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







              A           S                   0 0                      CAROLINA


                        COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES






                                                                            CC






















                                  North Carolina Department of Environment,
                                         Heal th, and Natural Resources


                                          Division of Marine Fisheries
                                          Morehead City, NC 28557



                                                  May 1992


        SH222
          N8A88
         1992















                          ASSESSMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES



                                                  By



                              North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries













                           North Carolina Department of Environment, Health,
                                         and Natural Resources

                                      Division of Marine Fisheries
                                             P.O. Box 769
                                        Morehead City, NC 28557




                                 Completion Report for Project 2-IJ-16




                                               May 1992




                   This project was conducted under Title III  of the International
                   Fisheries Act and funded, in part, by the U.S. Department of Commerce,
                   National Marine Fisheries Service, underGrant Number NA 90AA-D-IJ249

NOAA/CCEH
1990 HOBSON AVE.
CHAS, SC 29408-2623
                                                                                           











                                                      TABLE OF CONTENTS



                  JOB 1:      LONG HAUL SEINE FISHERY      ASSESSMENT
                              Abstract    . . .  .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           ii
                              Table of Contents       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          iii
                              Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           1
                              Methods and Materials     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            3
                              Results and Discussion     .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            6
                                   Seasonality and Catch Composition         . . . . . . . . . .         6
                                   Species Landings, CPUE, Size       and  Age  Composition   . . .      7
                                   Total Biomass and Scrap Fish          . . . . . . . . . . . .       14
                                   Management      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           15
                              Acknowledgements     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           17
                              Literature Cited     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           18
                              Tables   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             20
                              Figures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             55
                              Appendix


                  JOB 2:      SCIAENID POUND NET FISHERY
                              Abstract : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            ii
                              Table of Contents       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          iii
                              Introduction     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             I
                              Methods and Materials     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            2
                              Results and Discussion       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           4
                                   Seasonal Catch Composition       . . . . . ... . . . . . . .          4
                                   Trends in Catch Composition      1982-1990     . . . . . . . .        5
                                   CPUE, Landings and Size/Age Composition          . . . . . . .        5
                                          Atlantic Croaker   . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .          5
                                          Weakfish    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            6
                                          Spot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      7
                                          Bluefish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       9
                                          Harvestfish   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          9
                                          Butterfish    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          10
                                          Spanish Mackerel     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         11
                                          Flounder    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          12
                                          Atlantic Menhaden    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         13
                              Aggregate   Resource Trends    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         13
                              Scrap/Bait    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            15
                              Species Synopsis     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           16
                                   Atlantic Croaker     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          16
                                   Weakfish    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           17
                                   Spot     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            18
                                   Bluefish    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           19
                                   Spanish Mackerel     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          20
                              Acknowledgements     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           21
                              Literature Cited     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           22
                              Tables   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             24
                              Figures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             43
                              Appendix











                 JOB 3:      WINTER TRAWL FISHERY ASSESSMENT
                             Abstract.   ' * * * ' * '   * ' * '   * *  * * '  ' * *  * * *  * * *  ii
                             Table of Contents     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        iv
                             Introduction       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           1
                             Methods and Materials     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          3
                             Results and Discussion      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          6
                                   Nearshore Flounder    Fishery   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        6
                                         Seasonal Catch Composition       . . . .  *  .      * * *    7
                                         Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1991        . . . . . .     8
                                         Summer Flounder - CPUE, Landings and Size
                                              Composition     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         8
                                   Deepwater Fishery     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        10
                                         Seasonal Catch Composition       . . . . . .   I. . . . .  10
                                         Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1991        . . . . . .   11
                                         Scup - CPUE, Landings and Size Composition          . . .  11
                                         Black Sea Bass - CPUE, Landings and Size
                                              Composition        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      12
                                         Summer Flounder - CPUE, Landings and Size
                                              Composition     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       13
                                   Flynet Fishery      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        14
                                         Seasonal Catch Composition
                                         (All Areas Combined)      . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      14
                                         North of Cape Hatteras      . . . . . . . . . . . . .      15
                                         Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout      . . . . . . . . . .     16
                                         West of Cape Lookout      . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      16
                                         Catch Composition 1982-91      . . . . . . . . . . . .     17
                                         Weakfish - CPUE, Landings and
                                              Age/Size Composition        . . . .                   18
                                         Atlantic Croaker - CPUE, Landings and Age/
                                              Size Composition       . . . . . . . . . . . . .      20
                                         Bluefish - CPUE, Landings and Age/
                                              Size Composition       . . . . . . . . . . . . .      22
                                         Spot - CPUE, Landings and Age/Size Composition.         .  24
                             Scrapfish   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          25
                                   Sciaenid Bluefish Flynet Fishery       . . . . . . . . . . .     25
                                   Nearshore Flounder Fishery      . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      26
                                   Deepwater Fishery     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        27
                             Aggregate Resources Trends       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       27
                             Species Synopses      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        29
                                   Summer Flounder   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        29
                                   Weakfish     ' * *  * * *  '  * * *  * * '  * * *  * * *  * * *  31
                                   Black Sea Bass    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        32
                                   Scup    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          33
                                   Bluefish  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          35
                                   Atlantic Croaker    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        36
                             Management Implications     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        37
                             Acknowledgements      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        39
                             Literature Cited      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        40
                             Tables   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           42
                             Figures     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          68
                             Appendix











                 JOB 4:     SINK NET FISHERY ASSESSMENT
                            Abstract    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            ii
                            Table of Contents     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         iii
                            Introduction .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1
                            Methods and Materials      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          2
                            Results and Discussion       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          4
                                  Overall Seasonal Catch      Composition   . . . . . . . . . .       4
                                  Trends in Overall Seasonal Catch Composition          . . . . .     5
                                  Sink Net Catches     by Area Fished     . . . . . . . . . . . .     6
                                  Comparisons of Sink Net Catches by Area Fished
                                        Between Seasons     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         6
                                  Spatial-Temporal Patterns in Sink Net Catches           . . . .     7
                                  Weakfish CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Composition       . .         9
                                  Bluefish CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Composition       . .          11
                                  Atlantic Croaker CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age
                                        Composition                                                 12
                                  Anchored Gill Net Catches West of Bogue Inlet to
                                        Cape Fear      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        13
                            Summary   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           14
                            Management Implications      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        17
                            Acknowledgements    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         19
                            Literature Cited      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         20
                            Tables    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           22
                            Figures   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           35
                            Appendix


                JOB 5:      REEF FISH AND COASTAL      PELAGIC  FISHERIES   ASSESSMENT
                            Abstract    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           ii
                            Table of Contents     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         iii
                            Introduction . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           1
                            Methods and Materials      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          1
                            Results and Discussion       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          3
                                  Serranidae      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           6
                                  Lutjanidae      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           9
                                  Sparidae        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         10
                                  Malacanthidae      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        11
                                  Balistidae      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         11
                                  Haemulidae      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         12
                                  Percichthyidae     . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         12
                                  Coastal Pelagic Component of       the  Reef Fish  Fishery   . .  12
                            Literature Cited      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         17
                            Tables    . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      18
                            Figures   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           46


                JOB 6:      FLOUNDER POUND NET FISHERY ASSESSMENT
                            Abstract    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           ii
                            Table of Contents     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         iii
                            Introduction     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            I
                            Methods and Materials      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          1
                            Results and Discussion       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          2
                            Literature Cited      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           5
                            Tables    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           6
                            Figures   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            11
                            Appendix





















                          ASSESSMENT  OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES

                                  Completion Report for Project 2-IJ-16

                                                 May 1992





                                                 JOB 1


                                          LONG HAUL SEINE


                                       FISHERY ASSESSMENT


                                                    By


                                               Katy H. West
                                                   and
                                          Christopher J. Wilson










                                                   ABSTRACT


                    The North Carolina long haul/swipe seine fishery is active from March-
              April until early November throughout much of the estuarine waters of North
              Carolina. Data from the 1988 through 1990 fishing seasons were collected and
              examined to determine:      species and size composition of the catches; age
              composition of target species Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), spot
              (Lejostomus xanthurus), weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), and bluefish (Pomatomus
              saltatrix); catch size; and proportion and species composition of the scrap
              component from catches. A total of 148, 114, and 103 samples were collected from
              culled and unculled catches for 1988, 1989, 1990, respectively. Results, in most
              cases, are reported by area (north, south and combined) of Bluff Shoal, a natural
              geographic bisector of Pamlico Sound. Averaged combined CPUEs for the long haul
              fishery were 3,143 kg/trip (1988), 2,552 kg/trip (1989), and 3,667 kg/trip
              (1990). Atlantic croaker, spot, weakfish, and occasionally bluefish and spotted
              seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) dominated the marketable portion of the catches
              each year.  Percent contributions of scrap fish to the total landings were 36%,
              41%, and 35% for 1988 to 1990, respectively.       The magnitude of unmarketable
              edible finfish in the scrap component from long haul catches was a management
              concern. Options for reducing the catch of these fish are being investigated by
              a Scrap Fish Committee formed by the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission.
              Gear restrictions (mesh sizes), culling devices, and area/season restrictions are
              being considered.










                                              TABLE OF CONTENTS

              ABSTRACT   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


              TABLE OF CONTENTS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


              INTRODUCTION   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


              METHODS AND MATERIALS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       3

              RESULTS AND DISCUSSION    . . . * * i  : ' ' * * ' * ' *  * ' ' ' * ' ' '  * * *  6
                    Seasonality and Catch Composit.lon   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      6
                    Species Landings, CPUE, Size and Age Composition      . . . . . . . . .     7
                    Total Biomass and Scrap Fish    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      14
                    Management    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      15

              ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      17

              LITERATURE CITED    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      18

              TABLES   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       20

              FIGURES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       55


              APPENDIX












                                                INTRODUCTION
                    The North Carolina long haul seine fishery (including swipe nets) operates
             throughout much of estuarine North Carolina from Bogue Sound to northern Pamlico
             Sound and in most tributaries of Pamlico and Core sounds (Figure 1) . The fishing
             season is March-April through early November, and the principle target species
             are Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), and
             weakfish (Cynoscion regal is), and occasionally bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) and
             spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus).    The long haul fishery that operates in
             Pamlico Sound has two major areas of activity, one in northern Pamlico Sound and,
             the other in southern Pamlico Sound. These areas are divided geographically by
             Bluff Shoal, a 2.7-3.4 m deep shoal which bisects the Sound north to south and
             is surrounded by water 5.2-6.4 m deep (Figure 1). The two deep basins of Pamlico
             Sound on either side of Bluff Shoal have differences in species and size
             composition of their fish populations (Ross and Moye 1989).


                    The long haul seine fishery technology has changed little since 1925
             (Higgins and Pearson 1928). Nets averaging 1,006-1,372 m long, 3.7 m deep, and
             with 10.2-15.2 cm stretch wing net mesh are towed between two engine-powered
             boats. At the end of the fishing operation the net is generally pulled up onto
             shoals and brought together around a stake. This is called "footing up". The
             circle of netting enclosing the fish i.s slowly made smaller by alternately
             pulling one side at a time past the stake ("cutting out"), thus, gathering or
             "bunting" the net.   When the net has been bunted as much as possible for a given
             catch, a heavier bunt net with smaller stretch mesh (about 2.5 cm) is drawn
             around the catch. The bunt net is constructed so that its lead line can be drawn
             together without  distorting the float line. The catch is enclosed, hardened up,
             and subsequently dipped into an insulated run-boat for transport to the fish
             house. The whole operation of setting, pulling, and bunting the net often takes
             a full day, with fishing usually beginning before sunrise; rarely are two hauls
             made in one day. Guthrie et al. (1973) describes the long hauling operation in
             detail.


                    Long hauling techniques do vary between different fishing areas. Along the
             Outer Banks,   in southwestern Pamlico Sound, Core Sound, and their major
             tributaries the fishery depends on shoal areas (usually 1.5-3.0 m deep) with a
             firm bottom for bunting. Fishermen usually have to go overboard to "cut out" the












                                                         2

              net. Northern Pamlico Sound fishermen generally set and pull their nets the same
              way, but utilize deeper nets (3.7-6.4 m) to fish in deeper water. They do not
              depend on shoals to "bunt up" their catches, instead using a longer footing stake
              and a bunt net that can be gathered so they do not need to go overboard.        In the
              Pamlico County area short hauls are made with swipe nets (where only one boat is
              used), using techniques common to the shall,ow haul seine fishery. These rigs are
              occasionally used in other areas during the fall or winter for spotted seatrout.


                    The greatest concentration of long haul fishing activity occurs in northern
              Pamlico Sound and Croatan Sound from Long Shoal northward. During 1988-1990, 10-
              23 rigs have worked regularly during April-September in this area. This total
              includes four deep water rigs and two shallow water rigs from Wanchese, NC.
              Stumpy Point, NC had four deep water rigs. A single deep water rig operated out
              of Manns Harbor, NC.      Three to six crews from Englehard, NC, including one
              shallow and 3-5 deep water rigs, generally fish north of Bluff Shoal during
              April-August and both north and south of Bluff Shoal during September and
              October. On the Outer Banks, three rigs operate out of Avon, NC, and three rigs
              from Hatteras, NC.     Prior to 1987, these crews were half deep water and half
              shallow water rigs, but by 1987, all of the Outer Banks rigs were shallow water
              rigs.


                    A second center of long hauling activity is in southern Pamlico Sound and
              Core Sound.    Five to eight full-time crews based in Atlantic, Sea Level, and
              Davis, NC fish this area from April through early November. Royal Shoal, West
              Bay, Point of Marsh, northern Core Sound and the adjacent bays are fished early
              in the season with effort shifting to Core Sound, during late summer through
              early November. During this period four to eight crews from Harkers Island enter
              the fishery, working in southern Core Sound, North River, Back Sound, and Cape
              Lookout Bight.     Pamlico County has one deepwater rig and one swipe net rig
              fishing in that area.


                    This study, covering the 1988-1990 fishing seasons, was a continuation of
              a study and monitoring program begun by the North Carolina Division of Marine
              Fisheries (DMF) in 1978 (Sholar 1979, DeVries 1981, Ross et a]., 1986, Ross and
              Moye 1989). The objectives of this program are to 1) collect information on












                                                      3

              areas fished, fishing methods, seasonality, and gear used in the long haul seine
              fishery, and 2)    determine species and size composition of the catches, age
              composition of the target species       (Atlantic croaker,   spot, weakfish and
              bluefish), catch size, proportion of scrap fish in the catches, and species
              composition of the scrap component. The information collected is used by DMF and
              other fishery management agencies to reach management decisions.


                                            METHODS AND MATERIALS
                    During the fishing season, long haul catches were sampled at the fish house
              where the catch was landed. Samples were primarily taken from unculled catches,
              with some samples taken from culled catches (sorted by market category).         In
              unculled samples, at least one (though usually more) fish basket (22.7 kg) was
              randomly taken from each catch.     All species in the sample were identified
              (excluding jellyfish) and measured to the nearest millimeter (mm) using fork
              length (FL), total length JQ, disc width (DW) or carapace width (CW). Each
              s
              pecies group was weighed to the nearest 0.1 kg.     Species observed in the catch
              ut not present in the sample were noted. The total weight of the sampled catch
              was obtained from the dealer or fisherman. Trip ticket information was recorded
              when available. The crew or boat captain provided information on area fished and
              gear used.


                    In culled samples, for each marketed species, as many random samples
              (usually cartons 22.7 kg) as possible were obtained from each market category
              (small, medium, large, etc.). More cartons of the larger grades were sampled to
              compensate for the fewer fish contained in them.   Each sample was weighed to the
              nearest 0.1 kg, the individuals measured to the nearest mm JL or FL), and the
              total number of individuals recorded. The total weight of each size category of
              each species was obtained from the actual trip ticket, or if not available, then
              from the fisherman.


                    Scra p fish were sampled in both culled and unculled samples by taking at
              least one-half fish basket samples of the scrap fish from each catch. Scrap fish
              were defined as those species not marketed for human consumption.    It was either
              sold for bait or other uses, or discarded. In the scrapfish samples, lengths and
              bulk weights were taken on the marketable species (excluding Atlantic menhaden











                                                     4

             (Brevoortia tyrannus)- enumerated and bulk weight only).     Other miscellaneous
             species were enumerated and weighed by species. The weight of the scrap fish
             component was obtained from the trip ticket or estimated.


                   The number of individuals, weight, and length frequency of each species in
             a subsample were expanded to represent the species quantities in the total catch.
             For example, the total length frequency of a species within a catch was derived
             by expanding the length frequency of the individuals measured in the subsample
             to the total weight of that species in the catch, i.e. the length distribution
             was weighted by the magnitude of the catch. Total weight of a species in the
             scrap fish samples, was calculated by determining the proportion of a species in
             the sample, and expanding that to the respective species proportional weight in
             the total scrap fish.     The number of individual s/species in the scrap fish
             component was calculated by expanding the number of individuals in the sample to
             represent the total weight of the species in the scrap.


                   Catch per unit effort (CPUE) was defined as the average catch per one day
             trip. Landings refer to commercial landings (kg) data derived from the North
             Carolina General Canvas Data collected through the DMF and the National Marine
             Fisheries Service Cooperative Commercial Statistics program.


                   The long haul fishery that operates in Pamlico Sound has two major areas
             of activity, one in northeastern Pamlico Sound and one in southwestern Pamlico
             Sound. These areas are naturally divided by Bluff Shoal (The Bluff). The Bluff
             runs north from Royal Shoal inside Ocracoke Inlet to North Bluff Point which is
             south of Wysocking Bay on the mainland.      North and south of The Bluff were
             analyzed separately because species compositions differ in the two areas and the
             percentage of scrap differs greatly in the two areas.   Commercial landings data
             were partitioned by grouping county landings of long haul catches (including
             swipe nets) as follows:
                   North = Dare County + Hyde County (April-August)
                   South = Carteret, Craven, Pamlico, and Beaufort Counties + Hyde County
                            (September-October)












                                                       5

              The seasonal splitting of Hyde County landings both north and south of The Bluff
              was based on predominant fishing patterns observed by the fleet during the study
              peri od.


                    Scale samples (30-60), when available, were taken each month for Atlantic
              croaker, spot, weakfish, and bluefish over the entire range of individuals
              sampled. Length (mm FL, or TL) and weight (kg) data were taken for each fish
              sampled. Aging criteria for determining annuli formation and age assignments was
              given by Ross (1988) for Atlantic croaker, DeVries (1981) for spot, Massmann
              (1963), Merriner (1973), and Hawkins (1988) for weakfish, and Wilk (1977) for
              bluefish. Length intervals of 20 mm were used to produce the age-length keys.
              Smaller intervals resulted in data gaps due to a lack of fish samples across the
              entire spectrum of sizes. Pooled age-length keys (combined years) were favored
              over annual keys, with the exception of bluefish, because the relatively small
              sample size of larger fish caused variation in proportion at age across years.



                    Quarterly age length keys were produced for Atlantic croaker using monthly
              groupings of December-March, April-June, July-September, and October-November.
              Age assignments were made for scales collected from 1988 through March 1991.
              Historical age data (1979-1981) and study data were pooled in the following
              manners to generate age compositions from 1982 through 1990: 1982-1985 length
              frequencies (1979-1981 pooled age key); 1986-1987 length frequencies (1979-1981
              and 1988-1991 pooled age key); and 1988-1990 length frequencies (1988-1990 pooled
              age key).    Spot age length keys were produced using monthly groupings of
              September-December, June-August, April-May. Age assignments were made for scales
              collected from 1988 through March 1991. Historical spot age data (1979-1987) and
              study data were pooled to generate age compositions from 1982 through 1990 length
              frequencies.     Semi-annual age length keys for weakfish were produced using
              monthly groupings of October-March of the following year and April-September.
              Age assignments were made for scales collected from 1988 through March 1991.
              Historical age data (1982-1984) and study data were pooled for keys in the
              following manners to generate weakfish age compositions from 1982 through 1990
              length frequencies: 1982-1984 length frequencies (1982-1984 pooled age data);
              1985-1987 length frequencies (1982-1984 and 1988-1990 pooled age data); and 1988-












                                                       6

              1990 length frequencies (1988-1990 pooled age data).       Annual age length keys
              (1982-1990) were produced for bluefish by using monthly groupings of April-
              October and merged with annual length frequency data to produce age composition.


                                            RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
              Seasonality and Catch Composition
                    From April 1988 through October 1990, 448 long haul seine catches were
              sampled, with 193 catches from north of Bluff Shoal and 255 catches from south
              of Bluff Shoal (Table 1).     Long haul seine landings were reported from April
              through November each year and December landings were also reported in 1988
              (Table 2a-c).  Peak landing months were from May through October, accounting for
              at least 98% of the landings each year.    There was no single dominant month for
              landings or CPUEs; rather during the peak time frame,     landings and CPUEs were
              generally evenly dispersed through the months. Higher landings and CPUEs (total
              catch and marketable portion) were reported from April through August north of
              Bluff Shoal, compared to south of Bluff Shoal .      The reverse was true during
              September through November, with catches south of Bluff Shoal consistently higher
              (Tables 1-3). April and May were the only months where scrapfish landings and
              CPUEs were higher north of Bluff Shoal than south of Bluff Shoal (Tables 2a-c and
              3). Species compositions by year are given in Tables 4a-c.


                    In 1988, 148 long haul seine catches were sampled from April through
              October. Trip tickets only were obtained for an additional 21 catches. Total
              catch weights ranged from 47 to 26,624 kg/trip and averaged 3,143 kg/trip (Table
              1). Marketable catch weights averaged 1,995 kg/trip. Comparing the Bluff Shoal
              areas, north to south, total catch weights averaged 3,843 versus 2,610 kg/trip
              and marketable catch weights averaged 2,791 versus 1,390 kg/trip (Table 3).
              Overall, the dominant species were Atlantic croaker, Atlantic menhaden, spot and
              weakfish, accounting for 91% and 92% of the sampled catches by weight and number,
              respectively (Table 4a). The dominant species group was the same both north and
              south of Bluff Shoal , although their relative contribution in each area differed
              (Table 5). The same was true on a monthly basis (Tables 6a and 7a).


                    In 1989, 114 long haul seine catches were sampled from April through
              October. Trip tickets only were obtained from an additional 25 catches. Total












                                                         7

               catch weights ranged from 5 to 18,010 kg/trip and averaged 2,552 kg/trip (Table
               1). Marketable catch weights averaged 1,520 kg/trip. Average total catch and
               marketable weights were 2,692 and 1,893 kg/trip north of Bluff Shoal and 2,468
               and 1,297 kg/trip south of Bluff Shoal (Table 3).           Atlantic croaker, spot,
               Atlantic menhaden, pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), bluefish, and weakfish accounted
               for 94% and 95% of the sampled catches by weight and number, respectively (Table
               4b). Pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera) was also a significant contributor to
               the catch weight north of Bluff Shoal (4%) and to a lesser degree south of Bluff
               Shoal (3%) (Table 5).      All these species were also the dominant group on a
               monthly basis (Tables 6b and 7b).


                     In 1990, 103 long haul seine catches were sampled from April through
               October.  Trip tickets only were obtained from an additional 37 catches.          Total
               catch weights ranged from 40 to 39,828 kg/trip and averaged 3,667 kg/trip (Table
               1). Marketable catch weights averaged 2,328 kg/trip. Average total catch and
               marketable weights for north and south of Bluff Shoal were 3,645 versus 3,687 and
               2,549 versus 2,120 kg/trip, respectively (Table 3).        Dominant species in 1990
               were Atlantic croaker, spot, Atlantic menhaden, weakfish, and bluefish,
               accounting for 94% and 91% by weight and number, respectively (Table 4c). These
               species were also dominant for both areas, north and south of Bluff Shoal, as
               well as on a monthly basis (Tables 5, 6c, and 7c).


               Species Landings, CPUE, Size and Age Composition
                     Atlantic croaker has long been the dominant species in the long haul
               fishery.   This was also true from 1988 to 1990 when it was the top species by
               weight each year, accou   nting for 31%, 41%, and 57% of the sampled catches,
               respectively (Tables 4a-c). Atlantic croaker contributed 27%, 35%, and 33% to
               the long haul landings each year (Tables 2a-c).      During the study the long haul
               fishery contribution to annual state Atlantic croaker landings was 37%, 51%, and
               68% (Appendix A). Atlantic croaker consistently ranked first or second by weight
               each month from April through August in sampled long haul catches. It dropped
               in rank to 4th during September and 7th in October (Tables 6a-c) . North of Bl uf f
               Shoal yearly CPUEs and landings (unweighted average) were three and six times
               higher than those from south of Bluff Shoal (Tables 2a-c, 5).












                                                      8

                    Of the long haul scrap fish sampled from 1988 to 1990 Atlantic croaker
             contributed annually by weight 30%, 41%, and 57%, respectively. Atlantic croaker
             was the top contributor to scrap fish in 1989 and 1990 (424 and 902 kg/trip) and
             ranked second in 1988 (370 kg/trip) (Tables 8a-c). On average 36% by weight and
             56% by number of Atlantic croaker landed were scrap fish.


                    Atlantic croaker annual landings and CPUEs from 1982 to 1990 are shown in
             Figure 2. These values by area are shown in Appendix B. The two lines generally
             track one another since 1984.    There is no significant upward or downward trend
             in either parameter.


                    The length frequencies (TL) for Atlantic croaker (Figure 3, Appendix C)
             ranged from 115 mm to 375 mm with a modal peak at 225 mm to 245 mm and a less
             distinct peak at 145 mm in 1988. The lengths shifted slightly towards smaller
             fish in 1989 when fish ranged from 115 mm to 325 mm with a modal peak of 215 mm
             to 235 mm.    Movement toward smaller fish also occurred in 1990, when lengths
             ranged from 105 mm to 305 mm, with a modal peak at 225 mm to 235 mm and a less
             distinct peak at 145 mm to 155 mm.


                    Atlantic croaker in samples exhibited six age classes from 1982 through
             1990 (Figure 4).     Three age classes dominated catches annually. Age I fish
             consistently represented approximately 60% of the fish sampled, while age 0 and
             age 2 fish represented 12% and 22%, respectively. During the study period ages
             0 and 1 fish dominated, comprising 28.9% and 53.4% (1988), 27.2% and 53.4%
             (1989), and 24.2% and 55.9% (1990). Ages 0 and 1 fish averaged 26.5% and 53.3%
             for 1988 through 1990. Although Atlantic croaker lengths have been shifting to
             smaller sized fish in recent years, the age composition has remained relatively
             constant within samples.


                    Spot has generally been the next most important component of the long haul
             fishery.   It was ranked   second by weight in 1989 and 1990 and third in 1988,
             accounting for 23%, 26%,  and 13% of the sampled catches by year from 1988 to 1990
             (Tables 4a-c). Spot contributed 21%, 22%, and 21% to the long haul landings each
             year (Tables 2a-c). During the study the fishery contribution to annual state
             spot landings was 65%, 62%, and 69% (Appendix A). Each year spot ranked first












                                                      9

             by weight in sampled catches during the months of September and October and was
             generally one of the top three in other months (Tables 6a-c). South of Bluff
             Shoal yearly CPUEs and landings were two and four times those north of Bluff
             Shoal (Tables 2a-c, 5).


                    Spot annual landings and CPUEs from 1982 to 1990 are shown in Figure 2 and
             Appendix B. During 1989-1990, CPUEs declined and landings remained relatively
             constant. Between 1984 and 1988, the trends were generally similar. Through the
             nine year period there was no pronounced upward or downward trend.


                    Spot contributed annually by weight 31%, 19%, and 14% to the long haul
             scrap fish sampled during the study.   Spot was the top contributor to scrap fish
             in 1988 (386 kg/trip) and ranked second in 1989 and 1990 (199 and 229 kg/trip)
             (Tables 8a-c).    Yearly CPUEs for spot from scrap fish catches south of Bluff
             Shoal were consistently higher than those north of Bluff Shoal (328 versus 227
             kg/trip).   However, the average percent contribution of spot to overall scrap
             fish was the same for each area, 22% (Table 9a-b). On average 37% by weight and
             58% by number of the spot landed were scrap fish.


                    The length frequencies (FL) for spot (Figure  5, Appendix D) ranged from 95
             mm to 255 mm with a modal peak at 195 mm to 205 mm and a less distinct peak at
             95 mm in 1988. The lengths remained stable in 1989 where fish ranged from 85 mm
             to 245 mm with a modal peak at 195 mm to 205 mm. A   movement toward smaller fish
             occurred in 1990 where lengths ranged from 55 mm to   225 mm with a distinct modal
             peak at 185 mm to 195 mm and a peak at 95 mm.


                    Five age classes of spot were present in samples from 1982 through 1990
             (Figure 6).     Three age classes dominated catches annually. Age 1 fish
             consistently represented approximately 63% of the fish sampled while age 0 and
             age 2 fish represented 16% and 20%, respectively. During the study period ages
             0, 1 and 2 spot dominated samples comprising 9%, 62%, and 27% (1988), 8%, 66%,
             and 25% (1989), and 34%, 54%, and 12% (1990).     Ages 0, 1, and 2 spot averaged
             17%, 61% and, 21.5% for 1988 through 1990.









                                                      10

                    During 1988-1990, weakfish accounted for 11%, 4%, and 8% of the sampled
             catches by year (Table 4a-c). Weakfish contributed 14%, 6%, and 9% to the long
             haul landings each year (Tables 2a-c). The fishery contribution to annual state
             weakfish landings was 11%, 8%, and 18% (Appendix A). During the study weakfish
             ranked from first to seventh (average of fourth) on a monthly basis by weight and
             there was no pattern of predominance by either area or season (Tables 6a-c).
             Yearly CPUEs and landings both showed a similar pattern by area: higher values
             north of Bluff Shoal in 1988; about equal in     1989; and higher south of Bluff
             Shoal in 1990 (Tables 2a-c, 5).


                    Weakfish annual landings and CPUEs from 1982 to 1990 are shown in Figure
             2 and Appendix B. There was a marked decrease in the CPUEs from a high of 587
             kg/trip in 1985 to a low of 109 kg/trip in 1989.    In 1990 the CPUE rebounded to
             301 kg/trip. Landings also showed a similar trend.


                    Weakfish ranked fifth each year as a component of the scrap fish samples
             (78, 33, and 49 kg/trip from 1988 to 1990). They accounted for 6%, 3%, and 3%
             of the scrap fish sample weights by year (Tables 8a-c).          Yearly CPUEs for
             weakfish from south of Bluff Shoal scrap fish catches were consistently higher
             than those north of Bluff Shoal (study unweighted average 77 versus 32 kg/trip)   *
             The percent contribution of weakfish in the scrap fish samples was also higher
             south than north (Tables 9a-b). On average 21% by weight and 37% by number of
             the weakfish landed in long haul fishery were scrap fish.


                    The length frequencies (FL) for weakfish (Figure 7, Appendix E) ranged from
             165 mm to 505 mm with modal peaks at 205 mm to 215 mm and 235 mm to 255 mm in
             1988. The lengths shifted to slightly smaller fish in 1989 when fish ranged from
             135 mm to 555 mm with modal peaks at 185 mm and 215 mm to 225 mm. Smaller fish
             also occurred in 1990 when lengths ranged from 125 mm to 395 mm with a modal. peak
             at 215 mm to 265 mm.


                    Weakfish in samples exhibited ten age classes from 1982 through 1990
             (Figure 8). Ages 1 and 2 weakfish dominated age composition all years. Age 1
             fish comprised approximately 56% of the fish from 1982 through 1987 while age 2
             fish represented 36% of the fish from 1982 through 1988. During the study period












              ages 1 and 2 weakfish have dominated catches, comprising 34% and 35% (1988), 51%
              and 41% (1989), and 48% and 48% (1990). Age 0 fish peaked in 1988 at 19% but
              returned to low levels in 1989. Ages 0 and I weakfish averaged 56% and 38% for
              1988 through 1990.


                    Bluefish accounted  for 2%, 5%, and 3% of the sampled catches by year
              (Tables 4a-c). Bluefish contributed 4%, 3%, and 3% to the long haul landings
              each year (Tables 2a-c).    The fishery contribution to annual state bluefish
              landings was 12%, 8%, and 7% (Appendix A). Bluefish   ranked from third to ninth
              by weight of the sampled catches on a monthly basis, for an overall average of
              fifth. Monthly CPUEs peaked in July 1988 and 1989, due to large catches south
              of Bluff Shoal.  In 1990 October was the peak month,  due to large catches north
              of Bluff Shoal. At other times bluefish CPUEs were    relatively stable by month
              and area (Tables 6a-c, 7a-c).


                    Bluefish annual landings and CPUEs from 1982 to 1990 are shown in Figure
              9 and Appendix B. On a yearly basis the two lines show dissimilar trends. This
              could be due to misreported landings or an inadequate sample size to produce
              valid CPUEs.    However, neither line shows a pronounced up or down trend
              throughout the nine year period.   On average 12% by weight and 31% by number of
              the bluefish landed were scrap fish.


                    Bluefish contributed by weight 1% each year of the scrap fish catches
              sampled, and it ranked eighth, seventh, and sixth each year, respectively.
              Annual bluefish CPUEs from the scrap fish samples ranged from 6 to 23 kg/trip and
              were generally slightly higher south of Bluff Shoal than north of Bluff Shoal
              (Tables 8a-c, 9a-b).


                    The length frequencies (FL) for bluefish (Figure 10, Appendix F) ranged
              from 105 mm to 545 mm with pronounced modal peaks at 205 mm to 295 mm and 365 mm
              to 395 mm in 1988. The fish ranged from 135 mm to 605 mm with a modal peak at
              275 mm in 1989. Smaller fish occurred in 1990 when lengths ranged from 115 mm
              to 485 mm with a modal peak at 215 mm to 225 mm and at 265 mm.









                                                      12

                   Bluefish in samples exhibited ten age classes from 1982 through 1990
             (Figure 11).   Ages 0 and I bluefish dominated age composition all years.     Age 0
             fish comprised approximately 42% of the fish from 1982 through 1990, while age
             I fish represented 54% of the fish from 1982 through 1990. For the nine year
             period age I bluefish was the dominant age with the exception of 1985 and 1988
             (dominated by age 0 fish).      During the study period ages 0 and I fish have
             dominated age composition, comprising 52% and 34% (1988), 38% and 57% (1989), and
             43% and 52% (1990).    Ages 0 and 1 fish averaged 56% and 38% for 1988 through
             1990.


                   Spotted seatrout, accounted for up to 1% of the sampled catches each year
             of the study period (Tables 4a-c) and less than 1% of the long haul landings
             (Tables 2a-c).     The fishery contribution to annual state spotted seatrout
             landings was significant, accounting for 21%, 19%, and 18% by year, respectively
             (Appendix A). Spotted seatrout ranked from second to twelfth by weight of the
             sampled catches on a monthly basis, with a study average of eighth (Tables 6a-c).
             CPUEs by month and area were relatively stable throughout each year (Tables 7a-
             C).


                   Spotted seatrout annual landings and CPUEs from 1982 to 1990 are shown in
             Figure 9 and Appendix B.     Both parameters show a general decline to 1985, an
             increase to peak values in 1987/1988, and a decline in 1990. Spotted seatrout
             were 0.1% or less of the scrap fish samples each year (Tables 8a-c)


                   Long haul seine catches of southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, and
             summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, were minor, accounting for approximately
             0.1% by weight of the sampled catches each year (Table 2a-c).          Most of the
             flounder came from samples south of Bluff Shoal .         The fishery contributed
             approximately 1% each year of the study to the annual state flounder landings
             (Appendix A).      Annual CPUEs and landings from 1982 to 1990 displayed
             contradictory trends (Figure 9). Possible reasons for this were described in the
             previous discussion for bluefish.     Flounders were less than 0.1% of the scrap
             fish sampled each year (Tables 8a-c).













                                                      13

                    The length frequencies (TL) for summer flounder (Figure 12, Appendix G)
              ranged from 105 mm to 435 mm in 1988, from 85 mm to 275 mm in 1989, and from 125
              mm to 445 mm in 1990. During the study period the legal size limit for flounder
              was 330 mm.  Legal sized summer flounder in the samples ranged from none to 33%
              during the study period.


                    Long haul seine catches of Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus, were
              minor, accounting for 0.1%-0.2% by weight of the sampled catches each year. The
              fishery contributed 9%, 12% and 3% each year from 1988 to 1990 to the annual
              Spanish mackerel landings (Appendix A). Annual CPUEs and landings from 1982 to
              1990, shown in Figure 13, track well with one another; both steadily increased
              to a peak in 1989 (32,850 kg and 5.4 kg/trip) and dropped by about half in 1990.
              Spanish mackerel were approximately 0.1% of the scrap fish sampled each year
              (Tables 8a-c) .


                    Harvestfish, Peprilus alevidotus, and butterfish, Peprilus triacanthus,
              were another minor marketable component of the long haul fishery, each accounting
              for up to 0.1% by weight of the catches sampled each year (Tables 2a-c).       The
              fishery contributed 14%, 6%, and 9% each year to the harvestfish landings. Long
              hauls contributed 5%, 5%, and 17% each year to the butterfish landings (Appendix
              A). Annual CPUEs and landings from 1982 to 1990 for each species are shown in
              Figure 13 and Appendix B.   Both parameters show a general downward trend during
              the nine year period for harvestfish. Values for butterfish were highly variable
              for both CPUEs and landings. On a yearly basis harvestfish were 0.1% or less by
              weight of the scrap fish sampled and butterfish were from 0.0 to 0.2% by weight
              of the scrap fish (Tables 8a-c).


                    Atlantic menhaden were not targeted by the fishery but still accounted for
              26%, 10%, and 12% by weight of the catches sampled each year (Tables 4a-c).
              Atlantic menhaden ranked second by weight in 1988 and third in both 1989 and
              1990.  Atlantic  menhaden were strictly a component of the bait in the long haul
              fishery . In North Carolina commercial landings Atlantic menhaden was reported
              in the grouped category "unclassified for industrial/bait" and therefore, the
              specific contribution of Atlantic menhaden to the reported long haul landings is
              not available. Atlantic menhaden contributed annually by weight 20%, 15%, and











                                                         14

              14% each year to the long haul scraip fish. It ranked second in 1988 and third
              in 1989 and 1990 (Tables 8a-c).          Yearly CPUEs for Atlantic menhaden were
              consistently higher south than north of Bluff Shoal (1,058 versus 185 kg/trip)
              (Tables 9a-b).


                     The length frequencies (FL) for Atlantic menhaden (Figure 14, Appendix H)
              ranged from 75 mm to 275 mm with bimodal peaks at 115 mm and 195 mm in 1988.           In
              1989 fish ranged in size from 105 mm to 255 mm with a modal peak at 135 mm to 145
              mm. In 1990 lengths ranged from 95 mm to 225 mm with a modal peak at 175 mm


                     Pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides, also was not targeted by the fishery but still
              accounted for 3% in 1988 and 1990, and 7% in 1989 of the sampled catches by
              weight in 1989 (Tables 4a-c). Pinfish also was strictly a bait component and was
              not normally reported as a species in the commercial landings, rather being one
              of the species grouped in the "unclassified for industrial/bait" category. Of
              the long haul scrap fish sampled during the study, pinfish contributed annually
              by weight 7%, 14%, and 7% each year and ranked fourth each year (Tables 8a-c).
              Yearly CPUEs for pinfish were consistently higher south than north of Bluff Shoal
              (181 versus 82 kg/trip).


              Total Biomass and Scrap Fish
                     The long haul fishery contribution to annual state total marketable finfish
              landings (weight) was 14% in 1988 and 16% in 1989 and 1990.       Its contribution has
              ranged from 7% to 17% since 1982 (Appendix A). As a contributor to marketable
              finfish in the state, it ranked third behind the gill net fishery (estuarine and
              oceanic) and the trawl fishery. Total landings and value in 1988 were 4,309 mt
              and $2.9 million; 4,112 mt and $3.0 million in 1989; and 5,299 mt and $3.5
              million in 1990. Comparison of catches north and south of Bluff Shoal showed
              higher annual mean weight CPUEs for total and marketable finfish (study average
              of 3,394 versus 2,923 kg/trip for total finfish and 2,410 versus 1,603 kg/trip
              for marketable finfish) (Table 3). Annual landings and CPUEs for the long haul
              fishery from 1982 to 1990 are shown in Figure 15 and in Appendix B.             Landings
              generally declined from 1982/1983 to a low in 1989 and increased slightly in
              1990.   CPUEs, on the other hand, rose to a high of 4,033 kg/trip in 1986,
              declined from 1987 to 1989, and then rebounded to 3,667 kg/trip in 1990. Total












                                                         15

               finfish landings were 27.6% (1988), 31% (1989), and 11% (1990) below the nine
               year mean (1982-1990).


                     During the study scrap fish from 330 long haul catches were sampled.         The
               dominant species each year were Atlantic croaker, spot, Atlantic menhaden,
               pinfish and weakfish, accounting for 95% (unweighted study average) of the
               sampled scrap fish catches by weight and number (Tables 8a-c). The same species
               were dominant north and south of Bluff Shoal,             although their relative
               contribution in each area differed (Tables 9a-b). The proportion of the scrap
               fish to the total catch each year was 36%, 41%, and 35%, respectively.            This
               percent was consistently higher south versus north of Bluff Shoal (unweighted
               study average of 46% versus 26%) (Table 3).


                     The scrap fish percentage was relatively constant on a monthly basis
               (Figure 16).   Scrap fish from the long haul commercial landings appear under-
               reported. Except for Apri 1 , the percent of scrap f i sh i n the sampl ed catches was
               consistently higher than the percent of scrap fish in the reported long haul
               landings (Figure 16 and Tables 2a-c, 3). Scrap fish annual landings and CPUEs
               from 1982 to 1990 for the long haul fishery are shown in Figure 15 and Appendix
               B.  Landings showed a general decline, while the CPUEs were stable.             Under-
               reporting is one possible reason for the discrepancy in the trends. Scrap fish
               landings were 28.7% (1988), 33.6% (1989), and 5.7% (1990) below the nine year

               mean.



