) found small ladyfish in a salinity range of 0.1 ppt to 28.7 ppt in Georgia. ANGUILLIDAE AnguilZa rostrata - American eel A total of 32 American eels was collected. This species was taken from each of the three nursery area types. American eels are catadromous and, according to Bigelow and Schroeder (1953), spawn in mid-winter, thus explain- ing the lack of adults in the estuary during the months of October through January. Dahlberg (1972) suggested gradation by size in relation to salinity, with smaller specimens being collected at lower salinitie s-. In -this -study, eels in the range of 95 to 625 mm were found at a range of 2 to 19 ppt of salinity. Eels were taken at a temperature range of 11 to 330C. CLZrPEIDAE Alosa aestivaZie - Blueback herring A total of 103 blueback herring was collected (November through February) with 71 (68.9 percent) being taken in December, 1974. The length range was 25 to 165 mm, with 94.2 percent of those measured being in the 55 to 75 mm range of young-of-the-year. Williams and Deubler (1968 a) reported that young blueback could be collected in the Pamlico Sound complex in all months except April, May, October, and December. Length- frequency data indicated no change in the modal group (65 mm) during the period they were collected. Blueback were collected in a salinity range of 10 to 20 ppt, and a temp- erature range of 9 to 14 0C. This species made up 0.15 percent by number of the co rci al species caught_ (Appendix II) Blueback herring were not abundant enough in the catches to designate nursery areas. Highest catch rates were in Long Shoal River study area (8/min), and Wysocking Bay study area (7/min) Specimens were captured at only 12 of the 60 stations sampled. Blueback herring were considerably more abundant in the Type I areas then,in other areas. -12- In general, juvenile blueback herring utilized some of the shallow tributaries of northeastern Pamlico Sound as a secondary nursery area during migration from freshwater primary areas to the ocean. It is be- lieved that the juveniles migrated from Albemarle Sound which is a 'major spawning and nursery area. The Wysocking Bay concentration was probably due to an isolated spawning population that migrates to upper Wysocking Bay. Davis and Cheek (1967) suggested that seaward migration of this species was stimulated by the first significant decrease in water tempera- ture, usually during October and November. Alosa pseudoharengus - Alewife A total of 26 alewife was collected from November, 1974 to January, 1975 with 69.2 percent being taken during the month of December. WilliamA and Deubler (1968 a) reported taking alewife-during March and April. Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) reported collections during the months of November through March. Length range of the alewife was 85-125 mm, with 57.7 percent being in the 95 mm size group. Alewife were collected in a salinity range of 14 to 18 ppt, and a temperature range of 7 to 10 0 C. Alewife were not abundant enough in the catches to designate nursery areas. Spencer Bay and Rose Bay study areas were most utilized. Alewife appeared to utilize these areas as secondary nursery areas during migration to the ocean from spawning areas located in the upper extremes of the Pamlico and Pungo Rivers. Holland and Yelverton (1973) reported that juv- eniles predominated in the alewife catches offshore in January and early February. Brevoortia tyrannus - Atlantic menhaden A total of 9,840 menhaden was collected during this study. This species was the third most abundant in numbers-'of commercial finfish and comprised 15.18 percent of the economically-important finfish collected (Appendix II). Menhaden were taken during all months of the study, with the greatest number (2,864 - 22.6 percent) collected in May, 1975, and the fewest specimens (16) -13- taken in December, 1974. Lengths of menhaden ranged from 15 to 215 mm. Collections were taken in temperature and salinity ranges of 6 0C to 330 C and 1 to 20"ppt, respectively. Length-frequency data indicate major recruitment of postlarval men- haden into the study area during February through June (Table 2), resulting in 84.8 percent of the total menhaden catch. Based on the length-frequency data, 98 percent of the specimens were juveniles. Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) reported a similar condition existing in western Pamlico Sound. Lewis.and Mann (1971) reported collecting larval menhaden near Beaufort Inlet, N.C. from November through April, with the major influx coming in the last half of March. Spitsbergen and Wolff, 1974 suggested a catch rate of 21/min. or greater for designation of a primary nursery area for menhaden (Figure 3). Major: concentrations were encountered in every study area, with catches in all but two of the sixty stations sampled. Some of the better areas were Swanquarter Bay study area (Station SQB-1) which produced 335/min, Juniper Bay study area (JB-1) produced 390/min., Rose Bay study area (RB-2) yielded 376/min. , and Spencer Bay study area produced 294/min. It is well to note that all the above peak catches were obtained in the Type I nursery areas. In general, the areas of prime concentrations of juvenile menhaden consisted of those low-salinity, shallow eTuncus-bordered creeks with soft mud bottoms and considerable detritus. Doroson7a petenense - Threadfin shad Of the 50 threadfin shad collected, 42 (84 percent) were taken during the months of November through March. Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) reported a similar situation in western Pamlico Sound, with 96.7 percent of their catch being taken during the same time frame. This species was collected in a salinity range of 3 ppt to 19 ppt and a temperature range of 7 to 26 C. The size range was 65 to 125 Mm. TABLE 2. ngth u;)frequency distribution of Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia measured from all stations Julyp 1974 - June, 1975. 1974 1975 LENGTH (mm) JULY AUG SEP -OCT NOV MC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE TOTAL 5 10 15 20 25 4 249 139 32 30 454 30 35 61 12 173 179 366 377 283 1451 40 45 193 78 11 1 1 80 244 91 699 50 55 .17 47 36 16 1 1 3 6 17 29 173 65 3 15 12 49 1 2 1 3 1 2 89 75 2 19 17 4 6 19 2 1 70 85 9 24 4 2 61 11 4 3 118 95 2 1 4 10 4 26 3 3 57 105 1 7 1 15 1 2 27 1-15 2 1 7 3 2 15 -125 1 1 1 21 4 1 29 135 12 12 1-45 10 1 3 1-4 155 7 3 10 165 175 185 195 2D5 215 1 1 225 235 245 255 265 275 285 298 305 No.ineasured @@279 158 63 100 1-17 16 27 549 336 494 675 405 3,219 No. collected 508 220 95 100 532 16 27 2068 648 1729 2864 1033 9840* DARE COUN 0 16 BEAUFORT COUNT C u '0 p u so 6 0AMR LAKE MATTAMUSKEET NQ f LKARD 3WAN QUAltylit 64, SAY PAAjLjCO $A ftjVe"@ covt a lit.UFF GAT 40 juNIFER 61 SOO 41D -16- Personnel of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Division of Inland Fi.sheries, revealed that largescale introductions of Dorosoma petenense took place in reservoirs of the Atlantic drainage, particularly the Roanoke River drainage, in the late 1950a to 1960s. - Studies similar to the present one in other states have collected Dorosoma petenense at salinities of 0 to 35 ppt, with most coilected below 5 ppt (Perret, et al, 1971; Springer and Woodburn, 1960; Swingle 1971; and Dahlberg, 1972). ENGRA ULIDAE Anchoa hepsetus - Striped anchovy A total of 46 striped anchovy was collected, ranging from 45 to 115 mm in length. Of those taken, 35 (67.8 percent) were captured during the period July-September. Anchoa hepsetue were captured in a salinity of 2 to 19 ppt.and a temperature range of 7 to 30 0C. Perrett, et al (1971) re- ported st riped anchovies in Louisiana at a salinity range of 7 ppt to 29.9 ppt, with the highest occurrence above 15 ppt, and at a temperature range of 19.5 to 34.90C. Dahlberg (1972) collected this species only during the months of May through November in Georgia and at a temperature range of 15 to 30.80C. Anchoa mitchiZU - Bay anchovy The bay anchovy was the most abundant species collected during this study, with a total of 174,267 being taken. This species was taken during all months of the year, and all sixty stations sampled produced catches. Gunter and Hall (in Perret, et al, 1972) suggested that this species probably has the greatest biomass of any fish in the south Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico estuaries. This was also the most abundant species ta .ken by*Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) in western Pamlico Sound and by Swingle (1971) in Alabama. Bay anchovies were collected in a salinity range of 2 to 20 ppt an d at a temperature range of 6 to 310C. This species had a size range of 15 to 85 mm. Springer and Woodburn (1960) collected bay anchovies in a salinity range of 5 to 35 ppt and a temperature range of 10.8 to 32.50C. -17- SYNODONTIDAE Sywdus foetens - Inshore lizardfish Five lizardfish were collected during the study. This species was found in a salinity range of 14 to 18 ppt and a temperature range of 21 to 280C. The size range was 45 to 245 mm. Dahlberg (1972) reported col- lection of this species in Georgia in a salinity range of .16.7 to 32.0 ppt. Gunter (1945) reported a temperature range of 14.4 to 30.50 C, and a salinity range of 13.7 to 36.7 ppt. Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) reported a salinity range of 15 to 20 ppt and a temperature range of 9 to 27.5 0C for western Pamlico Sound specimens. Opsanus tau - Oyster toadfish BATR4 CHOIDIDAE Three oyster toadfish were collected; two in August, 1974 and one in April, 1975. These specimens were collected at a temperature range of 20 to 260C, and a salinity range of 9 to 16 ppt. The length range was 105 to 315 mm. Dahlberg (1972) reported oyster toadfish in a temperature range of 28.4 to 30.80C, and a salinity range of 12.4 to 32.0 ppt. Richards and Costagna (1970) collected this species at a temperature range of 14.6 to 32.0 0C, and a salinity range of 9.3 to 32.8 ppt. Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) reported a temperature range of 25 to 26 0C, and a salinity range of 14 to 19 ppt for western Pamlico Sound collections. GOBIESOCIDAE Gobiesox strwwsus - Skilletfish One skilletfish was caught at station FC-3 in Far Creek at a size of 35 mm. The specimen was collected at a temperature of 1.00C and a salinity of 19 ppt. Spitsbergen and Wolf f (1974) reported collections at a temperature range of 12 to 150C and a salinity range of 4 to 16 ppt. GADIDAE Urophycis regius - Spotted hake Five spotted hake were collected in the study area during Februa@ry- April, 1975. All specimens were taken in Type III nursery areas. Spotted hake were collected in a temperature range of 11 to 19 0C, and a salinity range of 9 to 17 ppt. They had a length range of 105 to 165 Em. Dahlberg (1972) reported this species in the lower and middle reaches of the estuary from January to May, and collected it in a temperature range of 8.2 to 24.30C and a salinity range of 14.5 to 31.1 ppt. Barans (1972) suggested salinity as a limiting factor of up-river movement of spotted hake, and reported 7.0 ppt as the lowest salinity in which this species was collected. He also reported a temperature range of 6.5 to 24.8 0C for Urophycis regius. CYPRINODONTIDAE Cyprinodon variegatus - Sheepshead minnow Three sheepshead minnows were collected, all from the Rose Bay study area; one in November, 1974 and two in December, 1974. This species was collected in a temperature range of 7 to 10 0C and a salinity range of 12 to 15 ppt. The size range was 25 to 95 mm. Dahlberg (1972) reported this species mainly from shallow water habitat throughout the year, in a salinity range of 0.8 to 34 ppt and a temperature range of 7.9 to 31.90 C. FunduZus nWaZis - Striped killifish Four striped killifish were collected from the Wysocking Bay study area; three in January, 1975 and one in April, 1975. This species was collected in a temperature range of 10 to 200 C, and a salinity range of 10 to 18 ppt. The,length range was 25 to 45 mm. _19- Lucania parva - Rainwater killifish Fifteen rainwater killifish were collected at station RB-5, Rose Bay study area, in April, 1975. These specimens were captured at a temperature of 190C and a salinity of 7 ppt. All had a length of 35 mm. ATHERITUTDAE Menidia berylZina - Tidewater silverside A total of 471 tidewater silverside was taken. The Wysocking Bay study area was the only area that produced catches consistently. This species was probably equally available all months, but was only taken abundantly by the trawl during the cold months of December, 1974 through February, 1975. Tidewater silverside were collected at a temperature range of 6 to 20 0C, and a salinity range of 4 to 16 ppt. Their size range was 35 to 105 mm. Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported that this species was one of the most common in the Tampa Bay area, and that only a few specimens were col- lected by means other than seines. Dahlberg (1962) reported tidewater silversides common at salinities of 0 to 7.9 ppt. Division of Marine Fisheries sampling in the Albemarle Sound area, N.C., has shown that seines catch far more tidewater silversides than trawls. Menidia menidia - Atlantic silverside A total of 61 Atlantic silversides was collected during January, 1975 in the Long Shoal River and Far Creek areas. Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) reported highest catches in January with no catch during July through September. This species was collected in a salinity range of 12 to 19 ppt and a temperature range of 10 to 13 0C. The size range was 75 to 125 mm. GASTEROSTEIDAE ApeZtes quadracus Fourspine stickleback A single specimen 45 mm in length was collected in February, 1975 at Stumpy Point Bay study area station SPB-l. At the time of collection, the -20- salinity was 14 ppt and the temperature was 120C. A survey of the literature indicates that this is probably the first reported capture of this species in North Carolina. Chesapeake Bay had been considered the southern end of the range. SYNGNATHIDAE Syngnathus fuscus - Northern pipefish A total of 15 northern pipefish was collected during the months of July through October, 1974 and May through June, 1975. Station RB-8 (Rose Bay study area) produced consistent catches which were probably due to the shallow water and thick bottom vegetation that is usually associated with pipefish. This species was collected in a salinity range of 9 to 18 ppt and a temperature range of 18 to 280C. The size range was 75 to 285 mm. Hildebrand and Schroeder (1928) reported northern pipefish abundant in seine samples from April to October, but more common in deep water during cold months. Dahlberg (1972) reported this species at a salinity range of 0 to 31.3 ppt. PERCIC=YIDAE Morone xnericana - White perch Fifty-four white perch were collected during all months except July, August, and December of 1974, and June, 1975. White perch were collected at a salinity range of 1 to 19 ppt and at a temperature range of 5 to 320C. They had a size range of 55 mm. to 255 mm. Mansueti (1951) regarded this species as semi-anadromous, moving from brackish to freshwater in April and May to spawn. This spawning migration may explain the absence of white perch in the study area in June, July, and August. Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) reported an absence of white perch in Niestern Pamlico Sound during June and July. Length-frequency data indicate the utilization of the nursery area by juveniles during@January April (Table 3). -21- TABLE 3. Length - frequency distribution of white perch (Morone amer-lcana). measured from all stations July, 1974 - June, 1975. 1974 1975 LENGTH (mm) JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE TOTAL 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 1 1 65 3 2 2 7 75 2 5 7 85 95 1 2 3 105 115 1 125 5 5 135 3 1 4 145 2 2 155 1 1 165 1 175 1 2 185 1 2 195 1 2 2D5 1 2 215 1 1 1 4 225 1 2 1 4 235 2 1 3 245 1 1 255 1 1 265 275 285 295 305 No. measured 2 2 10 19 4 6 9 1 53 No.. collected 2 2 10 19 4 6 9 1 53 -22- CENTRARCHIDAE Enneacanthus gZoriosus - Bluespotted sunfish One 55 = bluespotted sunfish was taken during the study. It was collected at station RB-1 (Rose Bay study area) during December, 1974. The salinity was 12 ppt and the temperature was 70C. North Carolina state stream surveys (Bayless and Smith, 1962; Bayless and Shannon, 1965) found the bluespotted sunfish to be common in brackish (0-7 ppt) , weedy streams of the Neuse and Pamlico drainages. Swingle (1971) reported bluespotted sunfish at a salinity range of 3.8 to 10.8 ppt. Leponds gibbasus - Pumpkinseed Three pumpkinseed were captured as follows: one in November, 1974 (Station RB-1) and two in April, 1975 (Station SQD74). Pumpkinseed were collected at 4 to 9 ppt salinities and 10 to 140C temperatures, and had a length range of 125 to 175 mm. State stream surveys (Bayless and Smith, 1962; Bayless and Shannon, 1965) found the pumpkinseed to be very co n in both the Neuse and Pamlico drainages, particularly in the brackish and blackwater tributaries. Bayless and Shannon (1965) theorized that salinities of 1.75 to 7.00 ppt constitute the optimum for Lepomis gibbosus, as this species grows to a larger size under those conditions than they normally do in strictly freshwater. POMATOWDAE Pomatomus saltatrix - Bluefish A total of 42 bluefish were collected, with none coming during the fall and winter months of October, 1974 through February, 1975. Bluefish h ad a length range of 25 to 185 mm; however, 80 percent were in the 35 to 115 mm. range. A number of juveniles in the 35 to 55 mm. range were taken in May, suggesting a spring spawning. Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) reported juveniles during May in western Pamlico Sound. Bluefish were collected in a salinity range of 3 to 15 ppt and a temperature range of 16 to 290C. Lund and Maltezos (1970) suggested that snapper blues are not tolerant of water temperatures below 100C. -23- The bluefish is of considerable commercial and recreational importance and utilized the study area to some extent. Not enough, however, were collected to designate nursery areas for this species. Highest single catch was six at Station JB-4 (Juniper Bay study area) in June, 1975. CARANGIDAE Caranx hippos - Crevalle Jack A total of 39 crevalle Jack was collected during July, August, and November, 1974 and April through June, 1975. This species was collected in a temperature range of 18 to 26 0 C and a salinity range of 6 to 16 ppt, and had a length range of 25 to 65 mm. Crevalle jacks appeared more often in the Spencer Bay study area then in any other location. Gunter (1945) collected crevalle jacks in a salinity range of 4.8 to 36.4 ppt; they were more co n above 15 ppt and in a temperature range of 25.5 to 30.50C. Dahlberg (1972) reported juveniles in summer and fall, with the lowest salinity recorded at 10.8 ppt. SeZene vomer - Lookdown A total of three lookdowns was collected auring July, August, and Nov" ember, 1974; all came from open water areas. This species was collected in a salinity range of 14 to 18 ppt, and a temperature range of 14 to 29 0C, and had a length rmge of 55 to 85 mm. Perret, et al (1971) reported this species at a temperature range of 15 to 31.9 0C, and a salinit Iy range 8.0 to 29.9 ppt, with most specimens occurring at salinities above 20 ppt. Trachinotus faZcatus - Permit A single specimen, 115 mm in length, was collected in the Far Creek study area, Station FC-1 in September, 1974. At the time of capture, salinity was 16 ppt, and the temperature was 20 0C.. -24- LVTJANIDAE Lutjanue griaeus - Gray snapper A total of 78 gray snappers was collected during August through October, 1974. All but one specimen were captured in either* the Rose Bay study area (Station RB-8) or the Wysocking Bay study area (Stations WB-1. WB-2). These areas are characterized by shallow water and heavy bottom vegetation. This species was taken in a salinity range of 13 to 16 ppt and a temperature range of 17 to 270C, and had a length range of 25 to 75 mm. This species was collected in Georgia from August through November, with the lowest salinity recorded at 13.1 ppt (Dahlberg 1972). OMNID.4E Diapterus oZisthostomus Irish pompano A total of 173 Irish pompano was collected during the months of July through November, 1974 and June, 1975. This species was taken in a salinity range of 3 to 16 ppt and a temperature range of 20 to 300C. The size range was 15 to 105 mm. Irish- pompano were most abundant in the Juniper Bay study area (111 specimens) followed by the Long Shoal River study area with 39 specimens. POMADASYIDAE Orthopristis chrysoptera - Pigfish Twelve pigfish were collected during July through September, 1974. Pig- fish had a length range of 65 to 235 mm, and were collected at a temperature range of 18 to 260C, and a salinity range of 16 to 18 ppt. Six specimens were captured from the Wysocking Bay study area and six from the P-Stations (P-6, P-10). Dahlberg (1972) reported a minimum salinity of 10.0 to 24.9 ppt and a temperature range of 25 to 34.9 0C. Springer and Woodburn (1960) found this species most abundant in June and July in Florida. -25- Pigfish enter the commercial and recreational catches in North Carolina in modest numbers, particularly in the fall. Studies conducted in 1969-1971 showed that pigfish made up about 10 percent, by weight, of the scrap fish catch in North Carolina (Wolff, 1972). SPARTDAE Archosargus probatocephalus - Sheepshead Ten sheepshead were collected in the study area. This species was taken at a salinity range of 5 to 19 ppt and a temperature range of 11 to 270C, and had a size range of 75 to 225 mm. All specimens were collected from Area Type I - primary nursery. Lagodon rhomboides - Pinfish A total of 1,705 pinfish was collected, making it the fourth most abundant non-commercial finfish. Spitsbergan and Wolff (1972) also reported pinfish to be the fourth most abundant non-comnercial species for western Pamlico Sound. Pinfish were collected all months of the year, but were most abundant during May. Juveniles (15 to 55 mm) of this species were collected during May and June. Pinfish were taken in a salinity range of 5 to 19 ppt and a temperature range of 10 to 290C, and had a size range of 15 to 145 mm. SCXAENIDAE Bairdiella chrysura - Silver perch A total of 3,570 silver perch was collected, making it the third most abundant non-commprcial finfish. This species was collected every month, but July and August catches comprised 87.6 percent of the total. The majority of those collected were young-of-the-year (range 15 to 95 mm). Silver perch were collected in a salinity range of 1 to 25 ppt, and a temperature range of 9 to 330C. They had a length range of 15 to 195 mm. -26- Dahlberg (1972) reported silver perch spawning in Georgia in April and May, and collected this species in a temperature range of 7.5 to 32.0 0C and a salinity range of 1.3 to 34.1 ppt. Perret, et al (1971) found this species most abundant in Louisiana during April, and June through August. Silver perch are not considered to be of commercial importance in North Carolina. However, this species is taken to some extent in recreational fishing. Wolff (1972) found silver perch the fourth most co n species in scrap fish catches. Cynoscion nebulosue - Spotted seatrout There were 172 spotted seatrout collected, of which 148 (86 percent) were taken during July - September, 1974. Length frequency data (Table 4) show that 97.7 percent of the specimens were in the 25 to 105 mm range and that spawning probably occurs from June through August. Spotted seatrout had a size range of 25 to 225 mm and were collected in a salinity range of 3 to 20 ppt and a temperature range of 10 to 290C. @ Hildebrand and Cable (1934) suggested that spawning for this species occurs from May to August in the Beaufort, North Carolina area. Perret, et al (1971) collected seatrout in a salinity range of 0.2 to 35 ppt, but noted that largest catches were made in salinities of 15 ppt or higher. Dahlberg (1972) reported a minimum salinity for this species of 0.5 ppt. The total catch of 172 specimens did not constitute a high enough catch to designate nursery areas. However, the data indicate that the Area Type I Primary nursery is most utilized. The P-stations produced no catches. Rose Bay study area, Station RB-8, produced 51 fish and had a catch effort of 14.6/min. during July through September, 1974. This station is characterized by thick bottom vegetation. This species contributed only 0.21 percent to the total catch of economically-important species, but is of considerable commercial and recreational importance on the North Carolina coast. CViwscion regaZis - Weakfish Weakfish were collected during all nonths of the year except February and March, with highest catches occurifig-in July, 1974. Fifty-four of the 60 -27- TABLE 4. Length frequency distribution of spotted seatrout (Cynoecion nebulosus) measured from aU. stations July, 1974 - June, 1975. 1974 1975 LENGTH (mm) JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JLM TOTAL 5 10 15 20 25 10 1-8 2 30 30 35 10 29 9 2 11 61 40 45 8 9 6 23 50 55 4 4 7 15 65 1 2 6 1 1 11 75 3 1 6 1 11 85 1 6 1 1 9 95 4 1 1 6 105 1 1 2 115 125 1 1 135 1 1 145 155 165 1 175 185 195 205 215 225 1 245 255 265 275 285 295 305 No. measured 36. 