               Management
                     The sciaenids (Atlantic croaker, spot and weakfish), which constitute the
               bulk of the long haul targeted catches, have experienced a coastwide decline in
               abundance since the peak landing years of the early 1980's. The specific causes
               of this decline are not known but probably include increases in fishing
               mortality, variable climatic conditions affecting spawning success, and changes
               in habitat and water quality.     As a major fishery for these species, the long
               haul fishery will be impacted by management actions taken to address the recent
               decline. Historically the long haul fishery has been targeted for regulations
               because of the nonselective nature of the gear and the high scrap fish component









                                                      16

              of the catches. Until recently, very few   rules have been implemented because the
              target species stocks appeared to be healthy.


                    The enactment of minimum size limits for weakfish (10 in), spotted seatrout
              (12 in), flounder (13 in), and red drum (18 in) has major implications for the
              fishery. Strict enforcement of the size limits at the fishing site would result
              in numerous violations and for all practical purposes close the fishery (the
              current practice of bulk loading the fish precludes individual culling). On the
              other hand enforcement only at the fish house defeats the purpose of the rule
              which is reduced mortality. Law enforcement should be at a level sufficient to
              bring about changes in fishing practices that result in reduced mortality.
              Changes in fishing practices might include the total release of catches with high
              portions of undersized fish or innovations in gear that release undersized fish.


                    The magnitude of the scrap fish catch in the long haul fishery is a
              management concern. Gear changes such as minimum mesh sizes and culling panels,
              and season/area restrictions such as eliminating the fishery in secondary nursery
              areas are some management options.        The North Carolina Marine Fisheries
              Commission has formed a Scrap Fish Committee to fully investigate all options
              through a series of public meetings and make recommendations to the full
              Commission. Data collected during this study will be critical to their analysis
              of the issue.


                    Conflicts over space occur between long haul fishermen and crab potters,
              as well as other fishing practices. Rules hav  e been enacted (designated. crab pot
              areas) to spatially separate the competing users. However, with the decline in
              the number of long haul gears the ability to allow crab potting in certain
              traditional long haul areas has been accomplished through proclamations issued
              by the DMF Director.


                    The following recommendations    concerning the study and the long        haul
              fishery are presented for consideration:
                    1)    Continued biological monitoring of the fishery is required to
                          assess the fishery and the status of the stocks comprising the
                          fishery.    Mandatory access to biological sampling may be
                          required in the future as stricter management rules erode the












                                                     17

                          current voluntary cooperation of the fishermen and seafood
                          deal ers.

                   2)     An increase in the number of hard parts collected by size and
                          season for age determination is required.      Currently, one
                          cannot determine if yearly shifts  in proportion at age are an
                          artifact of a small sample size    or a true response of the
                          population to biological factors.

                   3)     Variations in catch and size composition by area, gear type,
                          and  season must be considered when formulating management
                          strategies for the long haul fishery.

                   4)     The scrap fish component of the long haul fishery should be
                          significantly reduced. An interactive combination of regula-
                          tions (size limits, area restriction, etc.) and gear
                          improvements could reduce juvenile mortality.      DMF should
                          actively pursue development of more       selective gear     in
                          cooperation with the fishing industry.



                                             ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
                   We are grateful to    Lele Judy, Greg Judy, Steve Strasser, Doug Mumford,
             Jeff Camp, Alan Clark, Mike Pulley, Todd Kellison, Beth Burns, Tonya Stevens,
             John Zuoboni, Mike Millard, Kurtis Gregg, Rick Monaghan, Jim Francesconi, Jack
             Guthrie, Joe Andrews, and John Schoolfield for field and technical assistance.
             Jess Hawkins, Linda Mercer, Jeff Ross, and David Moye provided advice and support
             during the study. DMF Data Management staff provided invaluable help with
             computer processing and data retrieval.     We are appreciative of Dee Willis,
             Christie Guthrie, and Portia Peed for their typing and organizing of the drafts
             leading to this report.      Finally, we are especially grateful to the many
             commercial fishermen and seafood dealers who cooperated with this project.











                                                         18
              Burns, B.L.                        LITERATURE CITED
                     1989. Assessment of the North Carol i na commerci al f i nf i sheri es, pound ent
                     fishery, NC 1985-1987. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div.
                     Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. Proj. 2-419-R.

              DeVries, D.A.
                     1981. Stock assessment of adult fishes in the Core Sound, NC area. NC
                     Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. 2-
                     326-R, 54 p.

              Goode, G.B.
                     1987 The fisheries and fishery industries of the United States. Section
                     II:    A geographical review of the fisheries industries and fishing
                     communities for the year 1880. U.S. Comm. Fish. Fisheries.

              Guthrie. J.F., R.L. Kroger, H.R. Gordy, and C.W. Lewis.
                     1973. The long haul fishery of North Carolina. Mar. Fish. Rev. 1024: 27-
                     33.

              Hawkins, J.H.
                     1988. Age, growth, and mortality of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, in North
                     Carolina with a discussion on population dynamics.          M.S. Thesis.      East
                     Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 86 p.

              Higgins, E., and J.C. Pearson.
                     1928. Examination of the.summer fisheries of Pamlico and Core sounds, NC
                     with special reference to the destruction of undersized fish and the
                     protection of gray trout, Cynoscion regalis (Bloch and Schneider) App. II
                     Rep. U.S. Comm. Fish. (1927), 1019-:29-65.

              Massmann, W.H.
                     1963. Age and size composition of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, from pound
                     nets in Chesapeake Bay, VA, 1954-1958. Chesapeake Sci. 4(l):43-51.

              Merriner, J.V.
                     1973. Assessment of the weakfish resource, a suggested management plan
                     and aspects of life history in North Carolina.           Ph.D.' Diss.   NC State
                     Univ., Raleigh, 201 p.

              Ross,  J.L.
                     1991.   Assessment of the sink net fishery along North Carolina              Outer
                     Banks,  Fall   1982-Spring 1987, with notes on other coastal gill net
                     fisheries. Spec. Sci. Rep., NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop.,
                     Div. Mar. Fish.

                     1989. Assessment of the North Carolina winter trawl fishery. NC Dept.
                     Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. Proi 2-
                     419-R.













                                                           19

               Ross,  J.L., D.A. DeVries, J.H. Hawkins, III, and J.B. Sullivan.
                      1986.   Assessment of North Carolina commercial finfisheries.            NC Dept.
                      Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep.         Proj. 2-
                      386-R, 418 p.

               Ross,  J.L., and D.W. Moye.
                      1989.   Assessment of North Carolina commercial finfisheries.            NC Dept.
                      Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep.         Proj. 2-
                      419-R, 293 p.

               Ross,  S.W.
                      1988. Age, growth, and mortality of Atlantic croaker in North Carolina,
                      with comments on population dynamics. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 117:461-
                      473.

               Sholar, T.M.
                      1979.    Adult stock assessment,       In A Plan for Management of North
                      Carolina's Estuarine Fisheries - P@Tase I, p. 11-27.         Semi-annual report
                      for North Carolina's Office of Coastal Zone Management Fisheries
                      Assistance Program Grant, October 1979-February 1979.             NC Dept. Nat.
                      Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish.

               Wilk,  S.J.
                      1977.    Biological and fisheries data on bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix
                      (Linnaeus). NMFS Tech. Ser. Rep. No. 11:56 p.











               Table 1. Monthly summary of sampling Long haut seine catches north and south of Bluff Shoat, and combined areas, Pamlico Sound area, Aprit-October
                          1988-1990; n--number of catches sampled (including trip ticket only information), sn = number of samples           that contain biological information.

                                                                                                                   Catch weight (kg)                             Sample weight (kg)
               Year            Month             Area                    n               sn               Mean                   Range                    Mean                 Range

               1988              Apr             North                     6               6             2,413.6             197.4- 3,722.8               51.0               30.6- 83.1
                                                 South                     0               0                    -                           -                 -                   -
                                                 Combined                  6               6             2,413.6             197.4- 3,722.8               51.0               30.6- 83.1

                                 May             North                   17              15              5,161.1             492.2-15,875.0               54.7               16.6-112.5
                                                 South                   13                9             2,262.5              46.8- 6,403.9               97.6               30.2-154.0
                                                 Combined                30              24              3,905.0              46.8-15,875.0               70.8               16.6-154.0

                                 Jun             North                   14              14              2,287.9             694.2- 4,683.8               53.4               40.4- 82.3
                                                 South                   14              14              2,866.6             468.2-13,885.0               59.6               17.9-252.5
                                                 Combined                28              28              2,577.2             468.2-13,885.0               56.5               17.9 252.5

                                 JUL             North                   13              12              2,918.0             454.1- 9,071.9               46.3               23.2- 77.3
                                                 South                   19              13              1,680.5             195.5- 7,917.1               36.6               18.4-138.2
                                                 Combined                32              25              2,183.2             195.5- 9,071.9               41.3               18.4-138.2

                                 Aug             North                   13              12              6,423.1              70.2-19,490.0               55.7               45.3- 77.9
                                                 South                   24              20              2,054.7             529.0- 6,804.3               35.3               12.1-131.5
                                                 Combined                37              32              3,589.5              70.2-19,490.0               42.9               12.1-131.5
                                 Sep             North                     5               4             2,982.9             439.6- 7,699.3               57.7               33.1- 78.2           C)
                                                 South                   18              17              2,479.8             189.1- 8,132.8               46.6               21.6-104.5
                                                 Combined                23              21              2,589.2             189.1- 8,132.8               48.7               21.6-104.5

                                 Oct             North                     5               5             1,989.7             341.8- 4,309.1               45.3               27.3- 60.9
                                                 south                     8               7             6,891.8             206.0-26,624.0               38.3               15.4-113.2
                                                 Combined                13              12              5,006.4             206.0-26,624.0               41.2               15-.4-113.2


               1989              Apr             North                     5               5             1,578.5                5.5- 3,864.1              47.3                 5.5- 83.8
                                                 South                     0               0                    -                                             -                   -
                                                 Combined                  5               5             1,578.5                5.5- 3,864.1              47.3                 5.5- 83.8

                                 May             North                     8               8             1,582.7             491.6- 4,535.9               38.9               16.5- 93.8
                                                 South                     3               3             1,532.5              67.0- 3,822.0               45.1               23.7- 73.8
                                                 Combined                11              11              1,569.0              67.0- 4,535.9               40.6               16.5- 98.8

                                 Jun             North                   10              10              2,591.8             849.3- 5,941.8               48.8               22.8- 84.3
                                                 South                   19              17              2,386.5             532.4- 7,509.5               58.8               11.8-171.8
                                                 Combined                29              27              2,457.3             532.4- 7,509.5               55.1               11.8-171.8

                                 Jul             North                     9               9             4,775.9             718.2-13,676.0               45.5               24.8- 61.4
                                                 South                   20              15              3,927.4             232.6-18,010.0               51.2               13.0-129.8
                                                 Combined                29              24              4,190.7             232.6-18,010.0               49.1               13.0-129.8

                                 Aug             North                   14              12              2,822.5             377.9-14,842.0               50.1               24.4-123.6
                                                 South                   21              14              2,042.7             442.2-10,346.0               49.5               14.2-107.6
                                                 Combined                35              26              2,354.6             377.9-14,842.0               49.8               14.2-123.6













              Tabte 1. (Continued).

                                                                                                                Catch weight (kg)                            Sample weight (kg)
              Year             month            Area                   n               sn              Mean                   Range                   Mean                 Range


                                Sep             North                   6                6            1,837.2              454.0-3,120.5              58.1               26.1- 95.8
                                                South                  11                7            1,629.8               64.4-7,246.6              45.1               16.9-166.8
                                                Combined               17              13             1,703.0               64.4-7,246.6              51.1               16.9-166.8

                                Oct             North                   0                0                   -
                                                South                  13                a            1,956.7               24.5-5,937.2              37.5               22.2- 59.9
                                                Combined               13                8            1,956.7               24.5-5,937.2              37.5               22.2- 59.9


              1990              Apr             North                   5                5               215.1             106.2- 391.9               65.1               26.5-140.6
                                                South                   4                1            5,336.8             1,926.9-9,329.7             89.0
                                                Combined                9                6            2,491.4              106.2-9,329.7              69.1               26.5-140.6

                                May             North                  13              12             5,246.1              39.9-20,292.0              36.5               12.8- 57.2
                                                South                  12                9            1,555.4              116.6-5,421.3              86.7               14.3-200.2
                                                Combined               25              21             3,474.6              39.9-20,292.0              58.0               12.8-200.2

                                Jun             North                  12              12             7,914.4             223  6-39,828.0             63.6               25.9- 94.6
                                                South                  11                9            4,356.4             857  3-14,427.2             98.6               45.1-152.8
                                                Combined               23              21             6,212.7             223.6-39,828.0              78.6               25.9-152.8

                                Jut             North                  12              12             2,015.6             612.3- 5,895.8              57.0               26.4- 88.0
                                                South                  19                7            2,290.9             164.0- 9,863.1              112.3              21.1-166.3
                                                Comb i ned             31              19             2,184.4             164.0- 9,863.1              77.4               21.1-166.3

                                Aug             North                  12              10             2,963.2             288.7- 8,843.7              76.7               28.0-176.5
                                                South                  12                a            3,954.0             458.3- 6,533.6              93.2               15.1-198.1
                                                Combined               24              18             3,458.6             288.7- 8,843.7              84.0               15.1-198.1

                                Sep             North                  10              10             1,623.6             939.5- 2,846.9              52.8               28.1- 63.6
                                                South                  10                3            6,435.2             884.9-37,494.4              114.0              76.3-145.2
                                                Combined               20              13             4,029.4             884.9-37,494.4              66.9               28.1-145.2

                                Oct             North                   4                3            1,914.9             304.4- 3,880.5              52.4               28.2- 78.6
                                                South                   4                2            5,551.5           2,047.7- 9,706.1              121.7              86.0-157.3
                                                Combined                8                5            3,733.2             304.4- 9,706.1              80.1               28.2-157.3

              1988              Totat           North                  73              68             3,843.1              70.2-19,490.0              52.3               16.6-112.5
                                (annuat)        South                  96              80             2,610.0              46.8-26,624.0              49.4               12.1-252.5
                                                Combined               169             148            3,142.6              46.8-26,624.0              50.7               12.1-252.5
              1989              TotaL           North                  52          1   50-'           2,692.2               5.5-14,842.0              48.0                 5.5-123.6
                                (annuaL)        South                  87              64             2,468.4              24.5-18,010.0              50.2               11.8-171.8
                                                Combined               139             114            2,552.1               5.5-18,010.0              49.2                 5.5-171.8

              1990              TotaL           North                  68              64             3,645.4              39.9-39,828.0              57.3               12.8-176.5
                                (annuat)        South                  72              39             3,687.0             116.6-37,494.4              99.3               14.3-200.2
                                                Comb i ned             140             103            3,666.8              39.9-39,828.0              73.2               12.8-200.2

                                                                                                 lip











                   Table 2a. Monthly and total commercial landings (kg) of selected species captured by Long haut seines north (N) and south (S) of Bluff Shoat and combined
                               (C), including the percent each species contributed to the overalL long haut landing: north; south; and combined, 1988.

                                                                                                                                                                                         Percent
                   Species                  Area         Apr         May            Jun           Jul           Aug           Sep          Oct         Nov          Dec        Total       total

                   Atlantic croaker           N       15,340        144,517       179,887       317,831       235,956        55,365           249          36           3     949,184      54.6
                                              S           659       19,213        39,318         47,903        42,083        38,438       29,357      10,582            -      227,53       8.9
                                              C       15,999        163,730       219,205       365,734       278,039        93,803       29,606      10,618            3   1,176,737      27.3


                   Weakfish                   N       23,505        35,970        24,636         44,639       106,416        96,034       26,687       8,632        1,017     367,536      21.1
                                              S        1,118        17,043        28,615         22,642        12,535        67,146       60,450      31,853            -     241,402       9.4
                                              C       24,623        53,013        53,251         67,281       118,951        163,180      87,137      40,485        1,017     608,938      14.1


                   Bluefish                   N           989        4,267        12,268          4,852         1,315         3,530           732          84           6      28,043       1.6
                                              S        3,370         4,949        26,279         34,239        18,574        24,086       20,195       4,363                  136,055       5.3
                                              C        4,359         9,216        38,547         39,091        19,889        27,616       20,927       4,447            6     164,098       3.8


                   Spot                       N        3,037        15,504        36,931         40,991        37,341        52,996        1,485           84           -     188,369      10.8
                                              S        2,103        10,268        47,820         96,107        57,865        132,917      339,335     20,919            -     707,334      27.5
                                              C        5,140        25,772        84,751         137,098       95,207        185,913      340,820     21,003            -     895,703      20.8
                                                                                                                                                                                                   N)

                   Flounder                   N            20            28           220           355         2,508           466            30          47           -       3,674       0.2
                                              S            50          757          1,940         6,304         7,182        10,095        7,498          375                  34,201       1.3
                                              C            70          785          2,160         6,659         9,690        10,551        7,528          422                  37,865       0.8


                   Butterfish                 N             -             -           401            91           345           129            71            3                     347      <.1
                                              S             -                                          2             -          345              -           -                  1,040
                                              C             -             -           401            93           345           474            71            3                  1,387


                   Harvestfish                N             -          231            912           344           237           298        1,818             -                  3,840       0.2
                                              S             -          336          1,889           819           606         8,552                       136                  12,338       0.5
                                              C             -          567          2,801         1,163           843         8,850        1,818          136                  16,178       0.3


                   Spanish mackerel           N             -          391            750           554           420           302            33            -                  2,450       0.1
                                              S             -          281          2,323         2,222         2,275         1,425        4,573       2,127                   15,226       0.6
                                              C             -          672          3,073         2,776         2,695         1,727        4,606       2,127                   17.676       0.4


                   Florida pompano            N             -             -              2             9            14             9             3           -                      37      <.1
                                              S             -                            8           45           247           358            25                                  683      <.1
                                              C             -                           10           54           261           367            28                                  720      <.1














              Table 2a. (Continued).



                                                                                                                                                                                      Percent
              Species                  Area         Apr          May            Jun           Jut           Aug            Sep          Oct          Nov         Dec        Total       total


              Black seabass               N                                                                                                                                        7       <.1

                                          S                                                                                                                                               <0.1
                                          C                                                                                                                                        7       <.I


              Spotted seatrout            N        3,210             92            T70        1.498             184           401       2,471         3,536       217       12,379          .7
                                          S             1         3,709          5,886        3,OT7           5,138         2,653       2,668             -           -     23,132          .9
                                          C         3,211         3,801          6,656        4,575           5,322         3,054       5,139         3,536       217       35,511          .8


              Bait                        N      25,692         13,744         46,515         24,807        27,029         10,658             -           -           -     148,445        8.5
                                          S      43,107         51,760        148,506       134,148       195,520        231,579      247,664       35,147            -  1,087,431        42.3
                                          C      68,799         65,504        195,021       158,955       222,549        242,237      247,664       35,147            -  1,235,876        28.7


              Total                       N      71,878        217,254        314,898       442,689       418,219        228,208        32,442      12,479      1,243    1,739,310      40.4*
                                          S      50,461        109,389        306,460       361,912       355,176        535,662      739,859       110,373       259    2,569,551      59.6*
                                          C       122,339      326,643        621,358       804,601       M,395          763,870      772,301       122,852     1,502    4,308,861           -


              Total marketable            N      46,186        203,510        268,383       417,882       391,190        217,550        32,442      12,479      1,243    1,590,865      51.8*
                                          S         7,354       51,629        157,954       227,764       159,656        304,083      492,195       75,226        259    1,482,120      48.2*
                                          C      53,540        261,139        426,337         645,64      550,846        521,633      524,637       87,705      1,502    3,072,985


              Percent bait                N         35.7            6.3           14.8           5.6            6.5           4.7          <0.1        <0.1      <0.1            8.5
                                          S         85.4           47.3           48.5          37.1           50.1          43.2          33.5        31.8      <0.1           42.3
                                          C         56.2           20.1           31.4          19.8           28.8          31.7          32.1        28.6      <0.1           28.7



                 Percent contribution of    north or south to the combined category.











                  Table 2b. Monthly and total commercial Landings (kq) of selected species captured by Long haul seines north (N) and south (S) of Bluff Shoal and combined
                              (C), including the percent each species contributed to the overall Long haul landing: north; south; and combined, 1989.

                                                                                                                                                                                         Percent
                  Species                   Area          Apr            May           Jun            Jut           Aug            Sep            Oct            Nov          Total        total-
                  Atlantic croaker            N         16,709        141,484       443,418       475,949        173,559       29,525            261               -       1,280,905       57.1
                                              S          1,432        10,569        23,207         35,711        34,328        29,239         11,695               -        146,181         7.8
                                              C          18,141       152,053       466,625       511,660        207,887       58,764         11,956               -       1,427,086       34.7

                  Weakfish                    N          5,926        12,086         6,438         21,673        59,803        10,415          5,554               8        121,903         5.4
                                              S          4,049         9,186         2,352         10,044        16,981        44,216         30,769               -        117,597         6.3
                                              C          9,975        21,272         8,790         31,717        76,784        54,631         36,323               8        239,500         5.8

                  Bluefish                    N             19           701         5,030          8,126        24,765         2,093          1,005             73          41,812         1.9
                                              S             35           137         9,183         20,124        28,473        12,424         23,906               -         94,282         5.1
                                              C             54           838        14,213         28,250        53,238        14,517         24,911             73         136,094         3.3

                  Spot                        N             245       12,010        42,281         57,409        75,677        23,699          9,436                        220,757         9.8
                                              S          3,703         2,283        15,T78        129,669        66,964        137,812        325,580                       681,789        36.5
                                              C          3,948        14,293        58,059        187,078        142,641       161,511        335,016              -        902,546        22.0

                  F L ounder                  N             12           958         1,054          2,163         2,245         7,461            947             12          14,852          .7
                                              S               -          416             738          678         2,200         2,400         10,531               -         16,963          .9
                                              C             12         1,374         1,792          2,841         4,445         9,861         11,478             12          31,815          .8


                  Butterfish                  N               -          140              81          294               -             -              -             -            515         <.1
                                              S               -             -              -             -            40                                           -              40        <.1
                                              C               -          140             81           294             40              -              -             -            555         <.I


                  Harvestfish                 N               -          652         1,336            761           384            130            10               -          3,273          .2
                                              S               -          329              59             -              -          460         2,116               -          2,964          .2
                                              C               -          981         1,395            761           384            590         2,126               -          6,237          .2

                  Spanish mackerel            N               -        3,355         2,878          9,247           784            475            14               -         16,753          .8
                                              S               2            80        1,032          1,604         1,823         2,424          9,132               -         16,097          .9
                                              C               2        3,435         3,910         10,851         2,607         2,899          9,146               -         32,850          .8

                  Florida pompano             N               -            21            199          270           231              37           13                            T71         <.1
                                              S                             -              -          354               1             5          625                            985          .1
                                              C                            21            199          624           232              42          638                          1,756         <.1













              Table 2b. (Continued).


                                                                                                                                                                                      Percent
              Species                   Area          Apr           may            Jun - ---     Jul           Au-q             Sep            Oct           Nov            Total      total

              Spotted seatrout             N            537         1,053          1,873         3,071         2,346         1,105          7,215         3,517           20,717          .9
                                           S            159            48            828         2,254         2,779         2,332          1,490              -            9,890         .5
                                           C            696         1,101          2,701         5,325         5,125         3,437          8,705         3,517           30,607          .7

              Bait (scrap)                 N        10,210        63,865         95,422       142,568       108,509          7,381          8,224              -         436,179       19.4
                                           S        18,195        46,213         58,517         89,081        58,782       165,337       277,975                         714,100       38.3
                                           C        28,405       110,078       153,939        231,649       167,291        172,718       286,199               -      1,150,279        28.0

              Total                        N        33,685       242,993       615,055        737,973       471,093          94,960        45,611         3,665       2,245,035        54.6*
                                           S        27,753        70,216       112,945        294,087       228,290        405,960       727,395               -      1,866,646        45.4*
                                           C        61,438       313,209       728,000       1,032,060      699,383        500,920       773,006          3,665       4,111,681

              Total marketable             N        23,475       179,128       519,633        595,405       362,584         87,579         37,387         3,665       1,808,856        61.1*
                                           S         9,558        24,003         54,428       205,006       169,508        240,623       449,420               -      1,152,546        38.9*
                                           C        33,033       203,131       574,061        800,411       532,092        328,202       486,807          3,665       2,961,402
                                                                                                                                                                                               r@j
                                                                                                                                                                                               Cn
              Percent bait                 N          30.3          26.3           15.5          19.3          23.0             7.7          18.0            0.0             19.4
                                           S          65.6          65.8           51.8          30.3          25.8            40.7          38.2            0.0             38.3
                                           C          46.2          35.2           21.1          22.5          23.9            34.5          37.0            0.0             28.0



                 Percent contribution of north or     south to the  combined category.











                 Table 2c. Monthly and total commercial landings (kg) of selected species captured by tong haut seines north (N) and south (S) of Bluff Shoat and combined
                             (C), including the percent each species contributed to the overall tong haut tanding: north; south; and combined. 1990.

                                                                                                                                                                                         Percent
                 Species                   Area          Apr          May            Jun           Jut           Aug            Sep           Oct              Nov         Total           total

                 Atlantic croaker             N       10,955         390,581       357,229       410,987        351,966        13,342           162               -       1,535,222        62.8
                                              S       11,368         36,623        41,691         31,202        46,515         43,606        18,151          4,535         233,691          8.2
                                              C       22,323         427,204       398,920       442,189        398,481        56,948        18,313          4,535        1,768,913        33.4


                 Weakfish                     N            230        3,564          6,723        36,313        45,772         29,208         9,367              29        131,206          5.4
                                              S       21,712         36,358        83,341         21,189        49,371         59,205        77,921             374        349,471         12.2
                                              C       21,942         39,922        90,064         57,502        95,143         88,413        87,288             403        480,677          9.1


                 Bluefish                     N         1,316         2,264        12,154          9,407         8,385          9,244         2,031             432          45,233         1.9
                                              S         1,518         2,293        14,351         16,696        25,137         16,085        16,554          1,153           93,787         3.3
                                              C         2,834         4,557        26,505         26,103        33,522         25,329        18,585          1,585         139,020          2.6


                 Spot                         N            146       13,282        31,920         29,830        33,268         68,080         7,797               -        184,323          7.5
                                              S         1,426        19,320        78,848         31,539        48,751        376,375        361,093         2,697         920,049         32.2
                                              C         1,572        32,602        110,768        61,369        82,019        444,455        368,890         2,697        1,104,372        20.8    N)


                 F i ounde r                  N            62           497            147            516        1,620            813           543               5           4,203          .2
                                              S            30            89          1,034         1,166         4,048          3,196         4,914               -          14,477          .5
                                              C            92           586          1,181         1,682         5,668          4,009         5,457               5          18,680          .4


                 Butterfish                   N              -           84            593            27            905             80             16                         1,705         <.1
                                              S                            -         1,859            816           363         4,102        12,221                          19,361         6.8
                                              C                          a4          2,452            843        1,268          4,182        12,237               -          21,066          .4


                 Harvestfish                  N              -           72          1,920            45            994           196               -             -           3,217          .1
                                              S            76           216            822            559           649         1,308         1,681               -           5,311          .2
                                              C            76           278          2,742            604        1,643          1,504         1,681               -           8,528          .2


                 Spanish mackerel             N              -          103            394         2,288            654           122             24                          3,585          .2
                                              S            31           161          1,922            474        1,671          3,246           737                           8,242          .3
                                              C            31           264          2,316         2,762         2,325          3,368           761                          11,827          .2


                 Florida pompano              N              -             -                            5            31              -              -                             36
                                              S                                           1             -            87           896           324                           1,308
                                              C                                           1             5           118           896           324                           1,344



                                    oil                              M                              M           M                    M                   M          =          =













                Tabte Ze.. lContinued).
                smcivs                       Area           Apr            May             Jun             Jul                                                                                           Percent
                                                                                                                          Apg             Sep             Oct               RO.V.         Total           totat
                Spotted seatrout                N           1,220             496           1,654           1,79a          1,499          1,492           3,756           2,478              14,355            .6
                                                S              84              81             339             748             824         1,508           2,1137          1,134               6,75S            .2
                                                C           1,304             577           1,993          2,534           2,323          3,000           5,793           3,612             21,140             .4
                Bait                            N                         70,124        114,771         145,IDD2        127,689           41,347          2,902                            499,835          20.5
                                                S         48,431          74,323        210,762           87,391        A39,018         264,123         810,816                         1,134,864           39.8
                                                C         48,431        144,447         325,533         230,393         266,707         305,470         313,718                         1,634,699           %.9

                Totak                           N         14,099        484,118         532,952         639.93T         578,728         164,665           27,016          2,955         2,444,470         44. A*
                                                S         84,811        169,876         440,116         199,078         327,876         793,523         828,932          10,424         2,854,636         53.9*
                                                C         98,910        653,994         973,068         839,015         9D6,604         958,188         855,948          13,379         5,299,106

                Totat marWtable                 N         14,099        413,994         418,181         496,935         451,039         123,318           24,114          2,955         1,944,63S         53.1*
                                                S         36,380          95,553        229,354         111,W           188,858         529,400         518,166          10,424         1,719,772         4A_,90
                                                C         50,479        509,S47         647,535         608,622         439,a97         6n,71O          sl.;!, 250       ll,V9          3,664,407

                Percent bait                    N                -          14.5             21.5            22.k           zz@l            25-1             10.7             0.0              20.5                N)
                                                S           57.1            43.8             47.9            43.9           42.4            33.3            37.5              0.0              39.8
                                                C           49.0            22.1             33.5            V.5            29.4            31.9            36.7              0.0              30.9



                    Percent cwAribution of north or         south to the    combined category.












                    Table 3. Monthly, areat, and overall mean weights for total catch, marketable, and scrap portions; range of percent scrap in long haut catches from
                               Pamlico Sound area (N     north of Stuff Shoat, S     south of Bluff Shoat, C = combined areas), 1988-1990,      n   number of catches sampled.

                                                                                          Mean catch                   Mean weight (kq)                               Percent scrap
                    month              Year             Area                n             weight (kg)          Marketable               Scran                Mean                 Range

                    Apr                1988              N                  .6              2,413.6               1,440.6                973.0               33.3               0.0- 59.6
                                                         S                  0
                                                         C                  6               2,413.6               1,440.6                973.0               33.3               0.0- 59.6

                                       1989              N                  5               1,578.5               1,232.0                346.5               10.5               0.0- 35.2
                                                         S                  0
                                                         C                  5               1,578.5               1,232.0                346.5               10.5               0.0- 35.2

                                       1990              N                  5                  215.1                215.1                   0.0                0.0                     0.0
                                                         S                  4               5,336.8               3,445.2               1,891.6              35.7              26.4- 39.4
                                                         C                  9               2,491.4               1,650.7                840.7               15.9               0.0- 39.4

                    May                1988              N                  17              5,161.1               2,769.3               2,391.8              44.7               2.3- 97.5
                                                         S                  13              2,262.5               1,016.9               1,245.6              37.5               0.0- 89.2
                                                         C                  30              3,905.0               2,009.9               1,895.1              41.6                  0- 97.5

                                       1989              N                  8               1,582.7                 719.9                862.8               50.2               2.3- 86.9
                                                         S                  3               1,532.5                 353.1               1,179.4              44.8               0.0- 83.1
                                                         C                  11              1,569.0                 619.9                949.2               48.7               0.0- 86.9          N)
                                                                                                                                                                                                   00
                                       1990              N                  13              5,246.1               3,975.4               1,270.8              29.3               0.0-100.0
                                                         S                  12              1,555.4                 946.6                608.8               35.2               7.3- 79.2
                                                         C                  25              3,474.6               2,521.6                953.0               32.1               0.0-100.0

                    Jun                1988              N                  14              2,287.9               1,761.7                526.1               22.6               3.8- 39.2
                                                         S                  14              2,866.6               1,511.4               1,355.2              41.2               7.8- 72.6
                                                         C                  28              2,577.2               1,636.6                940.7               31.9               3.8- 72.6

                                       1989              N                  10              2,591.8               2,216.4                375.4               16.9               2.1- 36.7
                                                         S                  19              2,386.5               1,180.7               1,205.8              48.6              24.8- 84.6
                                                         C                  29              2,457.3               1,537.8                919.5               37.7               2.1- 84.6

                                       1990              N                  12              7,914.4               5,183.4               2,731.0              29.9             12.0-  68.2
                                                         S                  11              4,356.4               1,722.2               2,634.2              54.9              13.3- 93.3
                                                         C                  23              6,212.7               3,528.0               2,684.7              41.9              12.0- 93.3

                    Jut                1988              N                  13              2,918.0               2,547.8                370.2               15.9               0.6- 35.1
                                                         S                  19              1,680.5               1,072.9                607.6               39.7               3.0- 88.0
                                                         C                  32              2,183.2               1,672.1                511.1               30.0               0.6- 88.0

                                       1989              N                  9               4,775.9               3,032.1               1,743.8              33.4              15.9- 60.0
                                                         S                  20              3,927.4               1,927.1               2,000.3              51.2               4.7- 91.1
                                                         C                  29              4,190.7               2,270.0               1,920.7              45.7               4.7- 91.1

                                       1990              N                  12              2,015.6               1,560.1                455.5               21.6               5.2- 56.3
                                                         S                  19              2,290.9               1,414.8                876.2               47.6              13.1- 91.8
                                                         C                  31              2,184.4               1,471.0                713.3               37.6               5.2- 91.8













              Tabie 3. (Continued).

                                                                                      Mean catch                     Mean weight (ka)                                 Percent scrap
              Month              Year              Area                  n            weight (kg)            MarketabLe                Scrap                 Mean                 Range

              Aug                1988               N                  13               6,423.1                5,420.9                 1,002.2               15.0               0.0-  37.7
                                                    S                  24               2,054.7                1,038.9                 1,015.8               48.3               12.3- 88.5
                                                    C                  37               3,589.5                2,578.5                 1,011.0               36.6               0.0-  88.5

                                 1989               N                  14               2,822.5                2,030.1                  792.3                31.4               4.0-  86.5
                                                    S                  21               2,042.7                1,154.9                  887.8                53.1               0.0-  92.3
                                                    C                  35               2,354.6                1,505.0                  849.6                44.4               0.0-  92.3

                                 1990               N                  12               2,963.2                1,991.7                  971.5                20.9               0.0-  76.2
                                                    S                  12               3,954.0                2,350.1                 1,603.9               43.5               8.6-  79.2
                                                    C                  24               3,458.6                2,170.9                 1,287.7               32.2               0.0-  79.2

              Sep                1988               N                    5              2,982.9                2,624.1                  358.8                  9.1              0.0-  26.2
                                                    S                  18               2,479.8                1,465.2                 1,014.6               46.6               8.3-  87.0
                                                    C                  23               2,589.2                1,717.1                  872.1                38.4               0.0-  87.0

                                 1989               N                    6              1,837.2                1,439.5                  397.7                17.0               1.8-  51.3
                                                    s                  11               1,629.8                   911.1                 718.8                49.3               21.1- 80.4
                                                    C                  17               1,703.0                1,097.6                  605.4                37.9               1.8-  80.4

                                 1990               N                  10               1,623.6                1,065.7                  557.9                34.9               4.0-  66.6
                                                    S                  10               6,435.2                4,487.0                 1,948.2               41.0               6.3-  88.5
                                                    C                  20               4,029.4                2,776.3                 1,253.1               38.0               4.0-  88.5

              Oct                1988               N                    5              1,989.7                1,327.3                  662.4                22.9               0.0-  69.3
                                                    S                    8              6,891.8                3,427.5                 3,464.4               44.7               0.0-  88.1
                                                    C                  13               5,006.4                2,619.7                 2,386.7               36.2               0.0-  88.1

                                 1989               N                    0                      -                      -                      -                  -                  -
                                                    S                  13               1,956.7                1,274.6                  682.1                34.8               0.0-  74.6
                                                    C                  13               1,956.7                1,274.6                  682.1                34.8               0.0-  74.6

                                 1990               N                    4              1,914.9                1,262.8                  652.1                21.8               0.0-  46.8
                                                    S                    4              5,551.5                2,149.5                 3,402.0               58.8               50.7- 73.1
                                                    C                    8              3,733.2                1,706.2                 2,027.0               40.3               0.0-  73.1
              Att                1988               N                  73               3,843.1                2,790.9                 1,052.2               25.2               0.0-  97.5
                                                    S                  96               2,610.0                1,390.5                 1,219.5               43.5               0.0-  89.2
                                                    C                  169              3,142.6                1,995.4                 1,147.2               35.6               0.0-  97.5
                                 1989               N                  52               2,692.2                1,892.9                  799.3                28.2               0.0-  86.9
                                                    S                  87               2,468.4                1,297.4                 1,171.0               48.2               0.0-  92.3
                                                    C                  139              2,552.1                1,520.2                 1,031.9               40.7               0.0-  92.3
                                 1990               N                  68               3,645.4                2,548.3                 1,097.1               24.8               0.0-100.0
                                                    S                  72               3,687.0                2,119.9                 1,567.1               45.0               6.3- 93.3
                                                    C                  140              3,666.8                2,328.0                 1,338.8               35.2               0.0-100.0






                                                                                        30




                        Table 4a. overall species coffposition (148 catches) of long haul catches smpLed in the Pamlico Sound area,
                                     Aprit-October 1988.

                                                                                                                                      Mean
                                                                                                                                      fish            Percent
                                                                         Weight (kq)                         Number                   weight           freq.
                        Species                                    Mean             Percent          Mean            Percent             (kq)          occur

                        Micropogonias unduLatus                   1,286.1             31.3           8,478             25.0           0.152            91.2
                        Brevoortia tyrannus                       1,052.9             25.6          12,624             37.2           0.083            70
                        Leiostomus xanthurus                       947.0              23.1           8,034             23.7           0.118            98:9.
                        Cynoscion regatis                          437.0              10.6           2,194              6.5           0.199            84.5
                        Lagodon rhomboides                         106.4              2.6            1,467              4.3           0.073            60.1
                        Pomatomus saLtatrix                         97.3              2.4              222              0.7           0.439            73.0
                        Cynoscion nebuLosus                         48.8              1.2              106              0.3           0.461            54.1
                        Orthopristis chrysoptera                    " .9              1.1              374              1.1           0.120            49.3
                        Menticirrhus americanus                     18.3              0.4               62              0.2           0.297            37.8
                        RairdieLLa chrysoura                        13.2              0.3              149              0.4           0.088            47.3
                        Paratich;7hvs Lethostigma                    4.1              0.1               14             <0.1           0.290            28.4
                        CaLtinectes sapidus                          4.0              0.1               42              0.1           0.096            51.4
                        Mustetus canis                               3.8              0.1                 5            <0.1           0.752               6.1
                        Dasyatis americana                           3.5              0.1                 8            <0.1           0.463            10.1
                        Peprilus atepidotus                          3.4              0.1               31              0.1           0.107            19.6
                        Archosarqus probatocephatus                  3.1              0.1                 2            <0.1           1.837            12.8
                        Dasyatis sabina                              2.9              0.1                 3            <0.1           0.912            15.5
                        Dorosoma cepedian                            2.7              0.1                 7            <0.1           0.378            12.2
                        Scomberomorus macutatus                      2.5              0.1               11             <0.1           0.219            20.9
                        Chaetodipterus faber                         1.8              <0.1                5            <0.1           0.368            12.2
                        ParaLichthys dentatus                        1.8              <0.1              16             <0.1           0.113            35.8
                        Rhizoprionodon terraenovae                   1.2              <0.1                1            <0.1           0.875               0.7
                        Prionotus evolans                            0.9              <0.1                3            <0.1           0.327               5.4
                        Sphoeroides macutatus                        0.9              <0.1                4            <0.1           0.196            14.9
                        Sciaenops oceltatus                          0.8              <0.1                1            <0.1           0.647            11.5
                        ChiLomycterus schoepfi                       0.8              4.1                 3            <0.1           0.256            17.6
                        t@@ cepha(us                                 0.6              <0.1                2            <0.1           0.251            10.8
                        Caranx hippos;                               0.6              <0.1                2            <0.1           0.325               4.1
                        Opisthonerm oqHn                             0.6              <0.1              12             <0.1           0.046            12.2
                        Carcharhimis Leucas                          0.5              <0.1              <1             <0.1           34.950              2.0
                        PepriLus triacanthus                         0.5              <0.1                I            <0.1           0.523               5.4
                        Hyporharmhus unifasciatus                    0.5              <0.1                2            <0.1           0.300               0.7
                        Menticirrhus spp.                            0.4              <0.1                2            <0.1           0.167               5.4
                        Larimus fasciatus                            0.3              <0.1                2            <0.1           0.140               1.4
                        Menticirrhus saxatilis                       0.3              <0.1                I            <0.1           0.302               1.4
                        Monacanthus hispidus                         0.2              <0.1              12             <0.1           0.018            12.2
                        Opsanus tau                                  0.2              <0.1                2            <0.1           0.084               6.1
                        ALosa ae7s-tivaLis                           0.1              <0.1                1            <0.1           0.146               1;:4
                        Rachycentron canadurn                        0.1              <0.1              <1             <0.1           7.267               3 4
                        Mycteroperca microLepis                      0.1              <0.1                2            <0.1           0.080               2.0
                        Prionotus carolinus                          0.1              <0.1                2            <0.1           0.058               4.1
                        Atosa pseudoharengus                         0.1              <0.1                1            <0.1           0.160               0.7
                        Paratichthy spp.                             0.1              <0.1                1            <0.1           0.137.              4.7
                        Trachinotus carotinus                        0.1              <0.1              <1             <0.1           0.334               2.7
                        Selene voffer                                0.1              <0.1                3            <0.1           0.032               6.1
                        Prionotus; spp.                              0.1              <0.1              <1             <0.1           0.209               0.7
                        Synodus foetens                              0.1              <0.1              <1             <0.1           0.160               2.7
                        Dasyatis spp.                                0.1              <0.1                1            <0.1           0.050               0.7
                        Atuterus scripta                            <0.1              <0.1                1            <0.1           0.038               2.7
                        Trinectes maculatus                         <0.1              <0.1                2            <0.1           0.024               7.4
                        Citharichthys spp.                          <0.1              <0.1                4            <0.1           0.011               0*7
                        Diplodus hoLbrooki                          <0.1              <0.1                3            <0.1           0.012               2.7
                        ALectis ciLiaris                            <0.1              <0.1                1            CO.I           0.045               2.0
                        LoLLiguncula brevis                         <0.1              <0.1                I            <0.1           0.020               1.4
                        Paralichthys atbigutta                      <0.1              <0.1              <1             <0.1           0.121               6.8
                        Stenotomus caprinus                         <0.1              <0.1              <1             <0.1           0.045               0.7
                        ALuterus schoepfi                           <0.1              <0.1                1            <0.1           0.018               2.7
                        Pogonias cromis                             <0.1              4.1               <1             <0.1           2.300               2.0
                        Penaeus duorarum                            <0.1              <0.1                I            <0.1           0.006               2.7
                        Eucinostomus guta                           <0.1              <0.1                I            <0.1           0.010               0.7
                        Penaeus aztecus                             <0.1              <0.1                I            <0.1           0.010               2.0










                                                                              31



                      lable 4a. IContinuedl,

                      Species observed:


                      Lotigo pealii                        Anchoa mitchilti
                      LimuLus polyphemu                    Ariidae
                      Carcharhinus obscurus                Urophycis r1jil
                      Carcharhinus Plurl*us                Tylosurus crocodilus
                      Carcharhinus Limbatus                Prionotus tribuLs
                      Aprionodon isodon                    Caranx crysos
                      ScRialus acanthias                   SeLene setapinnis
                      Raja spp.                            Gerreidae
                      Raja eglanteria                      Eucinostomus argenteus
                      Dasyatis sayi                        CaLamus calamus
                      Rhinoptera bonasus                   Astroscoptis guttatus
                      Etops saurus                         Citharichthys spiLopterus
                      Atosa sapidissima                    Symhurus ptagiusa









                                                                                     32



                       Table 4b. Overall species composition (114 catches) of tong haul catches sampled in the Pamlico Sound area,
                                    ApriL-October 1989.                                                                           Mean
                                                                                                                                  fish           Percent
                                                                        Weight (kq)                      Number                   weight          freq.
                       Species                                   Mean            Percent         Mean             Percent          NO             occur

                       Micropogonias undulatus                  1,106.5           41.4           7,686            34.1             0.144          95.6
                       Leiostomus xanthurus                      707.4            26.5           6,606            29.4             0.107          99.1
                       Brevoortia tyrannus                       259.0               9.7         3,801            16.9             0.068          58.8
                       Lagodon rhomboides                        180.3               6.8         2,256            10.0             0.080          81.6
                       Pomatomus saltatrix                       135.9               5.1            315            1.4             0.431          78.9
                       Cynoscion regatis                         109.0               4.1            657            2.9             0.166          66.7
                       Orthopristis chrysoptera                   80.3               3.0            694            3.1             0.116          73.7
                       Cynoscion nebutosus                        32.4               1.2             62            0.3             0.526          53.5
                       Bairdietta chrysoura                       11.8               0.4            159            0.7             0.075          45.6
                       Caranx hippos                               5.9               0.2               5          4.1              1.091            7.9
                       Scornberomorus macuLatus                    5.4               0.2             20            0.1             0.276          38.6
                       Menticirrhus americanus                     4.3               0.2             17            0.1             0.248          22.8
                       Paratichthy dentatus                        4.1               0.2             19            0.1             0.211          28.1
                       Cattinectes sapidus                         3.4               0.1             34            0.2             0.100          38.6
                       Dasyatis sayi                               2.4               0.1               1          <0.1             1.653            3.5
                       Paratichthys Lethostigma                    2.3               0.1             10           <0.1             0.238          27.2
                       Archosargus probatocephaLus                 2.1               0.1               4          <0.1             0.516          14.0
                       Mustetus canis                              1.4               0.1               1          <0.1             1.125            5.3
                       Sphoeroides macutatus                       1.4               0.1               8          <0.1             0.183          24.6
                       Dorosoma cepedian                           1.4               0.1               4          <0.1             0.379            6.1
                       ChiLomycterus schoepfi                      1.3            <0.1                 7          <0.1             0.179          28.9
                       Monacanthus hispidus                        1.2            <0.1               43            0.2             0.127          24.6
                       Sciaenops oceltatus                         1.1            <0.1               <1           <0.1             5.375          14.0
                       Dasyatis sabina                             1.1            <0.1                 2          <0.1             0.582          19.3
                       Mytiabatis freminvilLei                     0.9            <0.1                 1          <0.1             1.400            2.6
                       Dasyatis americana                          0.9            <0.1                 3          <0.1             0.331          13.2
                       Tytosurus crocoditus                        0.7            <0.1                 1          <0.1             0.928          10.5
                       Mycteroperca microtepis                     0.6            <0.1                 5          <0.1             0.115            8.8
                       Opisthonema oglin                           0.6            <0.1               17            0.1             0.135          14.0
                       Opsanus tau                                 0.5            <0.1                 3          <0.1             0.166            9.6
                       Chaetodi@-terus faber                       0.4            <0.1                 7          <0.1             0.067            7.0
                       Selene vomer                                0.4            <0.1               16            0.1             0.025          18.4
                       Peprilus atepidotus                         0.4            <0.1                 6          'CO.1            0.058            9.6
                       Paratichthy spp.                            0.4            <0.1                 1          <0.1             0.661          12.3
                       Trachinotus caroLinus                       0.3            <0.1                 I          <0.1             0.564            8.8
                       Carcharhinidae                              0.3            <0.1               <1           <0.1            30.800            0.9
                       EML cephatus                                0.3            <0.1                 1          <0.1             0.326            7.0
                       Alosa pseudoharengus                        0.3            <0.1                 2          <0.1             0.138            4.4
                       AbLennes hians                              0.2            <0.1               <1           <0.1             0.560            1.8
                       CaLtinectes                                 0.2            <0.1                 3          <0.1             0.092            0.9
                       Dasyatis spp.                               0.2            <0.1                 I          <0.1             0.181            4.4
                       PepriLus triacanthus                        0.2            <0.1                 3          <0.1             0.069            7.0
                       Prionotus carolinus                         0.2            <0.1                 4          <0.1             0.056            3 5
                       Larimus fasciatus                           0.2            <0.1                 2          <0.1             0.120            0:9
                       Prionotus scitutus                          0.1            <0.1                 2          <0.1             0.075            0.9
                       Prionotus evoLans                           0.1            <0.1                 I          <0.1             0.099            7.0
                       Synodus foetens                             0.1            <0.1                 1          <0.1             0.121            4.4
                       ALuterus schoepfi                           0.1            <0.1                 2          <0.1             0.065            5.3
                       Citharichthys spp.                          0.1            <0.1                 6          <0.1             0.019            0.9
                       Pogonias cromis                             0.1            <0.1               <1           <0.1             2.620            1.8
                       Menticirrhus spp.                           0.1            <0.1               <1           CO.1             0.186            2.6
                       Diptodu hotbrooki                           0.1            <0.1                 3          <0.1             0.022            5.3
                       Centropristis ohiladeLDhica                <0.1            <0.1                 I          <0.1             0.070            0.9
                       ALuterus 1EEj2SLa                          <0.1            <0.1                 I          <0.1             0.032            1.8
                       Tautoga onitis                             <0.1            <0.1               <1           <0.1             0.180            1.8
                       Lutianus anaLis                            <0.1            <0.1                 1          <0.1             0.020            0.9
                       Rachycentron canadun                       <0.1            <0.1               <1           <0.1             0.080            0.9
                       ALosa spp.                                 <0.1            <0.1               <i           <0.1             0.050            0.9
                       Chloroscombrus chrysurus                   <0.1            <0.1                 1          <0.1             0.010            0.9
                       Prionotus tribuLus                         <0.1            <0.1                 1          <0.1             0.004            1.8
                       Selene setapinnis                          <0.1            <0.1                 1          <0.1             0.004            1.8
                       Penaeus duorarum                           <0.1            <0.1               <1           <0.1             0.010            2.6







                                                                             33




                     TabLe 4b. (Continued).


                     S
                      pecies observed:

                     Crassotrea virginica                            Alosa ffediocris
                     Penaeus aztecus                                 Prionotus spp.
                     Penaeus setiferus                               Centro@r-Tstis striata
                     Rhizoprionodo terraenovae                       Caranx crysos
                     Carcharhinus spp.                               Menticirrhus saxatitis
                     Carcharhinus timbatus                           Citharichthys spilopterus
                     Aprionoclon isodon                              Paralichthys aLbigutta
                     Sphyrna tibure                                  Scophthatmus aquosus
                     RaNformes                                       Trinectes maculatus
                     Rhinoptera bonasus                              Monacanthus spp.
                     ELops saurus                                    Monacanthus ciLiatus
                     Megatops atlanticus








                                                                                       34



                        Table 4c. Overall species composition (103 catches) of Long haul catches sampled in the Pamlico Sound area,
                                     April-October 1990.


                                                                                                                                     Mean
                                                                                                                                                     Percent
                                                                                                                                     fish
                                                                          Weight (kq)                        Number                   weight          freq.
                        Species                                   Mean             Percent         Mean              Percent           (kq)           occur
                        Micropogonias unduiatus                   2,291.5            57.5              19,689           50.0           0.116             92:1
                        Leiostomus xanthurus                         527.1           13.2               7,813           19.8           0.067             97 1
                        Brevoortia tryannus                          489.1           12.3               6,201           15.7           0.079             46.6
                        Cynoscion LSatis                             301.4             7.6              1,976            5.0           0.153             75.7
                        Pomatomus saLtatrix                          130.9             3.3               376             1.0           0.348             88.3
                        Lagodon rhomboides                           123.2             3.1              2,360            6.0           0.052             68.9
                        Orthopristis chrysoptera                     43.7              1.1               419             1.1           0.104             63.1
                        Cynoscion nebuLosus                          18.6              0.5                 28            0.1           0.664             60.2
                        Sairdiella chrysoura                         11.0              0.3               197             0.5           0.056             45.6
                        Mustelus canis                                9.3              0.2                   8          <0.1           1.124             5 8
                        Peprilus triacanthus                          3.6              0.1                 68            0.2           0.053             23 :3
                        Chaetodipterus faber                          3.5              0.1                 29            0.1           0.119             10.7
                        Scomberomorus maculatus                       3.2              0.1                 15           <0.1           0.209             40.8
                        Sciaenoos oceLtatus                           3.1              0.1                   2          <0.1           1.413             13 6
                        Menticirrhus americanus                       2.6              0.1                 14           <0.1           0.184             22:3
                        Peprilus alepidotus                           2.4              0.1                 46            0.1           0.052             22.3
                        Paralichthys dentatus                         2.4              0.1                 15           <0.1           0.160             41.7
                        Menticirrhus spp.                             1.8            <0.1                    8          <0.1           0.230             13.6
                        Archosargus Probatocephatus                   1.6            <0.1                    2          <0.1           0.941             21 1
                        Callinectes sapidus                           1.3            <0.1                  28            0.1           0.048             3::8
                        Paratichthys lethostigma                      1.3            <0.1                    3          <0.1           0.462             19.4
                        Pepritu spp.                                  1.0            <0.1                  10           <0.1           0.100             4.9
                        Monacanthus hispidus                          0.8            <0.1                  37            0.1           0.022             24.3
                        Mugit cephaLus                                0.7            CO.1                    2          <0.1           0.298             5.8
                        Carcharhinus leucas                           0.7            <0.1                  'Cl          <0.1           24.333            3.9
                        Selene vomer                                  0.6            <0.1                  16           <0.1           0.034             16.5
                        Prionotus evolans                             0.5            <0.1                    5          <0.1           0.108             7.8
                        Sphoeroides macuLatus                         0.5            <0.1                    1          <0.1           0.442             1, ' '
                        Mycteroperca micraLepis                       0.4            <0.1                  .2           <0.1           0.185             5:8
                        Paratichthys spp.                             0.2            <0.1                  <1           <0.1           0.703             10.7
                        Trachinotus caroLinus                         0.2            <0.1                    1          <0.1           0.170             8.7
                        Opsanus tau                                   0.2            <0.1                    1          <0.1           0.155             5.8
                        Prionotus carolinus                           0.2            <0.1                    5          <0.1           0.034             9.7
                        Cattinectes simiLis                           0.2            <0.1                    4          <0.1           0.041             1.9
                        Opisthonema ogLin                             0.2            <0.1                    8          <0.1           0.021             9.7
                        Citharichthys spiLopterus                     0.2            <0.1                    9          <0.1           0.018             3.9
                        Caranx hippos                                 0.1            <0.1                    1          <0.1           0.105             3.9
                        Prionotus tribuLus                            0.1            <0.1                    3          <0.1           0.038             3.9
                        Rachycentron canadum                          0.1            CO.1                  <1           <0.1           10.500            1.9
                        Menticirrhus saxatiLis                        0.1            <0.1                    2          <0.1           0.049             3.9
                        Dasyatis spp.                                 0.1            <0.1                    1          <0.1           0.172             1.9
                        TyLosurus crocodiLus                          0.1            <0.1                  <1           <0.1           0.620             7.8
                        Synodus foetens                               0.1            <0.1                  <1           <0.1           0.120             1.0
                        Dorosoma cepedian                             0.1            <0.1                  <1           <0.1           0.190             1.0
                        ChiLomycterus schoepfi                        0.1            <0.1                  <1           <0.1           0.255             25.2
                        Tautoga onitis                               <0.1            <0.1                  <1           <0.1           0.145             7.8
                        Prionotus spp.                               <0.1            <0.1                  <1           <0.1           0.140             2.9
                        Atuterus schoepfi                            <0.1            <0.1                    1          <0.1           0.038             3.9
                        Pogonias cromis                              <0.1            <0.1                  <1           <0.1           2.900             1.0
                        Trinectes maculatus                          <0.1            <0.1                    I          <0.1           0.020             1.0
                        Alosa sapidissima                            <0.1            <0.1                  <1           <0.1           1.900             1.9
                        Hyporhamphus unifasciatus                    <0.1            <0.1                  <1           <0.1           0.150             1.0
                        Eucinostomus argenteus                       <0.1            <0.1                    1          <0.1           0.022             1.0
                        Selene setapinnis                            <0.1            <0.1                  <1           <0.1           0.030             1.0
                        Atectis ciLiaris                             <0.1            <0.1                    1          <0.1           0.001             1.9
                        Atosa aestivatis                             <0.1            <0.1                    2          <0.1           0.001             1.0
                        Urophycjs regia                              <0.1            <0.1                    1          <0.1           0.001             1.9


                        Observed species:

                        Cnidaria                           Sphyrna tiburo               Mytiobatis freminvitlei                   Caranx spp.
                        Penaeus aztecus                    Raia eglanteria              Rhinoptera bonasus                        Eucinostomus spp.
                        Penaeus duorarum                   Dasyatis americana           ELops saurus                              Trichiurus tepturus
                        iih`izoprionodon terraenovae       Dasyatis sabina              AbLernes; hians
                        Carcharhinus obscurus              Dasyatis sayi                Strormy(ura marina









                 Tabie 5. Annuat species composition (top 99% of weight) of Long haut catches sampted in the Pamtico Sound area, north and south of Btuff Shoat, Aprit-October
                            1988-1990, incLuding mean catch/trip (kg) and mean number/trip; n = number of catches sampted.

                                                                       North                                                                                   South
                                                                                                         Mean                                                                                 Mean
                                                                            Weight (kq)                 number                                                      Weight (kq)               number
                 Year           Species                                Mean           Percent            fish           Species                                Mean           Percent         fish

                 1988           n=68                                                                                    n=80
                                Micropogonias urxiiiatus               2,146.9           52.5           11,638          Brevoortia tyrannus                    1,629.3         39.6           20,482
                                Leiostomus xanthurus                     703.6           17.2            6,546          Leiostomus xanthurus                   1,153.8         28.0           9,299
                                Cynoscion regatis                        670.8           16.4            2,943          Micropogonias unduattus                 554.5          13.5           5,793
                                Brevoortia tyrannus                      374.7            9.2            3,379          Cynoscio regatis                        238.2            5.8          1,557
                                Pomatomus saLtatrix                       50.5            1.2              123          Lagodon rhomboides                      172.5            4.2          2,482
                                Orthopristis chrysoptera                  41.2            1.0              269          Pomatomus saltatrix                     137.1            3.3            306
                                Cynoscion nebulosus                       36.6            0.9                91         Cynoscio nebuLosus                        59.3           1.4            119
                                Lagodon rhomboides                        28.7            0.7              272          Orthopristis chrysoptera                  48.0           1.2            464
                                                                                                                        Menticirrhus americanus                   30.2           0.7            100
                                                                                                                        Sairdietta chrysoura                      14.3           0.3            154
                                                                                                                        Mustetus canis                            7.0            0.2                9
                                                                                                                        Dasyatis americana                        6.4            0.2                14
                                                                                                                        PepriLus atepidotus                       6.1            0.1                57
                                                                                                                        Dasyatis sabina                           5.3            0.1                6
                                                                                                                        Paratichthys lethostigma                  5.0            0.1                18 Cn
                                                                                                                        Cattinectes sapidus                       4.8            0.1                46
                                                                                                                        Dorosoma cepedia                          4.6            0.1                12
                                                                                                                        Scomberomorus maculatus                   3.9            0.1                17


                 1989           rr-50                                                                                   n=64
                                Micropogonias undutatus                1,619.1           60.6            9,645          Leiostomus xanthurus                    905.4          33.9           8,492
                                Leiostomus xanthurus                     453.9           17.0            4,193          Micropogonias undulatus                 706.0          26.4           6,155
                                Cynoscio regatis                         121.0            4.5              690          Brevoortia tyranrus                     375.6          14.1           5,274
                                Orevoortia tyranmis                      109.7            4.1            1,915          Lagodon rhomboides                      244.5            9.2          3,208
                                Lagodo rhomboides                         98.2            3.7            1,037          Pomatomus sattatrix                     169.7            6.4            400
                                Orthooristis chrysoptera                  95.8            3.6              770          Cynoscion regatis                         99.6           3.7            630
                                Pomatomus sattatrix                       92.5            3.5              207          Orthopristis chrysog)tera                 68.2           2.6            636
                                Cynoscion nebutosus                       34.8            1.3                73         Cynoscion nebutosus                       30.5           1.1                52
                                Caranx hippos                             12.7            0.5                 5         Bairdietta chrysoura                      17.1           0.6            239
                                Cattinectes sapidus                         7.4           0.3                70         Scomberomorus macutatus                   6.7            0.2                24
                                                                                                                        Menticirrhus americanus                   6.6            0.2                27
                                                                                                                        Paratichthys dentatus                     5.6            0.2                23
                                                                                                                        Dasyatis sayi                             4.3            0.2                3
                                                                                                                        Archosargus Probatocephatus               3.8            0.1                7
                                                                                                                        Paratichthys lethostigma                  3.1            0.1                11










                    Tabie 5. (Continued).


                                                                           North                                                                                    South
                                                                                                            Mean                                                                                  Mean
                                                                               Weight (kg)                 number                                                        Weight (kg)             number
                    Year           Species                                Mean           Percent            fish            Species                                tie-an         Per@e-nt        fish

                    1990           n=64                                                                                     n=39
                                   Micropogonias undutatus                2,946.7            77.2          22,995           Micropogonias undulatus                1,216.3         28.5          14,263
                                   Leiostomus xanthurus                     307.6            8.1            4,263           Brevoortia tyrannus                    1,170.3         27.5          14,217
                                   Pomatomus saitatrix                      144.7            3.8               359          Leiostamus xanthurus                    887.2          20.8          13,638
                                   Cynoscion regalis                        123.9            3.2               865          Cynoscio regatis                        592.8          13.9           3,800
                                   Lagodo rhomboides                        119.8            3.1            2,363           Lagodon rhomboides                      128.8           3.0           2,355
                                   Brevoortia tyrannus                        74.0           1.9            1,316           Pomatomus sattatrix                     108.1           2.5             403
                                  .Orthopristis chrysoptera                   44.8           1.2               368          Orthopristis chrysoptere                 41.9           1.0             501
                                   Cynoscion nebutosus                        21.8           0.6                31          Mustetus canis                           23.3           0.5              12
                                                                                                                            Bairdoetta chrysoura                     15.0           0.4             319
                                                                                                                            Cynoscion nebutosus                      13.3           0.3              23
                                                                                                                            PeprRus triacanthus                       7.2           0.2             127
                                                                                                                            Chaetodipterus faber                      6.6           0.2                9
                                                                                                                            Menticirrhus americanus                   5.2           0.1              29
                                                                                                                            Pepritus atepidotus                       4.6           0.1              83








                                                                                 37



                       Table 6a. Monthly species composition (top 99% of weight) of Long haul catches sampled in the Pamlico Sound area
                                   ApriL-October 1988, including mean catch/trip (Kg) and       mean number/trip; n=number of catches sampled.

                                                                                                       Weight (kq)                          Mean
                       Month                      Species                                       Mean                Percent                 number

                       April                      Cynoscion regaLis                             772.5                  32.0                 3,411
                       n=6                        Micropogonias undulatus                       596.4                  24.7                 5,342
                                                  Leiostomus xanthurus                          491.1                  20.3                 6,216
                                                  Brevoortia tyrannus                           381.6                  15.8                 2,833
                                                  Pomatomus saLtatrix                             76.0                 3.2                      108
                                                  Cynoscion nebuLosus                             59.6                 2.5                      299
                                                  Bairdiella chrysoura                            23.7                 1.0                      275

                       May                        Micropogonias unduLatus                     1,693.6                  36.4                 10,399
                       n=24                       Leiostomus xanthurus                        1,217.7                  26.2                 12,602
                                                  Brevoorti tyrannus                            989.9                  21.3                 11,403
                                                  Cynoscion regalis                             574.8                  12.3                 1,971
                                                  Pomatomus sattatrix                             61.5                 1.3                      160
                                                  Cynoscion nebuLosus                             55.4                 1.2                      147
                                                  Bairdiella chrysoura                            25.7                 0.6                      269

                       Jun                        Micropogonias unduLatus                     1,199.2                  48.3                 8,640
                       n=28                       Leiostomus xanthurus                          639.4                  25.7                 5,531
                                                  Lagodon rhomboides                            160.3                  6.5                  2,113
                                                  Cynoscion regalis                             123.6                  5.0                      652
                                                  Brevoortia tyrannus                           114.0                  4.6                  1,458
                                                  Orthopristis chrysoptera                        92.6                 3.7                      794
                                                  Pomatomus, saLtatrix                            52.1                 2.1                      166
                                                  Cynoscion nebuLosus                             36.5                 1.5                      95
                                                  BairdieLla chrysoura                            12.9                 0.5                      145
                                                  Chaetodipterus faber                            7.7                  0.3                        2
                                                  Rhizoprionodon terraenovae                      6.5                  0.3                        7
                                                  Dasyatis sabina                                 6.5                  0.3                        3
                                                  Callinectes sapidus                             5.0                  0.2                      64

                       Jut                        Brevoortia tyrannus                         4,185.3                  63.6                 49,837
                       n=25                       Micropogonias undulatus                     1,303.0                  19.8                 6,618
                                                  Leiostomus xanthurus                          401.6                  6.1                  2,915
                                                  Pomatomus saLtatrix                           312.2                  4.7                      469
                                                  Cynoscion regatis                             138.2                  2.1                      752
                                                  Lagodon rhomboides                              95.8                 1.5                      947
                                                  Orthopristis chrysoptera                        43.2                 0.7                      253
                                                  Cynoscion nebulosus                             39.9                 0.6                      94

                       Aug                        Micropogonias undulatus                     2,262.8                  56.9                 13,796
                       n=32                       Leiostomus xanthurus                          621.8                  15.6                 6,340
                                                  Cynoscion regalis                             538.0                  13.5                 2,581
                                                  Brevoortia tyrannuS                           258.4                  6.5                  5,711
                                                  Lagodon rhomboides                            110.4                  2.8                  1,584
                                                  Pomatomus saltatrix                             46.0                 1.2                      180
                                                  Cynoscion nebutosus                             32.9                 0.8                      60
                                                  Orthopristis chrysoptera                        27.5                 0.7                      225
                                                  BairdietLa chrysoura                            13.7                 0.3                      179
                                                  Mustetus canis                                  11.8                 0.3                      17
                                                  Menticirrhus americanus                         10.3                 0.3                      35
                                                  Callinectes sapidus                             9.8                  0.2                      89

                       Sep                        Leiostomus xanthurus                        1,247.9                  44.5                 8,924
                       n=21                       Cynoscion regatis                             471.7                  16.8                 2,312
                                                  Brevoortia tyrannus                           333.9                  11.9                 2,854
                                                  Micropogonias undulatus                       270.8                  9.7                  4,641
                                                  Lagodon rhomboides                            145.9                  5.2                  2,385
                                                  Pomatomus saltatrix                             70.9                 2.5                      248
                                                  Cynosci    nebulosus                            60.3                 2.2                      72
                                                  Orthopristis chrysoptera                        48.8                 1.7                      581
                                                  Menticirrhus americanus.                        18.8                 0.7                      60
                                                  Pepritus aLepidotus                             16.4                 0.6                      130
                                                  Archosargus Probatocephatus                     6.9                  0.2                        2
                                                  BairdietLa chrysoura                            6.3                  0.2                      65






                                                                                38



                      TabLe 6a. (Continued).

                                                                                                       Weight (kq)                         Mean
                      Month                      Species                                       Mean                Percent                 ruTber

                      Sep                        Dasyatis w*ricana                               4.8                  0.2                      18
                      (Continued)                ParaLichthys tethostigma                        4.1                  0.1                      12
                                                 Mustelus canis                                  3.2                  0.1                       5
                                                 Larimus fasciatus                               2.1                  0.1                      15
                                                 Dasyatis sabina                                 2.0                  0.1                       1
                                                 Sciaenoeï¿½ ocellatus                             1.9                  0.1                       1
                                                 Menticirrhus saxatitis                          1.7                  0.1                       5
                                                 Menticirrhus spp.                               1.7                  0.1                      10
                                                 Sphoeroides maculatus                           1.6                  0.1                       7
                                                 CaLLinectes sapidus                             1.5                  0.1                      10
                                                 Chilomycterus schoepfi                          1.3                 <0.1                       7
                                                 Caranx hippos                                   1.3                 <0.1                      11
                                                 Dorosoma cepedian                               1.0                 <0.1                       2
                                                 Paratichthys dentatus                           0.8                 @COA                       a
                                                 Scomberanorus macutatus                         0.7                 <0.1                       5
                                                 Chaetodipterus faber                            0.7                 <0.1                       5
                                                 Trachinotus caroLinus                           0.7                 <0.1                       2
                                                 Prionotus spp.                                  0.6                 <0.1                       3
                                                 Paratichthys spp.                               0.6                 <0.1                       2
                                                 Setene vomer                                    0.4                 'CO.1                     110
                                                 Opisthonem oglin                                0.3                 <0.1                      10
                                                 Opsanus tau                                     0.1                 <0.1                       3
                                                 Prionotus evotans                              <0.1                 <0.1                       6

                      Oct                        Lefostonis xanthurus                         2,827.6                55.2                  19,273
                      n=12                       Cynoscion regalis                            1,017.2                19.9                  7,399
                                                 Brevoortia tyramus                            556.1                 10.9                  4,023
                                                 Lagodon rhoffboides                           168.1                  3.3                  2,530
                                                 Micropogonias unduLatus                       155.8                  3.0                  2,242
                                                 menticirrhus wericanus                        .128.7                 2.5                     393
                                                 Cynoscion nebulosus                           100.3                  2.0                     157
                                                 Orthopristis chrysoptera                       86.8                  1.7                     601
                                                 Powtomus sattatrix                             20.4                  0.4                      84
                                                 Dasyatis wwricana                              14.0                  0.3                       8








                                                                                 39



                       Table 6b. Monthly species composition (top 99% of weight) of Long haul catches sampled in the Pamlico Sound area
                                   Aprit-October 1989, including mean catch/trip (Kg) and mean number/trip; n=number of catches sampled.

                                                                                                        Weight (kq)                         Mean
                       Month                     Species                                          Mean              Percent                 number

                       April                     Micropogonias unduLatus                     1,245.8                   78.9                 6,255
                       n=5                       Leiostomus xanthurus                             226.5                14.3                 2,953
                                                 Cynoscion regatis                                36.7                 2.3                       90
                                                 Brevoortia tyrannus                              32.0                 2.0                       278
                                                 Cynoscion nebutosus                              25.2                 1.6                       29

                       May                       Micropogonias undulatus                          459.7                30.4                 3,838
                       n=11                      Brevoortia tyrannus                              421.8                27.9                 5,687
                                                 @-eiostoffus xanthurus                           377.2                24.9                 5,356
                                                 Cynoscion regatis                                134.4                8.9                       544
                                                 Cynoscion nebulosus                              41.5                 2.7                       130
                                                 Lagodon rhomboides                               29.1                 1.9                       387
                                                 Pomatomus sattatrix                              16.1                 1.1                       53
                                                 CaLlinectes sapidus                              10.8                 0.7                       89
                                                 BairdieLLa chrysoura                             6.8                  0.5                       95

                       Jun                       Micropogonias unduLatus                     1,415.4                   55.3                 9,349
                       n=27                      Leiostomus xanthuru                              537.2                21.0                 5,605
                                                 Lagodon rhomboides                               152.9                6.0                  2,014
                                                 Brevoortia tyrannus                              119.5                4.7                  1,813
                                                 Pomatomus sattatrix                              118.8                4.6                       323
                                                 Orthopristis chrysoptera                         79.7                 3.1                       707
                                                 Cynoscion regaLis                                39.5                 1.5                       407
                                                 Cynosci     nebuLosus                            26.3                 1.0                       48
                                                 BairdieLla chrysoura                             13.5                 0.5                       209
                                                 Paratichthys dentatus                            10.8                 0.4                       15
                                                 Scomberomorus macutatus                          10.2                 0.4                       30
                                                 Archosargus probatocephaLus                      6.7                  0.3                       4
                                                 CaLlinectes sapidus                              4.5                  0.2                       46

                       Jut                       Micropogonias undulatus                     2,07.9                    49.3                 15,456
                       n=24                      Leiostomus xanthurus                        1,027.0                   24.3                 9,478
                                                 Brevoortia tyrannus.                             346.4                8.2                  5,760
                                                 Pomatomus saltatrix                              312.9                7.4                       676
                                                 Lagodon rhomboides                               187.1                4.4                  2,145
                                                 Orthopristis chrysoptera                         86.7                 2.1                       797
                                                 Cynoscion regalis                                77.9                 1.8                       460
                                                 Cynoscion nebutosus                              34.1                 0.8                       67
                                                 BairdietLa chrysoura                             16.4                 0.4                       220
                                                 Menticirrhus americanus                          9.7                  0.2                       25
                                                 Mustelus canis                                   6.8                  0.2                       6

                       Aug                       Micropogonias undulatus                          968.1                37.3                 6,332
                       n=26                      Leiostomus xanthurus                             661.9                25.5                 6,042
                                                 Brevoortia tyrannus                              362.9                14.0                 5,067
                                                 Cynoscion regalis                                217.7                8.4                  1,4"
                                                 Lagodon rhomboides                               154.7                6.0                  1,913
                                                 Pomatomus saltatrix                              70.9                 2.7                       218
                                                 Orthopristis chrysoptera                         66.2                 2.5                       564
                                                 Cynosci     nebutosus                            27.8                 1.1                       47
                                                 Caranx hippos                                    25.0                 1.0                       17
                                                 BairdieLta chrysoura                             12.3                 0.5                       144

                       Sep                       Leiostomus xanthurus                             524.2                33.2                 4,999
                       n=13                      Lagodon rhomboides                               301.5                19.1                 3,696
                                                 Pomatomus saltatrix                              210.0                13.3                      362
                                                 Brevoortia tyrannus                              131.8                8.3                  1,903
                                                 Micropogonias undutatus                          91.3                 5.8                       905
                                                 Cynosci     regaLis                              90.6                 5.7                       486
                                                 Orthopristis chrysoptera                         85.2                 5.4                       758
                                                 Cynoscion nebutosus                              64.1                 4.1                       88
                                                 Dasyatis sayi                                    13.7                 0.9                       5
                                                 Bairdietta chrysoura                             10.5                 0.7                       112
                                                 Sciaenops oceltatus                              8.2                  0.5                       1









                                                                            40



                     Table 6b. (Continued).


                                                                                                   Weight (kg)                       Mean
                     Month                    Species                                       Mean             Percent                 number

                     Sep                      ParaLichthy Lethostigma                       6.1                  0.4                    35
                     (Continued)              Monacanthus hispidu                           4.9                  0.3                   1"
                                              Dasyatis mvericana                            4.8                  0.3                    16
                                              Myoteroperca microlepis                       4.4                  0.3                    34
                                              Darosoma cepedian                             4.0                  0.3                    22
                                              Chaetodipterus faber                          3.8                  0.2                    52
                                              Paratichthys dentatus                         3.4                  0.2                    30

                     Oct                      Leiostomus xanthurus                       1,522.8                56.4                 9,825
                     n=8                      Lagodon rhomboides                          458.6                  17.0                6,145
                                              Orthopristis chrysoptera                    257.1                  9.5                 2,000
                                              Brevoortia tyrannus                         254.7                  9.4                 3,2111
                                              Cynoscion regatis                           123.0                  4.6                   318
                                              Micropogonias undulatus                       51.4                 1.9                   364
                                              Bairdietta chrysoura                          7.3                  0.3                   ill








                                                                                   41



                        Table 6c. Monthly species composition (top 99% of weight) of long haul catches sampled in the Pamlico Sound
                                    area ApriL-October 1990, including mean catch/trip (Kg) and mean number/trip; rv--mirber of catches
                                    sampled.

                                                                                                          Weight (kg)                          Mean
                        Month                      Species                                          Mean              Percent                  number

                        April                      Micropogonias undutatus                          226.6                49.0                  2,421
                        n=6                        Cynoscion nebulosus                              95.5                 20.6                       94
                                                   Pomatomus sattatrix                              74.6                 16.1                       71
                                                   Cynosci     regatis                              52.3                 11.3                       321
                                                   Archosargus probatocephalus                      5.4                  1.2                        5
                                                   Leiostomus xanthurus                             4.9                  1.1                        72

                        May                        Micropogonias unduLatus                     3,097.0                   75.7                  20,802
                        n=21                       Leiostomus xanthurus                             515.0                12.6                  6,855
                                                   Cynoscion regatis                                261.5                6.4                   2,079
                                                   Brevoortia tyrannus                              108.4                2.7                   2,347
                                                   Lagodon rhomboides                               35.9                 0.9                        674
                                                   Pomatomus saLtatrix                              13.7                 0.3                        56
                                                   Orthopristis chrysoptera                         10.2                 0.3                        104
                                                   Peprilu triacanthus                              9.3                  0.2                        160

                        Jun                        -Micropogonias undutatus                    5,367.5                   66.7                  42,127
                        n=21                       Brevoortia tyrannus                         1,500.5                   18.6                  18,227
                                                   Cynoscion regaLis                                474.6                5.9                   3,266
                                                   Leiostomus xanthurus                             457.3                5.7                   5,955
                                                   Lagodon rhomboides                               73.6                 0.9                   1,246
                                                   Orthopristis chrysoptera                         46.0                 0.6                        600
                                                   Mustetus canis                                   43.2                 0.5                        22
                                                   Pomatomus saLtatrix                              39.8                 0.5                        195

                        Jul                        Micropogonias undutatus                     1,313.0                   60.0                  9,707
                        n=19                       Leiostomus xanthurus                             221.5                10.1                  2,744
                                                   Brevoortia tyrannus                              220.2                10.1                  4,426
                                                   Pomatomus saLtatrix                              166.2                7.6                        621
                                                   Cynoscion regaLis                                143.7                6.6                        875
                                                   Lagodon rhomboides                               52.3                 2.4                        622
                                                   Orthopristis chrysoptera                         23.9                 1.1                        203
                                                   Chaetodipterus faber                             13.1                 0.6                        9
                                                   Bairdielta chrysoura                             9.3                  0.4                        159
                                                   Scomberomorus macutatus,                         6.1                  0.3                        13

                        Aug                        Micropogonias undutatus                     1,446.1                   42.7                  24,148
                        n=18                       Leiostomus xanthurus                             588.6                17.4                  16,394
                                                   Cynoscion regatis                                492.7                14.6                  3,210
                                                   Brevoortia tyrannus                              303.3                9.0                   3,389
                                                   Lagodon rhomboides                               217.1                6.4                   4,591
                                                   Pomatonvus saltatrix                             177.2                5.2                        558
                                                   Orthopristis chrysoptera                         54.1                 1.6                        514
                                                   Cynoscion nebutosus                              21.7                 0.6                        44
                                                   BairdielLa chrysoura                             8.7                  0.3                        130
                                                   Menticirrhus americanus                          7.4                  0.2                        42
                                                   Scomberomorus maculatus                          7.0                  0.2                        56
                                                   Sciaenops ocettatus                              4.2                  0.1                        2
                                                   Menticirrhus spp.                                3.3                  0.1                        14
                                                   Archosargus probatocephatus                      3.0                  0.1                        2
                                                   PepriLus atepidotus                              1.9                  0.1                        20
                                                   CaRinectes sapidus                               1.7                  0.1                        28
                                                   Paratichthys lethostigma                         1.7                  @COA                       3
                                                   Selene vomer                                     1.6                  <0.1                       29
                                                   Paralichthys   dentatus                          1.4                  @Co. 1                     5

                        Sep                        Leiostomus xanthurus                        1,179.9                   46.1                  11,787
                        n=13                       Micropogonias undutatus                          421.9                16.5                  4,821
                                                   Lagod    rhomboides                              248.4                9.7                   5,766
                                                   Cynoscion regaLis                                214.1                8.4                        936
                                                   Pomatomus saltatrix                              164.3                6.4                        470
                                                   Brevoortia tyrannus                              146.8                5.7                   1,398
                                                   Orthopristis chrysoptera                         95.4                 3.7                        820
                                                   Cynoscion nebulosus                              23.9                 0.9                        29







                                                                                 42



                      TabLe 6c. (Continued).


                                                                                                         Weight (kq)                         Mean
                      month                      Species                                         mean               Percent                 ruyber-

                      Sep                        Bairdielta chrysoura                            17.0                  0.7                     304
                      (continued)                Chaetodipterus faber                             7.7                  0.3                     208
                                                 Monacanthus hispidus                             5.3                  0.2                     227
                                                 Carcharhinus leucas                              4.7                  0.2                      <1
                                                 Menticirrhus spp.                                4.5                  0.2                      20

                      Oct                        Brevoortia tyramus                            1,007.5                29.3                   8,672
                      n=5                        Te-iostomus xanthurus                          739.2                 21.5                   6,966
                                                 Pomatomus saLtatrix                            684.6                 19.9                   1,004
                                                 Lagod    rhomboides                            449.7                 13.1                   6,628
                                                 Cynoscion regaLis                              178.7                  5.2                     562
                                                 Orthopristis chrysoptera                       130.5                  3.8                     915
                                                 Micropogonias undutatus                         89.4                  2.6                   2,033
                                                 Cynoscion nebulosus                             69.5                  2.0                      72
                                                 Sciaenops ocetlatus                             29.9                  0.9                      30
                                                 Prionotus evotans                               10.3                  0.3                      79
                                                 Mycteroperca microlepis                          6.4                  0.2                      32
                                                 Menticirrhus spp.                                6.2                  0.2                      27








                 Table 7a. Monthly species composition (top 99% of weight) of long haul catches sampled in the Pamlico Sound area, north and south of Bluff Shoal, April-
                             October 1988, including mean catch/trip (kg) and mean number/trip; n            number of catches sampled.

                                                                               NORTH                                                                       SOUTH
                                                                                                             Mean                                                                             Mean
                                                                                      Weight (kg)           number                                                     Weight 00              number
                 Year         Month         Species                               Mean        Percent        fish          Species                                iean         Percent        fish

                 1988         Apr           n=6                                                                            n=O
                                            Cynoscion regatis                     772.5         32.0         3,411         No samples
                                            Micropogonias undulatus               596.4         24.7         5,342
                                            Leiostomus xanthurus                  491.1         20.3         6,216
                                            Brevoortia @MUT                       381.6         15.8         2,833
                                            Pornatomus sattatrix                    76.0          3.2           108
                                            Cynoscion nebutosus                     59.6          2.5           299
                                            Bairdietta chrysoura                    23.7          1.0           275

                              May           n=15                                                                           n--9
                                            Micropogonias undulatus             2,260.9         38.9        12,491         Micropogonias undutatus                748.1        27.4           6,911
                                            Leiostomus xanthurus                1,526.7         26.3        16,123         Leiostomus xanthurus                   702.7        25.7           6,734
                                            Brevoortia tyrannus                 1,215.3         20.9        11,609               ortia tryannus                   614.1        22.5          11,058
                                            Cynoscion regalis                     712.1         12.3         2,1T7         Ey-noscion regatis                     345.9        12.6           1,628
                                            Pomatomus saltatrix                     42.9          0.7             53       Cynoscion nebutosus                    109.2          4.0            243
                                                                                                                           Pomatomus saltatrix                     92.5          3.4            339
                                                                                                                           Bairdietta chrysoura                    52.0          1.9            519
                                                                                                                           Lagod    rhomboides                     28.1          1.0            343
                                                                                                                           Menticirrhus americanus                 15.4          0.6              76
                                                                                                                                                                                                       4@A
                              Jun           n=14                                                                           n=14
                                            Micropogonias undulatus             1,296.2         56.7         7,450         Micropogonias undutatus               1,102.3       41.1           9,830
                                            Leiostomus xanthurus                  488.9         21.4         4,371         Leiostomus xanthurus                   790.0        29.5           6,690
                                            Cynoscion regalis                     191.1           8.4           966        Lagodo rhomboides                      274.0        10.2           3,776
                                            Orthopristis chrysoptera                80.4          3.5           682        Brevoortia tyrannus                    176.2          6.6          2,475
                                            Pornatomus saltatrix                    56.4          2.5           190        brthopristis chrysoptera               104.8          3.9            905
                                            Brevoortia tyrannus                     51.9          2.3           440        Cynosci    nebutosus                    56.8          2.1            133
                                            Lagodon rhomboides                      46.7          2.0           449        Cynosci    regatis                      56.2          2.1            338
                                            Cynoscio nebutosus                      16.2          0.7             57       Pomatomus  sattatrix                    47.9          1.8            142
                                            Chaetodipterus faber                    15.1          0.7             4        Bairdietta chrysoura                    13.4          0.5            141
                                            Bairdietta chrysoura                    12.4          0.5           149        Rhizoprionodon terraenovae              13.0          0.5              15
                                            Cattinectes sapidus                      8.4          0.4           101        Dasyatis sabina                         12.9          0.5               6
                                                                                                                           Scomberomorus macutatus                   7.0         0.3              21

                              Jul           n=12                                                                           n=13
                                            Micropogonias undulatus             2,304.9         75.4        10,747         Brevoortia tyrannus                  8,006.5        81.4          95,445
                                            Leiostomus xanthurus                  311.3         10.2         2,143         Fw-atomus sattatrix                    560.0          5.7            805
                                            Cynosci     regalis                   218.2           7.1        1,185         Leiostomus xanthurus                   485.0          4.9          3,629
                                            Orthopristis chrysoptera                51.1          1.7           273        Micropogonias undulatus                378.2          3.8          2,807
                                            Brevoortia tyrannus                     45.7          1.5           428        Lagod    rhomboides                    167.9          1.7          1,683
                                            Pomatomus saltatrix                     43.7          1.4           105        Cynosci    regatis                      64.4          0.7            352
                                            Cynosci     nebulosus                   25.6          0.8             72       Cynosci    nebuiosus                    53.1          0.5            115
                                            Archosargus Probatocephatus             18.8          0.6             7        Orthopristis chrysoptera                35.9          0.4            235
                                            Lagod    rhomboides                     17.7          0.6           149










                   Tabie 7a. (Continued).