65 47 6 5 1 1 11 172 No.. collected 36 65 47 6 5 1 1 11 172 -28- sampling stations produced catches which would indicate that this species does not adhere to a typical nursery area pattern. Juveniles appeared to prefer more open waters for nursery areas, showing the highest catch/effort in the Type II and III habitat. The highest open water-catch occured in July, 1974 at P-Station 8: 130/min. Channels also appeared to be desirable habitat for juvenile weakfish. Stumpy Point Bay Channel (Station SPB-1) produced catches of 42/min and 45/min during August and September. During the same months, catches of 38/min and 21/min were observed in the Far Creek Channel (Station FC-3). Figure 4 indicates areas in which concentrations of 5/min or greater were taken'. Length -frequency data (Table 5) indicate that spawning occurs from June through August and that the majority of specimens taken in this study were of O-age class. Weakfish were collected in a salinity range of 2 to 25 ppt and in a temperature range of 9 to 33PC. They had a size range of 15 to 345 mm. Welsh and Breeder (1924) reported an extended spawning season for weak- fish of May through September, with the majority spawning from mid-May to mid-June. Dahlberg (1972) reported weakfish at minimum salinity of 6.6 ppt, and found this species least abundant from December to April. Weakfish accounted for 4.49 percent of the total economically-important species caught and is of considerable recreational and co rcial importance on the North Carolina coast. Weakfish comprised nearly 15 percent of the scrap fish landings in North Carolina, ranking second among all species in a study during 1969-1971 (Wolff, 1972). Leiostomus xanthurus - Spot Spot were the most abundant commercial vertebrate collected, accounting for 55.5 percent of the economically-important species. A total of 35,954 was collected, with every month producing significant numbers except December. Fork length of spot taken ranged from 15 to 225 um. Salinities ranged from 2 to 20 ppt, and temperature ranged from 9 to 330C at the time collected. 0 Dawson (1958) reported spot taken at a temperature as low as 6 C, but suggested considerable increase in numbers at temperatures above 10 0C. DARE COUN .0 COUNTY 0 %3 ti BEAUFORT ID LAKE UATTAMUSKEET INS I L NASD CA SWAN 1011SOCKING DAY P4A4LlCO RIVER L) 0 1 SAY SLY" GAT -30- TABLE 5. Length - frequency distribution of weakfish Mjno8cion regaZis).. measured from all stations JuIy, 1974 - June, 1975- 1974 1975 LENGTH (mm) JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE TOTAL 5 10 15 7 2 9 20 25 19 4 5 28 30 35 38 25 22 2 94 181 40 45 80 30 10 3 141 264 50 55 110 32 18 1 39 2DO 65 67 25 17 1 3 113 75 51 43 17 3 2 2 118 85 17 21 25 10 2 1 76 95 7 21 9 8 3 48 105 1 16 1 16 1 35 115 16 3 5 2 26 125 10 4 6 20 135 4 2 1 6 13 145 4 6 3 1 14 155 1 1 3 2 1 1 9 165 7 3 1 4 15 175 3 2 3 3 1 12 185 2 4 4 1 1 12 195 3 2 2 1 8 205 1 1 4 6 21-5 1 2 2 6 225 1 1 2 235 1 245 255 1 1 - 2 265 1 1 275 1 1 2 285 295 1 1 305 345 325 2 No. measured 401 267 153 71 34 2 1 2 8 285 1224 No. collected 1816 295 183 71 34 2 1 2 8 392 2804 -31- Fork length-frequency d-ata indicate that major spawning occurs in the winter with 15 to 25 mm juveniles entering the samples by February and March (Table 6). Juvenile spot utilized the study areas until late summer, which suggests that young-of-the-year spot occupy the Type I nursery areas, then migrate toward the open sound by autumn. As evidenced by Table 6,-the large majority of captured spot were young-of-the-year specimens. Catch-effort data suggest that a rate of 31/min or greater indicates an abundance of spot sufficient for primary nursery area designation (Figure 5). High concentrations were taken in Swanquarter Bay study area (Station SQB-6, 1295/min, Station SQB-1, 1190/min) ; Rose Bay study area (Station RB-4, 795/min, Station RB-8, 704/min); and Spencer Bay study area (Station SB-1, 574/min, Station SB-3, 541/min). All three types of areas were used to some extent by Juvenile spot; how- ever, they were most abundant in Type I areas. Type II habitat showed reduced catches; however, a slightly higher mean length was observed. Most adult specimens were captured in the Type III habitat. Dahlberg (1972) found Juvenile spot (11-85 mm) one of the most numerous fish in a low salinity creek, and collected small fish from April to July in a salinity range of 0.2 to 3.1 ppt. Dawson (1958) collected small spot (25 mm) in April in South Carolina. Hildebrand and Cable (1930) collected numerous larval spot at Beaufort, North Carolina from December through May. In general, most tributaries contained abundant enough concentrations of Juvenile spot to be considered as nursery areas for this species. However, the areas of lower salinity appeared to indicate a higher number of smaller spot than higher salinity creeks of the same general habitat type. All the higher concentration areas mentioned above were the lower salinity tributary systems of the study area. Spitsbergen and Wolff (1974) reported that this condition exists also in the western Pamlico Sound area. Spot are of considerable importance to the North Carolina commercial and recreational catch. In 1969-1971, spot comprised over 13 percent by weight of the North Carolina's scrap fish catch, ranking it the third most common species (Wolff, 1972). -32- TABLE 6. 'Length frequency distribution of spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) measured from all stations July, 1974 - June, 1975. 1974 . 1975 LENGTH (mm) JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE TOTAL 5 1-0 15 30 30 20 25 222 549 63 834 30 35 5 531 158 3 1056 40 359 359 45 1-4 12 503 538 345 1412 50 55 151 2 1 1 110 505 465 1235 65 402 44 3 17 81 258 805 75 222 224 49 3 2 3@ 18 87 608 85 80 350 171 28 2 12 6 2 2 19 672 95 32 151 218 150 28 17 33 14 24 1 7 675 105 13 83 142 268 107 7 64 49 111 19 7 6 876 115 3 22 65 104 108 2 45 56 80 54 18 4 561 125 4 13 24 38 50 2 20 24 43 41 19 1 279 135 12 8 4 21 21 2 12 7 1-1 17 8 4 127 145 12 2 5 8 17 10 2 1 6 7 1 71 155 7 3 5 3 4 2 1 4 5 2 36 165 6 2 7 6 1 1 1 1 25 175 2 1 6 6 6 1 1 1 5 28 185 3 3 2 10 3 1 1 23 195 1 1 2 2 2 8 205 2 2 4 215 2 2 4 225 1 1 2 235 245 255 265 Z75 285 295 305 No. measured 963 906 700 653. 354 47 193 415 1-193 1370 1364 1213 9371 No. collected 1574 1550 933 837 551 47 611 856 9835 8538 5655 4967 35954 DARE COUN ------------------ BEAUFORT COUt4TY cou PUNG0 RMR LAKE MATTAMUSKEET I I. kAlto SWAN V- $All PAAILICO WEST CAP NIUFF Day 40 1,14*- %ro -34- Menticirrhus cmericanus - Southern kingfish Twenty southern kingfish were collected during July, 1974 and September through December, 1974. This species was taken in a salinity range of 13 to 20 ppt and a temperature range of 9 to 29 0C, and had a size range of 45 to 225 mm. Thirteen (65 percent) were captured at P-stations, and only 3 specimens were recorded in Type I nursery areas. Dahlberg (1972) reported four juvenile Menticirrhus cuneria=ua in a salinity range of 1.5 ppt to 7.9 ppt. Swingle (1971) reported all specimens of southern kingfish were taken at salinities above 10.0 ppt with highest catches between 25 ppt and 29.9 ppt. Hildebrand and Schroeder (1928) sug- gested that this species probably spawns during spring and early summer. Menticirrhus sa=tiZis - Northern kingfish A single northern kingfish was caught in the Juniper Bay study area (Station JB-4) during the month of August. The specimen was collected at a salinity of 13 ppt and a temperature of 280C, and was 225 mm in length. Micropogon undutatus - Atlantic croaker The Atlantic croaker was the second most abundant co rcial. finfish taken in the study. A total of 14,345 was collected which accounted for 22.2 percent of the economically-important species. Croakers were taken during each month of the study and were collected at least once at every station. Croakers were collected in a salinity range of 2 to 20 ppt, with the temperature ranging from 9 to 330C. They had a total length range of 15 to 285 mm. Highest catches occured in July, 1974 and January through June, 1975, and the fewest (33) were taken in December. Bearden (1964) collected croaker in a salinity range of 1.5 to 35.6 ppt in South Carolina. Perret, et al (1971) reported croaker in a salinity range of 0.0 to 30 ppt, and a temperature range of 5.5 to 34.9 0C. Post-larval croakers were in the catches from August, 1974 through June, 1975, but were most abundant in the 25 to 35 mm size range during January through May, 1975 (Table 7). -35- TABLE 7. Length frequency distribution of Atlantic croaker (Wcropogon undulatus) measured from all stations July, 1974 - June, 1975- 1974 1975 LENGTH (mm) JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE TOTAL 5 10 15 1 10 1 15 5 6 38 20 25 7 2 49 31 9 124 16o 69 6 2 1 460 30 35 18 13 27 76 2 48 115 244 148 123 2 816 40 45 3 18 1 4 38 3 23 19 .65 18? 190 82 633 50 55 7 9 4 15 4 8 31 125 192 148 543 65 34 2 8 1 9 2 1-1 80 207 211 565 75 86 10 2 3 2 1 7 40 log 196 456 85 120 15 3 2 1 4 24 42 151 362 95 1-45 30 3 1 10 16 98 303 105 132. 