                                                                                   NORTH                                                                         SOUTH
                                                                                                                  Mean                                                                                 Mean
                                                                                          Weight (kg)             number                                                      Weight (kg)            number
                  Year          Month         Species                                 Mean        Percent         fish          Species                                 Mean           Percent         fish

                   1988         Aug           n=12                                                                              n=20
                                              Micropogonias unduaitus                5,058.9        72.7          26,559        LeiostorFus xanthurus                   726.3          33.3          8,329
                                              Cynosci     regatis                    1,270.7        18.3          6,098         Micropogonias undulatus                 585.2          26.8          6,138
                                              Leiostomus xanthurus                    447.5           6.4         3,025         Brevoortia tyrannus                     366.6          16.8          8,628
                                              Brevoortia tyrannus                      T7.9           1.1            849        Lagod      rhomboides                   160.0           7.3          2,348
                                              Lagod     rhomboides                     27.6           0.4            311        Cynoscion regalis                         98.5          4.5            471
                                              Bairdietta chrysoura                     26.9           0.4            336        Pomatomus sattatrix                       62.2          2.8            230
                                                                                                                                Cynosci      nebulosus                    51.6          2.4             93
                                                                                                                                Orthopristis chrysoptera                  33.2          1.5            296
                                                                                                                                Mustelus canis                            18.8          0.9             27
                                                                                                                                Menticirrhus awricanus                    16.1          O.T             54
                                                                                                                                Caltinectes sapidus                       15.3          0.7            131
                                                                                                                                Dasyatis americana                        12.4          0.6             32
                                                                                                                                Dorosoma cepedian                          7.1          0.3             19
                                                                                                                                Bairdielta chrysoura                       5.8          0.3             84
                                                                                                                                Paratichthys lethostigma                   4.5          0.2             15

                                Sep           n=4                                                                               n=17
                                              Cynoscion regatis                      1,721.3        47.6          9,566         Leiostomus xanthurus                   1,307.1         50.0          9,251
                                              Leiostomus xanthurus                    996.2         27.5          7,534         Brevoortia tyrannus                     393.9          15.1          3,373
                                              Micropogonias unduattus                 417.1         11.5          4,301         Micropogonias undualtus                 236.3           9.0          4,721     4@,
                                              Pomatomus saltatrix                     179.5           5.0            372        Cynosci      regatis                    177.7           6.8            605     4@:-
                                              Cynoscio nebulosus                       92.4           2.6              97       Lagodon rhomboides                      164.2           6.3          2,800
                                              Brevoortia tyrannus                      78.7           2.2            648        Cynosci      nebutosus                    52.8          2.0             65
                                              Lagodon rhomboides                       68.1           1.9            621        Orthopristis chrysoptera                  51.0          2.0            662
                                              Orthopristi chrysoptera                  39.3           1.1            236        Pomatomus sattatrix                       45.4          1.7            218
                                                                                                                                Menticirrhus americanus                   21.9          0.8             66
                                                                                                                                Pepritus atepidotus                       20.2          0.8            161
                                                                                                                                Archosargus probatocephatus                8.6          0.3               3
                                                                                                                                Bairdietia chrysoura                       7.3          0.3             76
                                                                                                                                Dasyatis americana                         5.9          0.2             22
                                                                                                                                Mustelus canis                             3.9          0.2               6
                                                                                                                                Paratichthys Lethostigma                   3.4          0.1               8
                                                                                                                                Larimus fasciatus                          2.6          0.1             19
                                                                                                                                Dasyatis sabina                            2.4          0.1               1
                                                                                                                                Sciaenops ocettatus                        2.4          0.1               1
                                                                                                                                Menticirrhus saxatitis                     2.1          0.1               6
                                                                                                                                Menticirrhus spp.                          2.0          0.1             12
                                                                                                                                sphoeroides macuLatus                      1.9          0.1               9
                                                                                                                                Chitomycetrus schoepfi                     1.7          0.1               9
                                                                                                                                Caranx hippos                              1.6          0.1             13
                                                                                                                                Dorosoma cepedian                          1.2         <0.1               2
                                                                                                                                Scomberamorus maculatus                    0.9         <0.1               6
                                                                                                                                Trachinotus carotinus                      0.9         <0.1               3
                                                                                                                                Prionotus spp.                             0.8         <0.1               4
                                                                                                                                Paratichthys epp.                          0.7         <0.1               3
                                                                                                                                Setene yomer                               0.5         <0.1             12
                                                                                                                                Caltinectes sapidus                        0.5         <0.1               6











                 Tabte 7a. (Continued).


                                                                                  NORTH                                                                          SOUTH
                                                                                                                  Mean                                                                                 Mean
                                                                                         Weight (kg)              number                                                     Weight (kg)             number
                 Year          Month         Species                                  Mean       Perc@n-t         fish          Species                                 Mean           Percent         fish

                 1988          Sep (continued)                                                                                  Opisthonema ogtin                          0.3         <0.1               12
                                                                                                                                Paralichthys dentatus                      0.3         <0.1                2
                                                                                                                                Chaetodipterus faber                       0.2         <0.1                5
                                                                                                                                Opsanus tau                                0.1         <0.1                3


                               Oct           n=5                                                                                n=17
                                             Cynosci     regatis                      574.7          28.9         1,572         Leiostomus xanthurus                   4,552.5         61.9          31,235
                                             Brevoortia tyrannus                      487.3          24.5         2,917         Cynosci     regalis                    1,333.2         18.1          11,561
                                             Leiostomus xanthurus                     412.9          20.8         2,526         Brevoortia tyrannus                     605.2           8.2          4,813
                                             Cynoscion nebutosus                      171.5          8.6            182         MicropogoniZ -undulatus                 221.9           3.0          3,447
                                             Orthopristis chrysoptera                 137.8          6.9            647         Lagodon rhomboides                      219.4           3.0          3,742
                                             Lagodon rhomboides                         96.2         4.8            834         Renticirrhus americanus                 216.6           2.9             660
                                             Micropogonias undulatus                    63.2         3.2            556         Orthopristis chrysoptera                  50.4          0.7             567
                                             Pomatomus saltatrix                        14.6         0.7              70        Cynosci     nebulosus                     49.5          0.7              140
                                             Sphoeroides macutatus                       6.8         0.3              22        Pomatomus sattatrix                       24.5          0.3               94
                                             Menticirrhus americanus                     5.6         0.3              20        Dasyatis americana                        24.0          0.3               14





                                                                                                                                                                                                               Ln









                      Tabte Tb. Monthty species composition (top 99% of weight) of tong haut catches sampted in the Pamtico Sound area, north and south of Btuff Shoat, ApriL-
                                   October 1989, incLuding mean catch/trip (kg) and mean number/trip; n                 number of catches sampted.

                                                                                         NORTH                                                                          SOUTH
                                                                                                                        Mean                                                                                  Mean
                                                                                               Weight (kq)              number                                                      Weight (kQ)             number
                      Year          Month          Species                                 Mean        Percent          fish          Species                                   Mean          Percent         fish

                      1989          Apr            n=5                                                                                n=O
                                                   Micropogonias undutatus               1,245.8          78.9          6,255         (No samptes)
                                                   Leiostomus xanthurus                    226.5          14.3          2,953
                                                   Cynoscion regalis                         36.7           2.3             90
                                                   Brevoortia tyrannus                       32.0           2.0            278
                                                   Cynoscion nebutosus                       25.2           1.6             29

                                    May            n=B                                                                                n=3
                                                   Micropogonias undulatus                 486.1          32.3          3,184         Brevoortia tyrannus                       671.9         43.8          6,504
                                                   T-eiostomus xanthurus                   421.9          28.0          5,804         Wic-ro                                                  25.4          5,584
                                                                                                                                            po-gonias undutatus                 389.4
                                                   Brevoortia tyrannus.                    328.0          21.8          5,380         Leiostomus xanthurus                      258.1         16.8          4,160
                                                   Cynoscion regatis                       152.3          10.1             499        Cynosci     regatis                        86.8          5.7             662
                                                   Cynoscio nebutosus                        55.8           3.7            176        Lagodon rhomboides                         38.4          2.5             571
                                                   Lagodon rhomboides                        25.6           1.7            318        Pomatomus sattatrix                        36.0          2.3              81
                                                   CaLtinectes sapidus                       14.8           1.0            123        BairdieLt chrysoura                        20.1          1.3             311
                                                   Pornatomus sattatrix                       8.7           0.6             42        Paratichthys dentatus                      12.8          0.8             108
                                                                                                                                      orthopristis chrysoptera                     9.7         0.6             121

                                    Jun            n=10                                                                               n=17
                                                   Micropogonias undulatus               1,844.7          71.2          9,029         Micropogonias undutatus                 1,162.9         45.8          9  538     4-@
                                                   Leiostomus xanthurus                    410.5          15.8          3,766         Leiostomus xanthurus                      611.7         24.1          6:686      0"
                                                   orthopristis chrYsoptera                123.1            4.7            956        Lagodon rhomboides                        194.5          7.7          2,755
                                                   Lagod    rhomboides                       82.1           3.2            755        irevoortia tyrannus                       189.4          7.5          2,876
                                                   Pomatows saltatrix                        48.0           1.9            155        Pomataws sattatrix                        160.5          6.3             422
                                                   Cynoscion nebuLosus                       36.6           1.4             83        Cynoscion regatis                          59.4          2.3             629
                                                   Cattinectes sapidus                       12.2           0.5            125        Orthopristi chrysoptera                    54.2          2.1             560
                                                   Scomberomorus macuLatus                    6.1           0.2             18        BairdieLta chrysoura                       21.3          0.8             328
                                                   Cynosci      regatis                       5.9           0.2             28        Cynoscion nebutosus                        20.3          0.8              28
                                                                                                                                      Paratichthys dentatus                      14.6          0.6              12
                                                                                                                                      Scomberomorus macutatus                    12.6          0.5              38
                                                                                                                                      Archosargus Probatocephatus                10.6          0.4                7
                                                                                                                                      Tylosurus crocoditus                         5.0         0.2                5

                                    Jul            n=9                                                                                n=15
                                                   Micropogonias undutatus               3,883.7          81.3          24,927        Leiostomus xanthurus                    1,388.5         35.8          12,919
                                                   Leiostomus xanthurus                    424.4            8.9         3,743         micropogonias undutatus                   994.5         25.6          9,774
                                                   Orthopristis chrysoptera                130.4            2.7         1,110         Brevoortia tyrannus                       504.5         13.0          8,445
                                                   Lagod    rhorrhoides                      93.1           1.9            880        Pomatows saltatrix                        471.3         12.1             973
                                                   Brevoortia tyrannus                       82.8           1.7         1,284         Lagod     rhomboides                      243.5          6.3          2,904
                                                   Cynoscion regalis                         62.7           1.3            394        Cynosci     regatis                        87.1          2.2             499
                                                   Pomatomus sattatrix                       49.0           1.0            181        Orthopristis chrysoptera                   60.4          1.6             608
                                                   Cynosci      nebulosus                    23.6           0.5             59        Cynosci      nebutosus                     40.4          1.0              72
                                                                                                                                      Bairdietta chrysoura                       25.7          0.7             347
                                                                                                                                      Menticirrhus americanus                    14.0          0.4              35
                                                                                                                                      Mustetus canis                             10.9          0.3              10

                                    Aug            n=12                                                                               n=14
                                                   Micropogonias undutatus               1,401.9          50.0          8,887         Leiostomus xanthurus                      763.a         31.6          7,686
                                                   Leiostomus xanthurus                    543.0          19.4          4,124         Micropogonias undutatus                   596.2         24.7          4,142
                                                   Cynosclon regaLis                       278 - @m         9&E                    -jimevoorlia-Lyrenrus-                       51ft          Ift       NWII M












                Table 7b. (Continued).


                                                                              NORTH                                                                     SOUTH
                                                                                                           Mean                                                                            Mean
                                                                                    WeiAht (kq)            number                                                  Weight (kg)           number
                Year         Month         Species                              Mean       Percent         fish         Species
                                                                                                                                                              Mean          Percent         fish

                1989         Aug           Orthopristis chrysoptera             121.2          4.3           989        Lagodon rhomboides                    187.4          7.8         2,370
                             (continued)   Pomatomus sattatrix                  118.3          4.2           310        Eynoscion regatis                     165.9          6.9         1,061
                                           La-god  rhomboides                   116.5          4.2         1,380        Cynoscion nebutosus                     30.5         1.3             58
                                           Brevoortia tyrannus                  114.8          4.1         2,448        Pomatomus sattatrix                     30.2         1.3            139
                                           Caranx hippos                         51.6          1.8            11        Orthopristis chrysontera                19.0         0.8            200
                                           Cynoscion nebutosus                   24.6          0.9            34        Bairdietta chrysoura                    15.5         0.6            184
                                           Bairdietia chrysoura                   8.7          0.3            99        Menticirrhus americanus                 11.7         0.5             72

                             Sep           n=6                                                                          n=7
                                           Leiostomus xanthurus                 624.5          34.0        4,606        Leiostomus xanthurus                  438.1         32.2         5,336
                                           Pomatomus sattatrix                  368.5          20.1          518        Lagodon rhomboides                    325.8         23.9         4,407
                                           Lagodo rhomboides                    273.1          14.9        2,866        Brevoortia tyrannus                   163.1         12.0         2,056
                                           Orthopristis chrysoptera             153.7          8.4         1,165        Micropog7nias undutatus                 81.9         6.0         1,076
                                           Cynoscion regatis                    114.3          6.2           594        Cynosci     nebutosus                   76.9         5.6            114
                                           Micropogonias undutatus              102.3          5.6           705        Pornatomus sattatrix                    74.2         5.5            227
                                           Brevoortia tyrannus                   95.3          5.2         1,724        Eynosci    regatis                      70.3         5.2            393
                                           Cynosci    nebutosus                  49.1          2.7            58        Orthopristis chrysopterus               26.4         1.9            410
                                           Bairdietta chrysoura                  20.6          1.1           219        Dasyatis sayj                           25.4         1.9               8
                                           Mycte     ca microtepis                7.1          0.4            51        Sciaenops ocettatus                     13.3         1.0               1
                                           Cattinectes sapidus                    4.8          0.3            70        Paratichthys lethostigma                11.4         0.8             65
                                           Chaetodipterus faber                   3.8          0.2              9       Dasyatis americana                      9.0          0.7             29
                                                                                                                        Dorosoma cecoedianum                    6.7          0.5             26
                                                                                                                        Paratichthys dentatus                   6.4          0.5             56
                                                                                                                        Monacanthus hispidus                    6.2          0.5            225
                                                                                                                        Dasyatis sabina                         4.5          0.3             16
                                                                                                                        Cattinectes spp.                        3.9          0.3             42
                                                                                                                        Chaetodipterus faber                    3.8          0.3             89

                             Oct           n=O                                                                          n=8
                                           (No samptes)                                                                 Leiostomus xanthurus                 1,522.8        56.4         9,825
                                                                                                                        Lagod     rhomboides                  458.6         17.0         6,145
                                                                                                                        Orthopristis chry optera              257.1          9.5         2,000
                                                                                                                        Brevoortia tyrannus                   254.7          9.4         3,211
                                                                                                                        Cynoscion reAatis                     123.0          4.6            318
                                                                                                                        Micropogonias undulatus                 51.4         1.9            364
                                                                                                                        Bairdietta chrysoura                    7.3          0.3            ill








                      Table 7c. Monthly species composition (top 99% of weight) of Long haul catches sampled in the Pamlico Sound area, north and south of BLuff Shoat,
                                  Aprit-October 1990, including mean catch/trip (kg) and mean number/trip; n = nurber of catches sampled.

                                                                                      NORTH                                                                       SOUTH
                                                                                                                    Mean                                                                               Mean
                                                                                            Weight (kq)             number                                                     Weight (kg)           number
                      Year          Month        Species                                 Mean       Percent         fish          Species                                Mean          Percent          fish

                      1990          Apr          n=5                                                                              n=1
                                                 Cynoscl      nebulosus                  114.6        53.3             113        Micropogonias undulatus               1,354.3        79.6         14,510
                                                 Pomtomus sattatrix                       89.5        41.6               85       Cynoscion regatis                      313.7         18.4          1,924
                                                 Archosargus Probatocephatus               6.5          3.0               6       Teiostomus xanthurus                     21.6          1.3            369
                                                 Leiostomus; xanthurus                     1.6          0.7              12
                                                 Lagodon rhomboides                        1.2          0.5              19

                                    May          n=12                                                                             n=9
                                                 Micropogoniss undutatus               4,841.0        85.2          31,292        Micropogonias undutatus                771.6         39.2          6,816
                                                 Leiostomus xanthurus                    546.2          9.6         7,045         Cynosci      regatis                   535.0         27.2          3,946
                                                 Brevoorti tryrannus                     165.6          2.9         3,823         Lejostomus xanthurus                   473.5         24.1          6,601
                                                 Cynoscion regatis                        56.4          1.0            678        Lagodon rhomboides                       49.1          2.5            896
                                                 Lagod      rhomboides                    26.1          0.5            508        Brevoortia tYrannus                      32.1          1.6            379
                                                                                                                                  Pomatomus sattatrix                      23.5          1.2            104
                                                                                                                                  Pepritus triacanthus                     15.4          0.8            188
                                                                                                                                  Orthopristis chry      tera              15.1          0.8            161
                                                                                                                                  Pepritu atepidotus                       11.9          0.6            201
                                                                                                                                  h!MA cephatus                             8.0          0.4             25
                                                                                                                                  Cynoscion nebutosus                       7.7          0.4             18
                                                                                                                                  Bairdietta chrysoura                      6.2          0.3             81
                                                                                                                                                                                                              00
                                    Jun          n=12                                                                             n=9
                                                 Micropogonias undulatus               7,416.2        93.7          53,154        Brevoortis tyrannus.                  3,393.8        41.2         40,723
                                                 Leiostomus xenthurus                    197.3          2.5         1,879         Micropogonias undulatus               2,635.9        32.0         27,425
                                                 Cynoscion regatis                        91.7          1.2            583        Cynoscion regatis                      985.1         12.0          6,844
                                                 Brevoorti tyrannus                       80.6          1.0         1,355         Leiostomus xanthurus                   804.1           9.8        11,389
                                                 Lagodon rhomboides                       50.6          0.6            586        Lagodon rhomboides                     104.3           1.3         2,124
                                                                                                                                  Mustelus canis                         100.8           1.2             50
                                                                                                                                  Orthopristis chrysoptera                 73.3          0.9         1,089
                                                                                                                                  Bairdletta chrysoura                     46.9          0.6            986

                                    Jut          n=12                                                                             n=7
                                                 Micropogonjas undutatus               1,330.8        72.0          9,206         Micropogonias undutatus               1,282.5        46.3         10,565
                                                 Cynosci     regalls                     118.6          6.4            841        Brevoortia tyrannus;                   468.9         16.9         10,440
                                                 Pomatomus sattatrix                     118.2          6.4            453        Leiostomus xanthurus                   405.0         14.6          5,560
                                                 Leiostomus xanthurus                    114.5          6.2         1,101         Pomatomus sattatrix                    248.5           9.0            909
                                                 Brevoortia tyrannus                      75.2          4.1            918        Cynoscion regatis                      186.7           6.7            933
                                                 Lagodo rhomboides                        41.4          2.2            541        Lagodon rhomboldes                       71.0          2.6            760
                                                 Orthopristis chrysoptera                 27.1          1.5            222        Chaetodipterus faber                     35.6          1.3             23
                                                 Bairdietta chrysoura                      9.1          0.5            145        5rthopristis chrysoptera                 18.4          0.7            170
                                                                                                                                  Tc@)-Weromorus macutatus                 14.9          0.5             30
                                                                                                                                  Bairdietta chrysoura                      9.7          0.3            182
                                                                                                                                  Ewi7i-tus triacanthus                     5.9          0.2             83











               Tebte 7c. (Continued).


                                                                            NORTH                                                                    SOIJTH
                                                                                                         Mean                                                                           Mean
                                                                                  WeiAht (kg)            number                                                 WeiAht 00             number
               Year         Month        Species                               Mean       Percent        fish         Species                               Mean         Percent        fish

               1990         Aug          n=10                                                                         n=8
                                         Micropogonias undulatus             2,141.2        64.0         29,788       Leiostomus xanthurus                1,023.1        29.8        29,083
                                         Cynosci    regatis                    365.4        10.9         2,562        Cynoscion regatis                     651.8        19.0         4,021
                                         Leiostomus xanthurus                  240.9          7.2        6,243        Brevoortia tyrannus                   613.4        17.9         6,719
                                         Lagodon rhomboicles                   239.9          7.2        5,289        Micropogonias undulatus               577.3        16.8        17,098
                                         Pomatomus saltatrix                   173.8          5.2          519        Lagod    rhomboides                   188.5         5.5         3,717
                                         Brevoortia tyrannus                     55.2         1.7          725        Pomatomus sattatrix                   181.5         5.3            608
                                         Orthopristis chrysoptera                53.3         1.6          492        Orthopristis chrysoptera               55.1         1.6            541
                                         Cynoscion nebutosus                     21.3         0.6            47       Cynosci     nebutosus                  22.1         0.6             39
                                         Bairdietta chrysoura                    13.9         0.4          195        Menticirrhus americanus                14.4         0.4             80
                                         Scomberomorus macuLatus                 11.2         0.3            90       Sciaenops ocellatus                     8.0         0.2               1
                                                                                                                      Menticirrhus spp.                       7.4         0.2             32
                                                                                                                      Setene vomer                            3.1         0.1             48
                                                                                                                      Balrdietta chrysoura                    2.2         0.1             48
                                                                                                                      Scomberawrus macutatus                  1.7        <0.1             13
                                                                                                                      Paratichthys lethostigma                1.4        <0.1               3
                                                                                                                      Opisthonema ogtin                       1.3        <0.1             32
                                                                                                                      Paratichthys spp.                       1.2        <0.1               2
                                                                                                                      Paralichthys dentatus                   0.5        <0.1               4
                                                                                                                      Mugil cephatus                          0.4        <0.1               3
                                                                                                                      Peprilus triacanthus                    0.3        <0.1               3
                                                                                                                      Monacanthus hisvidus                    0.2        <0.1             16    '-0

                            Sep          n=10                                                                         n=3
                                         Leiostomus xanthurus                  523.0        30.4         7,661        Leiostomus xanthurus                3,369.5        63.0        25,543
                                         MicropoAonjas undutatus               411.5        23.9         4,999        Cynoscion regalis                     601.6        11.2         2,587
                                         Lagodon rhomboicles                   256.4        14.9         6,069        Brevoortia tyrannus                   531.0         9.9         4,811
                                         Pomatomus sattatrix                   195.8        11.4           526        Micropogonjas undulatus               456.7         8.5         4,226
                                         Orthopristi chrysoptera               109.7          6.4          901        Lagodon rhomboides                    221.5         4.1         4,755
                                         Cynoscion regalis                       97.8         5.7          441        @omatomus saltatrix                    59.6         1.1            284
                                         Brevoortia tyrannus                     31.6         1.8          374        Orthopristis chrysoptera               47.9         0.9            551
                                         Cynoscion nebulosus                     30.3         1.8            37       Carcharhinus leucas                    20.6         0.4               1
                                         Bairdietta chrysoura                    21.5         1.3          302
                                         Chaetodipterus faber                    9.9          0.6          260
                                         Monacanthus hispidus                    6.7          0.4          263
                                         Pepritus spp.                           4.3          0.3            43
                                         Menticirrhus americanus                 4.1          0.2            17


                            act          n=3                                                                          n=2
                                         Pomatomus sattatrix                  1,068.9       43.6         1,551        Brevoortia tyrannus                 2,513.8        51.2        21,653
                                         Lelostomus xanthurus                  581.8        23.7         4,474        Leiostomus xanthurus                  975.3        19.9        10,703
                                         Lagod     rhomboides                  427.4        17.4         5,966        Lagod    rhomboides                   483.0         9.8         7,621
                                         Orthopristis chrysoptera              176.0          7.2        1,148        Cynoscion regatis                     399.1         8.1         1,352
                                         Cynoscion nebutosus                     52.8         2.2            51       Micropogonias undulatus               223.6         4.6         5,081
                                         Sciaenops oceUatus                      49.9         2.0            49       Pomatomus saitatrix                   108.2         2.2            184
                                         Cynosci     regtatis                    31.8         1.3            35       Cynoscion nebutosus                    94.6         1.9            104
                                         Mycteroperca microlepis                 10.7         0.4            53       Orthopristis chrysoptera               62.3         1.3            565
                                         Prionotus evotans                       10.4         0.4            90
                                         Paratichthys dentatus                   9.8          0.4            18
                                           @roides macutatus                     9.5          0.4            18









                                                                                   50



                      Tabte 8a. Species conposition of scrap fish in 132 PamLico Sound area Long haut catches, 1988.

                                                                                                                                                      Mean
                                                                                                                                                      fish
                                                                           Weight (kg)                                 Nunber                        weight
                      Species                                        Mean                Percent             Mean                  Percent            (kq)

                      Leiostomus xanthurus                           386.7               31.2                4,541                 30.1               0.09
                      Micropogmias undutatus                         370.0               29.8                4,324                 28.7               0.09
                      Brevoortia tyrannus                            245.2               19.8                3,052                 20.2               0.08
                      Lagodon rhomboides                             92.9                 7.5                1,662                 11.0               0.06
                      Cynoscion regatis                              78.4                 6.3                      832             5.5                0.09
                      Orthopristis chrysoptera                       19.0                 1.5                      247             1.6                0.08
                      BairdieLLa chrysoura                           13.8                 1.1                      162             1.1                0.09
                      Pomatomus saLtatrix                            12.9                 1.0                      T7              0.5                0.17
                      Mustetus canis                                 4.1                  0.3                      8               0.1                0.53
                      Dorosoma cepedian                              2.2                  0.2                      6               <0.1               0.39
                      Dasyatis sayi                                  1.6                  0.1                      2               0.1                0.89
                      Cattinectes saoidus                            1.4                  0.1                      13              0.1                0.10
                      Atosa sapidissima                              1.0                  0.1                      3               <0.1               0.32
                      Scomberanorus macuLatus                        0.9                  0.1                      8               0.1                0.12
                      Paratichthys dgntatus                          0.9                  0.1                      is              0.1                0.06
                      Opisthonefm ogLin                              0.9                  0.1                      16              0.1                0.06
                      Menticirrhus americanus                        0.7                  0.1                      7               <0.1               0.10
                      PepriLus alepidotus                            0.7                  0.1                      13              0.1                0.05
                      Cynoscion nebuLosus                            0.6                 <0.1                      6               <0.1               0.10
                      Symphurus Ptagiusa                             0.5                 <0.1                      3               <0.1               0.19
                      Monacanthus higpisus                           0.5                 <0.1                      32              0.2                0.02
                      Hyporhmphus unifasciatus                       0.5                 <0.1                      2               <0.1               0.30
                      ALosa Pseudoharengus                           0.5                 <0.1                      2               <0.1               0.24
                      Paralichthys Lethostigma                       0.5                 'CO.1                     4               <0.1               0.12
                      Chaetodipterus faber                           0.5                 <0.1                      7               <0.1               0.06
                      Mycteroperca microLepis                        0.4                 <0.1                      4               <0.1               0.09
                      Sphoeroides macuLatus                          0.4                 <0.1                      I               <0.1               0.28
                      Atosa aestivatis                               0.3                 <0.1                      2               <0.1               0.20
                      Prionotus caroLinus                            0.3                 <0.1                      3               <0.1               0.10
                      Chitomycterus schoePfi                         0.3                 <0.1                      2               <0.1               0.17
                      Caranx hippos                                  0.2                 <0.1                      2               <0.1               0.12
                      Dasyatis mericana                              0.2                 <0.1                      1               <0.1               0.27
                      Larimus fasciatus                              0.2                 <0.1                      1               <0.1               0.18
                      Synodus foetens                                0.2                 <0.1                      1               <0.1               0.17
                      ELops saurus                                   0.1                 <0.1                      <1              <0.1               0.97
                      Prionotus spp.                                 0.1                 <0.1                      1               0. 1               0.21
                      Setene vomer                                   0.1                 <0.1                      2               <0.1               0.04
                      Citharichthys sop.                             0.1                 <0.1                      5               <0.1               0.01
                      Prionotus evotans;                             0.1                 <0.1                      1               <0.1               0.11
                      ALectis ciliaris                               0.1                 <0.1                      2               <0.1               0.03
                      Diplodus holbrooki                             0.1                 <0.1                      2               <0.1               0.02
                      ALuterus scripta                               0.1                 <0.1                      I               <0.1               0.04
                      Prionotus tribulus                             <0.1                <0.1                      I               <0.1               0.07
                      Trinectes macutatus                            <0.1                <0.1                      3               <0.1               0.01
                      Lottiguncula brevis                            <0.1                <0.1                      1               <0.1               0.05
                      Atuterus schoe%)fi                             <0.1                <0.1                      I               <0.1               0.05
                      Dasyatis sabina                                <0.1                <0.1                      <1              <0.1               0.47
                      Urophycis regia                                <0.1                <0.1                      <1              <0.1               0.10
                      Opsanus tau                                    <0.1                <0.1                      <1              <0.1               0.06
                      Gerreidae                                      <0.1                <0.1                      1               <0.1               0.02
                      Caranx crysos;                                 <0.1                <0.1                      1               <0.1               0.01
                      Eucinostomus argenteus                         <0.1                <0.1                      I               <0.1               0.02
                      Selene setapinnis                              <0.1                <0.1                      I               <0.1               0.01
                      Penaeus aztecus                                <0.1                <0.1                      <1              <0.1               0.02
                      Eucinostomus quLa                              <0.1                <0.1                      <1              <0.1               0.01








                                                                                          51



                          Table 8b. Species composition of scrap fish in 107 Pamlico Sound area tong haul catches, 1989.

                                                                                                                                                                Mean
                                                                                                                                                                fish
                                                                                 Weight (kg)                                    Number                        wei ght
                          Species                                         Mean                Percent                 Mean                 Percent                (kq)

                          Micropogonias undutatus                         424.3                 41.5                  4,435                35.6                 0.096
                          Leiostomus xanthurus;                           199.3                 19.5                  2,868                23.0                 0.069
                          Brevoortia tyrannus                             149.2                 14.6                  2,357                18.9                 0.063
                          Lagodon rhomboides                              143.3                 14.0                  1,750                14.1                 0.082
                          Cynoscion regatis                               33.0                   3.2                     270                 2.2                0.123
                          Orthopristis chrysoptera                        29.5                   2.9                     345                 2.8                0.085
                          Pomatomus saltatrix                             14.0                   1.4                     92                  0.7                0.152
                          BairdieLLa chrysoura                            11.3                   1.1                     158                 1.3                0.071
                          Callinectes sapidus                              4.5                   0.4                     29                  0.2                0.153
                          Paratichthys dentatus                            1.6                   0.2                     17                  0.1                0.097
                          Archosargus probatoce aLus                       1.5                   0.1                       2               <0.1                 0.625
                          Dorosoma cepedian                                1.3                   0.1                       3               <0.1                 0.400
                          Cynoscion nebutosus                              1.0                   0.1                       7                 0.1                0.149
                          Chilomycterus schoepfi                           1.0                   0.1                       5               <0.1                 0.224
                          Scomberomorus macuLatus                          0.9                   0.1                       9                 0.1                0.109
                          Monacanthus hispidu                              0.7                   0.1                     24                  0.2                0.028
                          MusteLus canis                                   0.6                   0.1                       5               <0.1                 0.127
                          Caranx hippos                                    0.6                   0.1                       6               <0.1                 0.105
                          Opisthonem oqLin                                 0.6                   0.1                     is                  0.1                0.041
                          Dasyatis sayi                                    0.4                  <0.1                       1               <0.1                 0.719
                          Menticirrhus americanus                          0.4                  <0.1                       4               <0.1                 0.108
                          Selene vomer                                     0.4                  <0.1                     10                  0.1                0.038
                          Paratichthys   lethostigma                       0.4                  <0.1                       5                 0.1                0.078
                          Prionotus evotans                                0.3                  <0.1                       3               <0.1                 0.103
                          Dasyatis americana                               0.3                  <0.1                       I               <0.1                 0.500
                          Sphoeroides macutatus                            0.2                  <0.1                       5               <0.1                 0.045
                          Mycteroperca microlepis                          0.2                  <0.1                       1               <0.1                 0.124
                          Pepritus atepidotus                              0.2                  <0.1                       3               <0.1                 0.052
                          Citharichthys spp.                               0.1                  <0.1                       6               <0.1                 0.021
                          ALosa mediocris                                  0.1                  <0.1                       1               4.1                  0.180
                          Prionotus, carotinus                             0.1                  <0.1                       3               <0.1                 OiO4O
                          Rajiformes                                       0.1                  <0.1                     <1                <0.1                 0.610
                          Aluterus schoepfi                                0.1                  <0.1                       1               <0.1                 0.088
                          Chaetodipterus faber                             0.1                  <0.1                       2               <0.1                 0.045
                          Prionotus scituLus                               0.1                  <0.1                       1               CO.1                 0.092
                          Diplodus holbrooli                               0.1                  <0.1                       3               <0.1                 0.022
                          Trachinotus carotinus                            0.1                  <0.1                       1               <0.1                 0.092
                          Tautoga onitis                                   0.1                  <0.1                     <1                <0.1                 0.145
                          Synodus foetens                                  0.1                  <0.1                     <1                <0.1                 0.135
                          PepriLus triacanthus                            <0.1                  <0.1                       I               <0.1                 0.046
                          Caranx crysos                                   <0.1                  <0.1                       1               <0.1                 0.050
                          Dasyatis spp.                                   <0.1                  <0.1                     <1                <0.1                 0.200
                          Penaeus duorarum                                <0.1                  <0.1                       I               <0.1                 0.019
                          Monacanthus spp.                                <0.1                  <0.1                       1               <0.1                 0.025
                          entropristis striata                            <0.1                  <0.1                     <1                <0.1                 0.060
                          Alosa pseudoharenqu                             <0.1                  <0.1                     <1                <0.1                 0.222
                          CCaLtinectes                                    <0.1                  <0.1                       1               <0.1                 0.018
                          Selene setapinnis                               <0.1                  <0.1                       1               <0.1                 0.020
                          Monacanthus ciLiatus                            <0.1                  <0.1                       1               <0.1                 0.014
                          Opsanus tau                                     <0.1                  <0.1                     <1                <0.1                 0.050
                          ChLorosc@rus chrysurus                          <0.1                  <0.1                       1               <0.1                 0.010
                          Penaeus; aztecus                                <0.1                  <0.1                     <1                <0.1                 0.020
                          Prionotus spp.                                  <0.1                  <0.1                     <1                <0.1                 0.010
                          Trinectes macuLatus                             <0.1                  <0.1                     <1                <0.1                 0.010
                          ScophthaLmus aquosus                            C0.1                  <0.1                     <1                <0.1                 0.020






                                                                                    52

                      TabLe 8c. Species conposition of scrapfish in 91 PamLico Sound area tong hauL catches, 1990.                                        Mean
                                                                                                                                                          fish
                                                                            Weight (kq)                                   Number                        weight
                      Species                                        Mean              Percent                  Mean                Percent               (kq)

                      Micropogonias unduLatus                        902.0                56.8                  11,884               48.5                 0.08
                      Leiostomus xanthurus                           229.4                14.5                  5,861                23.9                 0.04
                      Brevoortia tyramus                             228.9                14.4                  2,997                12.2                 0.08
                      Lagodon rhomboides                             119.5                 7.5                  2,274                 9.3                 0.05
                      Cynoscion regaLis                              49.3                  3.1                    617                 2.5                 0.08
                      Orthopristis chrysoptera                       18.4                  1.2                    263                 1.1                 0.07
                      Pomatomus saLtatrix                            16.7                  1.0                    112                 0.5                 0.15
                      BairdietLa chrysoura                           12.6                  0.8                    222                 0.9                 0.06
                      Pepritus triaclnthus                            3.1                  0.2                      50                0.2                 0.06
                      Chaetodipterus faber                            1.0                  0.1                      36                0.1                 0.03
                      PepriLus alepidotus                             1.0                  0.1                      33                0.1                 0.03
                      Cattinect2i sapidus                             1.0                  0.1                      11               'CO.1                0.09
                      Monacanthus hispiclus                           0.9                  0.1                      39                0.2                 0.02
                      Mustetus canis                                  0.7                 <0.1                        5              <0.1                 0.14
                      Selene vomer                                    0.5                 <0.1                      15                0.1                 0.03
                      Paratichthys dontatus                           0.5                 <0.1                        6              <0.1                 0 07
                      Scomberanorus macutatus                         0.5                 <0.1                        4              <0.1                 0:11
                      Opisthonema ogtin                               0.2                 <0.1                      13               <0.1                 0.02
                      Prionotus evoliIns                              0.2                 <0.1                        1              <0.1                 0.16
                      Menticirrhus ameriarvis                         0.2                 <0.1                        2              <0.1                 0.10
                      Caltinectes simiLis                             0.2                 <0.1                        5              <0.1                 0.04
                      Citharichthys spilopterus                       0.2                 <0.1                      10               <0.1                 0.02
                      Chilomycterus schoepfi                          0.2                 <0.1                        1              <0.1                 0.23
                      Caranx hippos                                   0.1                 <0.1                        2              <0.1                 0.08
                      Menticirrhus saxatitis                          0.1                 <0.1                        2              <0.1                 0.05
                      Raja egianteria                                 0.1                 <0.1                        1              <0.1                 0.11
                      Prionotus carolinus                             0.1                 <0.1                        4              <0.1                 0.02
                      Prionatus tributus                              0.1                 <0.1                        I              <0.1                 0.05
                      Eucinostomus spp.                               0.1                 <0.1                        2              <0.1                 0.03
                      Urophycis regia                                <0.1                 <0.1                        2              <0.1                 0.03
                      MuqiL cephatus                                 <0.1                 <0.1                      <1               <0.1                 0.14
                      Sphoeroides maculatus                          <0.1                 <0.1                      <1               <0.1                 0.25
                      SeLene setapinnis                              <0.1                 <0.1                      <1               <0.1                 0.08
                      Eucinostomus argenteus                         <0.1                 <0.1                        1              <0.1                 0.02
                      MYcteroperca microtepis                        <0.1                 <0.1                      <1               <0.1                 0.09
                      ALectis ciliaris                               <0.1                 <0.1                        1              <0.1                <0.01
                      Penaeus duorarLgn                              <0.1                 <0.1                      <1               <0.1                 0.01
                      ALosa aestivatis                               <0.1                 <0.1                        2              <0.1                <0.01
                      Paratichthys tethostigma                       <0.1                 <0.1                      <1               <0.1                 0.02








                                                                                    53



                        Tabie 9a. YearLy species composition (top 99%) of scrap fish in Long haut catches north of BLuff Shoat (PamHcO
                                    Sound), 1988-1990; n = number of scrap catches sampLed.

                                                                                                 Percent weight                              Percent number
                                                                               Mean          Within                         Mean          Within
                        Year           Species                             weight (kq)         area        Statewide        number         area     Statewide

                        1988           Micropogonias undutatus                 400.7           39.2           14.9          3,797          35.3          11.6
                        n=61           Leiostomus xanthurus                    360.9           35.3           13.5          4,340          40.4          13.3
                                       Brevoorti2 tyrannus;                    159.1           15.6            5.9          1,586          14.7           4.9
                                       Cynoscion regalis                        47.4            4.6            1.8             476           4.4          1.5
                                       Lagodon rhomboides                       17.8            1.7            0.7             194           1.8          0.6
                                       SairdielLa chrysoura                      9.5            0.9            0.4             114           1.1          0.3
                                       Orthopris is chrysoctera                  9.1            0.9            0.3              98           0.9          0.3
                                       Pomatomus saltatrix                       6.6            0.6            0.2              41           0.4          0.1
                                       Alosa sapidissima                         2.1            0.2            0.1               6           0.1         <0.1

                        1989           Micropogonias undutatus                 420.6           50.2           17.7          4,153          42.7          14.3
                        n=46           Leiostomus; xanthurus                   183.8           21.9            7.7          2,425          24.9           8.4
                                       Brevoortia tyrannus                      95.2           11.4            4.0          1,736          17.8           6.0
                                       Lagodon rhomboides                       58.5            7.0            2.5             640           6.6          2.2
                                       Cynoscion regaLis                        25.2            3.0            1.1             228           2.3          0.8
                                       Orthopristis chrysoptera                 24.0            2.9            1.0             265           2.7          0.9
                                       Pomatomus saLtatrix                       9.4            1.1            0.4              65           0.7          0.2
                                       BairdieLLa chrysoura                      5.3            0.6            0.2              57           0.6          0.2
                                       CaLlinedtes saDidus                       3.6            0.4            0.2              34           0.3          0.1
                                       ChiLomycte-rus schoepfi                   1.8            0.2            0.1               8           0.1         <0.1
                                       Cysnocio nebutosus                        1.8            0.2            0.1               9           0.1         <0.1
                                       Scomberomorus macutatus                   1.3            6.2            0.1              11           0.1         <0.1

                        1990           Micropogonias unduLatus                 970.6           72.6           36.9          11,817         62.2          29.2
                        n=55           Leiostomus xanthurus                    139.3           10.4            5.3          3,182          16.8           7.9
                                       Lagodon rhcmboides                      106.7            8.0            4.1          2,098          11.0           5.2
                                       Brevoortia tyrannus                      55.1            4.1            2.1             949           5.0          2.3
                                       Cynoscion regaLis                        24.4            1.8            0.9             349           1.8          0.9
                                       Pomatomus saLtatrix                      12.5            0.9            0.5              74           0.4          0.2
                                       BairdieLla chrysoura                     10.2            0.8            0.4             142           0.7          0.3
                                       Orthopristis chrysoptera                  8.2            0.6            0.3             135           0.7          o.3








                                                                                     54



                       Table 9b. Yearly species composition (top 99%) of scrap fish in long haul catches south of Bluff Shoat (Pamlico
                                    Sound), 1988-1990; n = number of scrap catches sampled.

                                                                                                  Percent weight                                Percent number
                                                                                Mean           within                          Mean          Within
                       Year           Species                               weight Ckq)         area         Statewide         number         area      Statewide

                       1988           Leiostomus xanthurus;                     408.8           28.6            17.7           4,714          25.1          16.8
                       n=71           Micropogonias undutatus                   343.5           24.1            14.9           4, T77         25.4          17.0
                                      Brevoortia tyrannus                       319.3           22.4            13.8           4,313          22.9          15.4
                                      Lagodon rhomboides                        157.5           11.0             6.8           2,924          15.6          10.4
                                      Cynoscion regalis                         105.0            7.4             4.6           1,139            6.1           4.1
                                      Orthooristis chrysoptera                   27.5            1.9             1.2             375            2.0           1.3
                                      Pomatomus sattatrix                        18.3            1.3             0.8             108            0.6           0.4
                                      ia-irdietta chrysoura                      17.5            1.2             0.8             204            1.1           0.7
                                      Mustelus canis                              7.7            0.5             0.3                14          0.1           0  *I
                                      Dorosoma cepedia                            3.6            0.3             0.2                9         <0.1          <0 1
                                      Dasyatis sayi                               3.0            0.2             0.1                3         <0.1          <0.'l
                                      Scomberomorus macutatus                     1.4            0.1             0.1                11          0.1         <0.1

                       1989           Micropogonias     unduLatus               427.1           36.8            23.8           4,648          32.0          21.3
                       n--61          Leiostomus xanthurus;                     211.0           18.2            11.8           3,202          22.1          14.7
                                      Lagodon rhomboides                        207.4           17.9            11.6           2,587          17.8          11.8
                                      Brevoortia tyrannus                       190.0           16.4            10.6           2,826          19.5          12.9
                                      Cynoscion regaLis                          39.0            3.4             2.2             302            2.1           1.4
                                      Orthopristis chrysoptera                   33.6            2.9             1.9             406            2.8           1.9
                                      Pomatomus saLtatrix                        17.3            1.5             1.0             112            0.8           0.5
                                      BairdieLLa chrysoura                       15.8            1.4             0.9             234            1.6           1.1
                                      CaLLinectes saoidus                         5.1            0.4             0.3               26           0.2           0.1
                                      Archosargus   probatocephaLus               2.6            0.2             0.1                4         <0.1          -CO. 1

                       1990           Micropogonias undutatus                   797.2           40.5            19.9           11,986         36.5          19.4
                       n=36           Brevoortia tyrannus                       494.3           25.1            12.3           6,127          18.6            9.9
                                      Leiostomus xanthurus                      367.2           18.6             9.1           9,954          30.3          16.1
                                      Lagodo rhomboides                         139.0            7.1             3.5           2,542            7.7           4.1
                                      Cynoscion regalis                          87.4            4.4             2.2           1,027            3.1           1.7
                                      Orthopristis chrysoptera                   33.8            1.7             0.8             459            1.4           0.7
                                      Pomatomus sattatrix                        23.0            1.2             0.6             169            0.5           0.3
                                      Sairdietta chrysoura                       16.2            0.8             0.4             345            1.0           0.6








                                                                55


                                            Albemarle Sound




                                                                                                                   WANCHIESE

                                                                                                                  :.Oregon
                                                                                                                    Inlet




                                                                                                STUMPY.
                                                                                                POINT'





                                                                                                              RO ANTHE



                                                                                'ENGLEHA.R.

                                                                 0
                                             Pu-190 R.
                                                    -v,
                                                                    C1


        35*
        20'                                                                        rsoc Ing day

                                                                                                                         AVON'
                                               Cc
                                                                                                                             j
                                                     v                          h 8luff Point
                                                                                   PA IM @l C
                                                                                                    HATTkRAS
                                                                                    SOUND
                                                                                    I                               Cape
                                                                                                                 Hot teras



                                                        \Paist of            Royal
                                                         Marsh               shoo/\






                            %                                                                  ATLANT IC
                                                                                                 OCEAN







                           sou d.
                       qua
                     so



                                                      Cape Lookout
               Trloo,                                                               76*100'

                    Figure 1.      Fishing grounds (hatched areas) of North Carolina's long haul
                                   seine fishery.








                                                      56



                       2.500                                                          2,500
                                                                     Atlantic croaker
                                                        P

                       2.000-                                                         2.000




                       1.500-                                                         1.500




                       1.000                                                        -1.000




                         500-                                                       -500




                            0-                                                        0
                       1.800-                                                 Spot    1.000
                       1.600-.

                       1.-400-                                                      -800
                                                                            bm
                    U) 1.200 -
                                                                                      600
                       1.000-                                                                0
                    16   -                                                                    0
                    C    800-                                                       -400     C
                    C15  e0o -                                                               M

                         400-                                                       -200

                         200-


                           0                                                        -0

                       1,000-                                                         700
                                                                          Weakfish
                         800-                                                       -600

                                                                                    -500

                         600                                                          400

                              go
                         400-                                                         300

                                                                                    -200

                         200-
                                                                                    -100
                                                                                    L
                          0                                                   -i 0
                           1982          1984         1986         1988           1990


                                                      Year

                                               Landings    -0- CPUE

                 Figure 2.    Commercial landings (kg x   1000) and CPUE (kg/trip) of Atlantic
                              croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), spot (Lejostomus xanthurus),
                              and weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) from North Carolina long haul
                              fishery, 1982-1990.







                                                 57



                  14


                  12-                                                       1988
                                              7                           n  12.965
                  10-



                   45 -
                                           7




                                         7"





                   2



                   0


                  1-4-


                  12-                       7

                                                                           n=9,604







              (L




                   2-



                   0-



                  20-




                                                                            1990
                  15-
                                                                          n 16.840





                  10-





                   5-





                   0-
                      95 125 155 185       215 245 275 305 335 355 395 425


                                          Total Length (mm)

              Figure 3.   Expanded length frequencies of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias
                          undulatus) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1988-1990.









                                                                                     58





                                60-                             58.01                                                                       1982
                                                                                                                                           n=7,6SB
                                40-          22.78              -
                                20                                               17.52
                                  0                                                                  1.62              -0.  07             0.01
                                60-                             67.97                                                                       1983
                                                                                                                                           n= 11,199
                                40-
                                20-          14.36              -                15.83
                                  0    F77-7-7--71                                                   1.87              0.08                0.01
                                60-                             67.79                                                                       1984
                                40-                                                                                                        n = 20, 909
                                20-          14.30                               15.83
                                  0                                                                  1.87              0.18                0.04
                                                                68.18                                                                       19as
                                60-                                                                                                        n = 10,940
                                40-
                                                                                 22.63
                                20-          7.36                                                    1.69              0.13                0.01
                                  0 -                           I    - @
                                60-                             58.88                                                                       1986
                           (D                                                                                                              n = 14,249
                           0    40-
                                                                                 26.40
                                20-          8.52                                  7                 5.45              0.71                0.03
                                  0                                         F7@ -                      -
                                60-                             6-2.86                                                                      1987
                                40-                                              21.46                                                     n = 11,530
                                20-          11.59                                                   3.72              0.37                0.01
                                  0
                                60-                             50.04                                                                       1988
                                40-                                              28.90                                                     n = 12,985
                                20-          10.95                                                   8.72              1.31                0.09
                                  0 F7777771                    -           F@ r
                                60-                             53.35                                                                       1989
                                40-                                              27.19                                                     n = 9.604
                                20-          12.48                 5@                                6.23              0.74                0.02
                                  0
                                60-                             55.88                                                                       1990
                                40-                                5@-@                                                                    n = 16,840
                                                                                 24.20
                                20-          13.09                                                   5.98
                                       F7777-7                              F777A                                                      < 0.01       1

                                              0                                    2                  3                 4                  5
                                                          F-:;@ @@77'














                                                                                        Age
                      Figure 4.           Age composition of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) from
                                          North Carolina long haul fishery, 1982-1990.








                                  59

              20-                                    1988
                                                    n13.654


              15-





                                           X
                                           X


               5-









              25


                                                     1989
                                                    n=11.604
              20-




              15-




              10-
                                      7/
                                        X
                                        X
               5-
               0                           /U7/1

              12


                                                     1990
              10-                                   n=12.109




                                      7
                                      X
                                 X
                                      X

               4-


               2-                X    X
                                      X


               0
                 45   75  105  135 165  195  225  255 285
                                         71

                                         X



                                           71
                                    71
                                    X
                         71




                         X
                         X
                         X
                                   X
                                         7
                                              7-1



















































                              71
                           X
                         //71


                                         X


                               Fork Length (mm)

          Figure 5. Expanded length frequencies of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) from
                  North Carolina long haul fishery, 1988-1990.








                                                                                    60




                                                                      56,50                                                                 1982
                                60 -                                                                                                     n =9.833
                                40-
                                20             22                                          20.09
                                                                                                                 0.75
                                 0
                                60                                    712.04                                                                1983
                                                                                                                                        n   10,301
                                40-
                                20-            i A 32                                      11.31
                                                                                                                 0.33
                                 0    .I -        -                                                 7                                              1              1
                                60-                                   61  .00                                                               1984

                                40-
                                                                                           23.06
                                20-                 5                              F-177-- 77.
                                                                                                                 0.79
                                 0                -7-77
                                60-                                   62.83                                                                 1985
                                                                                                                                         n =7,8 17
                                40-
                                                  96                                       20.78
                                20-
                                                                                                                 1.54                <  0.01
                                 0
                                                                      53.70
                                60-                                                                                                         1986
                                                                                                                                            10,333
                          Q     40-
                                20-            1  @2                                       24.55
                                                                                     -7-777                      1.02                <  0.01

                                                                      66.00                                                                 1987
                                60-                                   -                                                                 n = 11,249
                                40-
                                                                                           17.37
                                20-            -@;z ^                                I-    -- -                                                                    1
                                                  @2
                                                                                                                 0.61                <  0.01
                                 0    1r                                                                                        -
                                                                      61.63                                                                 1988
                                60-                                                                                                     n = 13,654
                                40-                                                          .4
                                20-            9.27                                                              1.82                <  0.01
                                 0    1                                                                                                                            1
                                60-                                   66.29                                                                 1989
                                                                                                                                        n = 1 1.604
                                40-
                                                                                           24.54
                                20-            3.25
                                 0                                                                               0.93                <  0.01
                                60-                                   53.60                                                                 1990
                                40-            33.94          1-<                                                                       n=12.109
                                20-    F-71                   -                            .1-1.98 77771         0.48
                                 0
                                                  0                                         2                     3                     4
                                                                                        Age
                     Figure 6.           Age composition of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) from North                                          Carolina
                                         long haul fishery, 1982-1990.










                                                            61









                                                                                               n  4.553









                                                  r4  4





                                                 ol
                                                                                rA


                       14  -



                                                 ol
                       12  -                                                                     1989
                                                                                               n 2.038


                       10  -


                  C:     8

                  0
                         6



                         4
                                            @A.
                                              o/I
                                                     'j
                         2



                         0

                       12



                       10


                                                                                                1990
                         8                                                                     n - 6,035
                                                     o/I



                         6



                                             eo
                         4                   11 oe



                                                         oe




                         0
                           95       155      215      275      335      395       455      515      575

                                                      Fork Length (rnrn)i

              Figure 7.      Expanded length frequencies of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) from
                             North Carolina long haul fishery, 1988-1990.








                                                                                  62





                                                  nn Q'I                                                                               1982
                               60-                                                                                                   n = 2,830
                                                 '-     1@                                                                                                    1
                               40-
                                                             28.24
                               2w -
                                        1.70                             2-34     0.71       0.17                < 0.01
                                 0--                ,   -1                                                                                                    1
                                                  61.77                                                                                1983
                               60-                                                                                                   n=4,354
                               40-                           33. 1 a

                               20-
                                        2.32         . .....             2.40     0.24       0.08
                                 0 @                    --I
                               60-                58.64                                                                                1984
                               40-                           35.41                                                                     =5,755
                               20-
                                        0.37                             4.31     0.99       0.25                 0.01
                                 0
                               60-                                                                                                     1985
                                                             40.43                                                                   n=4,278
                               40-
                               20       1.03                             5.60     0.95       0.29
                                 0
                          C:   60-                67.31                                                                                1985
                                                                                                                                     n=4,573
                               40-                           29.23
                               20-      0.74                             2.27     0.38       0.07
                                 0
                               60-                                                                                                     1987
                                                                                                                                     n=5,626
                               40-                           28.99
                               20-
                                 0      4.44                             2.94     0.34       0.06     < 0.01     < 0.01     < 0.01     < 0.01
                               60-                                                                                                     1988
                               40-                34.38      35.03                                                                   n=4,553

                                           7
                                                 FA                  r 77- 77- 1  1.34       0.03
                               20                                        10.07

                                 0
                               60-                51.41                                                                                1989
                                                             41.22                                                                   n = 2,03a
                               40-
                               20-      1.41                             5.02     0.91       0.03     < 0.01 < 0.01         < 0.01 < 0.01
                                 0-

                                                                                                                                       1990
                               60-                48.04      47.96                                                                   n=8,035
                               40-

                               20-
                                 0-     0.20                             3.60     0.20     < 0.01
                                         0                    2          3          4         5          6          7         8          9
                                                                                     Age
                          Figure     8.      Age composition of              weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) from North
                                             Carolina long haul              fishery, 1982-1990.








                                               63
                    250                                               Bluefish 300
                    200--"                                                  -250


                                                                            -200

                    150-


                                                                            -150


                    100-
                                                 C23 -  CEO                 -100

                     50-                                                    -50


                       0                                                     0


                     40-                                                     60
                                                               Spotted seatrout -50
                     30-

                                                                            -40
                 W
                 Cy)
                  .C 20-                                                    -30
                 c                                                               c
                 ccll                                                      Ci- 20M
                     -10 -Co. --
                                     CEM                                    -10



                       0                                                     '0


                     50-                                                     18
                                                                      Flounder -16

                     40-                                                    -14

                                                                            -12
                     30-
                                                                            -10


                                                                            -8
                     20-
                                                                    0.      -6
                     10-                   CEO.                              4

                                                                            -2


                       0                                                     0
                       1982        1984         1986         1988         1990


                                                Year

                                         Landings -0- CPUE


             Figure 9.   Commercial landings (kg x 1000) and CPUE (kg/trip) of bluefish
                         (Pomatomus saltatrix), spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), and
                         flounders (Paralichthys sp.) from North Carolina long haul
                         fishery, 1982-1990.








                                                          64












                                                                                            1988
                                                                                           n=1,013



                       4-                           ol

                                               o' 0'
                                               oe ol/.1 ol
                       3                       00/00 Oe          0'
                                       o'
                                                                o' ol
                                       o'      o'               o'/
                                               ///ol o' 11    o'// /ol
                       2                       o'///"o@' 'o     o'/ ///
                                               o'/o' o'/         / ol ol o'
                                                /   ol  oo
                                       o'      o' ol          o'
                                   ol          "/o'                 ol ol
                                   01          o@'/eo,o' '0 o' ol ol ol
                                               le 11 ol       o'
                                                o' o' 0'"0'

                                   oo
                                   ol                                     ooo
                       0                       IVI 4. 4,                  V.
                                                                       o'. o'


                                                                                             1989
                                                                                           n=1.151
                                                              o@


                                                    ol
                  C:                                /
                                                    /o'  ol
                                               0'   oe o' ?o @O//o'
                       4                              oe"0' 01 01 00 o'
                                                    lo Oo o@ 11
                                               ol oo/
                  0                            o@ '0"o' o' o' ol oe
                  (L                           .1 ol @O 01 o' o' o'
                                               01 oo/    /  /
                                               o' 0@ oe oo ol 0' 0'
                       2-                      o'         ol
                                                                ol
                                               01             o'
                                               ol
                                                                               09       T770- - -
                                               o'     o/, 0, oo"
                                               oe


                                                                   -7-


                      12

                      10                                                                    1990
                                                                                          n=2,357


                       8  -
                                               0'


                                               001
                       6  -                    e"
                                               0'"
                                               /0' 11"O'el
                                               /"//0' '4 '0
                       4  -                    00//Oe '0 0@
                                               01/01 0@ 01
                                               /11/ lo 01
                                               Oe 0' 0'1/""
                       2                       /"@o ,,"0@
                                               0, 0,
                                               0'
                                               0' 0'
                                                    0"

                         95      155           215 275    335     395     455 515          575

                                                    Fork Length   (mm)
              Figure 10. Expanded length frequencies of bluefish          (Pomatomus saltatrix) from
                            North Carolina long haul fishery, 1988-1990.








                                                                              65


                              60-                83.71                                                                         1982
                                                                                                                             n = 1.053
                              40_
                              20-    13.82                2.47

                                                                                                                               1983
                              60-    41.93      51.83                                                                          n=384
                              40-
                              :20-                        a. 17                        0.04       0.04
                               0-
                                                51.08                                                                          1984
                              60-    4a.75                                                                                   n = 1.846
                              140-
                              120-                        1.91      0.15                         0.04      0.04

                                     63.56                                                                                     1985
                              60-    @@- 34.87                                                                                 n=337
                              40-

                              20
                                              M           1.77
                               0
                              60-               52.53                                                                          1986
                         a)                                                                                                    n=398
                         Q    40-    29.33
                              20-                         12.14

                               0
                              60-               aO.17                                                                          1987
                                                                                                                               n=519
                              40-    27.47

                              20 -                        12.37



                                                                                                                               1988
                              60-    51-SO                                                                                   n=1,013
                              40 -             33.46
                              20                          14.93     0.12
                               0-                       E771
                              60-               57.44                                                                          1989
                              40 -   38.25                                                                                   n=1,151
                              1120                        4.02      0.30

                              60-               52.91                                                                          1990
                                     43.a3                                                                                   n=2,357
                              40-
                              20-                         3.13      0.05     0.04      0.02 < 0.01 0.01                        < 0.01
                               0
                                       0         1         2         3         4         5         6         7        8         9
                                                                                Age
                          Figure 11. Age composition of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) from North
                                            Carolina long haul fishery, 1982-1990.











                                                                 U U









                         14-                                                                               1988
                                                                                                           n=80

                         12-


                         10-



                          8-


                          6-
                                     oo,


                                                                o"
                          4-         /                                                                                         I
                                                                oo,
                                        0,
                          2            o
                                        o" r@'  o/1' o/o, o/01
                          0





                         14                                                                                1989
                                                                                                          n=48
                         12

                    4-0
                    C    10                               ooo



                                                            oe



                          4-                    o0o oe


                          2-


                          0


                         20



                                                                                                         1990
                                                                                                         n=112
                         is-





                         10-                                                         oe




                                                                             oe



                                        o'
                                          0, o'
                                          /. oo
                                        o'
                          0               /,4
                              75          13S       195        255         316         375        435         495

                                                           Total Length (mm)

                    Figure 12. Expanded length frequencies of summer flounder (Paralichthys
                                    dentatus) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1988-1990.









                                              67




                   35-                                                     6
                       Spanish mackerel
                   30-                                                    -5

                   25-
                                                                          -4


                   20-

                                                                          -3

                   15-


                                                                           2
                   10-



                     5-


                    0         .... 0
                   so                                           Harvestfish 25

                   40                                                     -20




                (1) 30-                                                   -15
                                         cm.                                  0
                C                                                             _0
                   20                                                     -10 C:
                                                                              M
                CU
               --l
                   10-                                                    -5



                   0                                              'EM
                                                                          -0
                   25-                                                     4
                            co                                   Butterfish  co

                   20-
                                                                          -3



                   15-


                                                                           2


                   10-




                    5-




                   0  -                                                    0
                    1982         1984        1986         1988          1990


                                             Year

                                       Landings -3- CPUE


             Figure 13. Commercial landings (kg x 1000) and CPUE (kg/trip) of Spanish
                        mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus), harvestfish (Peprilus
                        alepidotus), and butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus) from North
                        Carolina long haul fishery, 1982-1990.



















                  14


                  12-                                                       1988
                                                                           n 2.607






                   8-

                                                  7,-








                   2



                   0


                  25



                                                                            1 gag
                  20-                                                      n=1,909


              C:
              (1) 15-
              Q



                  -to-
                   5-           _,rip                         E2
                   0-                                NNE
                  35



                                                                            1990
                                                     ;7                    n 1.478
                  25
                                                     X

                  20-



                  15-



                  10-



                   5-



                   0
                      65     Q5      125    155    185     215     245    275     305
                                                  71
                                          7A






                                               X,
                                          7-2
                                   7'1




                                   X


                                   X
                                     7-2





                                             71      x    X
                                   X



















                                          X
                                          X













                                                       7@



                                                  X
                                                  X
                                                  X



                                          Fork Length  (mm)
               Figure 14. Expanded length frequencies of Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia
                           tyrannus) from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1988-1990.









                                                             69




                             3,000                                                                1,400

                                                                                   Scrap fish.'
                                                                                               -1,200
                             2,500-


                                                                                               -1,000
                             2,000


                                                                                               -800

                             1,500-

                                                                                               -600


                             1,000-
                                                                                               -400


                                500-
                                                                                                  200



                       M
                                  0                                                            -0
                                                                                                           0
                           10,000 -                                                            - 5,000      V
                                                                                                           C
                       CO                                                         Total finfish            M

                            8,000 -                                                               4,000




                            6,000 -                                                               3,000




                            4,000 -                                                               2,000



                            2,000 -                                                               1,000



                                0                                                                 0

                                  1982           1984           1986          1988            1990


                                                              Year


                                                      Landings -CR- CPUE

                  Figure 15. Commercial landings (kg x 1000) and CPUE (kg/trip) for scrap fish
                                 and total catch from North Carolina long haul fishery, 1982-1990.








                                                   70



                     50-

                                                                                   North

                     40-









                     20-

                                                         0<x
                                                                 7 T< 7 777      <
                     10-

                                                                  XD0<            <

                      0                                g:@.k         I


                                                                                   South
                     70-


                     Go-

                C    so-
                a)
                0    40-


                     30-                                                         <

                     20-
                     101
                      0
                     60-
                                                                               Combined
                     50 - <><X


                     40-
                                                    77

                     20-



                     10-



                     0
                           Apr    May Jun          Jul    Aug     Sep     Oct      All
                                                  Month
                                  00
                         DOO
















                                       Fkandin'gs         Samples_
                Figure 16. Monthly and total (All) percentage of scrap fish (mean 1988-1990)
                            in reported commercial landings and individual catches sampled by
                            area (north of Bluff Shoal and south of Bluff Shoal) and combined
                            for the North Carolina long haul fishery.



 I
 I
 I
 I
 I
 I
 I
 I                         A P P E N D I X
 I
 I
 I
 I
 I
.I
 I
 I
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 I .












                                                                                      2                                3                    4
 PPENDIX A. Seasonal conmerciat Landings of sciaenid pound net             Long haul ,   ocean gitt net (gitt net)      ,and winter trawl fisheries in North Carolina for 1982-1990
              fishing seasons (season = May-Aprit), including total tandings/species (mt), total value of state landings (value in 1000s of dollars) and relative contribution of
              the three fisheries/species (percent).


                        May 82-Apr 83       May 83-Apr 84       May 84-Apr 85        May 85-Apr 86      May 86-Apr 87         May 87-Apr 88       May 88-Apr 89   -   May 89-Apr 90     May 90-Apr 91
                       Land-    Value/     Land-    Value/     Land-    Value/      Land-    Value/     Land-    Value/      Land-    Value/     Land-    VaLue/     Land-   Value/    Land-   Value/
 Decies                ings     percent    ings     percent    ings     percent     ings     percent    ings     percent     ings     percent    ings     percent    ings    percent   ings    percent

 ttantic croaker       4,475    $3,572     3,697    $3,099     4,707    $3,278      4,211    $3,204     3,757     $2,909     3,552    $3,133     3,164    $3,036     2,787   S3,201    2,550   $2,749
  Pound net              863      19.3       292        7.9       443       9.4       567      13.5        234       6.2       579      16.3       451       14.2      244      8.8      218       8.5
  Long haul            2,064      46.1     1,883      50.9     1,339       28.4     1,114      26.4     1,392       37.0       679      19.1     1,177       37.2    1,427     51.2    1,769      69.4
  Trawler                547      12.2       478      12.9     1,359       28.9     1,069      25.4        721      19.2       761      21.4       653       20.7      436     15.7      154       6.1
  Gilt net               385       8.6       540      13.3     1,219       25.9     1,252      29.7     1,204        3.0     1,283      36.1       636       20.1      385     13.9      304      11.9

 eakfish               5,163    S4,695     5,486    $3,936     4,728    $3,874      6,626    $4,458     5,276     $4,152     6,561    $4,717     5,298    $5,041     2,854   $3,320    2,759   $2,803
  Pound net              126       2.5        73        1.3       167       3.5       192       2.9         88       1.7       199       3.0       232        4.4         58    2.0          74    2.7
  Long haul              737      14.3       704      12.8        762      16.1       508       7.7        586      11.1       412       6.3       608       11.5      240      8.4      481      17.4
  Trawler              3,054      59.5     2,740      49.9     1,760       37.2     2,570      38.8     1,971       37.4     2,364      36.0     1,590       30.0    1,168     41.1    1,220      44.4
  Gilt net               846      16.4     1,555      28.4     1,565       33.1     2,654      40.1     2,277       43.2     3,253      49.6     2,440       46.1    1,202     42.2      842      30.5

 iuefish               3,470      $914     1,618      $565     1,344       $509     1,734      $513     1,712       $732     2,603      $755     1,417       $538    1,761     $678    2,150   $   740
  Pound net               89       2.6        31        1.9        38       2.9          51     3.0         30       1.8        41       1.6         35       2.5         14    0.8          14    0.7
  Long haul              194       5.6       153        9.5       M        11.7       216      12.5        212      12.4       214       8.2       164       11.6      136      7.7      139       6.5
  Trawler              1,776      51.2       465      28.7        359      26.7       353      20.3        185      10.8       564      21.7       234       16.5      206     11.7      124       5.6
  Gilt net               970      28.0       637      39.4        561      41.8       744      42.9        979      57.2     1,357      52.1       683       48.2    1,193     67.8    1,293      60.1

 pot                   2,214    $1,063     1,388      $699     1,562       $809     1,843      $900     1,473       $742     1,296      S663     1,378       $666    1,464     $785    1,590   S   805   4
  Pound net              150       6.8        30        2.1        89       5.7          56     3.1         22       1.5        51       3.9         33       2.4         33    0.2          19    1.2  PJ
  Long haul            1,556      70.3       885      62.3        938      60.1     1,126      61.1        865      58.8       529      40.8       896       65.0      903     61.7    1,104      69.4
  Trawler                 36       1.6        69        5.0        50       3.2          75     4.1         38       2.6        37       2.8         37       2.7         63    4.3          33    2.1
  Gilt net                37       1.7        65        4.7       131       8.4       150       8.2        213      14.5       268      20.7       142       10.3      232     15.9      113       7.1*

 lounders              3,970    $5,486     6,027    $7,293     6,403    $10,132     4,231    $9,304     3,256     $7,993     4,571   $10,957     3,927    $9,649     2,637   $9,685    3,003   $9,554
  Pound net               55       1.4        34        0.6        53       0.8          34     0.8         99       3.0       163       3.6       257        6.5      150      5.7          76    2.5
  Long haul               28       0.7        36        0.6        27       0.4          29     0.7         43       1.3        12       0.3         38       1.0         32    1.2          19    0.6
  Trawler              2,888      72.8     4,769      79.1     5,185       81.0     2,891      68.3     1,825       56.1     3,219      70.4     2,326       59.2    1,105     41.9    1,686      56.2
  Gilt net               0.2      <0.1           6    <0.1           9      0.2          6      0.1           6      0.2          4      0.1           2      0.1         6     0.3      <0.1     <0.1

 triped bass             110      $451       185      $356        211      $365       101      $170        135       297        54      $119         43       $96         77   $212          50 S 156
  Pound net                 -         -          -         -                                        -      0.2       0.2          -         -          -                  -        -         0         0
  Long haul              0.1      <0.1           -                                                                                                                        -        -         0         0
  Trawler                   2      1.5           6      3.3                                                                                                       -       10   <0.1          3     6.0
  Gilt net                22      20.3       0.3        0.2                    -         -          -         -                   -         -          -          -       34    0.1          0         0
 utterfish  5            135       $76        53        $43        so       $64          63     $47         79       S72        62       $53         26       $28      104      $67      122   S     97
  Pound net               11       8.1           1      2.7          7      8.6          14    22.2         10      12.6          5      7.3           7     26.9      0.9      0.9          15    1.2
  Long haul                 4      2.7           4      8.4          2      2.9       0.2       0.3         13      16.3       0.6       1.0           1      5.4      0.5      5.3          21   17.2
  Trawler                 74      55.0        38      71.7         52      64.6          34    53.6         39      49.3        32      51.6         10      38.5         71   69.3          41   33.6
  Gilt net                38      28.4           6    10.6         13      15.7          9     14.4         11      14.1        11      18.2           3     11.5         16   15.5          12    9.8










  APPENDIX A. (Continued).


                         May 82-Apr 83       May 83-Apr 84        May 84-Apr 85       May 85-Apr 86        May 86-Apr 87       May 87-Apr 88        May 88-Apr 89      May 89-Apr 90     May 90-Apr 91
                        Land-     Value/     Land-    Value/     Land-     Value/    Land-     Value/     Land-     Value/    Land-     Value/     Land-    Value/    Land-    Value/   Land-    Value/
  Species               ings     percent     ings    percent     ings     percent    Ings     percent     ings     mrcent     ings,    percent     ings    percent    ings    percent   ings    percent
  Harvestfish 5           199      $123        101       $60       110       $97        186     $200        137      S167       115       $158       114      $164      100     $129        98     $135
    Pound net               34     17.2         17      16.8        32      28.9           86   46.5         34      24.6        38       32.7        34      29.8       18     18.0        24     24.5
    Long haul               41     20.6         20      19.4        21      19.5           16     8.8        33      23.9        33       28.5        16      14.3          6    6.2          9     9.2
    Trawler                 34     17.2           7      7.1          5      4.7           43   23.0           7      4.8           6      4.8          8      7.1       22     22.0        13     13.3
    Gilt net                42     21.1           6      6.0          5      4.7           18     9.5        11       8.3        13       11.0          5      4.4       13     13.3        16     16.3
  Spanish mackerel          86       $61        19       $15        58       $42           79     $67       105       $81       229       $145       199      $141      268     $215      380      $318
    Pound net                 3      3.6          3     14.2          6     10.9           10   12.4         16      15.2        81       35.6        75      37.7       71     26.5        22      5.8
    Long haul             0.9        1.1          1      7.9          3      4.5           5      6.3        13      12.4        15        6.4        18       8.9       33     12.3        12      3.2
    Trawler               0.4        0.4          -         -         -          -      0.3       0.4       0.3       0.3       0.1       <0.1       0.2       0.1          3    1.1      0.7       0.2
    Gilt net                30     34.7           4     20.3        14      24.4           27   34.1         41      38.9        50       21.9        43      21.6      114     42.5      143      37.6
  Florida poqmno            14       $33          2        $4         4      $11           11     $32        17       $41           9      $24          3        $9         9    $28        14      $24
    Pound net                 3    23.5        0.1       M         0.4       8.9           1      9.0          3     16.3           2     24.4       0.4      13.3          5   55.6      0.5       3.6
    Long haul                 6    38.9        0.4      18.7          2     56.6           5    48.4           4     24.3           2     19.7       0.7      18.9          2   18.6          1     7.2
    Trawler                   -                                       -          -         -         -         -         -          -                   -         -     .002    <0.1          -
    Gilt net              0.7        4.7          -         -      0.6      13.7        0.1       1.4          2     11.2       0.5        5.5       0.3      10.0                        <0.1     <0.1
  Spotted seatrout          42       $72        72      $120        68      $123           65   $171         85      $157       156       $277       167      $326      161     $345      110      $219
    Pound net                 5    11.6           5      6.8          4      6.0        0.2       0.4       0.3       0.3           2      1.5       0.2       0.1          -        -    0.3       0.3,4
    Long haul               15     35.6         19      25.6        15      22.3           9    14.9         10      11.8        36       23.2        35      21.1       31     19.0        21     19.1 W
    Trawler               0.4        1.0       0.3       0.4       0.4       0.6           2      2.8          6      6.7           2      1.4       0.7       0.4          a    4.8      <0.1     <0.1
    Gilt net                  2      5.4          4      5.8          4      6.1           16   24.4         10      11.5        17       11.0        22      13.2       10      6.3        10      9.1
  Red drum                  22       $11       146       $81        91       $60           77   $113        104      $109       115       $149        99      $124      118     $164        82     $105
    Pound net             0.3        1.5          2      1.1       0.8       0.9        0.4       0.5       0.5       0.5        19       16.4          4      4.0          5    4.2          1     1.2
    Long haul                 5    20.4           9      6.5          7      7.7           2      2.8        32      30.9        16       13.8        11      11.1       25     21.6          8     9.8
    Trawler                   6    27.7         13       9.0          6      7.1           2      2.1          2      1.5           1      1.3          2      1.9          1    1.1      0.2       0.3
    Gilt net                  5    24.0         37      25.1        21      22.8           19   24.4           9      8.4        11        9.6          9      9.1       12     10.4          5     6.1
  Black sea bass          213      $343        446      $619       544      $976        503    $1,002       267      $519       495       $979       452    $1,118      509    $1,384     285    $1,042
    Trawler                 71     33.5        266      59.7       363      71.4        296     58.9         95      35..7      315       63.6       206      45.7      205     40.3        60     21.1
  Scup or porgies         658      $840        835      $997       505      $759        188     $212        Ill      $186        61        $65        15       $11       47        82       71      $60
    Trawler               304      46.2        477      57.2       267      52.9        171     90.8        ill      99.7        58       94.3        15      100.0      47     99.6        71    100.0
  Bait                  4,302      S354      4,430      $376     4,695      $381     3,437      $230      2,836      $201     4,084       $300     2,596      $168    2,167     S159    2,566      $177
    Pound net             349        8.1       201       4.5       421       9.0        549     16.0        123       4.3       329        8.1       271      10.4      306     14.1      341      13.3
    Long haul           1,879      43.7      1,901      42.9     1,884      40.1     1,148      33.4      1,386      48.9     1,474       36.1     1,078      41.5    1,112     51.8    1,635      63.7
    Trawler             1,364      31.7      1,613      36.4     1,728      36.7     1,620      47.1        905      31.9     2,109       51.1       794      30.6      195      9.0        78      3.0
    Gilt net                62       1.5                 1.0       100       2.1           13     0.4        23       0.8           7      0.2       127       4.9          6    0.3          1











 @PENDIX A. (Continued).

                       May 82-Apr 83        May 83-Apr 84      May 84-Apr 85        May 85-Apr 86       May 86-Apr 87       May 87-Apr 88        May 88-Apr 89      May 89-Apr 90      May 90-Apr 91
                      Land-     Value/     Land-    Value/     Land-     Value/     Land-    Vatue7     Land-     Value/    Land-     Value/     Land-     Value/   Lard- Value/       Lard- Value/
 pecies               Ings     percent     ings   percent.     ings     percent     ings    percent     ings     percent    ings     percent     ings    percent-   Ings percent       ings percent

 DtaL finfish
 (w/out menhaden) 31,767       $23,406    32,776   $23,639    37,030    $28,220    32,319   $27,182     25,462   $25,399    31,772   $30,301     25,225   $29,622   20,905  $41,836   24,812  $28,731
  Pound net           1,699        5.4        706       2.2    1,285         3.5    1,553        4.8       684       2.7    1,558         4.9    1,432        5.7      935       4.5      827      3.3
  Long haul           6,579       20.7     5,649      17.2     5,175       14.0     4,250      13.2     4,714      18.5     3,353       10.6     4,308      17.1    4,112      19.7    5,299     21.4
  Trawler             10,367      32.6    11,779      35.9    11,899       32.1     9,850      30.5     6,493      25.5     10,256      32.3     6,099      24.2    4,481      21.5    4,081     16.4
  GM net              2,671        8.4     3,071        9.4    3,825       10.3     5,157      16.0     5,067      19.9     6,698       21.1     4,430      17.6    3,555      17.0    3,548     14.3

 Dtal marketable
  (w/out menhaden) 27,465      $23,092    28,346   $18,994    32,336    $23,263    28,882   $26,952     22,626   $25,197    27,688   $29,884     22,629   $29,454   18,738  $41,677   22,246  $28,554
  Pound net           1,350        4.9        505       1.8       864        2.7    1,003        3.5       561       2.5    1,229         4.4    1,161        5.1      630       3.3      468      2J
  Long haul           4,700       17.1     3,748      13.2     3,291       10.2     3,102      10.7     3,328      14.7     2,074         7.5    3,230      14.3    2,991      16.0    3,665     16.5
  Trawler             9,003       32.8    10,166      35.9    10,177       31.5     8,230      28.5     5,588      24.7     8,147       29.4     5,304      23.4    4,285      22.9    4,056     18.2
  Gill net            2,613        9.5     3,028      10.7     3,725       11.5     5,144      17.8     5,043      22.3     6,691       24.2     4,303      19.0    3,549      18.9    3,547     15.9


  Pound net landings include Dare County (annuat timeframe).
  Long haul landings: Long haul landings include April through December            from Dare,  Hyde, Carteret, Craven, Pamlico     and  Beaufort counties   (annual timeframe).
  Winter trawl Landings include: Dare, Hyde, Pamlico, Beaufort, Craven,            Carteret, Brunswick and Onstow counties.
  ocean gill net landings include all state landings September through April.
  North Carolina commercial landings combined harvestfish and butterfish landings in 1985 are harvestfish; for the purpose of this presentation, we extrapolated out butterfish
  Landings based an monthly relative proportions of the two species in our samples.

                                                                                                                                                                                                       4@h










                  APPENDIX B.       Long haut seine total commercial landings (kg) and catch/trip (CKJE, kg) north (N), south (S) and combined (C) areas of Bluff Shoat,
                                   Pamlico Sound    area for the predominant species, 1982-1990.