65 17 2 1 2 1 4 6 45 Z75 115 91 83 31 6 2 3 1 1 2 31 251 125 59 78 39 17 3 4 3 2 21 226 135 35 58 52 29 8 3 1 1 3 4 14 208 145 13 26 42 33 JO 2 1 2 2 7 6 144 155 10 30 43 39 30 4 2 3 5 5 171 165 9 15 34 38 30 3 3 6 3 8 149 175 13 3 16 34 10 1 2 10 5 5 99 185 8 3 10 17 12 9 11 5 75 195 15 2 4 12 2 3 11 6 8 63 205 12 9 1 2 10 7 9 50 215 5 4 1 13 6 9 38 225 7 1 1 3 8 6 4 30 235 1 2 1 4 3 11 245 2 3 3 2 10 255 1 1 265 Z75 285 1 1 2 295 305 No. measured 806 480 330 332 281 33 231 321 436 711 957 1061 5979 No. collected 1109 570 415 426 322 33 2915 1546 958 1747 X66 2238 16243 -36- Catch-ef fort data indicate that a rate of 21/min or greater indicates a sufficient number of croaker to delineate a primary nursery area (Figure 6). Major concentrations of croaker occurred in the Far Creek study area (Station FC-3, 450/min. ; Station FC-4, 408/min.), P-Station study Area (Station P-9, 360/min; Station P-12, 174/min), and Spencer Bay study area (Station SB-1, 192/min; Station SB-3, 151/min). In general, most tributaries contained enough juvenile croaker,to be designated as nursery areas. For no obvious reasons, Juniper Bay study area had very low concentrations of croaker, though general physical characteristics are similar to the other sample area. Comparing nursery areas, it becomes evident that croaker use all these types of habitats for nursery areas. Data show an increasing graduation in size from Type I to Type III habitats which would suggest that post-larval croaker prefer Type I areas and migrate to more open water as they develop. Croakers are a very important comm rcial and recreational species along the North Carolina coast. Previous studies of the North Carolina scrap fishery have shown that croaker comprised the highest percentage by both weight and number of all species in the scrap landings (Wolff, 1972). Sciaenops ocetlata - Red drum Nineteen red drum were collected during the study. The smallest (35 m) young-of-the-year specimens were taken during November and growth appeared to continue through June. Therefore, late summer spawning is indicated for red drum. Mansueti. (1960) found juvenile red drum 20 to 80 mm in Chesapeake Bay during September through November. Dahlberg (1972) collected his smallest specimens, 36 and 37 mm, in November in Georgia. Eleven (57.9 percent) of the specimens collected were obtained in the Rose Bay study area (Station RB-8). This station is one of few in the area that is characterized by shallow water and thick bottom vegetation. Red drum were collected in a salinity range of I to 17 ppt and a temper- ature range of 10 to 27 0C, and had a length range of 35 to 335 nm. Red drum are not considered to be of great importance as a commercial fish, but are highly regarded as a recreational fish in North Carolina. DARE COU NI BEAUFORT C OUNT 'o U It PU 4 -160 LAKE mATTAMUSKEET 9 149ELKAND SWAI# QUARTER WYE So"i" V., OAT 14 Lco CD lp ol CAP Kurt day JUNIPIN Sol,, 'AT C OUN -38- EPH.ZPPID,4E Chaetodipteru8 faber - Atlantic spadefish Three Atlantic spadefish were collected in August, 1974 from the Wysocking Bay study area. These specinkens were collected at a salinity of 15 ppt and a temperature of 270 C, and had a length range of 15 to 35 mm. Dahlberg (1972) collected this species from June to October in a temperature range of 20.1 to 32.00 C, and at a minimum salinity of 9.9 ppt. Gunter (1945) recorded a salinity range of 11.1 ppt to 35.8 ppt and a temperature range of 17.1 to 29.00 C.. MUGILIDe MugiZ cephaZus - Striped mullet A total of 471 striped mullet was collected with the majority (85.9 percent) being taken in January (99) and February (113). Striped mullet were probably abundant during all months, but were not readily available to trawl sampling gear. Juveniles (15 to 35 mm) were taken from January through May, 1975, but were most abundant in January and February. Anderson (1957) found that young (18 to 28 mm) striped mullet appeared on the outer beaches of Gerogia as early' as November, but usually do not enter estuarine waters until January. Striped mullet were collected in a salinity range of 1 to 19 ppt and a temperature range of 9 to 290C, and had a length range of 10 to 295 mm. Rose Bay study area produced 58.4 percent of the total catch of striped mullet. Young striped mullet occurred in samples in North Carolina from November through March in a study by Lewis and Mann (1971). Striped mullet are of considerable commercial importance on the North Carolina coast. MigiZ cephaZus n5ade up 0.43 percent of the catch of econo- mically-important species in this study. -39- GOBIIDAE GobioneUus haetaftw - Sharptail goby Ten specimens of sharptail goby were collected. These fish were captured in the Far Creek-study area (Station FC-2) and the Wysocking Bay study area (Station WB-3) during July through December, 1974. Sharptail gobies had a length range of 35 to 175 mm, and were collected at a salinity range of 10 to 18 ppt and a temperature range of 11 to 32 0C. Gobiosoma bosci - Naked goby The naked goby was the second most abundant goby in the study area, with a total of 133 being collected. This species was collected during all months of the year. Dahlberg (1972) reported this goby as being the most abundant in Georgia estuaries. Naked gobles had a length range of 15 to 45 mm, and were collected at a salinity range of 3 to 19 ppt and. a temperature range of 6 to 280C. Ac- cording to Dawson (1969) Gobiosoma bosci occurs in a salinity range of 0.4 to 45 ppt, but prefers salinities below 22 ppt. Microgobius thaZassinue - Green goby The green goby was the most abundant goby, with a total of 219 being collected during the study period. Wcrogobius thatassinua was taken during all months of the year. Green gobies were taken in a salinity range of 4 to 18 ppt and a temperature range of 9 to 320C, and had a length range 15 to 85 mm. Schwartz (1971) recorded a salinity range of 8 to 23.4 ppt and a 0 temperature range of 8 to 27.2 C for this species. SCOADRIDAE Scomberomorua maculatus - Spanish mackeral Four Spanish mackeral were collected during July, 1974. This species was collected at a salinity range of 11 to 14 ppt and a temperature range of 25 to 290C, and had a length range of 75 to 105 mm. -4o- STROMATEIDAE PepriZus alepidotus - Harvestfish Eight harvestfish were collected during July through September, 1974. This-species was collected at a salinity range of 14 to 18 ppt and a tempera- ture range of 20 to 270C, and had a length range of 25 to 85 mm. The stations at which specimens were caught were in Type II and III nursery areas. Pepz-tZus triacanthus - Butterfish One butterfish was collected. This specimen, 65 mm in length, was taken in April, 1975, at P-Station 8. Salinity at the time of collection was 13 ppt, and the temperature was 200C. TRrGLIDAE Pr-ionotus caroZinus Northern searobin Twenty-three specimens were collected during the study. Th e northern dearobin was collected in a salinity range of 8 to 17 ppt and a temperature range of 17 to 250C, and had a length range of 35 to 125 mm. The data in- dicate a preference for Type III nursery areas. Dahlberg (1972) reported Prionotus caroZinus only in the lower reaches of the estuary and a minimum salinity of 15.3 ppt for any species of searobin. BOTHIDAE Citha2-ichthys spiZopterus - Bay whiff This species was taken during July through September, 1974 and June, 1975, with a total of 26 being collected. The bay whiff was collected in a salinity range of 3 to 18 ppt and a temperature of 20 to 33 0C, and had a length range of 25 to 125 mm. Dahlberg (1972) reported taking this species only during the months of May to October at a temperature range of 26.0 to 31.5 0C. Swingle (1971) collected bay whiffs in a salinity range of 0 to 30 ppt and found them most abundant from May through September. Paralichthys dentatus - Summer f lodnder Forty-seven summer flounder were collected. This species was collected during the months of July, 1974 through February, 1975, and June, 1975. Twenty-eight (59.6 percent) were collected in the open waters of the P-Stations. No catches were made in the Type I nursery area. Tagatz and Dudley (1961) reported specimens in the 26 to 48 mm, range in the Neuse River in March. Summer flounder were collected in a salinity range of 13 to 25 ppt and a temperature range of 9 to 290C, and had a length range of 115-295 mm. The data indicates a general distributional difference between Paralichthys dentatus and ParaZichthys Zethostigma in relation to salinity. At salinities below 12 ppt ParaZichthys lethostigma were far more abundant, whereas at salinities greater than 12 ppt, Paralichthys dentatus was the dominant estuarine paralichthid. PaKichthys dentatus supports the most important winter trawl fishery on the North Carolina coast. This study, however, was unable to designate nursery areas for this species, probably because of the low salinity of the study area. Paralichthys Zethostigma - Southern flounder Southern flounder were much more abundant in the study area than ParaZichthys dentatw, with a total of 770 being collected; thus making up 1.18 percent by number of those species considered to be of commercial importance (Appendix II). Juveniles, 15 to 35 mm were taken from February to June, indicating a fairly long spawning season. Length- f requen cy data (Table 8) indicate that those specimens collected were mostly young-of-the-year. Catch/effort data indicate that the Type I nursery area was most utilized, with catches as follows: Swanquarter Bay study area, 48/min at Station SQB-1; Far Creek study area, 42/min at Station FC-4; and Wysocking Bay study area, 36/min at Station WB-1. Figure 7 shows areas in which a catch-per-ef fort of 2/min or greater were found. Preferred area for Juveniles of this species appears to be shallow, muddy creeks. Southern flounder were collected in a salinity range of I to 19 ppt and a temperature range of 5 to 32 0C, and had a size range of 15 to 265 mm. -42- TABLE 8. Length - frequency distribution of southern flounder (Paratichthys Zethostigma ) measured from all stations July, 1974 - June, 1975. 