                  Species                Area                         1982            1983           1984             1985            1986         1987            1988            1989             1990

                  Atlantic croaker         N        Landings       1,789,581        1,722,516       1,177,131        966,083       1,205,537      479,195         949,184       1,280,905       1,535,222
                                                    CPUE             1,118.4         1,530.9         3,108.4         2,217.2        2,564.4       1,727.5         2,146.9         1,619.1        2,946.7
                                           S        Landings         376,405         206,589         296,977         147,892        186,364       199,472         227,553         146,181        233,691
                                                    CPUE                628.3           791.2          702.0           614.1           895.1        716.7           554.5           706.0        1,216.3
                                           C        Landings       2,165,986        1,929,104       1,474,108      1,113,975       1,391,901      678,667       1,176,737       1,427,086       1,768,913
                                                    CPUE                835.2        1,131.7         1,874.4         1,485.3        2,225.0       1,258.9         1,286.1         1,106.5        2,291.5
                  Bluefish                 N        Landings          84,792          58,044          26,254          47,584          29,581       30,890          28,043          41,812           45,233
                                                    CPUE                 67.4            37.2             48.8          34.3            37.4         52.0            50.5             92.5          144.7
                                           S        Landings         113,254          95,349          89,900         168,629        182,088       183,041         136,055          94,282           93,787
                                                    CPUE                439.3            61.2             79.8          69.0           282.7        128.3           137.1           169.7           108.1
                                           C        Landings         198,046         153,393         116,154         216,213        211,670       213,941         164,09B         136,094        139,020
                                                    CPUE                282.3            52.0             64.7          50.1            95.7         87.4            97.3           135.9           130.9

                  Spot                     N        Landings         363,726         130,230         175,293         143,367        289,113       106,162         188,369         220,757        184,323
                                                    CPUE                325.7           478.0          296.2           386.3           623.6        423.2           703.6           453.9           307.6
                                           S        Landings       1,214,852         731,952         737,278         982,436        576,360       422,411         707,334         681,789        920,049
                                                    CPUE                854.2        1,345.3         1,011.6         1,266.0        1,222.1         897.4         1,153.8           905.4           887.2
                                           C        Landings       1,578,579         862,182         912,572       1,125,804        865,473       528,573         895,703         902,546       1,104,372
                                                    CPUE                631.1           846.4          663.1           788.4           T76.8        643.0           947.0           707.4           527.1
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   @4
                  Flounders                N        Landings            6,293           6,058          5,280           4,438          16,874        2,076           3,674          14,852           4,203          Ln
                                                    CPUE                  1.0            10.6             2.5            4.4             3.8           3.7            4.8             3.5             9.2
                                           S        Landings          22,097          30,305          21,872          24,252          26,389        9,519          34,201          16,963           14,477
                                                    CPUE                 21.2            41.4             10.8          13.9             4.3           8.2            6.9             8.7             2.9
                                           C        Landings          28,390          36,363          27,152          28,690          43,263       11,595          37,865          31,815           18,680
                                                    CPUE                 12.7            15.6             6.8            4.4             1.6           4.2            6.0             6.4             3.6

                  Butterfish               N        LANDINGS            3,611             851             364            211          12,699           530            347             515           1,705
                                                    CPUE                 CO. I           <0.1             0.8           <0.1            -CO. 1       <0.1            <0.1             <0.1           <0.1
                                           S        Landings                59          3,234          1,971                 -           136             93         1,040               40          19,361
                                                    CPUE                  2.2             6.4             0.6                -           0.2           5.5           4. 1             (0.1            7.2
                                           C        Landings            3,670           4,085          2,335             210          12,835           623          1,387             555           21,066
                                                    CPUE                  1.3             3.5             0.7           <0.1             0.1         2.55             0.5             0.2             3.6

                  Harvestfish              N        Landings            8,627           3,803          2,985           3,456          13,104        4,338           3,840           3,273           3,217
                                                    CPUE                  1.4             3.2             0.5            6.9             3.0         <0.1            <0.1             <0.1           <0.1
                                           S        Landings          32,315          15,711          18,431          12,905          19,688       28,318          12,338           2,964           5,311
                                                    CPUE                 16.7            40.9             8.4           19.3            28.4           3.7            6.1             <0.1            4.6
                                           C        Landings          40,942          19,513          21,416          16,361          32,792       32,656          16,177           6,237           8,528
                                                    CPUE                 10.3            22.8             4.6           12.6             9.0           1.7            3.4             0.4             2.4

                  Spanish mackerel         N        Landings              628                9            179          1,366           6,786        2,242           2,450          16,753           3,585
                                                    CPUE                  0.5            <0.1             0.2            1.9             0.5           1.2           <0.1             <Q.1           <0.1
                                           S        Landings              297           1,471          2,398           3,587           6,272       12,325          15,226          16,097           8,242
                                                    CPUE                  0.4             0.4             <0.1           1.1            <0.1           2.0            3.9             6.7            <0.1
                                           C        Landings              925           1,480          2,577           4,952          13,657       14,567          17,676          32,850           11,827
                                                    CPUE                  0.4             0.2             0.1            1.6             0.4           1.6            2.5             5.4             3.2













             APPENDIX B. (Continued).

             Species               Area                        1982          1983           1984            1985         1986       1987          1988           1989          1990

             Spotted seatrout       N        Landings          7,522         13,829        10,808         5,408         2,818       13,591        12,379         20,717        14,385
                                             CPUE                 5.0          10.7            3.3           1.3         14.2         24.6          36.6          34.8           21.8
                                    S        Landings          7,865         7,702          4,526         3,944         7,261       22,514        23,132         9,890         6,755
                                             CPUE                19.9          22.5           15.6           1.6         14.6         33.4          59.3          30.5           13.3
                                    C        Landings          15,387        21,532        15,335         9,352         10,079      36,105        35,511        30,607         21,140
                                             CPUE                13.6          17.6            9.6           1.5         14.6         28.7          48.8          32.4           18.6

             Weakfish               N        Landings        241,346       286,955       294,119       257,379        217,913     133,122       367,536        121,903       131,206
                                             CPUE              201.4         552.9          683.3         784.4         366.8       405.3         670.8          121.0         123.9
                                    S        Landings        518,049       430,088       494,388       250,429        368,348     278,956       241,402        117,597       349,471
                                             CPUE              431.9         625.3          422.5         351.9         873.3       478.8         238.2           99.6         592.8
                                    C        Landings        759,395       717,042       788,507       507,808        586,260     412,078       608,938        239,500       480,677
                                             CPUE              334.6         584.9          549.5         587.0         493.1       439.4         437.0          109.0         301.4

             Bait*                  N        Landings        286,632     1,312,279       876,022       283,494        503,573     338,365       148,445        436,179       499,835
                                             CPUE                   -              -                           -      1,026.6       705.3       1,052.2          799.3       1,097.1
                                    S        Landings      1,652,425     1,177,289     1,505,136       920,441      1,304,659   1,426,678     1,087,431        714,100     1,134,864
                                             CPUE                   -              -             -             -      2,024.4     1,426.5       1,219.5        1,171.0       1,567.1
                                    C        Landings      1,939,057     2,489,568     2,381,158     1,203,935      1,808,232   1,760,043     1,235,876     1,150,279      1,634,699
                                             CPUE                   -              -                           -      1,260.7     1,039.7       1,147.2        1,031.9       1,338.8

             Total fish             N        Landings      2,592,427     5,094,876     3,837,148     2,922,525      3,897,382   1,569,501     1,739,310     2,245,035      2,444,470          -4
                                             CPUE            1,850.3       2,584.2       3,973.2       3,667.6        3,929.6     2,434.8       3,843.1        2,692.2       3,645.4
                                    S        Landings      4,362,433     3,071,921     3,036,761     3,019,109      3,247,497   3,221,927     2,569,551     1,866,646      2,854,636
                                             CPUE            2,977.8       4,166.0       3,003.7       2,918.7        4,368.7     3,057.77      2,610.0        2,468.4       3,687.0
                                    C        Landings      6,954,860     8,166,798     6,873,909     5,941,634      7,144,879   4,791,428     4,308,861     4,111,681      5,299,106
                                             CPUE            2,514.3       3,441.0       3,517.5       3,307.1        4,032.6     2,723.6       3,142.6        2,552.1       3,666.8


                 Biological sanpLing   of bait in long haul catches began in 1986.









                  APPENDIX C.        Monthly (A; 1988-1990), areal (B; 1985-1990), and scrap (C; 1985-1990) expanded length frequencies of Atlantic croaker (Micropoganias
                                     undulatus) from long haul catches; n = number of individuals measured; en = exparded nLuA*r of individuals.

                                                                                                                Percent frequency size class (TL. mm)
                                                                                             151-       176-       201-       226-       251-        276-       301-       326-      351-      376-
                           Year      Month                n            en         <151       175        200        225        250        275         300        325        350       375       400     >400

                  A.       1988       Apr                 417       30,687         1.1       25.5       21.6       14.4       15.0       11.5        7.2        2.7        0.2       0.8
                                      May              2,422       249,007         0.2        2.0        9.9       22.5       34.3       18.1        7.7        3.0        1.8       0.6     <0.1
                                      Jun              3,537       249,2BB         0.3        0.6       14.4       42.1       24.8       10.9        4.4        1.9        0.5       0.1     <0.1
                                      Jut              2,275       165,451         0.4        0.5        5.3       23.1       32.8       21.0        9.9        4.0        1.6       1.1       0.3
                                      Aug              3,460       443,417         6.0        4.6        4.1       20.3       33.5       18.3        8.4        3.2        1.1       0.3               <0.1
                                      Sep                 669       97,676        20.2       41.5       19.8        8.2         4.7       3.1        1.6        0.7        0.2       0.1
                                      Oct                 185       27,029         3.0        9.7       45.5       23.6       15.4        1.8                   0.5        0.3                 0.3

                           1989       Apr                 807       31,276        <0.1        0.4        1.0        5.9       33.7       38.1        14.8       4.7        1.2       0.1
                                      May                 641       41,314         0.1       12.6       28.4       14.1       21.9       19.8        3.o        0.1       <0.1       0.0
                                      Jun              3,7BB       251,220        Q.j         2.3       13.2       31.6       26.0       18.3        7.1        1.3        0.1       0.0
                                      Jut              2,349       369,895         2.0        1.8       16.4       33.7       27.0       14.9        3.5        0.7       <0.1
                                      Aug              1,725       164.612         6.7        8.1        4.7       29.8       34.7       12.4        3.3        0.2        0.1
                                      Sep                 184       11,716         4.9       31.9       30.1        8.9       11.3        8.5        1.5        2.6        0.1       0.2
                                      Oct                 110         5,452       <0.1       25.2       64.8        6.4                   3.5

                           1990       Apr                 346       14,109                   22.2       32.5       30.6       12.8        0.0        0.0        0.0
                                      May              2,762       433,432         0.7        2.8        6.0       17.3       45.9       23.9        3.3        0.1       <0.1
                                      Jun              5,843       882,159         2.2        2.9       14.0       30.2       39.3       10.6        0.8        0.0
                                      Jut              4,100       198,527         4.2        0.8        4.9       28.6       46.9       13.4        1.0        0.2       <0.1
                                      Aug              2.810       372,658        38.5       14.7       10.3       16.9       14.3        4.4        0.8        0.1       <0.1      <0.1                              @4
                                      Sep                 805       62,436        10.9       51.0        8.0        5.0       15.0        7.8        1.9        0.4        0.1                                        -4
                                      Oct                 174       10,133        13.8       83.8        1.9                              0.2        0.2        0.2        0.1

                                                                                                                Percent frequency size class (TL. mm)
                                                                                             151-       176-       201-       226-       251-        276-       301-       326-      351-      376-
                           Year      Month                             en         <151       175        200        225        250        275         300        325        350       375       400     >400

                  B.       1985       North            7,766       617,470         0.4        1.4        1.7       17.9       48.3       23.9        5.6        0.8        0.1      <0.1     <0.1
                                      South            3,174       234,425         1.8       25.2       45.6       17.4         8.0       1.6        0.2        0.1        0.1
                                      Combined        10,940       851,895         0.8        7.9       13.8       17.8       37.2       17.8        4.1        0.6        0.1      <0.1     <0.1

                           1986       North           12,878     1,143,514         0.1        0.3        2.0       18.8       45.2       25.7        6.4        1.3        0.1      <0.1     <0.1
                                      South            1,371       214,253         8.7       19.0       32.2       30.9         6.8       1.8        0.3        0.1        0.1                 0.1
                                      Combined        14,249     1,357,767         1.5        3.3        6.8       20.7       39.2       21.9        5.4        1.1        0.1      <0.1     <0.1

                           1987       North            8,109       661,520         0.8        3.8        4.7       20.2       42.9       22.2        4.5        0.7        0.1      <0.1
                                      South            3,421       302,840                   14.6       24.9       32.4       19.5        4.9        0.9        0.1                 <0.1
                                      Combined        11,530       964,360         1.4        7.2       11.1       24.0       35.5       16.8        3.4        0.5        0.1      <0.1

                           1988       North            8,350       790,135         1.0        2.1        3.9       19.4       34.2       22.2        10.6       4.2        1.7       0.6       0.1
                                      South            4,615       472,417         8.7       13.1       20.2       32.8       19.7        4.3        0.9        0.3        0.0      <0.1               <0.1
                                      Combined        12,965     1,262,552         3.9        6.2       10.0       24.4       28.8       15.5        7.0        2.8        1.1       0.4       0.1     <0.1

                           1989       North            4,873       482,269         0.7        1.0        3.5       22.3       36.0       26.7        8.2        1.5        0.2      <0.1
                                      South            4,731       393,212         3.9        8.0       26.5       39.4       17.7        3.6        0.6        0.2        0.1      <0.1
                                      Combined         9,604       875,481         2.2        4.1       13.8       30.0       27.8       16.3        4.8        0.9        0.1      <0.1

                           1990       North           11,067     1,428,276         7.7        4.2        5.3       22.6       42.3       16.0        1.8        0.1       <0.1      <0.1
                                      South            5,773       545,169        13.3       14.2       24.3       26.7       18.0        3.2        0.3        0.0       <0.1
                                      Combined        16,1140    1,973,445         9.2        7.0       10.5       23.7       35.6       12.4        1.4        0.1       <0.1      <0.1













              APPENDIX C. (Continued).

                                                                                                   Percent frequency   size ciass (TL, mm)
                                                                                   151-      176-      201-       226-      251-       276-      301-      326-      351-     376-
                      Year    Month               n           en         <151      175       200       225        250       275        300       325       350       375      400     >400

              C.      1985      North             923           923       1.5       6.6       6.0      51.1       34.5       0.3
                                South             479           479       1.5      34.2      48.4      15.2        0.6
                                Combined        1,402        1,402        1.5      16.0      20.5      38.9       22.9       0.2

                      1986      North           2,177        2,177        1.2       2.8       7.7      59.3       28.5       0.4
                                South             122           122                10.7      42.6      41.8        4.1       0.8
                                Combined        2,299        2,299        1.2       3.2       9.6      58.4       27.2       0.4

                      1987      North           1,748        24,646       5.8      46.7      28.3      15.3        3.9       0.1
                                South           1,104        13,544       8.5      48.4      19.8      22.0        1.3      <0.1       <0.1
                                Combined        2,852        38,190       6.8      47.3      25.3      17.7        2.9      <0.1       <0.1

                      1988      North           2,612        5,419        2.0       2.8       9.5      45.7       38.1       1.9
                                South           2,091      135,549       11.3      25.7      20.4      30.5       10.7       0.9       0.2       0.1
                                Combined        4,703      141,013       11.0      24.8      20.0      31.1       11.8       1.0       0.2       0.1

                      1989      North           1,278        5,543        0.5      49.0      36.6        7.5       2.9       3.6
                                South           1,854      139,691        4.9       7.7      36.3      43.8        7.2       0.1
                                Combined        3,132      145,234        4.7       9.3      36.3      42.4        7.1       0.2
                      1990      North           2,604      158,923       64.4      30.7       3.0        1.5       0.3      <OJ                                                                   Oa
                                South           2,125      419,793       17.2      18.2      27.7      29.3        7.5       0.1
                                Combined        4,729      5780716       30.2      21.6      20.9      21.7        5.5       0.1











                  APPENDIX D.      Monthly (A; 1988-1990), areal (B; 1985-1990), and scrap (C; 1985-1990) expanded length frequencies of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) from
                                   tong haul catches; n = number of individuals measured;         en = expanded number of individuals.

                                                                                                                   Percent frequency size class     (FL, mm)
                                                                                                  121-       136-      151-        166-       181-         196-      211-         226-
                            Year     Month                  n             en         <121         135        150       165         180        195          210       225          240      >240

                  A.        1988       Apr                 556          37,416        0.2         5.6        9.5       20.1        31.2       25.2         7.2        0.8         0.2
                                       May               3,529        301,232         0.1         1.5        5.6       16.3        25.0       29.1        17.4        4.6         0.3      <0.1
                                       Jun               2,861        160,922                     0.1        0.5        7.3        19.9       32.4        31.4        7.5         O.B       0.1
                                       JUL               1,493          72,885        2.2         1.8        1.3        1.4         5.8       23.4        41.3       21.5         1.2      <0.1
                                       Aug               2,283        205,085        25.1         5.4        4.2        3.a         4.2       12.6        26.1       14.1         3.5       0.9
                                       Sep               1,985        186,824         6.9         3.9        3.5        4.o         4.7         7.6       28.8       33.3         6.7       0.6
                                       Oct                 947        144,270         3.3         2.0        0.5        1.1         4.3       20.8        32.4       28.0         7.3       0.4

                            1989       Apr                 217          14,955                    9.0       12.8       11.3        29.8       29.1         7.6        0.5
                                       May               1,242          58,288        2.7        13.3       22.4       16.3        17.7       19.5         7.6        0.5       -CO.1
                                       Jun               2,740        150,345         0.5         5.0       11.3       13.8        15.4       27.2        21.9        4.5         0.2       0.3
                                       JUL               2,660        227,291         2.5         0.8        2.4        9.1        19.5       28.0        31.5        6.2       <0.1       <0.1
                                       Aug               2,233        157,430         7.8         1.8        1.8        4.2         9.7       27.4        35.2       11.0         1.1      <0.1
                                       Sep               1,469          65,045        9.6        10.8        5.7       10.8         8.9       13.8        20.6       15.5         4.1       0.2
                                       Oct               1,043          78,586        2.1         2.8        1.4        1.8         3.4         9.2       31.5       34.4       12.7        0.7

                            1990       Apr                   21             419                             42.3       30.3         2.9       16.0         6.7        1.9
                                       May               2,658        143,055         0.5         7.2       19.5       23.5        25.1       20.3         3.6        0.2       <0.1       <0.1
                                       Jun               2,378        110,310         3.6         3.9       14.8       25.7        18.8       22.8         9.5        0.8       <0.1       <0.1        -4
                                       Jul               1,837          50,125        9.9         7.4       10.5       10.7        21.5       23.4        13.8        2.7         0.1      <0.1
                                       Aug               2,174        292,243        67.9         7.4        3.4        4.6         5.0         6.9        3.6        1.2         0.1
                                       Sep               2,249        153,236        12.2        11.1        6.4        4.6         4.5       22.1        29.5        9.2         0.5      <0.1
                                       Oct                 792          35,471       15.9         4.1        4.1        2.6         3.8       26.6        31.5       11.0         0.3

                                                                                                                   Percent frequency size class     (FL.  mm)
                                                                                                  121-       136-      151-        166-       lai-        196-       211-         226-
                            Year       Area                n             en          <121         135        150       165         180        195         210        225          240      >240

                  B.        1985       North             2,629        187,135         2.8         5.6        8.3       11.2        19.1       28.9        18.9        4.8         0.4       0.1
                                       south             5,188        409,697         7.7         6.1        8.0       11.0        11.3       19.3        17.7       12.8         5.3       0.8
                                       Combined          7,817        596,832         6.1         5.9        8.1       11.1        13.8       22.3        18.0       10.3         3.8       0.6

                            1986       North             8,264        440,404         0.7         2.4        5.2        8.2        15.6       30.6        26.5        9.5         1.3       0.1
                                       South             2,069        304,015        12.0         8.9        8.2        9.5        15.9       21.4        17.6        5.7         0.7      <0.1
                                       Combined         10,333        744,419         5.3         5.1        6.4        8.7        15.7       26.8        22.8        8.0         1.1      <0.1

                            1987       North             6,164        311,205         0.4         3.9        9.1       16.5        21.0       24.4        18.2        6.0         0.5
                                       south             5,085        442,432         6.2        11.3        9.1        9.6        17.2       22.4        19.0        4.4         0.7       0.1
                                       Combined         11,249        753,637         3.8         8.2        9.1       12.4        18.8       23.2        18.7        5.1         0.6       0.1

                            1988       North             5,615        445,603         0.5         2.1        4.3       10.5        21.1       25.9        22.1       11.1         1.9       0.5
                                       south             8,039        663,034        10.4         3.0        2.9        6.0         8.0       18.2        28.9       18.7         3.8       0.2
                                       Combined         13,654       1,108,637        6.4         2.7        3.4        7.8        13.2       21.3        26.2       15.6         3.0       0.3

                            1989       North             4,691        209,505         1.4         4.9        6.7       .8.5        13.2       25.4        27.1       11.1         1.5       0.3
                                       south             6,913        542,437         4.7         3.7        5.7        9.2        14.4       23.3        27.1        9.7         2.1       0.1
                                       Combined         11,604        751,942         3.7         4.0        6.0        9.0        14.1       23.9        27.1       10.1         2.0       0.2













               APPENDIX D. (Continued).

                                                                                                                 Percent frequency size class (FL.      mm)
                                                                                                121-       136-       151-       166-        181-       196-        211-        226-
                        Year        Area                n             en           <121         135        150        165        180         195        210         225         240       >240

                        1990        North             4,590         274,054        22.0         9.3        9.7        11.8       14.3        18.1       11.5         3.2        0.2       <0.1
                                    South             7,519         510,807        33.7         6.5        8.7        11.1       10.0        15.6       11.4         2.9        0.1       <0.1
                                    Caribired         12,109        7B4,861        29.6         7.4        9.0        li.3       11.5        16.5       il.4         3.0        0.2       <0.1


                                                                                                                   Percent frequency size ctass (FL, m)
                                                                                                121-       136-       151-       166-        181-       196-        211-        2F6 -
                        Year        Area                n             en           <121         135        150        165        180         195        210         225         240       >240

               C.       1985        North               477              4T7        1.5         7.1       14.5        20.1       29.4        24.3        3.1
                                    South               775              775        9.9         4.5       12.3        26.3       23.9        18.5        4.3         0.4
                                    Cwbi ned          1,252           1,252         6.8         5.5       13.1        24.0       26.0        20.7        3.8         0.2

                        1986        North             3,137           3,137         1.2         5.1       10.0        14.7       31.2        31.7        5.9         0.1
                                    South               164              164       13.4         6.1        9.1        18.9       20.7        26.8        4.9
                                    Cwbined           3,337           3,337         1.8         5.2       10.0        15.0       30.7        31.5        5.8         0.1

                        1987        North             2,443          16,962        <0.1         9.1       13.2         9.7       12.8        38.3       16.6        <0.1
                                    South             1,265          15,455         3.5        10.7       28.2        14.5        5.4        21.8       16.0
                                    Combined          3,708          32,417         1.6         9.9       20.4        12.0        9.3        30.4       16.3        <0.1                                00
                                                                                                                                                                                                        CD
                        1988        North             2,458           4,152         0.7         1.8        2.7         5.0       24.9        54.7        9.9         0.3        <0.1
                                    South             2,638          70,833        12.3         5.6        9.9        27.6       20.2        15.1        8.8         0.5
                                    Combined          5,096          74,985        11.6         5.2        9.3        26.4       20.4        17.3        8.9         0.5        <0.1

                        1989        North             2,013          20,023         7.7        14.5       14.0        12.5       22.6        26.9        1.8        <0.1
                                    South             2,003          57,271         8.4         3.6       11.3        26.8       28.2        14.3        6.5         0.9        0.1
                                    Combir*d          4,016          77,294         8.1         6.4       12.0        23.1       26.8        17.6        5.3         0.7        0.1

                        1990        North             1,298          91,659        63.5        19.1        7.5          5.1       3.1          1.7      <0.1        <0.1
                                    South             1,686         330,297        52.0         9.8       11.4        15.2        8.6          2.7       0.2
                                    Combirwd          2,984         421,956        54.5        11.8       10.5        13.0        7.4          2.5       0.1        <0.1











            APPENDIX E.      Monthly (A; 1988-1990), areal. (B; 1985-1990), and scrap (C; 1985-1990) expanded length frequencies of weakfish (Cynoscion regatis) from
                              long haut catches; n      number of individuals measured; en         expanded number of individuals.

                                                                                                        Percent   frequency   size class (FL, mm)
                                                                                         151-        201-         251-        301-       351-         401-       451-        501-
                       Year       Month          n             en           <151         200         250          300         350        400          450        500         550       >550

            A.         1988        Apr           448         20,462                       1.5        22.3         50.3        18.8        5.9         1.0        0.2
                                   May         1,090         47,153                       1.2        12.8         37.6        28.8       15.3         3.5        0.5         0.2         0.2
                                   Jun           442         19,184                       5.0        32.5         45.4        11.1        4.4         1.5        0.1
                                   Jut           325         18,897                       1.7        42.5         47.1         5.0,       1.6         0.7        1.4        <0.1       <0.1
                                   Aug         1,002         82,808                       2.2        31.3         46.3        13.4        4.2         2.2        0.3         0.1
                                   Sep           868         48,954          0.3         16.6        12.7         49.9        15.7        3.5         1.1        0.1         0.1
                                   Oct           378         87,577         <0.1         11.5        67.6         11.8         5.4        1.7         1.2        0.6         0.2

                       1989        Apr             12            448                                              31.7        31.7       31.7         0.8        1.7         2.5
                                   May           143          5,957                      12.8        37.2         16.1        22.1        4.4         4.8        1.3                     1.3
                                   Jun           313         10,902          0.4         49.3        38.9           9.4        1.7        0.4
                                   Jut           478         11,006          2.0          0.1        49.1         38.1         7.3        0.2         2.0        1.1        <0.1
                                   Aug           730         37,400                       9.1        55.9         27.9         5.9        0.9         0.4
                                   Sep           207          6,405                       9.1        29.5         47.9        12.9        0.5         0.1
                                   Oct           155          1,894                                    7.3        16.4        38.5       27.3         0.3        10.2

                       1990        Apr             63            854                     34.6        27.7           9.1       25.1        3.5
                                   May         1,191         42,000          0.5         21.8        47.8         26.5         3.1        0.2        <0.1        <0.1
                                   Jun         1,800         68,584          0.6         12.8        47.3         34.1         3.9        1.3        <0.1                                           00
                                   Jut           607         16,701                       3.6        54.6         31.0         6.9        2.8         0.9        0.1
                                   Aug         1,334         57,543          2.9          0.1        54.4         37.8         4.5        0.3         0.1
                                   Sep           748         11,546                       2.3        14.8         66.2        15.8        0.9
                                   Oct           292          2,991                                    5.7        44.7        35.5        7.3         2.2                    4.6

                                                                                                        Percent   frequency   size class (FL, mm)
                                                                                         151-        201-         251-        301-       351-         401-       451-        501-
                       Year        Area          n             en           <151         200         250          300         350        400          450        500         550       >550

            B.         1985        North       3,527        190,660          0.1         10.4        31.1         40.5        13.2        3.1         1.1        0.3         .0.2
                                   South         749         56,256          0.1          6.3        34.4         33.2        16.9        8.2         0.7        0.2         0.1
                                   combined    4,276        246,915          0.1          9.4        31.9         38.8        14.1        4.2         1.0        0.3         0.2

                       1986        North       3,628        227,281         <0.1         13.3        66.2         14.2         4.5        0.8         0.4        0.5        <0.1       <0.1
                                   South         945        103,951          0.7          1.6        45.3         41.5         8.6        1.6         0.2        0.4         0.1
                                   Combined    4,573        331,232          0.2          9.6        59.7         22.7         5.8        1.0         0.4        0.5         0.1       <0.1

                       1987        Worth       3,520        193,879         <0.1          4.3        66.5         22.6         5.3        0.8         0.3        0.1         0.1       <0.1
                                   South       2,106        115,003          0.9          3.9        ".0          40.4         8.1        2.0         0.5        0.3
                                   Combined    5,626        308,1182         0.3          4.1        58.1         29.2         6.3        1.2         0.4        0.2        <0.1       <0.1

                       1988        North       2,816        200,437          0.1.         5.3        23.4         44.8        16.5        6.8         2.5        0.5         0.1
                                   South       1,737        124,598                       9.3        55.6         23.2         8.8        2.1         0.6        0.2         0.1         0.1
                                   Combined    4,553        325,035         <0.1          6.8        35.8         36.5        13.5        5.0         1.8        0.4         0.1       <0.1

                       1989        North         855         34,708          0.8          1.2        56.5         26.5        11.3        1.7         1.5        0.2        <0.1         0.2
                                   South       1,183         39,302                      24.7        38.6         27.8         5.8        1.9         0.4        0.8        <0.1       <0.1
                                   Combined    2,038         74,010          0.4         13.7        47.0         27.2         8.4        1.8         0.9        0.5        <0.1         0.1













              APPENDIX E. (Continued).

                                                                                                         Percent  frequency size ciass M, mm)
                                                                                         151-        201-         251-       301-        351-        401-       451-        501-
                        Year        Area          n              en         051          200         250          300        350        400          450         500        550       >550

                        1990        North       1,009         55,636         0.1         11.3        55.8         26.4        3.7         2.1        0.2        <0.1        0.2
                                    South       5,026        144,583         1.5          8.9        44.3         38.6        6.0         0.5        0.1        <0.1
                                    Combined    6,035        200,219         1.2          9.6        47.5         35.2        5.4          1.0       0.1        <0.1        0.1


                                                                                 Percent  frequency  size  ciass  M,   mm)
                                                                                         151-        201-         251-       301-
                        Year        Area          n -            en         <151         200         250          300        350


              C.        1985        North         165            165         1.8         40.6        54.5          3.0
                                    South          35             35                     34.3        65.7
                                    Combined      200            200         1.5         39.5        56.5          2.5

                        1986        North       1,085          1,085         0.1         23.2        75.3          1.2        0.2
                                    South          17             17                     17.6        70.6         11.8
                                    Combined    1,102          1,102         0.1         23.1        75.2          1.4        0.2

                        1987        North         537          2,880                      1.6        97.8          0.6
                                    South         127          3,567        28.4          0.6        68.8          2.2       <0.1
                                    Combined      664          6,447        15.7          1.0        81.7          1.5       <0.1                                                                    CO
                                                                                                                                                                                                     M

                        1988        North         529            529         0.4         31.2        59.2          8.9        0.4
                                    South         140          4,209                     34.3        64.9          0.8
                                    Combined      669          4,738        <0.1         44.0        64.3          1.7       <0.1

                        1989        North          97            602                     33.1        66.1          0.8
                                    South         116          1,160         0.1          1.2        98.5          0.3
                                    Combined      213          1,762         0.1         12.1        87.3          0.5

                        1990        North         175            175                     41.7        54.9          3.4
                                    South         205         36,163         6.1         33.8        56.5          3.5
                                    Combined      380         36,338         6.1         33.9        56.5          3.5











               APPENDIX F.      Monthly (A; 1988-1990), area( (B; 1985-1990), and scrap (C; 1985-1990) expanded length frequencies of Atlantic bluefish (Pomatomus
                                sattatrix) from long haut catches; n        number of individuals measured; en = expanded number of individuals.

                                                                                                                   Percent frequency size class (FL. mm)
                                                                                            151-        201-       251-       301-        351-       401-       451-        501-
               A.       Year      Month                  n            en          <151      200         250        300        350         400        450        500         550        >550

                        1988       Apr                    8           647                                                     18.8        62.3       18.8
                                   May                  312         4,165                               45.1       23.3       13.0         8.1        5.3         1.8        3.3        0.1
                                   Jun                  249         5,775         1.1       10.9        23.0       49.1        9.4         3.7        1.5         0.5        0.6        0.1
                                   Jut                  105        11,666         2.0        0.7         1.2       19.2       18.3        38.0       18.3         2.4
                                   Aug                  118         6,368         4.3       39.5        21.1       15.6       12.1         5.1        0.4                    1.9
                                   Sep                  213         5,125         1.2       10.6        46.7       20.8        8.0         7.3        3.7         1.7
                                   Oct                    8           917         27.5      10.5        54.0         8.0

                        1989       Apr                    3              11                                                              100.0
                                   May                   50           543                               64.2       14.2       10.5         9.2        1.9
                                   Jun                  370         8,840                    3.6        29.7       48.6        9.8         4.9        0.9       <0.1         0.2        2.3
                                   Jut                  244        16,484         0.7        7.8         6.5       19.1       50.4        11.3        4.1
                                   Aug                  326         5,745         2.9        9.1        29.4       27.4       14.7        14.1        2.4
                                   Sep                  158         4,681                   12.1         9.4       22.1        9.7        24.5       18.5         2.9        0.9

                        1990       Apr                  116           426                                            2.8       2.8        53.9       24.7         4.7        0.7       10.3
                                   May                  200         1,150         0.3       44.7        26.5       14.8        8.3         2.6        1.2         0.5        0.3        0.7
                                   Jun                  421         4,514                    4.8        53.8       34.5        6.5         0.4
                                   Jut                  681        10,716         0.3        6.3        31.3       54.1        6.7         1.1        0.1         0.2                                00
                                   Aug                  575         8,362         0.3        4.1        39.4       29.7       15.7         7.3        2.8         0.6
                                   Sep                  257         5,746                   19.5        19.9       28.9       16.6         5.4        9.7
                                   Oct                  107         4,924                                7.8       20.8       15.3        25.3       25.8         5.0


                                                                                                      Percent frequency size class (FL, mm)
                                                                                            151-        201-       251-       301-        351-       401-       451-        501-
               B.       Year       Area                  n            en          <151      200         250        300        350         400        450        500         550        >550

                        1985       North                147         7,327                   24.6        40.3       21.9        8.3         4.3        0.5
                                   South                190         9,622         0.3       10.5        31.0       39.8       14.1         3.5        0.9
                                   Combined             337        16,949         0.2       16.6        35.0       32.1       11.6         3.9        0.7

                        1986       North                300        13,302                   17.0        28.4       23.1       24.0         6.7        0.8
                                   South                 98        11,331         0.9        8.2         4.6       16.6       28.7        26.0        9.0         2.4        3.5
                                   Combined             398        24,633         0.4       13.0        17.5       20.1       26.2        15.6        4.6         1.1        1.6

                        1987       North                349        13,076                    8.7        31.2       38.9       10.5         7.3        2.9         0.5
                                   South                170        12,657         2.3        8.9        14.7       31.8       17.1        11.1       13.1         0.8
                                   Combined             519        25,733         1.2        8.8        23.1       35.4       13.8         9.2        7.9         0.7

                        1988       North                238        10,123         2.5       12.5        17.6       31.7       17.4        10.6        4.4         1.7        1.6
                                   South                775        24,542         2.6       10.6        23.6       20.3       11.2        20.4        9.5         1.2        0.5       <0.1
                                   Combined            1,013       34,665         2.6       11.2        21.9       23.6       13.0        17.6        8.0         1.4        0.8       <0.1

                        1989       North                327        10,925         1.5        8.1        19.8       27.5       13.8        17.6       10.1         1.2        0.4
                                   South                824        25,379         0.5        7.1        15.8       28.1       35.6         9.4        2.6         0.0        0.1        0.8
                                   Combined            1,151       36,304         0.8        7.4        17.0       27.9       29.0        11.9        4.9         0.4        0.2        0.6










                 APPENDIX F. (Continued).


                                                                                                               Percent
                          Year          irea                                   en                              201-                     3ul-        351-    -4TJ --451 -                501--
                                                                                                   200---      250         300          350         400         450         500         550          >550
                          1990        North                     1,184   23,461                          6.6    23.2        36.5         13.4         9.6         9.0          1.4       <0.1          0.2
                                      South                     1,173   12,377          0.5        10.6        44.2        33.4         8.0          2.4        0.7           0.1       <0.1         <0.1
                                      Combined                  2,357   35,838          0.2             8.0    30.4        35.5         11.6         7.1        6.1           1.0       <0.1          0.1

                                                                                                PercenL  F V uenc     slZe c aqq Irl    -%
                                                                                                   15   1-     201-        42 1         5ul-        351-
                C.        Year        Area                      n              --       <15L.-     200         250         300          350         400
                          1985        North                     24             24                  50.0        50.0
                                      South                     21             21                              52.4        47.6
                                      Combined                  45             45                  26.7        51.1        22.2
                         1986         North                     166            166      1.8        37.3        52.4        7.8          0.6
                                      South                     12             12       16.7       8.3         25.0        50.0
                                      Combined                  178            178      2.8        35.4        50.6        10.7         0.6
                         1987         North                     131     1,811                      14.3        14.3        28.6         14.3       28.6
                                      South                     42             157      3.8        1.3         8.9         86.0
                                      Combined                  173     1,968           0.3        13.3        13.9        33.1         13.2       26.3                                                         Oc
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Pb
                         1988         North                     66             66                  24.2        47.0        27.3         1.5
                                      South                     191     3,261           3.2        15.5        64.7        16.1         0.5
                                      Combined                  257     3,327           3.1        15.7        64.3        16.3         0.5
                        1989          North                     122            319      0.3        6.6         62.1        31.0
                                      South                     101     2,003           1.0        11.1        77.0        8.6          0.1        2.3
                                      Combined                  223     2,322           0.9        10.5        74.9        11.7       <0.1         2.0
                        1990          North                     213            215      0.5        18.1        71.6        9.8
                                      South                     81      6,034           0.4        19.6        78.7        0.5          0.7
                                      Combined                  294     6,249           0.4        19.6        78.5        0.8          0.6











              APPENDIX G.      Monthly (A; 1988-1990), areat (B; 1985-1990), and scrap (C; 1985-1990) expanded length frequencies of summer flounder (ParaLichthys
                               dentatus) from long haul catches; n = rtimber of individuals         measured; en = expanded number      of individuals.

                                                                                                                   Percent frequency    size class (TL, mm)
                                                                                                    151-             201-         251-          301-           351-          401-
                           Year         Month            n           an            <151             200              250          300           350            400           450          >450

              A.           1988           May              9           74                           40.6             40.6         14.5                                       2.9           1.3
                                          Jun            17          697            64.1             8.2              6.1           0.4          4.8           16.4
                                          Jut            14          519            28.5            31.9             14A            6.4                        12.7          6.4
                                          Aug            13        1,059            27.0            44.9              7.8                       20.3
                                          Sep              3         157                                             99.4                                       0.6
                                          Oct              4         141                                             47.5                                      52.5

                           1989           Apr              1         140                            100.0
                                          May              4         390                                             90.2           9.8
                                          Jun              5         545                                             36.7         63.3
                                          Jut            19          481                            58.8              7.1         34.1
                                          Aug              7         465            29.9            35.6             34.4
                                          Sep            48        2,416                                             100.0

                           1990           May              4         217                            37.2                          18.1          44.2            0.5
                                          Jun            58          610                             0.2                            3.9         15.0           80.1          0.8
                                          Jut            24          833            80.3            10.5                            1.5          4.2            3.6
                                          Aug            13          178             0.6             0.6             14.1           2.8         11.0           71.0
                                          Sep            12          336                            89.6              9.8                        0.3            0.3                                     00
                                          Oct              1         110                                                                                       100.0                                    Ln

                                                                                                                   Percent frequency    size class (TL, mm)
                                                                                                    151-             201-         251-          301-           351-          401-
                           Year           Area           n           en            <151             200              250          300           350            400           450          >450

              B.           1985           North          31        1,805            18.7            76 *.7            2.5                        2.1
                                          South          26        1,698                            11.2             43.5         25.7          18.5            1.1
                                          Combi ned      57        3,503             9.6            44.9             22.4         12.5          10.1            0.5

                           1986           North          57        2,920            40.8            50.7              3.4           0.7          1.3            3.1
                                          South          22        1,073            59.1            36.4                                         4.5
                                          Combined       79        3,993            45.7            46.8              2.5           0.5          2.2            2.3

                           1987           North          20        1,281            31.1            46.4                          21.7           0.1            0.7
                                          South          21          978            33.4            20.4             21.6         24.6
                                          Combined       41        2,259            32.1            35.1              9.3         23.0          <0.1            0.4

                           1988           North          27        1,318            43.6            13.8             22.4           2.5         10.1            5.0          2.5
                                          South          33        1,330            23.0            41.2             11.6           1.0          8.7           14.3          0.2           0.1
                                          Combined       60        2,648            33.3            27.5             17.0           1.8          9.4            9.7          1.3         @Co. 1

                           1989           North          15          929                            21.6             19.5         58.9
                                          South          33        1,487             9.4            26.1             64.6
                                          Combined       48        2,416             5.8            24.4             47.2         22.6

                           1990           North          34        2,122            31.5            22.1              1.6           3.3          6.6           35.0
                                          South          78          160             0.6             1.5             15.7           7.2         64.0            8.0          3.0
                                          Combined      112        2,282            29.3            20.6              2.5           3.6         10.6           33.1          0.2













              APPENDIX G.      (Continued).


                                                                                        Percent frequency size ciass (TL. mm)
                                                                                                      151-            201-           251-
                           Year            Area           n           en             <151             200             250            300

              C.           1985            Worth          17            17            17.6            70.6              5.9           5.9
                                           South            0             0
                                           Combined       17            17            17.6            70.6              5.9           5.9

                           1986            North          88            88            46.6            45.5              6.8           1.1
                                           South            1             1                                           100.0
                                           Combined       89            89            46.1            44.9              7.9           1.1

                           1987            North          32          619             49.0            49.0              1.0           0.8
                                           South            7           89              1.1           97.8              1.1
                                           Combined       39          708             43.1            55.2              1.0           0.7

                           1988            North          19            19            26.3            52.6            10.5           10.5
                                           South          39            58            17.2            22.4            56.9            3.5
                                           Combined       58            77            19.5            29.9            45.5            5.2

                           1989            North          20          172               0.6           25.6            68.0            5.8
                                           South          20          359                             88.0            12.0
                                           Combined       40          531               0.2           67.8            30.1            1.9
                                                                                                                                                                                                           co
                           1990            North          10            10            50.0            20.0                           30.0                                                                  M
                                           South            1           24                                            100.0
                                           Combined       11            34            14.7              5.9           70.6            8.8











                          APPENDIX H.          Monthly (A; 19118-1990) and areal (B; 19B5-1990) expanded length frequencies of Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) from Long haul
                                               catches; n         number of individuals measured; en = expanded number of individuals.