1974 1975 I;ENGTH (mm) JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE TOTAL 5 10 15 7 4 11 20 25 31 47 3 81 30 35 70 44 59 3 176 40 45 30 28 61 14 133 50 55 1 7 24 47 13 92 65 8 1 10 10 10 39 75 14 4 4 2 24 85 11 6 1 3 1 22 95 12 13 10 1 2 2 40 105 4 4 6 9 5 2 1 1 32 115 2 6 5 6 4 2 1 1 Z7 125 2 1 5 3 1 2 4 1 19 135 2 1 3 2 3 1 12 145 1 4 5 155 3 2 1 4 10 165 1 1 1 1 3 2 2 11 175 2 1 3 185 1 1 1 1 4 195 1 1 205 215 1 1 1 4 225 1 1 2 235 245 255 1 1 265 1 Z75 285 295 305 No. measured 56 28 Z7 26 29 12 12 38 159 121 191 51 7,50 No.. collected 56 28 2r7 26 29 12 12 38 159 121 209 51 768 rn -f DARE COUNT A BEAUFORT COUNTY C re. PUNGO c .-Ia. LAME MATTAMUSKEET 9 k6fLKAM9 Olt. BAY PAAIL.ICO RIVER C) 'OU 'o. *Y 1,01- %oo -44- Dahlberg (1972) reported that southern flounder were more abundant in the middle reaches of the estuaries in Georgia, and.were often collected in freshwater. Tagatz and Dudley (1971) also recorded a salinity range of 0 to 33.6*C. SOLMAE Trinectes macuZatus - Hogchoker Hogehokers were collected during all months of the year with the highest concentrations in spring and summer. A total of 373 was collected, making this the fifth most abundant non-commercial species. Hogchokers were collected in a salinity range of 1 to 19 ppt and a temperature range of 5 to 326C, and had a size range of 15 to 155 mm. Swingle (1971) collected hogchokers in a salinity range of 0 to over 30 ppt, but found them most abundant in salinities from 0 to 15 ppt. This species was collected in all three habitat types; however, juveniles were predominately found in the Type I nursery area. CYNOGLOSSIDAE Synphums pZagiusa - Blackcheek t onguefish A total of 43 blackcheek touguefish was collected during the study. Thirty-three (76.7 percent) of those obtained were from the open water P- Stations. This species was collected in a salinity range of 4 to 25 ppt and a temperature range of 10 to 270C, and had a size range of 25 to 185 mm. Swingle (1971) found this species more abundant in higher salinity waters and collected 60 percent of his specimens in salinities above 25 ppt. Springer and Woodburn (1960) recorded a salinity range of 5.0 to 33.0 ppt, and a tem- perature range of 14.5 to 32.5 0C for this species. BALISTIDAE AZuterus achoepfi - Orange filefish Two specimens of orange filefish were collected. One specimen, 205 mm in length, was taken in August, 1974 (salinity-15 ppt, temperature-260 C) at -45- P-Station 4. The other specimen, 155 mm long, was collected in Far Creek study area (Station FC-3) (salinity-17 ppt, temperature 200C) in September, 1974. CRUSTACEA PENAEIDAE Penaeus aztecu8 - Brown shrimp Brown shrimp were the most abundant commercial shrimp collected during the study. A total of 6,623 brown shrimp comprised 71.35 percent of the commercial shrimp captured (Table 9). Brown shrimp were taken in a salinity range of 3 to 25 ppt, with the majority being collected in a range of 5 to 15 ppt. Temperatures varied from 18 to 330C, and total length of brown shrimp ranged f rom 15 to 145 mm. Brown shrimp occurred in'the samples during July through October, 1974 and April through June, 1975 (Table 10). Juvenile brown shrimp entered the catch in April and recruitment appeared to continue until July. Brown shrimp were collected at all sixty stations, and all three habitat types were utilized. However, catch/effort data show that peak catches of juveniles occurred in the Type I nursery area: Far Creek study area, Station FC-3, 487/min; Swanquarter Bay study area, Station SQB-4, 282/min.; and Rose Bay study area, Station RB-8, 222/min. The Type II and III nursery areas produced reduced catches of juveniles (15 to 95 am), however, a noticeable - size increase was observed. These data indicate that the majority of brown shrimp remained in Type I areas until they exceded 95 mm, after which migration began out of the study area, and brown shrimp were less available to our sampling. Catch/effort data indicate that primary nursery areas are located in areas having a catch rate of 5/min or greater for brown shrimp (Figure 8). Penaeus duorarwn - Pink shrimp A total of 753 pink shrimp was collected during the study period, account- ing for 8.11 percent of the commercial shrimp catch (Table 9 and Appendix II). Pink shrimp were collected in a temperature range of 7 to 30 0C and a salinity -46- TABLE 9. Total catch of commercial shrimp by month for northern Pamlico Sound study area, July 1974 June 1975 MONTH BROWN SHRIMP PINK SHRIMP WHITE SHRIMP July, 1974 3587 - 3 August . 1115 67 1157 September 88 329 360 October 2 163 351 November - 103 31 December - 22 2 January, 1975 - 14 - February - 14 March - 6 April 3 10 May 795 23 - June 1033 2 2 TOTAL CATCH 6623 753 1906 PERCENT 71-35 8.11 20-53 -47- TABLE 10. Length - frequency distribution of brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus) measured from all stations July, 1974 - June, 1975. 1974 1975 LENGTH (mm) JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE TOTAL 5 10 13 49 49 20 25 67 3 186 256 30 35 171 7 202 76 456 40 45 325 15 1 166 232 739 50 55 404 26 1 60 196 687 65 524 38 11 13 2D5 791 75 457 66 17 9 146 695 85 398 83 22 90 393 95 317 128 11 55 511 105 174 136 6 1 16 333 115 63 103 9 1 6 182 125 10 41 7 58 135 1 14 3 18 145 3 3 155 165 175 185 195 205 215 225 235 245 255 265 Z75 285 295 305 No. measured 2911 660 88 2 3 685 102-2 5371 No. collected 3587 1115 88 2 3 795 1033 6623 DARE COUNT .............. BEAUFORT COUNTY 0 CA PUNAG RIVIR LAKE MATTAMUSKEET r SWA14 QUAAT114 BAY AV PAIWLI CdAf co RIVER DEEP C.0 of ST EAST GLOP &4T *9 &AT GLYFT IAV -49- range of 3 to 20 ppt, and had a size range of 10 to 125 mm. Pink shrimp were collected every month of the study period except July, 1974; but were most abundant during August through November when 87.9 percent of the total was taken. Pink shrimp are nocturnal and it was felt that the daytime samples taken during this study would not adequately represent the pink shrimp pop- ulation present; therefore, nursery areas were not designated for this species. Areas which did contain some concentrations were the Wysocking Bay study area, Station WB-2, 59/min; Far Creek study area, Station FC-4, 20/min; and the P-Station area, Station P-10, 9/min. These samples were taken in September and the salinity was 16 ppt for all three areas. Williams, (1965) summarizing the research of other workers, suggested that in North Carolina, pink shrimp are most abundant in areas where salinities are above 20 ppt and where there is a possibility of tidal transport. The data indicate no preference of this species for a Type I nursery area. Penaeus setiferus - White shrimp A total of 1,906 white shrimp was collected, accounting for 20.53 percent of the comr-rcial shrimp taken. This species was collected within a temperature range of 10 to 33 C and a salinity range of 2 to 19 ppt, and had a length range of 25 to 145 mm. Length- f requen cy data indicate that juvenile white shrimp entered the study area in July and were collected through November (Table 11). Penaeus setiferus were most abundant from August through October when 98 percent of the total was collected. White shrimp were most abundant in Type I nursery areas. Juvenile con- centrations were found in the Wysocking Bay study area, Station WB-1, 326/min; Long Shoal River study area, Station LSR-6, 142/min; and Stumpy Point Bay study area, Station SPB-1, 110/min. Juveniles of this species were also taken in Type II nursery areas, but were considerably less abundant. Type III nursery areas produced primarily adults of the species. Catch/effort data indicate that a catch rate of 5/min or greater is sufficient to designate primary nursery areas for this species (Figure 9 -50- TABLE 11. Length - frequency distribution of white shrimp (Penaeus setiferus) measured from all stations July, 1974 - June, 1975. 