                                                                                                                                      Percent frequency          size class    (FL,  mm)
                                                                                                                                 91-            121-             151-          181-           211-             241-          271-
                          A.           Year          Month                        n                en            <91             120            150              180           210            240              270           300          >300

                                       19BB            Apr                       189            16,519                            0.7            6.2             8.1           50.6           14.4             16.1          3.6            0.3
                                                       May                       758           261,799             3.0            5.6           25.3             18.6          36.4             7.6            3.1           0.3          <0.1
                                                       Jun                       134            27,519                            7.0           60.4             21.3           8.1             1.6            1.6
                                                       Jut                       314            44,526                           10.5            8.4             19.8          57.8             2.7            0.4           0.3
                                                       Aug                       708           189,988                           36.7           39.0             12.5          10.3             1.2            0.1           0.2
                                                       Sep                       354            16,578                            3.8           13.2             30.6          45.1             5.4            1.3           0.6
                                                       Oct                       150            15,781                                           0.3             13.0          52.0           30.2             4.5

                                       1989            Apr                        20               1,360                                        13.4             10.5          52.3           23.9
                                                       May                       492            59,618                            2.4           25.3             62.5           7.2             2.2            0.3          @CO. I
                                                       Jun                       129            32,887                                          52.5             38.9           8.6
                                                       Jut                       178            33,039                                          16.9             20.8          50.1           12.2
                                                       Aug                       591            75,373                                          26.1             49.5          13.6           10.3             0.4
                                                       Sep                       246            10,758                                          36.0             51.2          12.5             0.4
                                                       Oct                       253            16,071                            4.8           46.9             28.5          12.6             7.2

                                       1990            May                       141            18,260                            3.7           68.5             21.8           6.1
                                                       Jun                       282            46,635                                           9.2             52.8          38.0                                                                        00
                                                       JUL                       561            83,585             0.1            0.5            1.7             67.3          30.3           -CO. 1                                                       @4
                                                       Aug                       276            47,698                                           1.0             54.8          42.1             2.0
                                                       Sep                        32               2,083                                         3.1             71.9          25.0
                                                       Oct                       186            42,845                                                           6.5           89.8             3.8


                                                                                                                                      Percent frequency          size class    (FL., mm)
                                                                                                                                 91-            121-             151-          181-             211-           241-         271-
                          B.           Year            Area                      n                en               <91           120            ISO              180           210              240            270          300           >300

                                       1985            North                   1,050            80,993                           12.2           54.8             25.5           7.2             0.2            0.1
                                                       South                   1,697           168,345                            5.0           20.5             59.9          13.6             0.9
                                                       C omb 1 ned             2,747           249,338                            7.4           31.7             48.8          11.5             0.7            <0.1
                                       1986            North                   1,072           109,961                            5.5           34.8             33.1          24.7             1.4            0.4           0.1
                                                       South                     558            65,695                                          10.6             30.2          56.7             2.5
                                                       Combined                1,630           175,656                            3.4           25.7             32.1          36.7             1.8            0.2           0.1
                                       1987            North                   1,105            77,629                            9.5           43.3             18.0          23.3             5.7            0.1          <0.1
                                                       South                   1,048            77,506                            0.7            8.3             47.0          38.9             5.0            0.1
                                                       Combined                2,153           155,135                            5.1           25.8             32.5          31.1             5.3            0.1          <0.1
                                       1988            North                     932           204,307             3.9            6.0            5.5             14.5          50.7           13.0             5.7           0.8            0.1
                                                       South                   1,675           368,402                           21.6           41.5             17.9          17.2             1.5            0.3           0.1
                                                       Comb f ned              2,607           572,709             1.4           16.0           28.6             16.7          29.2             5.6            2.2           0.3          <0.1
                                       1989            North                     599            62,083                            2.3           34.1             50.7           9.2             3.3            .0.3         <0.1
                                                       South                   1,310           167,021                            0.5           28.8             43.7          19.3             7.6            0.2
                                                       Combined                1,909           229,104                            1.0           30.2             45.6          16.6             6.4            0.2          <0.1
                                       '1990           North                     528            50,628                            1.3           33.2             53.9          11.1             0.4
                                                       South                     950           190,476            <0.1            0.2            1.0             46.2          51.3             1.3
                                                       Combined                1,478           241,104            <0.1            0.5            7.8             47.8          42.8             1.1






















                          ASSESSMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES

                                  Completion Report for Project 2-IJ-16

                                                May 1992





                                                 JOB 2


                                  SCIAENID POUND NET FISHERY


                                                   By


                                              Beth L. Burns













                                                   ABSTRACT

                    The sciaenid pound net fishery is active along the Outer Banks of North
              Carolina from May through October.        The fishery targets Atlantic croaker
              (Micropogonias undulatus) and weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), but harvests a
              diversity of species including spot (Lejostomus xanthurus), bluefish (Pomatomus
              saltatrix),harvestfish(Peprilusalepidotus), butterf i sh (Pepri I us tri acanthus),
              summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), southern flounder (Paralicht@ys
              lethostigma), and Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus).       Catch per unit
              effort, size-age composition of the catches, and commercial landings were
              assessed for 1988-1990, and compared with catches from 1982 to 1987.

                    Atlantic croaker has been the primary species, but their relative abundance
              has declined in recent years. The CPUEs and landings reached their lowest values
              in 1990 and 1988, respectively. Age I fish dominated catches. Length frequency
              distributions indicate that growth overfishing has occurred. Croaker was the
              dominant species in the scrap.

                    Weakfish was the second most important species caught by sciaenid pound
              nets. Catches and landings were less during 1988-1990 than during 1982-1987.
              Age 1 and age 2 weakfish dominated catches.    The relative abundance of weakfish
              in the bait decreased from 11% in 1987 to 2% in 1990.

                    Spot were abundant in sciaenid pound net catches.         The CPUEs remained
              stable, but landings have declined since 1982. Unmarketable-sized and age 1 spot
              dominated catches. Spot was the third most abundant species in the scrap, and
              accounted for as much as 12% of the scrap weight.

                    Total fish biomass, marketable fish, and bait captured and landed by
              sciaenid pound nets fluctuated from 1982 to 1987. Since 1987, landings of total
              and marketable fish decreased, but landings and CPUEs of bait increased. During
              1988-1990, sciaenid pound nets landed 827-1,432 mt of finfish, accounted for only
              3-6% of the total marketable finfish but 10-14% of the reported bait landed in
              North Carolina.











                                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS



               ABSTRACT    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

               TABLE OF CONTENTS    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

               INTRODUCTION     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           1


               METHODS AND MATERIALS     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          2

               RESULTS AND DISCUSSION       . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         4
                      Seasonal Catch Composition       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        4
                      Trends in Catch Composition      1982-1990  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       5
                      CPUE,  Landings and Size/Age     Composition  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       5
                             Atlantic Croaker     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         5
                             Weakfish    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          6
                             Spot   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           7
                             Bluefish    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          9
                             Harvestfish    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         9
                             Butterfish     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         10
                             Spanish Mackerel     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         11
                             Flounder    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          12
                             Atlantic Menhaden    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         13

               AGGREGATE RESOURCE TRENDS     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .          13
               SCRAP/BAIT    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . .           15

               SPECIES SYNOPSIS .                                                                     16
                      Atlantic Croake'r*                                                              16
                      Weakfish    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           17
                      Spot   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            18
                      Bluefish .    * ' '   **  ' * *  * * ' '  * * ' *  * * *  * ' ' *  * * *  ' '   19
                      Spanish Mackerel      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         20

               ACKNOWLEDGMENTS    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           21

               LITERATURE CITED     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           22

               TABLES    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            24

               FIGURES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             43

               APPENDIX












                                                INTRODUCTION
                    Pound nets harvest fish which inhabit inshore waters along the middle
              Atlantic coast. These nets were first introduced in Chesapeake Bay in 1858 (True
              1887) as they revolutionized Virginia's fisheries by increased landings and
              diversity of species. Pound nets have been utilized in North Carolina since 1870
              with effort concentrated in Pamlico, Core, and Albemarle sounds and the Pamlico
              and Neuse rivers (Higgins and Pearson 1927; McDonald 1887). In recent years, the
              number of pound nets decreased and no longer exist in historically noted areas.
              During the mid-1970s, effort concentrated in the Hatteras area, and that area has
              remained the center of the North Carolina sciaenid pound net fishery. No other
              areas of the state have ongoing pound net fisheries that are directed towards
              sciaenids, as pound nets fished in other regions concentrate on other species:
              Albemarle Sound (river herring, perch, catfish), Croatan Sound (bait, flounder),
              lower Pamlico Sound (flounder), and Core Sound (flounder) (Ross 1986).


                    Pound nets are stationary gear that direct fish into enclosures or pounds
              by means of leads. A typical sciaenid pound net consists of lead, heart, and
              pound. A crew (2-3 men) generally sets three or four pounds, attached to gum
              stakes, and interconnected by leads (300-500 yards).     The nets are nylon and
              dipped in a copper solution annually to prevent fouling.      The mesh sizes are
              usually 6-inch stretched mesh for leads, 2-inch stretched mesh in the tunnel and
              heart, and 1 3/4-inch stretched mesh in the pound.


                    Sciaenid pound nets are currently fished along the Outer Banks of North
              Carolina between Ocracoke Island and Rodanthe, with the majority of the nets
              northeast of Hatteras Inlet in Pamlico Sound (Figure 1). The season typically
              begins in May and continues into late September or early October, depending on
              weather conditions. Sciaenid pound netting occurs in depths of 16-20 feet and
              over muddy bottoms.


                    The sciaenid pound   net fishery along the Outer Banks is one of North
              Carolina's major estuarine fisheries.   In recent years (1982-1990), the fishery
              has accounted for 6-19% of the total state landings of Atlantic croaker
              (Micropogonias undulatus), and sizeable catches of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis),
              bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), spot (Leiostomus xanthurus.), Spanish mackerel
              (Scomberomorus maculatus), harvestfish (Peprilus alevidotus), butterfish











                                                      2

             (Peprilus triacanthus), summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), and southern
             flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma). Over the study period, at least 55 species
             of fish and 6 species of invertebrates were captured by sciaenid pound nets.


                    In 1982, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) initiated
             a statewide sampling program of the dominant commercial finfisheries (winter
             trawl, sink net, long haul seine, sciaenid pound net). The overall objective was
             to obtain biological and fisheries data on economically important fishes for use
             in management decisions.     The sciaenid pound net fishery was included and is
             described herein. Catch per unit effort, size-age composition of the catches       ,
             and commercial landings were assessed for 1988-1990, and compared with catches
             from 1982 to 1987 (Ross 1986, 1989).


                                            METHODS AND MATERIALS
                    Sciaenid pound net catches were sampled during the May through October
             fishing season at fish packing houses while the catches were being offloaded.
             A sample consisted of at least one (though usually more) random, unculled fish
             basket (22.7 kgs) per pound net catch. All fishes and invertebrates (excluding
             jellyfish) in the sample were identified and measured (FL or TL; mm). Species
             observed in the catch but not present in the sample were noted. Total weight for
             the sample as well as individual species component weights were taken. The total
             weight of the catches sampled were obtained by copying the trip ticket. The bait
             weight was obtained from the trip ticket, or if not available, it was estimated.
             Bait was defined as the portion of scr       ap that was marketed.      Crews were
             interviewed to obtain information concerning area fished and gear parameters
             which included the number of nets fished and the total length of the    lead of the
             nets fished.


                   Species specific length frequencies for each catch were           derived by
             expanding the sample length frequencies by a raising factor to represent the
             total weight of the species in the respective catch. Total weight of the species
             in a catch was calculated by determining the proportion of a species in the
             samples and expanding that to the respective species' proportional weight in the
             total catch. The total weight of the catch was obtained from the trip ticket.
             The number of individuals per species in a catch was calculated by expanding the













                                                      3

              number of individual s/species in the samples to represent the total weight of the
              species in the total catch.


                    Approximately 30-40 scale samples per month were taken for age and growth
              analyses from Atlantic croaker, bluefish, spot, weakfish.        A range of size
              classes representative of the fishery were collected.     Scales were aged using
              criteria for determining annuli given by Ross (1988) for Atlantic croaker, Wilk
              (1977) for bluefish, DeVries (1981) for spot, and Massman (1963), Merriner (1973)
              and Hawkins (1988) for weakfish.


                    Species specific semi-annual or quarterly age length keys were developed
              and merged with expanded length frequency data for the same period to produce the
              overall annual age composition.


                    Atlantic croaker age composition for 1982 to 1987 was determined using age
              length keys from 1979 to 1981. Age composition for 1988-1990 was determined from
              annual age length keys for 1988-1990. Quarterly age length keys were utilized
              (December-March; April-June; July-September; October-November).


                    Weakfish age length data for 1982-1984 was pooled and integrated into 1982-
              1987 length frequency data.    Weakfish aging data from 1988 to 1990 was merged
              with the length frequency data for the respective seasons. Age length keys were
              based on fish caught from April through September.


                    Bluefish annual age length keys were developed by pooling all bluefish aged
              from estuarine waters/fisheries from April through October.          Bluefish age
              composition was determined by merging annual length frequency       data for the
              sciaenid pound net fishery from 1982 to 1990 with annual age length keys.


                    Spot age length data from 1979 to 1990 was pooled, partitioned into
              trimesters (September-December, January-April, May-August) and integrated into
              1982-1990 annual length frequency data.


                    Average catches and landings are discussed throughout the report. Species
              specific catches were determined two ways: catch/trip (CPUE; kg/trip), a trip













                                                        4

              consisted of one or more pounds fished per day, and catch/pound (CPP; kg/pound),
              catch per pound net fished.       Landings data (kg) are derived from the North
              Carolina General     Commercial   Fisheries Canvas compiled through the North
              Carol ina/National Marine Fisheries Service Cooperative Regional Statistical
              Program.


                                             RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
              Seasonal Catch Composition
                    A total of 54 catches was sampled from May through October 1988.            Catch
              weights (CPUEs) ranged from 134 kg/trip to 2,781 kg/trip and averaged 1,067
              kg/trip (Table 1). Atlantic croaker dominated the catches by weight (35%) and
              number (33%). Atlantic menhaden accounted for 19% of the weight and 25% of the
              number of fish in the catches.        Together with weakfish, Spanish mackerel,
              harvestfish,   spot,   bluefish,   and Atlantic threadfin herring         (Opisthonema
              oglinum), these species accounted for 92% of the catches (Table 2; Appendix A).
              Croaker were the dominant species during July through September, but weakfish
              predominated in May and October, and menhaden dominated June catches (Table 3).


                    A total of 53 sciaenid pound net catches was sampled from May through
              October 1989. Catch weights ranged from 123 to 3,677 kg/trip and averaged 1,340
              kg/trip (Table 1). Atlantic croaker was the dominant species by weight (44%) and
              number (38%), and was followed by Atlantic menhaden which constituted 23% of the
              catch weight and 31% of the number.        Together with Spanish mackerel, spot,
              weakfish, bluefish, and harvestfish, these species accounted for 94% of the
              catches (Table 2; Appendix B). Croaker dominated catches during June through
              September, and menhaden was the dominant species by weight in May and October
              (Table 4).


                    A total of 61 sciaenid pound net catches was sampled from May through
              October 1990. Catch weights ranged from 95 to 5,462 kg/trip and averaged 1,428
              kg/trip (Table 1).    Croaker dominated the catch by weight (37%), and menhaden
              dominated by number (33%).      Together with weakfish, bluefish, spot, Spanish
              mackerel, harvestfish, and butterfish, these species accounted for 92% of the
              catches (Table 2; Appendix C). Croaker dominated catches during July through
              September, and menhaden were dominant in May, June, and October (Table 5).













                                                      5

              Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1990
                    Species composition of sciaenid pound net catches was consistent from 1988
              through 1990 as well as since 1982. Atlantic croaker was the dominant species
              each year followed by Atlantic menhaden and weakfish. Spot, Spanish mackerel,
              bluefish, butterfish, and harvestfish were all relatively abundant each year, and
              together with croaker, weakfish and menhaden, these eight species accounted for
              92-94% of the catches during 1988-1990, and 92-98% of the catches during 1982-
              1987 (Table 2, Appendices A, B, C, G, and H).


                    Although the species composition of the sciaenid pound net fishery has been
              consistent since 1982, changes occurred in the relative abundances of dominant
              species. The relative abundance of croaker decreased from 45-66% of the 1982-
              1987 samples to only 35-44% since 1988. Menhaden increased from 9% of the catch
              weight in 1982 to 28% in 1990. Weakfish accounted for 8-16% of the 1982-1988
              catches but only 6% in 1989 and 1990, and for the first time weakfish were not
              ranked third by weight.      Interestingly, the relative abundance of Spanish
              mackerel increased from 0.4% of 1983 catch weights to 5-8% during 1988 and 1989,
              and ranked third and fourth during these years.


                    Total catch weights for the top three target species (croaker, weakfish,
              spot) declined from 63-78% of the 1982-1987 catches to 49-58% of the 1988-1990
              catches.  The unweighted three-season CPUE for these species combined during
              1988-1990 (646 kg/trip) was 40% less than during 1982-1987 (1,071 kg/trip), and
              reflected reduced catches of croaker and weakfish.



              Atlantic Croaker--CPUE, Landings and Size/Age Composition
                    Atlantic croaker was the primary target species in the sciaenid pound net
              fishery. Annually, they accounted for 35-44% of the catches and averaged 376-594
              kg/catch during 1988-1990 (Table 2).     Monthly catches and landings increased
              through the summer then declined in October (Tables 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; Appendices
              D, E, F).


                    Sciaenid pound net catches of croaker increased from 1982 to 1985 but have
              since declined, with 1988-1990 catches the lowest recorded over the study period
              (Table 6; Figure 2).   Unweighted three-year mean CPUEs (501 kg/trip) and CPPs












                                                      6

              (208 kg/pound) for 1988-1990 were 41% and 50% lower than the 1982-1987 six-year
              means (839 kg/trip; 417 kg/pound), respectively.


                    Commercial landings of croaker fluctuated from 1982 to 1987, but declined
              since 1987 (Table 6; Figure 2). The 1990 landings reached a low of 218 mt; 75%0
              lower than the high of 863 mt in 1982. Average landings for 1988-1990 (304 mt)
              were 34% less than in 1985-1987 (460 mt) and 43% less than in 1982-1984 (533 mt).


                    Seasonal length frequency distributions for croaker indicated continuing
              growth overfishing. The size composition was more compressed during 1989 and
              1990 than in 1988 (Figure 3; Appendix I and J).    Atlantic croaker ranged from
              100-421 mm TL during 1988 to 117-395 mm TL in 1989 and 115-361 mm TL in 1990.
              Length frequency distributions were unimodal during all three years, with 78%
              191-256 mm TL in 1988, and 67% and 64% 196-241 mm TL in 1989 and 1990,
              respectively. Growth overfishing was evident by the reduced contribution of fish
              >250 mm TL throughout the study period.   The relative abundance of croaker >250
              mm TL accounted for 49% and 53% of 1982 and 1984 catches  , but declined to 23%,
              13%, and 10% from 1988 to 1990. Correspondingly, catch per trip of croaker >250
              mm TL declined from 1,628 fish/trip in 1982-84, to 1,033 fish/trip in 1985-87,
              to only 562 fish/trip in 1988-90. The contribution of unmarketable croaker (<250
              mm TQ increased from 16% in 1982 to 58% and 56% in 1989 and 1990, but catches
              were highest in 1985, at 5,274 fish/trip.


                    Age 1 croaker dominated sciaenid pound net catches (50-73%) (Figure 4;
              Appendix K).   However in 1990, the relative abundance of age I fish was the
              lowest and age 0 fish the highest for the 1982-1990 period.



              Weakfish--CPUE, Landings and Size/Age Composition
                    Weakfish was the second most important foodfish caught by sciaenid pound
              nets in most years, but declined to fourth in 1989. Annually, they constituted
              6-16% of the catches and averaged 80-172 kg/catch during 1988-1990 (Table 2).
              Monthly catches and landings were generally highest during July through September
              (Tables 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; Appendices D, E, F).












                                                        7

                    Catches of weakfish increased steadily from 1982 to 1987, but have since
              declined sharply (Table 6; Figure 5). Three year unweighted means for 1988-1990
              (115 kg/trip; 49 kg/pound) were 32% and 44% less than the six year mean for 1982-
              1987 (168 kg/trip; 87 kg/pound).


                    Weakfish landings peaked in 1988 (232 mt), but declined 75% from 1988 to
              1989 (58 mt) (Table 6; Figure 5). Nonetheless, weakfish landings have fluctuated
              since 1982, with 1988-1990 mean landings (122 mt) nearly identical to the 1982-
              1984 mean (121 mt), and only slightly less than the nine-year mean (141 mt).


                    The size composition of weakfish catches remained fairly stable from 1988
              to 1990 as well as since 1982. Small weakfish predominated in sciaenid pound net
              catches (Figure 6; Appendix L and M). Weakfish ranged seasonally from 151 to
              521 mm TL in 1988, to 118 to 458 mm TL in 1989, and 71 to 401 mm TL in 1990.
              Weakfish length frequency distributions were unimodal with modes of 251-260 mm
              TL in 1988 and 231-240 mm TL in 1989 and 1990; 74-80% were 211-300 mm TL
              annually.   Since 1982, the relative abundance of unmarketable-sized weakfish
              (<250 mm TL) ranged from 35 to 78% (1990), and actual catches of undersized
              weakfish were highest in 1987 (1,034 fish/trip). The relative abundance as well
              as catches of weakfish >301 mm TL were highest in 1985 and 1988 (24% and 18%; 195
              and 157 fish/trip, respectively) and corresponded with peak landings (Figure 6;
              Appendix M).


                    Sciaenid pound nets typically harvest young weakfish, and weakfish captured
              ranged from age 0 to age 5 (Figure 7; Appendix N). Age I and age 2 weakfish were
              the dominant ages represented during 1988-1990 (88-93%), as well as during 1982-
              1987 (94-97%).   Age 0 weakfish accounted for only 0.08-2.9%, while age 3 and
              older weakfish comprised 3.8-10%. With the exception of decreased catches of age
              I fish in 1990, 1988-1990 age composition compares closely with 1982-1987.


              Spot--CPUE, Landings and Size/Age Composition
                    Spot was among the four most abundant species occurring in sciaenid pound
              nets.  Spot accounted for 5-8% of the catches by weight and comprised 50-101
              kg/catch for 1988-1990 (Table 2).       Monthly CPUEs were largest July through













                                                         8

              September, and landings were highest July through October of 1990 (Tables 3, 4,
              5, 7, 8, 9; Appendices D, E, F).


                     Spot catches fluctuated since 1982 with more elevated catches during 1982,
              1983, 1989, and 1990 (Table 6; Figure 8). However, catches fluctuated so much
              that the three-year unweighted means during 1982-1984, 1985-1987, and 1988-1990
              were nearly identical to the nine-year mean (30 kg/pound).


                     Landings of spot declined from 1988 to 1990, and declined as well since
              1982 (Table 6; Figure 8).    Landings were highest in 1982 at 150 mt, but declined
              80% from 1982 to 1983; this decline was likely attributable to the decreased
              number of crews fishing between 1982 (22-25) and 1983-1990 (12-15).             Landings
              continued to decline, and landings in 1990 were the lowest of the nine years.
              Average landings steadily declined from 89 mt (1982-1984), to 43 mt (1985-1987),
              and to 28 mt (1988-1990).


                     Unmarketable-sized spot (<196 mm FL) dominated catches each season (Figure
              9; Appendices 0 and P). Spot ranged from 86 to 266 mm FL, 86 to 241 mm FL, and
              91 to 236 mm FL from 1988 to 1990.         Size distribution was bimodal in 1988,
              unimodal in 1989, and trimodal in 1990. Unmarketable-sized spot comprised 86-92%
              of the 1988-90 catches and 84-95% of the 1982-1987 catches. Annual mean catch
              per trip of unmarketable-sized spot for 1988-1990 ranged from 574 fish/trip to
              1,377 fish/trip (1989); the increased catches of unmarketable spot in 1989 were
              similar to those in 1982 (1,130 fish/trip) and 1983 (1,357 fish/trip).


                     The age composition of spot caught by sciaenid pound nets has been
              relatively constant since 1982, with age I fish dominant throughout.              During
              1988-1990, age 1 spot accounted for 65-76%, age 0 spot accounted for 15-26%, and
              age 2 and older for 9-11% (Figure 10; Appendix Q).         The contribution of age 0
              fish increased to 26% in 1990; the highest relative abundance of age 0 fish
              recorded over the study period, yet comparable to 1984 composition.


              Bluefish--CPUE, Landings and Size/Age Composition
                     Bluefish was an important incidental catch by sciaenid pound nets for 1988-
              1990.   Bluefish accounted for 3-6% of the catches and averaged 41-88 kg/catch













                                                      9

              (Table 2).   Monthly bluefish catches and landings generally were highest in
              August 1988, July 1989, and June 1990 (Tables 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; Appendices D, E,
              F) .


                    Bluefish CPUEs have been relatively stable since 1982 with higher catches
              in 1985 and 1990 (Table 6; Figure 11). Catches ranged from 41 to 88 kg/trip and
              14-39 kg/pound.


                    Annual landings of bluefish by sciaenid pound nets fluctuated since 1982,
              but generally declined since 1985 (Table 6; Figure 11).    Landings declined from
              35 mt in 1988 to 14 mt in 1989 and 1990. The unweighted three-year mean for
              1988-1990 (21 mt) was 56% lower than the 1982-1987 mean (47 mt).


                    Predominantly small bluefish were captured by sciaenid pound nets (Figure
              12; Appendices R and S). Bluefish ranged from 152 to 394 mm FL, 116 to 400 mm
              FL, and 147 to 500 mm FL, during 1988-1990, respectively, w1ith most fish (88-98%)
              <301 mm FL.    Unmarketable-sized bluefish accounted for 49-89% of 1988-1990

              catches and 79-97% of 1982-1987 catches. The relative abundance of unmarketable
              bluefish was highest in 1982 with as many as 97% and 470 fish/trip unmarketable.
              Catches of bluefish >301 mm FL were small but highest in 1985 (21% or 58
              fish/trip) and 1990 (13% or 43 fish/trip).


                    Sciaenid pound nets harvest primarily young bluefish. Age 0 and age 1 fish
              accounted for 97-100% of the 1988-1990 catches, and 94-100% in 1982-1987. The
              oldest bluefish sampled were age 2 and accounted for <6% of any year.


              Harvestfish--CPUE, Landings and Size Composition
                    Harvestfish was never a dominant species but was a valuable component of
              the catches. Harvestfish accounted for 3-6% of the catches and averaged 33-60
              kg/catch (Table 2). Average catches and monthly landings were generally highest
              in June (1988 and 1989), yet highs occurred during September and October in 1990
              (Tables 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; Appendices D, E, F.


                    Harvestfish catches fluctuated from 1988 to 1990, but declined steadily
              since a peak in 1986 (Table 6; Figure 14). Unweighted three-year mean CPUEs and










                                                     10

             CPPs for 1982-1984 (43 kg/trip; 17 kg/pound) and 1988-1990 (44 kg/trip; 19
             kg/pound) were nearly equal, but only half as much as during 1985-1987 (84
             kg/trip; 51 kg/pound).


                   Harvestfish landings peaked in 1985, but showed little variation during the
             remaining eight years (Table 6; Figure 14).     The 1985 high (86 mt) was 146%
             higher than the nine-year mean (35 mt); however, the three-year unweighted mean
             during 1988-1990 (25 mt) was only slightly less than during 1982-1984 (28 mt).


                   Annual harvestfish length frequency distributions were similar in 1988 and
             1989, but shifted to a broader distribution in 1990 (Figure 15).       Harvestfish
             ranged from 81 to 204 mm FL, 84 to 208 mm FL, and 72 to 216 mm FL from 1988 to
             1990, with modes of 151-175 and 151-165 mm FL in 1988 and 1989, respectively.
             In 1990, bimodal length frequency distribution occurred at 106-110 mm FL and 136-
             160 mm Fl, and the relative abundance of unmarketable harvestfish (<126 mm FL)
             increased from 3% (1988 and 1989) to 28% (1990).          Since 1982, the size
             distribution of harvestfish fluctuated with no apparent trend; the relative
             abundance of unmarketable harvestfish (<126 mm FL) was lowest in 1987 at 2% but
             high in 1982, 1985, and 1990 at 43%, 48% and 28%, respectively (Appendices U and
             V).  Catches of unmarketable harvestfish per trip was highest in 1985 at 458
             fish/trip.


             Butterfish--CPUE, Landings and Size Composition
                   Butterfish was never a dominant species in  sciaenid pound net catches but
             was occasionally a profitable incidental catch.    Annually, butterfish averaged
             0.6-2% of the catches by weight and averaged 8-30 kg/catch in 1988-1990 (Table
             2). Mean catch per trip and monthly landings of butterfish were highest in July
             1988 and June 1989 and 1990 (Tables 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; Appendices D, E, F).


                   Trends in butterfish catches and landings during 1988-1990 were very
             similar to those fluctuations which occurred from 1982 to 1985, with
             corresponding extremely low values succeeded by notably high values (Table 6;
             Figure 16).   The CPUEs ranged from 8 to 30 kg/trip and 3 to 13 kg/pound from
             1988-1990. Landings increased 1,567% from a low of 0.9 mt in 1989 to a high of
             15.0 mt in 1990. Landings trends have generally paralleled trends in CPUEs.









                      Butterfish ranged fro'm 84 to 1'98 mm FL in 1988, 68 to 205 mm FL in 1989,
               and 71 to 190 mm F1 in 1990 (Figure 17).        Length frequency distributions were
               unimodal in 1988 (156-160 mm FL) and 1990 (146-150 mm       FL), but trimodal in 1989
               at 86-95 mm FL and 156-165 mm FL.     It is likely that the three modes distributed
               in 1989 were merged in 1990 due to sample size.            The relative abundance of
               butterfish <126 mm FL increased from 8% to 29% from 1988 to 1990 and CPUEs
               increased from 8 fish/trip in 1988 to 150 fish/trip in 1990.        From 1982 to 1987,
               the relative abundance of unmarketable butterfish was highest in 1983 (25%);
               however catches of butterfish was so small that the highest catch was 25
               fish/trip in 1986. The highest catch of marketable and unmarketable butterfish
               over the nine-year period occurred in 1990.


               Spanish Mackerel--CPUE, Landings and Size Composition
                      The abundance of Spanish mackerel in sciaenid pound net catches has
               increased in recent years.       During 1988-1989, they were among the top four
               species by weight, accounted for 7.5-7.8% of the catches, and averaged 80-105
               kg/catch (Table 2).     However, in 1990, they accounted for 5% of the catch (70
               kg/catch) . Largest catches of Spanish mackerel occurred from June through August
               in 1988 and 1989, and July through September in 1990 (Tables 3, 4, 5).


                      Spanish mackerel catches generally increased from 1983 to 1989, then
               declined in 1990 (Table 6; Figure 18). The CPUEs peaked at 105 kg/trip in 1989.
               Catch per pound was highest in 1987 and has decreased since then. Unweighted
               three year mean catches increased from 18 kg/trip and 6 kg/pound in 1982-84 to
               85 kg/trip and 35 kg/trip in 1988-90; this represents 380% and 488% increases in
               CPUEs and CPPs from 1982-84 to 1988-90.


                      Annual sciaenid pound net landings of Spanish mackerel increased steadily
               from 1982 to 1987, but declines were exhibited from 1987 to 1990 (Table 6; Figure
               18).   Spanish mackerel landings increased 3,035% from 1983 (3 mt) to 1987 (82
               mt), followed by a 73% decrease from 1987 (82 mt) to 1990 (22 mt).


                      From 1988 to 1990, catches of marketable Spanish mackerel decreased while
               catches of unmarketable sized Spanish mackerel increased (Figure 19; Appendix Y
               and Z). Spanish mackerel ranged from 174 to 600 mm FL, 189 to 580 mm FL, and 115












                                                     12

             to 619 mm FL from 1988 to 1990. Length frequencies were bimodal. The relative
             abundance of marketable-sized Spanish mackerel declined from 1988 (58%) to 1990
             (25%), and catch per trip correspondingly decreased from 149 fish/trip to 88
             fish/trip. The relative abundance of marketable fish was high in 1982, 1986, and
             1987, but catch per trip was comparable to the 1988-1990 only in 1987 (125
             fish/trip).    The relative abundance of unmarketable-sized Spanish mackerel
             increased from 42% in 1988 to 76% in 1990, and catches correspondingly increased
             from 108 to 270 fish/trip. Since 1982, catches of unmarketable Spanish mackerel
             were comparable to 1990 only in 1985 (93%; 257 fish/trip).


             Flounder--CPUE. Landings and Size Comgosition
                   Summer flounder catches by sciaenid pound nets remained low from 1988
             through 1990. Summer flounder constituted 0.3-0.6% of the catches and averaged
             4-6 kg/catch (Table 2).


                   Sciaenid pound net catches of southern flounder were small but increased
             late in the season. Annually, southern flounder accounted for 0.4-0.6% of the
             catches and averaged 6-8 kg/catch (Table 2).       Average monthly catches were
             highest in October and September (Tables 3, 4, 5).


                   Commercial landings included both species, but were driven by southern
             flounder. Monthly flounder landings increased through the summer with highs in
             September and October (Table 6; Figure 20).   Elevated flounder landings late in
             the season were attributable to the fact that much of the flounder reported
             during the fall months were landed from flounder pound nets and not from sciaenid
             pound nets.


                   Sciaenid pound nets captured predominantly undersized summer flounder
             (Figure 21; Appendix AA and BB). Annually, summer flounder ranged from Ill to
             411 mm TL, 111 to 371 mm TL, and 91 to 421 mm TL from 1988 to 1990, respectively.
             A shift in the size composition towards smaller summer flounder occurred during
             the period.    The relative abundance of marketable summer flounder (>300 mm
             TL/1982-1987;  >330 mm TL/1988-1990) increased to 39% and 25% in 1989 and 1990,
             but catches of marketable summer flounder remained so low that this is equivalent
             to only 8-10 fish/trip.












                                                     13

              Atlantic Menhaden--CPUE and Size Composition
                    Atlantic menhaden was one of the most abundant fish caught by sciaenid
              pound nets yet was landed incidentally and only utilized as scrap.       Annually,
              their relative abundance increased from 25% to 43% (1990) of the number of fish
              and 18 to 28% of the weight of the catches sampled (Table 2). Menhaden averaged
              198-393 kg/catch, with highest catches recorded in May, June, and September
              (Tables 3, 4, 5).


                    Because menhaden were often bailed out of the nets in order to ease fishing
              and to reduce the volume of scrap, these average catch data are minimal estimates
              of menhaden catches.  From 1988 to 1990, menhaden catches increased from 198 to
              393 kg/trip and 89 to 173 kg/pound (Table 6).   Menhaden catches fluctuated from
              1982 to 1985, but increased steadily from 1985 to 1990. Catches for 1990 were
              the highest recorded over the study period with CPUEs (393 kg/trip) and CPPs (173
              kg/pound) 74% and 66% higher than the 9 year unweighted mean catch (226 kg/trip;
              104 kg/pound), respectively.


                    The size composition of menhaden was more compressed in 1990 than in 1988
              and 1989 (Figure 22; Appendices CC and DD).   However, the relative abundance of
              menhaden >165 mm FL increased to a high of 84% and 4,059 fish/trip in 1990.
              Menhaden ranged from 102 to 280 mm FL, 100 to 278 mm FL, and 117 to 264 mm FL for
              1988-1990, respectively. Larger menhaden were caught from 1986 to 1990 (55-84%,
              >165 mm FL), but during 1982-1985, 71-93% annually were <165 mm FL (Appendix CC
              and DD).


                                         AGGREGATE RESOURCE TRENDS
                    There is increasing recognition of the need to consider information on
              fishery resource abundance on an aggregated level to fully understand the
              dynamics of the fishery as a whole (NMFS 1990) since indices of aggregate
              abundance for species groups may reflect major changes in fishery resources (NEFC
              1988). Data for these indices were derived from CPUE data from sciaenid pound
              net components, including the eight dominant species which comprise 92-97% of the
              sciaenid pound net fishery catches (Table 6; Figure 23).











                                                    14

                   Total biomass caught in the sciaenid pound net fishery fluctuated since
             1982, reached a low in 1988, but proceeded to increase from 1988 to 1990. The
             CPUEs were slightly lower during 1988-1990 than in previous seasons with
             unweighted three season mean CPUEs during 1988-1990 (1,211 kg/trip; 507 kg/pound)
             15% and 28% lower than the unweighted mean for 1982-1987 (1,419 kg/trip; 708
             kg/pound). The reduced CPUEs primarily reflect reduced catches of weakfish and
             harvestfish, but CPUEs did proceed to increase 24% and 22% from 1988 to 1990,
             respectively.


                   Total biomass landed by sciaenid pound nets coincided with catches during
             1982-1987, but trends in catches and landings were inversely related during 1988
             to 1990 (Figure 24a; Tables 10 and 12).    Combined landings decreased 55% from
             1988 (866 mt) to 1990 (385 mt); this was the lowest landing recorded over the
             nine year study period.    Landings of croaker, spot, weakfish, bluefish, and
             Spanish mackerel have all declined during the past three fishing seasons.
             Increasing CPUEs and declining landings may be interpreted as increased catches
             of unmarketable-sized fish.


                   Landings of marketable fish by sciaenid pound nets paralleled trends in
             total biomass with fluctuations since 1982 and decreased landings since 1987.
             Catch per unit effort of marketable fish has steadily declined since 1984 (Figure
             24b; Tables 10 and 12).      Marketable fish landings by sciaenid pound nets
             fluctuated so much that although landings did decrease 62% from 1987 to 1990, the
             unweighted three year mean for 1988 to 1990 (753 mt) was only 21% lower than the
             1982-1987 six year mean (919 mt). Three year unweighted mean catches decreased
             from 981 kg/trip (1982-1984) to 848 kg/trip (1985-1987) to 606 kg/trip (1988-
             1990), but catches remained steady during 1988 to 1990 (601-610 kg/trip).


                   The recent decline in landings and catches of marketable finfish by
             sciaenid pound nets paralleled declines of total edible finfish landings for all
             North Carolina finfisheries combined (Table 11). Total edible finfish landings
             for North Carolina exceeded 28,000 mt from 1977 through 1985, with highs in 1980
             (41,517 mt); however, 1989 and 1990 landings (20,501 mt and 21,684 mt) were 30%
             less than the mean for the previous ten years (1979-1988).   Overall landings of
             seven species that dominate sciaenid pound net landings peaked in 1980 (24,735












                                                      15

              mt) , but accounted for only 11,106 mt and 9,476 mt in 1989 and 1990,
              respectively; 29% and 40% lower than the annual mean for the previous ten years,
              and the lowest since 1974.



                                                  SCRAP/BAIT
                    Monthly catches of scrap and landings of bait were highest in June, July,
              and August and were driven by catches of Atlantic croaker and Atlantic menhaden
              (Tables 7, 8, 9, 12). From 1988 to 1990, monthly catches of scrap were highest
              in June and July and annually averaged 45-610 kg/catch, 363-905 kg/catch, and
              186-1,412 kg/catch. Monthly landings of bait were highest in June and reached
              68 mt,   128 mt,   and 112 mt, respectively.        Menhaden,  croaker,   and spot
              collectively accounted for 81% and 83% of the scrapfish catches in 1988 and 1989,
              but in 1990, menhaden and croaker constituted 77% of the scrapfish catch.
              Potentially marketable foodfish accounted for at least 51-60% of the scrapfish
              samples.


                    Scrapfish catches were sampled from 1986 to 1990 with catches primarily
              driven by menhaden and croaker; however, there was a shift in the relative
              abundance of menhaden, croaker, weakfish and spot over the period. The relative
              abundance of menhaden in the scrap increased from a low of 24% in 1986 to a high
              of 44% in 1990 (Table 12, 14, 15; Appendices EE and FF).           Conversely, the
              relative abundance of croaker decreased steadily from 46% in 1986 to 34% in 1990,
              and the relative abundance of weakfish decreased from 10% and 11% in 1986 and
              1987 to 4% (1988) and 2% (1990). The relative abundance of spot increased to 12%
              in 1989, but their    abundance in 1990 (5%) was similar to catch composition
              sampled in 1986 (6%) and 1987 (6%).


                    Annual catches  of scrap in sciaenid pound net samples and reported  landings
              of bait by sciaenid   pound nets exhibited parallel increases from 1988 to 1990
              (Tables 7, 8, 9, 10, 12). From 1988 to 1990, mean catches of bait by sciaenid
              pound nets increased from 456 kg/catch to 822 kg/catch, and landings of bait
              correspondingly increased from 271 mt to 341 mt. The relative abundance of scrap
              in the catches likewise increased annually from 43% in 1988 to 55% in 1989 and
              58% in 1990. The 1990 values represent the second largest mean scrap weight (822
              kg) and the highest relative abundance of scrap (58%) captured in the sciaenid










                                                        16

              pound net fishery during the nine year study period. Catches of bait were higher
              only in 1985 when they reached 1,049 kg/catch.        Trends in sciaenid pound net
              landings of bait generally paralleled catches, but landings were highest in 1982,
              1984, and 1985.      Bait landings fluctuated from 1982 to 1986, but recently
              increased such that the unweighted four year mean for 1987-1990 (312 mt) was very
              similar to the 1982-1986 five year mean (329 mt).        This trend of higher bait
              composition in the sample's than depicted in landings is a more reliable estimate
              of bait since much of the scrap sampled is not reported in landings.


                                                SPECIES SYNOPSIS

              Atlantic Croaker
                    Atlantic croaker was the most important target species in the sciaenid
              pound net fishery. Since 1982, sciaenid pound nets accounted for 6-19% of the
              croaker landed in North Carolina. Croaker accounted for as much as 51% of the
              total pound net landings in 1982, but only 32 to 26% from 1988 to 1990 (Table
              10). Sciaenid pound net catches (Dare County) annually landed 88-94% of croaker
              caught in North Carolina pound nets (1982-1990).


                    North Carolina has dominated commercial landings of Atlantic croaker since
              1966 and accounted for 69-97% of the 1982-1987 east coast landings (Mercer
              1989a) , and 80-85% of the 1988-1990 landings. Total landings of croaker in North
              Carolina have notably declined since 1980 (Figure 25). Trawlers accounted for
              most croaker landed prior to 1973 in North Carolina, and trawls and long haul
              seines have been the dominant gear since then (Ross 1989).       Landings of croaker
              by sciaenid pound nets corresponded to state landings with highs in 1980,
              followed by declines, with landings in 1990 (232 mt) 80% less than in 1980 (1,142
              mt). Except for contributions by the long haul seine fishery, all other croaker
              fisheries declined from 1988 to 1990.


                    Catch per unit effort of croaker has declined in recent years, and sciaenid
              pound net CPUEs during 1988-1990 reached the lowest values recorded since the
              projects' inception (1982). However, croaker catches did proceed to increase
              from 1988 to 1990.











                                                      17

                    Age 1 croaker continue to dominate sciaenid pound net catches. Although
             catch  per unit effort data for the sciaenid pound net fishery has declined, the
             relative abundance of age 0 croaker in 1990 was the highest for the 1982-1990
             period, and together may indicate stable stock age composition. However, the DMF
             juvenile abundance indices (JAIs) declined steadily from 1987 to 1991 (Tangedal
             1991), with 1991 CPUEs (9 individuals/tow) 78% lower than the 13 year mean (39
             individu als/tow)-


                    Growth overfishing continues to be a major dilemma of the sciaenid pound
             net fishery.    Increased numbers of unmarketable fish and decreased numbers of
             large fish have been the trend over the study period.          The contribution of
             unmarketable sized croaker increased from 16% in 1982 to a high of 58% in 1989.
             Catch per trip of unmarketable croaker was also high in 1989 (2,712 fish/trip),
             but peaked in 1985 (5,274 fish/trip). The relative abundance of "medium-large"
             croaker (>275 mm TL) constituted as much as 15% and 20% of 1982 and 1984 catches,
             but only 1.5% in 1990.      The proposed APES bycatch reduction studies of the
             sciaenid pound nets and long haul seines to be implemented during the 1992
             fishing seasons will hopefully result in constructive measures to reduce bycatch
             and scrapfish landings by these estuarine fisheries.