1974 1975 LENGTH (mm) JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE TOTAL 5 10 15 20 25 1 63 10 2 76 30 35 2 216 53 16 2 2 291 40 45 21-5 74 33 7 329 50 55 213 39 46 4 302 6-5 180 41 39 3 2 265 75 66 42 2D 2 130 85 29 34 23 8 94 95 23 33 19 2 77 IL05 1-1 18 13 1 43 115 2 9 2 13 125 1 5 1 7 135 1 1 145 1 1 155 165 1 1 175 185 195 2D5 215 225 235 2-45 255 265 275 285 295 305 No. measured 3 1019 360 213 31 2 2 1630 No. collected 3 1157 360 351 31 2 2 1906 ..... . .. ... X c DARE COUN %I A. BEAUFORT Ks COUNTY C 0 @j 0 PUNG0 NIVER st .. I.. LAKE MATTAMUSKEET INS I c 2-P IWAN QqA4jgfj Ore. DAY 04, PAMLICO RIVER S JuMptol ST LAST 86UPF SAY -52- Although not as abundant, white shrimp appear to utilize much the same nursery areas as the brown shrimp, Penaeua aztecus. Recruitment of white shrimp follows a pattern similar to brown shrimp, but occurs two or three months later. Trachypeneus constrictus - Roughneck shrimp Two specimens of roughneck shrimp were collected at P-Station 9 in July, 1974. This species was collected at a salinity of 18 ppt and a tem- perature of 250C, and both were 25 mm. in length. Perret, et al (1971) collected this species in a temperature range of 10 to 21.TC and a salinity range of 16.0 to 30.7 ppt, but reported highest catches above 20. ppt. PALAEADNIDAE PaZaeomawtee app. - Grass shrimp A total of 9,519 grass shrimp was collected, making them, the most abundant uon-commercial invertebrates. Grass shrimp were taken during all months, but were most abundant in April and May. Station RB-8, Rose Bay study area, was the biggest producer, with 58.9 percent of the total number. This was the only sampling station with heavy bottom vegetation. All three species were collected, but P. pugio was by far the most abundant. PaZaeo- manetes were taken in a salinity range of 2 to 19 ppt and a temperature range of 7 to 310C. The size range was 15 to 35 mm. Williams and Deubler (1968) reported PaZaeomanetes as the most abundant shrimp in the estuary and suggested that the population was made up chiefly of P. pugio. PORTUNIDAE CaUinectes sapidus - Blue crab The blue crab is North Carolina's only co rcial crab, and 2,730 were collected in the study (Appendix II). Blue crabs were collected in a salinity range of 1 to 25 ppt and a temperature range of 7 to 330C. They had a length range of 5 to 195 mm. -53- The greatest number were smaller crabs (Table 12), caught in the lower salinity areas, while the larger individuals were taken in the higher salinity areas. Specimens were collected at all-stations at least once during the study. Catch/effort data suggest that a catch rate of 3/min would indicate pri- mary nursery areas for blue crabs (Figurel,O). Areas of especially high concen- trations were Wysocking Bay study area, Station WB-4, 196/min; Far Creek study area, Station FC-4, 126/min; and Spencer Bay study area, Station SB-1, 60/min. CaUinectes similis one specilman of CaUinectes eimiZis (55 mm) was collected in July, 1974, at P-Station 9. Salinity at the time of collection was 18 ppt and the tem- perature was 250C. S MMARY There were 60 trawl stations selected for a base yearsurvey in the northern Pamlico Sound study area. A total of 55 species of fishes and 7 species of invertebrates were collected in 709 samples taken from July, 1974 through June, 1975. Twenty of the 55 species of finfish and 4 of the 7 species of invertebrates were considered of marine or estuarine economic importance. The Atlantic men- haden, spot, and Atlantic croaker comprised approximately 93 percent of the conmy-rcial fishes caught. The brown and white shrimp supplied over 91 percent of the comnip-rcial shrimp catch. The spot was the most abundant commercial fish collected, with 35,954 taken. These comprised 55.46 percent of the e conomi cally-inport ant species. Eight species of sciaenids and four species of clupeids were taken. Fishes in the family Sciaenidae were caught in the greatest number. Penaeid shrimps made up the bulk, by number, of the invertebrate catch. Three species were taken white, pink, and brown, with the brown shrimp com- prising 71 percent of the total shrimp catch. -54- TABLE 12. Length - frequency distribution of blue crab-, @(CaZZinectee sapidus) measured from all stations July, 1974 - June, 1975. 1974 1975 LENGTH (mm) JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE T OTAL 5 8 4 7 34 53 24 40 59 74 74 48 8 433 10 33 11 1 6 49 36 97 6o 110 64 81 22 570 15 2 4 15 7 6 8 25 20 37 28 32 12 196 20 25 9 1 2 3 7 7 32 19 25 17 36 7 165 30 35 9 1 1 2 1 8 6 7 6 37 13 91 40 45 40 5 3 8 5 7 3 5 9 2 15 31 133 50 55 37 7 3 3 8 8 2 6 5 20 23 122 65 38 13 1 4 4 1 8 6 7 6 9 22 119 75 46 14 8 3 11 4 4 3 6 7 9 12 lZ7 85 29 1-4 5 2 7 3 3 5 3 9 9 89 95 Z7 10 4 2 8 1 2 .1 5 8 5 73 1.05 29 22 11 2 4 1 1 1 1 7 3 4 86 115 6 9 6 3 1 1 1 3 5 3 38 125 16 13 5 4 2 4 1 1 5 4 7 62 135 11 9 5 1 3 1 5 35 145 10 11 8 2 2 5 6 44 155 4 12 4 2 2 1 6 31 165 6 7 2 3 1 1 5 25 175 1 2 2 1 .6 185 1 1 195 1 1 205 215 225 235 245 255 265 Z75 285 295 305 No. measured 363 168 80 93 168 3-02 232 185 290 237 323 200 24Ja No. collected 390 168 80 93 168 104 254 215 306 349 39 1 212 2730 TIN Z 0 A R E C 0 U N BEAUFORT COUNTY Ou It -t *4 All Pumao RIVER be.. LAKE MATTAMUSXEET c4 SWAN QyA4jgjj fillsocKING Are. SAY 44, PAMLICO 0 oyl 0. juh.pill all? CAST Stu" $&I SAY 14V SON, NO -56- The three most abundant fishes, and the four co-r-rcial invertebrates, which together account for approximately 94 percent of the total catch, are all estuarine-dependent. Therefore, those areas which have been designated primary nurseri es for various estuarine-dependent species must be protected if the production of these valuable species is to continue. Any destruction or alteration that occurs in these areas will have far-reaching effects, not just on the area itself, but also on those species which are dependent on the area during some part of their life cycle. This study has attempted to enumerate the importance of the northern P amlico Sound study area to the species that contribute to North Carolina's fisheries. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Sincere appreciation is expressed to Marine Fisheries Technician Darrell Mumford for his field and laboratory assistance in obtaining and analyzing the data used in this report. The author is indebted to Marine Biologists Dennis Spitsbergen and Maury Wolff for their ideas and assistance in identi- fication of species. Special thanks go to Betty T. Wainwright for typing the manuscript and to Jeff --Van Buren for preparation of maps. -57- LITERATURE CITED Anderson, W.W. 1957. Early development, spawning, growth, and occurrence of the silver mullet, Mugil curenza, along the south Atlantic coast of the United States. U-S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Fish. Bull. 57(119): 397-414. Barans, C.A. 1972. Spotted hake, Urophysis regius, of the York River and lower Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Sci. - 13(l): 59-62. Bayless, J.D. and E.H. Shanron. 1965. Survey and classification of the Pamlico River and tributariest North Carolina. N.C. Fed. Aid. Proj. F-14-R (Final Rep. Job I-K). N.C. Wildl. Res. Comm. 20p + append. ..and W.B. Smith. 1962. Survey and classification of the Neuse River and tributaries, North Carolina. N.C. Fed. Aid Proj. F-14-R (Final Rep. Job I-A). N.C. Wildl. Res. Comm. 33p + append. Bearden, C.M. 1964. Distribution and abundance of Atlantic croaker, Wcropogon unduZatus, in South Carolina. Contrib. Bears Bluff Labs. 40, 23p. Bigelow, H.B. and W.C. Schroeder. 1953. Fishes of the Gulf of Maine. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Fish. Bull. 74(53): 1-577. Dahlberg, M.D. 1972. An ecological study of Georgia coastal fishes. Nat. Ocean. Atmos. Admn. Fish. Bull. 70(2): 323-353. Davis J. R. and R. P. Cheek. 1967. Distribution, food habits, and growth ;f young clupeids, Cape Fear River system, North Carolina. Proc. 20th Ann. Conf. S.E. Assoc. Game and Fish Comm., p. 250-260. Dawson, C.E. 1958. A study of the biology and life history of*the spot, Leiostomus xanthurue-Lacepede, with special reference to South Carolina. Contrib. Bears Bluff Labs. 28, 47p. . 1969. Studies on the gobies of Mississippi Sound and adjacent waters-II. An illustrated key to the gobioid fishes. Publ. Gulf Coast Res. Lab. Mus. 1: 1-59. Godwin, W. F.,M..W. Street, and T. R. Rickman. 1971a. History and status of North Carolina's marine f Isheries. N.C. Dept. Cons. & Dev. , Div. Com. and Sports Fish., Info. Ser. 2, 77p. 1971b. Problems, priorities and research needs of North Carolina's marine fisheries. N.C. Dept. Cons. & Dev.V Div. Com. and Sports Fish., Info. Ser. 3, 40p. Gunter, G. 1945. Studies on marine fishes of Texas, Univ. Texas Inst. Mar. Sci. Publ. l(l): 1-190. -58- Hildebrand, S.R. and L.E. Cable. 1930. Development and life history of fourteen teleostean fishes at Beaufort, N.C. Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish. 46:383-488. 1934. Reproduction and development of whiting of kingfish, drums, spot, croaker, and weakfishes or sea trouts, family Sciaenidae, of the Atlantic coast of the United States. Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish. 48(16) 41-117. and W.C. Schroeder. 1928. Fishes of Chesapeake Bay. Bull. U.S. Bur'. Fish. 43(l): 1-366. Holland, B.F., Jr., and G.F. Yelverton. 1973. Distribution and biological studies of anadromous fishes offshore North Carolina. N.C. Dept. Nat. & Econ. Res., Div. Com. and Sports Fish., Spec. Sci. Rep. 24, 132p. Lewis, R.M. and W.C. Mann. 1971. Occurrence and abundance of larval Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannua, at two North Carolina inlets with notes on associated species. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 100(2): 296-301. Lund, W.A., Jr., and G.C. Maltezos. 1970. Movements and migrations of the bluefish, Pomatomus saZtatrix, tagged in waters of New York and southern New England. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 99(4): 719-725. Mansueti, R.J. 1960. Restriction of very young red drum, Sciaenopa oceUata, to shallow estuarine waters of Chesapeake Bay during late auturm. Chesapeake Sci. 1(3-4): 207-210. . 1961. Movements, reproduction, and mortality of the white perch, Roccus wnericanus, in the Patuxent estuary, Maryland. Chesapeake Sci. 2(3-4): 142-205. McCoy, B.G. 1968. Migration, growth, and mortality of North Carolina pink and brown penaeid shrimps. N.C. Dept. Cons. & Dev., Div. Com. and Sports Fish., Spec. Sci. Rep. 15, 26p. . 1972. Dynamics of North Carolina comercial shrimp populations. N.C. Dept. Nat. & Econ. Res., Div. Comand Sports Fish., Spec. Sci. Rep. 21, 53p. Perret, W.S., B.B. Barrett, W.R. Latapie, J.F. Pollard, W.R. Mock, G.A. Adkins, W.J. Gaidry, and C.J. White. 1971. Cooperative Gulf of Mexico estuarine inventory and study, Louisiana. Phase I, Area description, and phase IV, Biology, Louisiana Wildl. Fish. Comm., 175p. Purvis, C.E. and E.G. McCoy. 1974. Population dynamics of brown shrimp in Pamlico Sound. N.C. Dept. Nat. & Econ. Res., Div. Com. and Sports Fish., Spec. Sci. Rep. 25, 26p. Richards, C.E. and M. Castagna. 1970. Marine fishes of Virginia's eastern shore (inlet and marsh, seaside waters). Chesapeake Sci. 11(4): 235-248. -59- Roelofs, E.W. 1950. Observations on the capture of small fish by shrimp trawls. Inst. Fish. Res. Univ. N.C., Ann. Rep. 1950: 110-115. Spitsbergen, D. and M. Wolff. 1974. Survey of nursery areas in western Pamlico Sound, North Carolina. Completion report, Project 2-175-R, N.C. Dept. Nat. Econ. Res., Div. Mar. Fish., 80p. Springer, V.G. and K.D. Woodburn. 1960. An ecological study of the fishes of the Tampa Bay area. Florida St. Bd. Conserv. , Prof. Pap. Ser. 1, 104p. Swingle, H.A. 1971. Biology of Alabama estuarine areas - cooperative Gulf of Mexico estuarine inventory. Alabama Mar. Res. Bull. 5, 123p. Tagatz, M.F. and D.L. Dudley. 1961. Seasonal occurrence of marine fishes in four shore habitats near Beaufort, North Carolina. U.S. Fish. Wildl. Serv. Spec. Sci. Rep. Fish. 390, 19p. Welsh, W.W. and C.M. Breder, Jr. 1924. Contributions to life histories of Sciaenidae of eastern United States coast. Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish. 39:141-201. Williams, A.B. 1965. Marine decapod crustaceans of the Carolinas. U.S. Fish. Wildl. Serv. Fish Bull. 65(l): 1-298. and E.E. Deubler, Jr., 1968a. Studies on macroplanktonic crustaceans and ichthyoplankton of the Pamlico Sound complex. N.C. Dept. Cons. & Dev., Div. Com. and Sports,Fish., Spec. Sci. Rep. 13, 103p. Wolff, M. 1972. A study of North Carolina scrap fishery. N.C. Dept. Nat. & Econ. Res., Div. Com. and Sports Fish. Spec. Sci. Rep. 20, 29p. 60 APPENDIX I. Salinity, temperature, and length ranges of all finfishes collected in northern Pamlico Sound study, July, 1974 through June, 1975. Species Common Name length Sal.(ppt) Temp. (C) Lepisosteus osseus Longnose gar 675 10 22 Elops saurus Ladyfish 45-205 11-14 24-29 Anguilla rostrata American eel 95-625 2-19 11-33 Alosa aestivalis Blueback herring 25-165 10-20 9-14 Alosa pseudoharengus Alewife 75-125 14-18 7-10 Brevoortia tyrannus Atlantic Menhaden 25-215 1-20 6-33 Dorosoma petenense Threadfin shad 65-2125 3-19 7-26 Anchoa hepsetus Striped anchovy 45-115 2-19 7-30 Anchoa mitchilli Bay Anchovy 15-85 2-20 6-31 Synodus foetens Inshore lizardf ish 185-245 1-4-18 21-28 Opsanus tau Oyster toadfish 105-315 9-16 20-26 Gobiesox strumosus Skilletfish 35 19 1.0 Urophycis regius Spotted hake 105-165 9-17 11-19 Cyprinodon variegatus Sheepshead mix0mow 25-95 12-15 7-10 Fundulus majalis Striped killifish 25-45 10-18 10-2D Lucania parva Rainwater killifish 35 7 19 Menidia beryll Tidewater silverside 35-105 2-618 10-20 Menidia menidia Atlantic silverside 75-125 12-19 10-13 Apeltes uadracus Fo0urspined stickleback 45 8-14 12 Syngnathus fuscus Northern pipefish 75-2685 9-816 18-28 Morone americana White perch 55-255 1-219 161-28 Enneacanthus gloriosus Bluespotted sunfish 55 12 7-8 Lepomis gibbosus Pumpkinseed 125-175 4-9 10-14 Pomatomus, saltatrix Bluefish 25-6a485 3-15 16-29 Caranx hippos Crevalle jack 25-65 6-16 21-28 Selane vomer Lookdown 55-85 14-18 14-29 Trachinotus faicatus Permit 115 16 20 Lutjanus griseus Grey snapper 25-75 13-16 17-Z7 Diapterus olisthostomus Irish pompano 15-105 13-16 17-Z7 Orthopristis chrysoptera Pigf ish 65-235 16-25 18-26 Archosargus probatocephalus Sheepshead 75-225 - 5-@-9 11-25 Lagodon rhomboides Pinfish 15-8a45 5-19 :10-29 Bairdiella chrysura- Silver perch 15-195 1-25 9-33 Cynoscion nebulosus Spotted seatrout 25-225 3-20 10-29 Cynoscion regalis Weakfish 15-345 2-25 9-33 Leiostomus xanthurus Spot 15-225 28-20 9-33 Menticirrhus americanus Southern king8f ish 45-225 138-2320 Menticirrhus saxatil24is Northern kingfish 225 13 32Z872-28 Micropogon undulatus Atlantic croaker 15-285 22-2360 92-33 Sciaenops ocellata Red drum 352-335 812-217 8:8L32O8-36z87 Chaerodipterus faber Atlantic spadefish 35 15 36Z87 Mugil cephalus Striped mullet 106-295 3218-3219 92-29 Gobionellus hastatus Sharptai28l go28by 358-175 102-18 3.18-32 Gobiosoma bosci Naked go8by 15-45 38-19 6-28 Microgobius thalassinus Green go32by 15-85 42-18 96-32 Scomberomorus maculatus Spanish mackeral 758-105 8121-14 25-29 peprilus alepidotus Harvestfish 25-85 148-18 22D-27 Peprilus-triacanthus Butterfish 65 13 220 Prionotus carolinus; Northern searobin 358-125 82-17 176-25 0 -61- Species Common Name Length Sal.(ppt) Temp.(C) Citharichthys spilopterus Bay whiff 25-125 3-18 20-33 Paralichthys dentatus Summer flounder 115-295 13-25 9-29 Paralichthys lethostigma Southern flounder 15-265 1-19 5-32 Trinectes maculatus Hogchoker 15-155 1-19 5-32 Symphurus plagiusa Blackcheek tonguefish 25-185 4-25 1O-27 Aluterus schoepfi Orange filefish 155-205 15-17 20-26 -62- APPENDIK II* Total catch and percent of the total of economically-important speCles of finfishes, shrimp and crabs, northern Pamlico Sound, July, 1974 June, 1975. FINFISH Percent of Common Name Scientif ic Name Total Number Total Number Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus 26 .04 Blueback herring Alosa aestivalis 103 .15 Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix 36 .05 Red drum Sciaenops ocellatus 19 .02 Atlantic croaker Micropogon undulatus 14345 22.13 Weakfish Qynoscion regalis 2904 4.48 Menhanden Brevoortia tyrannus 9840 15-18 Summer flounder Paralichtlxvs dentatus 47 .07 Southern f lounder Paralichthys lethostigma 770 1.18 Northern kingfish Menticirrhus saxati-lis 1 - Southern kingfish Menticirrhus americanus 20 .03 Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus; maculatus 4 - Spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus 172 .26 Spot 'Leiostomus xanthurus 35954 55-46 Striped mullet Mugil cephalus 477 .73 White perch Morone americana 53 .08 American eel Anguilla rostrata Z7 .04 Butterfish Pepri:-Lus triacanthus 1 - Harvestfish Pepri-lus alepidotus 9 .01 Pigfish Orthopristis chrysoptera. 12 .01 SHRIMP White shrimp Penaeus setiferus 1906 20-53 Pink shrimp Penaeus: duorarum 753 8.11 Brown shrimp Penaeus aztecus 6623 71-35 CRABS Blue crab Callinectus sapidus Z730 100 I I 11011111111111 @, 3 6668 14105 7028 .