             Weakfish
                    Weakfish was the second most important species targeted by sciaenid pound
             nets. Pound net landings peaked in 1988 (232 mt) then declined to 58 mt and 74
             mt in 1989 and 1990. Since 1982, weakfish accounted for 9-20% of the marketable
             finfish landed by sciaenid pound nets, but sciaenid pound nets produced only 1-4%
             of the weakfish landed commercially in North Carolina (Table 10).


                    Commercial landings of weakfish have declined in recent years.          North
             Carolina trawlers landed most of the weakfish along the east coast, except for
             1985-1989 when sink net catches exceeded trawlers (Table 10; Figure 26).          In
             1990, North Carolina landings fell to their lowest level since 1971 (Figure 26).


                    Sciaenid pound net catches of weakfish declined markedly from 1987 to 1989,
             and paralleled 1988 to 1989 declines in landings; but both proceeded to increase
             in 1990. The 1987 to 1989 decline in catches and the 1988 to 1989 decline in












                                                     18

             landings were especially dramatic since they represent both the highest and
             lowest values recorded for weakfish over the nine year study period.


                   Small weakfish predominated sciaenid pound net catches, with little
             noticeable change in size composition.     Catch composition of marketable-sized
             weakfish was small, but increased catches of marketable-sized fish in 1985 and
             1988 were evident in weakfish landings.


                   Sciaenid pound net catches of weakfish were dominated by age 1 and 2
             weakfish, and the relative abundance of age I weakfish declined notably in 1990.
             Length frequency data appears to be stable, but catch per unit effort and
             landings data have declined in recent years.       The DMF juvenile survey JAIs
             declined since 1986, and the 1991 value was the lowest since the inception of the
             program (1979). Recruitment overfishing may be occurring in early stages.


                   The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has determined that
             weakfish were being overfished (Vaughan et al. 1991). Growth overfishing has
             been evidenced for several years based on commercial catches (Ross 1991), but is
             not apparent in the sciaenid pound net fishery. Current management strategies
             include measures to reduce landings by imposing a minimum size limit (10"/April
             1992), seasonal closures, and net mesh size restrictions.   Further measures need
             to be taken to reduce bycatch of juvenile weakfish, but await results of bycatch
             reduction studies.



             spot
                   Total landing of spot in North Carolina have fluctuated but generally
             declined since 1980 (3 mt) (Figure 27). Since 1982, spot landings contributed
             as much as 11% (1982) and 10% (1983) of the total marketable pound net. landings,
             but only 3-6% during the remaining years.


                   Long haul seines have historically landed most of the marketable spot in
             North Carolina (Figure 27). Total landings of spot and long haul seine landings
             of spot declined sharply (52%' and 51%) from 1979 to 1981, but have since
             fluctuated with an overall general decline.












                                                      19

                    Size composition of spot captured by sciaenid pound nets remained fairly
              uniform over the study period. The relative abundance of unmarketable-sized spot
              was highest in 1989, but similar to 1982 and 1983.


                    Age 1 spot continue to dominate catches of all North Carolina fisheries
              that harvest spot.  This is expected since spot are short-lived species (Mercer
              1989b) and thus this is possibly close to the optimum time to harvest them.
              Catch per unit effort data for the pound net fishery appears to be stable and
              together with stable stock age composition may indicate continuing recruitment
              stability. However, JAIs have generally declined since 1987, with the 1991 value
              the lowest recorded since 1979 at 82 individual s/tow; 52% less than the 13 year
              mean (171 individuals/tow) (Tangedal 1991).


                    The combined incidental bycatch and discard mortality of small spot in
              fisheries such as the shrimp, pound net, long haul, trawl fisheries have been
              cited as potentially having significant impacts on spot stocks (Mercer 1989b).
              Yield per recruit analyses may suggest a more optimum harvesting strategy, but
              incorporation into current fishing practices may be difficult since spot comprise
              a large portion of the discarded bycatch in both the estuarine and ocean waters.


              Bluefish
                    Bluefish was an important incidental component of the sciaenid pound net
              fishery, but catch composition was predominantly small fish.              Bluefish
              constituted as much as 7% of marketable pound net landings in 1982, but accounted
              for only 2-3% during the 1988-1990 fishing seasons.


                    North Carolina dominated total Atlantic coast commercial bluefish landings
              (27-43%) from 1979.to 1985 (ASMFC 1987).   North Carolina bluefish landings have
              generally increased during the past twenty years reaching record levels in 1981
              and 1983 at 3.0 and 3.1 mt (Figure 28).        A shift in the most productive
              commercial gear for bluefish in North Carolina occurred over the past two decades
              from long haul seines until 1977 to sink nets from 1984 to 1990 (Figure 28; Table
              10).   Sciaenid pound nets accounted for only 1-3% of the state's bluefish
              landings.









                                                      20

                    Catch per unit effort of bluefish by sciaenid pound nets remained fairly
              stable since 1982, although bluefish landings did decline over the period.


                    Small bluefish continue to dominate sciaenid pound net catches. Since age
              0 and 1 bluefish dominate catches each year, continued monitoring of these
              catches may provide information on annual fluctuations in year class strength.
              The Northeast Fisheries Center (NMFS) indices indicate that no strong bluefish
              year classes have been produced since 1984, and that low values were recorded in
              both 1986 and 1987, and the 1988 value was the lowest on record (ASMFC 1989).
              Nevertheless, the sciaenid pound net bluefish age data shows no signs of declines
              in the relative abundance of age 0 and I bluefish from 1982 to 1990.


              Spanish Mackerel
                    Since 1982, North Carolina landings of Spanish mackerel were as    low as 19
              mt in 1983, but increased steadily to 380 mt in 1990.         Sciaenid  pound net
              landings correspondingly increased to highs in 1987-1989 (71-81 mt), but
              decreased in 1990 (22 mt).     During 1987-1989, landings of Spanish mackerel
              accounted for 27-38% North Carolina's Spanish mackerel landings, and 7-11% of
              marketable sciaenid pound net landings.


                    North Carolina commercial catches of Spanish mackerel were landed by sink
              nets along the beaches or by pound net and long haul seines within the sounds.
              The gill net and pound net fisheries have particularly had marked increased
              landings of Spanish mackerel since 1982 (Figure 29, Table 10).


                    No juvenile abundance index is available for Spanish mackerel, however,
              since sciaenid pound net catches are dominated by young-of-the-year (Ross 1989)
              and age 0 Spanish mackerel (Noble 1992), continued monitoring of these catches
              may provide information on Spanish mackerel year class strength.       Catches of
              unmarketable-sized Spanish mackerel increased throughout the study period, and
              together with recent peaks in catches and landings, infers stable recruitment.


                                               ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
                    This report would not have been possible without the field and technical
              assistance of Tonya Stevens, John Zuaboni, and Gregory Allen.   I am particularly











                                                     21

             indebted to Jeff Ross for his continual assistance and constructive suggestions.
             I wish to especially thank Diana Tootle and Mike Tangedal for invaluable
             assurance of data processing.    I am sincerely appreciative of Dee Willis and
             Christie Lawrence who did a remarkable job of typing and organizing the report.
             Most importantly, I am especially grateful to the many commercial fishermen and
             dealers who cooperated with this project and made data collection possible.











                                                         22


                                                  LITERATURE CITED



              Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
                     1987. Draft fishery management plan for bluefish. 49 p.

              DeVries, D.A.
                     1981. Stock assessment of adult fishes in the Core Sound, North Carolina.
                     area.    NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish.
                     Compl. Rep. Proi. 2-326-R, 54 p.

              Hawkins, J.H.
                     1988. Age, growth and moretality of weakfish, Cynoscio regalis, in North
                     Carolina, with a discussion of population dynmamics. M.S. thesis. East
                     Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 86 p.

              Higgins, E., and J.C. Pearson.
                     1928.    Examination of the summer fisheries of Pamlico and Core sounds
                     North Carolina with special reference to the destruction of undersize@
                     fish and protection of gray trout, Cynoscion regalis, (Block and
                     Schneider) App. II Rep. U.S. Comm Fish. (1927), 1019:29-65).

              Massmann, W.H.
                     1963. Age and size composition of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, from pound
                     nets in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, 1954-1958. Chesapeake Sci. 4(l):43-51.

              McDonald, M.
                     1887.    The rivers and sounds of North Carolina, p. 625-637 In:               The
                     fisheries and fishery industries of the United States. Section V-history
                     and methods of the fisheries. Vol. I. U.S. Comm. Fish. Fisheries.

              Mercer, L.P.
                     1983. A biological and fisheries profile of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis.
                     NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Spec. Sci.
                     Rep. No. 39, 107 p.

                     1989a.     Fishery management plan for Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias
                     undulatus. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish.
                     Spec. Sci. Rep. No. 48, 90 p.

                     1989b. Fishery management plan for spot, Lejostomus xanthurus. NC Dept.
                     Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Spec. Sci. Rep. No.
                     49.

              Merriner, J.V.
                     1973. Assessment of the weakfish resource, a suggested management plan,
                     and aspects of life history in North Carolina.           Ph.D. Diss.    NC State
                     Univ., Raleigh, 201 p.











                                                          23

              Noble, E.B.
                     1992.    Migration, age and growth of Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus
                     maculatus in North Carolina, In Marine Fisheries Research, p. 1-49, NC
                     Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish.

              Ross,  J.L
                     1986.   Assessment of North Carolina commercial finfisheries.            NC Dept.
                     Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. Proi. 2-
                     386-R, 330 p.

                    1989. Assessment of North Carolina commercial finfisheries, 1985-1987
                    fishing seasons. NC Dept of Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div.
                    Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. Proj. 2-419-R.

                     1990.   Assessment of the sink net fishery along North Carolina's Outer
                     Banks, fall 1982 through spring 1987. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community
                     Develop., Div. Mar. Fish. Spec. Sci. Rep. No. 50, 53 p.

                     1991. Assessment of North Carolina winter trawl fishery, September 1985-
                     April 1988. NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish.
                     Spec. Sci. Rep. No. 54.

              Ross,  S.W.
                     1988.    Age, growth, and mortality of the Atlantic croaker in North
                     Carolina with comments on population dynamics. Trans. Amer. Fish. Society
                     117(5):461-473.

              Tangedal, M.
                     1992.   Juvenile abundance indices for spot, Atlantic croaker, weakfish,
                     southern flounder, blue crab, and brown shrimp from 1979-1991. NC Dept.
                     Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish.

              True,  F.W.
                     1887. The pound net fisheries of the United States, p. 595-610, In The
                     Fisheries and Fishery Industries of the United States. U.S. Commission of
                     Fish and Fisheries, Section V, Vol. I, Pt. XI.

              Vaughan, D.S., R.T. Seagraves, and K. West.
                     1991. Assessment of the status of the Atlantic weakfish stock, 1982-1988.
                     ASMFC Spec. Sci. Rep No. 21, 29 p.

              Wilk,  S.J.
                     1977.   Biological and fisheries data on bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix
                     (Linneaeus). NMFS Tech. Ser. Rep. No. 11:56 p.









                                                                                24




                     TabLe 1. MonthLy sumary of sampLing ParnLico Sound pound net catches, May through October, 1988-1990; n = number
                                of catches sanpled.


                                                                                   Catch wt (kq)                            Sample wt (kq)
                     Year             Month              n                Mean                 Range                  Mean               Range

                     1988              May                 1              2U.9                                        34.9
                                       Jun               is             1,035.7             303.0-2,268.0             50.4             15.3-76.7
                                       JuL               12             1,262.5             205.5-2,296.5             53.0             27.9-79.2
                                       Aug               13             1,165.5             133.9-2,781.4             47.0             25.8-60.5
                                       Sep                 8            1,114.9             501.2-2,543.8             42.2             21.5-57.2
                                       Oct                 5              522.2             175.6- 701.9              42.8             25.2-56.7


                     1989              May                 7              988.4             484.0-1,787.3             43.3             23.9-72.0
                                       Jun               12             1,769.3             780.6-3,677.3             39.7             22.4-73.6
                                       JuL               14             1,468.1             239.5-2,656.7             47.4             23.5-81.7
                                       Aug               11             1,012.6             122.6-3,107.6             39.2             22.8-55.9
                                       Sep                 8            1,342.6             465.8-2,501.5             51.6             25.8-62.8
                                       Oct                 1              422.6                                       27.1                       -


                     1990              May                 7            1,475.1             400.9-3,245.0             50.1             27.1-79 . 2
                                       Jun               11             2,165.1            1,148.9-3,808.8            57.4             29.2-89.3
                                       JuL               15             1,240.8             286.7-2,073.8             56.0             26.6-83.7
                                       Aug               12             1,490.8             235.0-5,462.1             54.8             @22.2-83.4
                                       Sep               11             1,362.4             443.2-2,987.3             56.7             27.6-86.7
                                       Oct                 5              299.7              94.8- 596.9              24.5             19.4-28.7









                TabLe 2. Annuat species composition, mean weight (kg) and nunber of fish (Mean no. fish) per catch for the top M (by weight) of pound net catches for
                           1988-1990, including mirber of catches sampted (n) and the percent of the totat weight of the catches sampted.

                                            1988                                                     1989                                                         1990
                                           (n--54)                                                  0=53)                                                       0=61)
                                                                 Mean                                                       Mean                                                       Mean
                                               Weight (kq)       no.                                     Weight (kg)        no.                                     Weight (kg)        no.
                Species                      Mean       %        fish      Species                      Mean        %       fish      Species                      Mean        %       fish

                Micropogonies unduiatus      375.9      35.2     2,655     Micropogonias undutatus      594.0      44.3     4,676     Micropogonlas undutatus       531.6      37.2    4,629

                Brevoortla tyramus           198.4       18.6    1,980     Brevoortia tyrannus          300.9      22.4     3,894     Brevoortia tyramus            393.1      27.5    4,833

                Cynosci    regatis           172.3       16.1       861    Scomberomorus macutatus      105.0       7.8        437    Cynoscion regatis             91.8       6.4        605

                Scomberomorus macutatus        80.4     7.5         257    Leiostonus xanthurus         100.5       7.5     1,490     Pomatomas saltatrix           87.9       6.2        343

                Peoritus atevidotus            59.8     5.6         405    Cynoscion regalis             79.5       5.9        459    Leiostomus xanthurus          74.3       5.2     1,001

                Lefostomus xanthurus           50.1     4.7         642    Pornatomus sattatrix          40.9       3.0        296    Sconberomorus macutatus       69.7       4.9        358

                Pomatomus sattatrix            41.0     3.8         182    Pepritus atepidotus           33.5       2.5        231    Peprilus atepidotus           37.7       2.6        348

                Opisthonema oglin              27.9     2.6         572    Caltinectes sapidus           17.3       1.3        122    PePrRus triacanthus           29.7       2.1        514

                PePriLu triacanthus             8.8     0.8         106    Opisthonema oglin             12.2       0.9        311    CaLlinectes sapidus           24.9       1.7        216

                Chaetodipterus faber            8.6     0.8         32     Chaetodipterus faber           8.8       0.7        36     Opisthonema oglin             23.1       1.6        747        N)
                                                                                                                                                                                                     Ln

                CatLinectes sapidus             7.4     0.7         69     Pepritus triacanthus           8.2       0.6        ill    Lagodon rhomboides              9.4      0.6        247

                Balrdletta chrysoura            6.7     0.6         83     Paratichthys tethostigma       7.8       0.6        15     Caranx faber                    7.0      0.5        84

                Paratichthys tethostigma        6.4     0.6         13     Bairdletta chrysoura           5.8       0.4        73     Paratichthys tethostigma        6.4      0.4        12

                ParaLlchthys dentatus           6.2     0.6         35     Paralichthys dentatus          3.7       0.3        26     Penaeus aztecus                 5.9      0.4        250

                Caranx hippos                   4.7     0.4         12     Prionotus carotinus            3.3       0.3        12     BairdieLLa chrysoura            5.4      0.4        89

                Sphoeroldes macuattus           2.3     0.2         11     Tylosurus crocoditus           3.3       0.3          4    Paratichthys dentatus           5.2      0.4        31

                Lagodon rhonboides              2.0     0.2         32     Caranx hippos                  3.1       0.2        31     Trichiurus tepturus             4.4      0.3        19

                                                                                                                                      Tytosurus crocoditus            4.3      0.3          6

                                                                                                                                      Sconberomorus macutatus         2.5      0.2        15


                                                                                                                                      Atuterus schoeofi               2.2      0.2        is











        Table 3. Monthly species composition (top 99% of weight) of pound net catches sampled in Pamlico Sound May-October 1988, including mean catch/trip (kg) and
                   mean number/trip; n = number of catches sampled.


                                                     May                          June                         July                         August                  September                    October
                                             Weight            Mean         Weight          Mean         Weight           Mean    - weight            Mean        Weight         Mean        weight         Mean
        Species                           Mean        %        ran     Mean        %        num      Mean        %        nun     Mean        %      nun      Mean       %      num     Mean        %       num

        Micrwogonlas undutatus            53.6       22.8      464     254.6      24.7     1,765     503.6     39.9     3,802     398.9      33.9    3,271    623.9     55.9   3,199       40.8    7.8      532
        Cynosclon regalia                 111.0      47.2      437      91.5       8.9      520      114.8       9.1      645     231.8      19.7    1,266    237.3     21.2     913     306.2     58.6   1,354
        Bair4ietia chrysoura              19.1       BA        229       6.9       0.7        93       8.6       0.7      113                                   2.4      0.2      26       16.4    3.1      176
        opfsthonema ogti                  13.6       5.8       209      74.5       7.2     1,648       8.5       0.7      145       17.9      1.5      287                                 5.6     1.1       71
        Brevoortia tyrannus               12.6       5.4       350     296.7      28.8     2,644     298.6     23.6     3,213     131.0      11.1    1,363    105.7      9.5    1,168      24.0    4.6      253
        Leiostmxn xanthurus                8.2       3.5       135      21.7       2.1      291       92.9       7.4     1,110      63.5      5.4      970     42.1      3.8     441       18.7    3.6      140
        Pepritus triacanthus               6.5       2.8         87      4.3       0.4        46       8.8       0.7      120       19.0      1.6      226                                 7.4     1.4       88
        Pepritus aiepfdotus                5.5       2.3         40    120.7      11.7      791       77.5       6.1      544       14.0      1.2       89     17.6      1.6     106       31.5    6.0      283
        Chilwycterus schotRfi              3.7       1.6         13
        Scomberorvorus maculatus                                        76.0       7.4      220       72.1       5.7      166     161.1      13.7      552     23.9      2.1     153       10.4    2.0       39
        Pomatomus sattatrix                                             22.3       2.2        66      28.2       2.2      169     104.7       8.9      483     20.6      1.8      59       2.7     0.5       13
        Chaetodipterus faber                                            20.2       ?.a        IG                            AZ       7.2      0.6       34      4.3      0.4      84       1.8     0.3       59
        Paratichthys dentatus                                           10.7       1.0        67       3.0       0.2        24       6.7      0.6       32      4.7      0.4      18       @2.8    0.5         a
        CaLtinectes sapidus                                              9.9       1.0        97      13.4       1.1      123        4.5      0.4       40                                 3.3     0.6       24
        Sphoeroides imacutatus                                           5.7       0.5        2a       2.4       0.2        9
        Paralichthys tethostiama                                         3.7       0.1        10       3.4       0.3        7        4.2      0.4       16      7.9      0.7      16       26.2    5.0       32
        Tytosurus crocoditus                                             2.9       0.3          5
        Caranx himos                                                                                  15.7       1.2        6                                   7.1      0.6      59
        Penaeus extecus                                                                                                                                         3.2      0.3      81       2.3     0.4       78
        Selene vomer                                                                                                                                            3.0      0.3      53
        Lagodon rhamboides,                                                                                                                                     2.7      0.2      50       6.4     1.2      108
        orthopristis chrysgetera                                                                                                                                                           3.5     0.7       42
        Aluterus schoepfl                                                                                                                                                                  2.5     0.5       24
        Trichiurus lepturus                                                                                                                                                                2.3     0.4       11
        Morone americana                                                                                                                                                                   1.6     0.3         6
        Monacanthus hispidus                                                                                                                                                               1.2     0.2       31










        TabLe 4.     Monthty species composition (top M of weight) of sciaenid pound net catches sampted in Pafntico Sound, May-October 1989, incLuding mean weight/trip (kq)
                     and mean number/trip.

                                                   may                       June                           JULY                       August                 September                   October
                                             Welaht         Mean   ___ Weight            Mean         Weight          Mean          Weight       Mean        Weight        Mean        Weight        Mean
        Species                          Mean       %       num.  - Mean        %        num.    Mean        %        num.    Mean        %      nun.    Mean      %       num.   Mean        %      num.

        Micropogonfas undulatus          338.6     34.2    3,174   1,119.2     63.2     8,156    557.7      38.0     5,127    319.0      31.5   2,421    542.6     40.4   3,630     21.4     5.06    312
        Brevoortia tyrannus              460.6     46.6    5,238     308.8     17.4     3,889    212.8      14.5     3,356    228.8      22.6   2,021    411.0     30.6   6,369    235.4     55.7   2,917
        Lelostoms xanthurus              70.3      7.1     1,330      99.6      5.6     1,702    124.7       8.5     2,049    125.0      12.4   1,325    151.1     11.3     672     10.9     2.6     109
        Cynosclon matis                  47.1      4.8       210      14.2      0.8      115     103.5       7.1      627      92.2       9.1     645     63.5     4.7      730     38.2     9.0     218
        Pepritus ateoldotus              20.5      2.1       125      48.0      2.7      332       63.8      4.3      453       4.6       0.5      28     13.2     1.0      82       9.4     2.2      62
        Scomberomorus macuLatus           5.1      0.5       33       78.3      4.4      245     216.8      14.8      642     119.0      11.8     828     33.4     2.5      255
        Pomatomus; settatrfx              6.3      0.6       37       14.1      0.8      114       77.3      5.3      620      ".7        4.4     283     47.0     3.5      275      7.0     1.7      47
        Raj[dielta chrvsoura             12.6      1.3       148        9.3     0.5      137                                                               5.3     0.4      57
        Chaetodipterus fabr                                           20.9      1.2         15     10.9      0.7         a                                 4.8     0.4      126      3.1     0.7     140
        Cattinectes sapidus              10.4      1.1       65         8.7     0.5        72      30.5      2.1      211      22.9       2.3     159      6.1     0.5      48       9.7     2.3      62
        Peprftys triscanthus              5.5      0.6       84       17.1     <0.1      203         9.2     0.6      160       2.2       0.2      26      4.5     0.3      40
        Opisthonema ogLi                  4.3      0.4       47       16.0      0.9      431       22.0      1.5      646       9.0       0.9     162
        La       rhombQfdes                                             4.0     0.2        47
        Tytosurus crocodiLus                                                                       11.3      0.8        14
        ParaLichthys dentatus                                                                        8.8     0.6        55      3.6       0.4      29
        Trachfnatus carotinus                                                                        6.1     0.4        12      3.2       0.3      15      4.5     0.3      30
        Paratichthys tethostigma                                                                                               12.2       1.2      18     21.3     1.6      45      69.6     16.5     94
        Caranx hipm                                                                                                             4.4       0.4      44     13.7     1.0      128
        Penaeus aztecus                                                                                                         3.6       0.4     107      9.3     0.7      202
        Caranx spp.                                                                                                             2.9       0.3      23
        Setene vomer                                                                                                            2.7       0.3      62                                1.6     0.4      31
        Orthapristfs  chrysoptera                                                                                               2.2       0.2      28                                5.9     1.4      94
        Penaeus duorar                                                                                                                                                               3.9     0.9    109
        Prionotus carolinus                                                                                                                                                          2.8     0.7      47









    TabLe 5. MonthLy species coniposition (top 99% of weight) of sciaenid pound net catches sampLed in PamLico Sound May-October 1990, inctuding mean catch/trip (kg) and
              man nuffber/trip.

                                            may                           June                         Juty                  August                 September                   October
                                    Weight           Mean       Weight           Mean           Weight      Mean         Weight       Mean         Weight       Mean          Weight      Mean
    Species                     Mean        %         no.    Mem         %        no.      Mean      %       no.     Mean      %       no.     Mean      %        no.     Mean     %       no.

    Micropogonlas urglulatus     481.5     32.6     9,755    688.2      31.8     6,680      529.8    42.7    4,731   837.2     56.2   6,568    315.6    23.6    2,737      4.7     1.6      so
    Brevoortia tyrannus          780.3     52.8     4,105    832.1      38.4     10,187     290.4    23.4    3,720   140.1     9.4    1,639    250.9    18.4    2.953     113.9   38.0   1,311
    Lefostomus xanthurus         41.2       2.8       865     39.1       1.8        874     25.2     2.0      681    108.8     7.3    1,294    191.8    14.1    1,763      4.0     1.4      47
    Cynosci    regaLls           66.5       4.5       409     78.7       3.6        579     60.6     4.9      473    161.9     10.9   1,126    119.6     8.8      593     20.3     6.8     115
    Peprflus atepidotus          21.2       1.4       139     69.6       3.2        545     35.9     2.9      288      7.8     0.5        65    39.1     2.9      416     64.2     21.4    925
    Scwheromrus PacuLatus                                     45.0       2.1        129     85.0     6.9      295      70.3    4.7      593    147.5    10.8      798      3.1     1.0      18
    Pomatomus sattatrix          11.4       0.8        47    140.3       6.5        676     87.5     7.1      432              4.6      224    139.2    10.2      345     14.5     4.8      40
    sairdfoila chrysoura         14.6       1.0       260     11.1       0.5        201      2.5     0.2       36                                3.8     0.3       so      1.6     0.5      24
    ChaetodfPterus fAl2Sr          6.0      0.4          3      8.8      0.4          15     7.8     0.6       20      4.8     0.3      128      9.3     0.7      258      2.0     0.7      55
    CaRinectes sapidus           14.2       1.0       148     24.8       1.2        259     45.0     3.6      380      28.6    1.9      215     11.8     0.9       90
    PePrlLus trfacenthus         24.9       1.7       804     77.6       3.6     1,282      28.6     2.3      469      19.0    1.3      274      9.7     0.7      102      4.0     1.3      38
    Opisthonema ogLI                                         100.4       4.6     3,148       4.9     0.4      136      6.7     0.4      153      2.0     0.2       75     24.6     8.2   1,242
    Lagodon rhomboldes                                                                                                 8.9     0.6      262     35.6     2.6      942      7.3     2.4     218
    Tylosurus crocodfLus                                      18.9       0.9          19
    Sphoeroldes mcuLatus                                        7.4      0.3         45
    Chitomycterus schoepfi                                      4.7      0.2          17                                                                                                          00
    Paratichthys clentatus                                                                   4.9     0.4       39      7.5     0.5        24     7.8     0.6       31      6.6     2.2      19
    Trachinotus carotinus                                                                                              4.0     0.3        28                               2.2     0.7       8
    ParaLichthys Lethostigm                                                                                            3.7     0.3         4    20.7     1.5       25     11.4     3.8      19 -
    Caranx hfPpos                                                                                                                                7.7     0.6       67      1.3     0.4      24
    Penaeus aztecus                                                                         19.7     1.6      860                                4.0     0.3      144
    Setene vamr                                                                                                                                  3.5     0.3       64      2.2     0.7      30
    orthopristis chrysootera                                                                                                                     1.9     0.1       35
    Trichfurus tepturus                                                                      3.4     0.3       25                               14.0     1.0       44      2.7     0.9       8
    Aluterus schoepfi                                                                                                                           11.5     0.8       92      1.2     0.4       9
    Monacanthus h1spidus                                                                                                                         2.2     0.2       53
    Archosergus Probstocephatus                                                                                                                                            3.2     1.1       5
    Synoclus foetens                                                                                                                                                       1.1     0.4       4
    Alectis ciLlarls                                                                                                                                                       0.7     0.2      10












       Table 6. Seasonal Landings (mt), catch effort (kg/trip, kg/pound) for the dominant species captured in the 1982-90 Pamlico Sound sciaenid pound net fishery,
                  including the species percent M of the total weight of the catches sampled.

                                                                                                                       Season                                                    9-year
       Species                                          1982           1983          1984          1985           1986          1987        1988          1989         1990       mean


       Hicropogonias undulatus         Landings         862.8          292.4         442.6         567.3          234.4         578.6       451.3         243.6        218.4     432.4
                                       kg/trip          747.4          607.7        1,135.3       1,290.3         607.2         649.1       375.9         594.0        531.6     726.7
                                       kg/pound         264.5          269.4         486.6         781.0          390.7         417.8       168.4         221.7        233.3     359.3
                                         %               54.4           45.4          65.0          65.6           48.5          46.0        35.2          44.3         37.2


       Cynoscion renatfs               landings         126.3           73.2         167.1         191.7           87.8         199.4       231.7          57.7         73.5     134.3
                                       kg/trip          128.2          152.0         174.6         158.4          171.8         220.1       172.3          79.5         91.8     149.9
                                       kg/pound          41.3           67.4          74.8          83.9          114.6         141.6        77.2          29.7         40.3      74.5
                                         %                9.3            4.3          10.0           8.1           13.7          15.8         5.9           6.4


       Leiostomus xanthurus            landings         150.0           29.7          88.8          56.3           22.0          51.0        32.6          32.9         18.9      53.6
                                       kg/trip           99.2           83.3          46.1          63.4           47.3          45.2        50.1         100.5         74.3      67.7
                                       kg/pound          29.8           36.9          19.8          33.0           30.4          29.1        22.4          37.5         32.6      30.2
                                         %                7.2            6.2           2.6           3.2            3.8           3.2         4.7           7.5          5.2


       Pomatomus saitatrfx             landings          88.7           31.4          38.5          51.4           30.2          41.1        34.7          13.6         13.9      38.2
                                       kg/trip           52.3           51.4          43.6          71.0           32.5          32.2        41.0          40.9         87.9      50.3
                                       kgIpound          15.3           22.8          18.7          36.9           12.7          20.7        18.4          15.3         38.6      22.2
                                         %                3.8            3.9           2.5           3.6            2.6           2.3         3.8           3.0          6.2


       Pepritus triscanthus            landings          10.9            1.4           6.9          13.9k          10.0           4.5         7.3           0.9         15.2      87.9
                                       kg/trip           17.7            2.3          10.0          32.5           19.4          10.7         8.8           8.2         29.7      15.5
                                       kg/pound           6.0            1.0           4.3          16  .9         13.0           6.9         3.9           3.0         13.0        7.6
                                         x                1.3            0.2           0.6           1.7            1.5           0.8         0.8           0.6          2.1


       Pepritus aiepidotus             landings          34.1           16.8          31.8          86.3*          33.8          37.5        33.6          18.4         24.0      35.1
                                       kg/trip           27.5           60.0          40.3          90.3           96.1          64.4        59.8          33.5         37.7      56.6
                                       kg/pound           8.6           26.2          17.3          47.2           64.2          41.5        26.8          12.5         16.5      28.9
                                         %                2.1            4.5           2.3           4.6            7.7           4.6         5.6           2.5          2.6


       Scomberomorus macutatus         Landings           3.1            2.6           6.3           9.8           16.0          81.5        74.8          71.2         21.5      31.9
                                       kg/trip           36.9            5.8          10.4          45.2           22.3          68.8        80.4         105.0         69.7      49.4
                                       kg/pound          11.2            2.6           4.4          23.5           14.9          44.3        36.0          39.2         30.6      23.0
                                         %                2.8            0.5           0.6           2.4            1.9           5.2         7.5           7.8          4.9













       Table 6. (Continued).


                                                                                                                       Season                                                   9-year
       Species                                           1982          1983          1984           1985         1986           1987        1988          1989        1990        mean




       Brevoortia tyrannus             landings              -              -             -                            -             -           -             -
                                       kg/trip           212.1         267.2         156.2          122.3        172.2          215.9       198.4         300.9       393.1     226.4
                                       kg/pound           59.8         118.5           67.0         63.6         113.5          139.0         88.9        112.3       172.5     103.9
                                         %                15.9          21.3            9.2           6.5           14.6          16.3        18.6          22.4        27.5


       Total finffsh                   landings"*      1,275.9         447.5         782.0          976.7        434.2          993.6       866.0         438.3       385.4     733.3
                                       kq/trip         1,321.3       1,229.7        1,616.5       1,873.4       1,168.8       1,306.4     1,054.1        1,262.5     1,315.8   1,349.8
                                       kg/pound          436.5         544.8         692.9          976.0        754.0          840.9       472.7         276.5       577.4     640.7
                                         %                96.8          93.7           92.8         95.7           94.3          94.2         92.3          94.0        92.1



           North Carolina commercial landings combined harvestfish and butterfish landings in 1985 as harvestfish, herein, we extrapolated out butterfish
           Landings based on monthly relative proportions of the two species in our samples.

           CPUE and Landings combine Paratichthys dentatus and P. Lethostigma catches.

           Excludes Atlantic menhaden landings.












                 Table 7. Nonthty and total commercial landings of dominant or selected species captured by Dare County pound nets in 1988, including total North
                            Carolina pound net landings (State) and the percent of those Landings accounted for by Dare County (% Dare).


                                                                                 commercial Landings (kg)
                                                May            Jun               JUL              Au-q            Sep              Oct               Total              State        % Dare

                 Bluefish                      3,316           4,342            3,274           9,458           11,318            3,020              34,728            38,482           90.2


                 Butterfish                        -           2,007            2,057           1,509            1,299               423             7,295              9,507           76.7


                 Atlantic croaker              5,383          99,932          108,193          121,517        104,978            11,307           451,310             503,896           89.6


                 Red drum                          a                                 -              43           1,294            2,910              4,255              6,375           66.7


                 F t ounde rs                   688            1,208              380           1,029         148,244           105,894           257,443             628,159           41.0


                 Harvestfish                    460           13,058          11,169            2,838            4,210            1,877              33,612            70,334           47.8


                 Florida pompano                                   21               44             211              102               39                417             2,436           17.1


                 Weakfish                      9,471          16,888          21,577            54,268          94,093,          35,434           231,731             270,908           85.5


                 Spotted seatrout                 34               42                -                -              15               80                171                354          48.3

                 Spanish mackerel               706           141080          37,732            12,144           8,527            1,633              74,822            79,974           93.6


                 Spot                           193            3,078            2,702           7,803           15,365            3,487              32,628            57,913           56.3


                 Bait (scrap)                 11,451          67,567          58,231            64,966          52,313            16,678          271,206             335,483           80.8

                 Total                        37,919         226,090          259,539          281,643        446,622            189.196         1,432,009          2,003,821           69.8


                 Total marketable             26,468         158,523          192,308          216,677        394,309            172,518         1,160,803          1,668,338           67.6


                 Percent bait (scrap)           30.2             29.9            23.2             23.1             11.7              8.8               18.9               16.7









                  TabLe B. Monthly and total commercial Landings of dominant or selected species captured by Dare county sciaenid pound nets in 1989, including total
                             Worth Carolina pound net landings (State) and the percent of those Landings accounted for by Dare County @% Dare).


                                                                                           Commercial landings (kg)
                                                       may              Jun              Jul             Aug            Sep            Oct             Total     -       State       % Dare

                  Bluefish                             934           1,821            3,719          3,032           1,973           2,080           13,560            17,580          77.1


                  Butterfish                           178              721                -                               -              -               899               978        91.9


                  Atlantic croaker                 12,189            57,057          65,109          65,807          41,595          1,872          243,628            276,525         88.1


                  Red drum                                                 -             138              17         1,961           3,326             5,442           14,423          37.7


                  Flounders                            129              578           1,130          3,"3            48,066         96,927          150,293            497,357         30.2


                  Harvestfish                         1,594          9,075            4,740          1,302           1,404             252           18,367            40.527          45.3


                  Florida pompano                        28             274           4,329              240            114            117             5,103             6,298         81.0


                  Weakfish                           4,985           6,367           10,568          18,946          13,171          3,675           57,712            64,616          89.3


                  Spotted seatrout                        2              24                -              32               -             45               103               180        57.2


                  Spanish mackerel                   2,152           22,377          39,200          5,954           @1,361            115           71,158            73,896          96.3


                  Spot                                 178           2,486            3,018          6,231           15,699          5,252           32,863            45,855          71.7


                  Bait (scrap)                     17,710           127,814          67,846          34,785          50,000          7,662          305,819            391,583         78.1


                  Total                            41,681           235,834          208,091        142,348         179,905        127,626          935,484          1,429,818         63.3


                  Total marketable                 23,971           108,020          140,245        107,563         129,905         119,964         629,665          1,038,235         57.7


                  Percent bait (scrap)                 42.5            54.2             32.6           24.4            27.8            6.0              32.7              27.4












                 Table 9. Monthly and total commercial landings of dominant or selected species captured by Dare county sciaenid pound              nets in 1990, including total
                            North Carolina pound net landings (State) and the percent of those landings accounted for by Dare County (% Dare).


                                                                                                      Commercial landings (kg)
                 Species                         may              Jun              Jul            Aug               Sep            Oct            Total              State      % Dare

                 Bluefish                        147           3,128            2,754            1,984           2,355           3,553           13,921            26,375           52.8

                 Butterfish                      806           4,789            3,681            2,374           1,618           1,984           15,252            38,978           39.1

                 Atlantic croaker              3,389           67,737          61,766          42,249           38,375           4,906         218,422             232,182          94.1

                 Red drum                                                                           21              899            611             1,531           11,386           13.4

                 Flounders                         58             679              406            607           23,283          50,540           75,573            636,449          11.9

                 Harvestffsh                     648           5,078            5,471             925            6,168           5,684           23,974            40,411           59.3

                 FLorlda pompano                    5              25               42               11             194            176               453             7,322          6.2

                 Weakfish                      1,153           16,502           13,923         13,103           17,779          11,055           73,515            87,982           83.6

                 Spotted seatrout                   -               4                6                -              14            227               251                404         62.2
                 Spanish mackerel              1,159           8,681            9,055             690            1,808             125           21,518            25,411           84.7
                 Spot                            252              789           1,188            5,301                           5,982           18,861            28,872           65.3
                 Bait (scrap)                  15,536         112,121           68,293         42,898           77,167          24,562         340,577             681,341          50.0
                 Total                         24,497         226,261          168,334         111,581          180,399         115,524        826,597           1,817,113          44.2

                 Total marketable              8,961          114,140          100,041         68,683           103,232         90,962         486,020           1,135,772          40.8
                 Percent bait (scrap)            63.4            49.6             40.6            38.4             42.8            21.3             41.2               37.5            -







      Table 10. Seasonal caim rciat landings of sciaenid pound net           1, tong haut   2, ocean gitt net (gitt net)  3,  and winter trawler  4  fisheries in North Carolina for 1982-1990 fishing
                  seasons (season = May-Aprit), including total tandings/species (mt), total value of state landings              (value in 1000s of dollars) and relative contribution of the
                  three ffsheries/specfes (percent).


                             May 82-Apr 83        May 83-Apr 84       May 84-Apr 85        May 85-Apr 86      May 86-Apr 87        May 87-Apr 88        May 88-Apr 89   -  May 89-Apr 90      May 90-Apr 91
                             Land-   Value/      Land-    Value/     Land-    Value/      Land-    Value/     Land-   Value/      Land-    Value/      Land-    Value/    Land-   Value/     Land-  Value/
      Species                ings    percent     ings     percent    ings     percent     ings     percent    ings     percent    ings     percent     ings     percent   ings    percent    ings   percent

      Atlantic croaker       4,475   $3,572      3,697    $3,099     4,707    $3,278      4,211    $3,204     3,757     $2,909    3,552    $3,133      3,164    $3,036    2,787   $3,201     2,550  $2,749
        Pound net              863      19.3       292       7.9       443        9.4        567     13.5       234       6.2        579      16.3       451      14.2       244      8.8      218      8.5
        Long haut            2,064      46.1     1,883      50.9     1,339      28.4      1,114      26.4     1,392      37.0        679      19.1     l,i77      37.2    1,427      51.2    1,769     69.4
        Trawler                547      12.2       478      12.9     1,359      28.9      1,069      25.4       721      19.2        761      21.4       653      20.7       436     15.7      154      6.1
        Gilt net               385       8.6       540      13.3     1,219      25.9      1,252      29.7     1,204       3.0     1,283       36.1       636      20.1       385     13.9      304     11.9

      Weakfish               5,163   $4,695      5,486    $3,936     4,728    S3,874      6,626    $4,458     5,276     $4,152    6,561    $4,717      5,298    $5,041    2,854   $3,320     2,759  $2,803
        Pound net              126       2.5        73       1.3       167        3.5        192      2.9        88       1.7        199       3.0       232       4.4        58      2.0       74      2.7
        Long haul              737      14.3       704      12.8       762      16.1         508      7.7       586      11.1        412       6.3       608      11.5       240      8.4      481     17.4
        Trawler              3,054      59.5     2,740      49.9     1,760      37.2      2,570      38.8     1,971      37.4     2,364       36.0     1,590      30.0    1,168      41.1    1.220     44.4
        Gilt net               846      16.4     1,555      28.4     1,565      33.1      2,654      40.1     2,2T7      43.2     3,253       49.6     2,440      46.1    1,202      42.2      842     30.5

      Bluefish               3,470      $914     1,618      $565     1,344      $509      1,734      $513     1,712      $732     2,603       S755     1,417      $538    1,761      $678    2,150  $   740
        Pound net               89       2.6        31       1.9         38       2.9        51       3.0        30       1.8         41       1.6        35       2.5        14      0.8       14      0.7
        Long haul              194       5.6       153       9.5       ill      11.7         216     12.5       212      12.4        214       8.2       164      li.6       136      7.7      139      6.5
        Trawler              1,776      51.2       465      28.7       359      26.7         353     20.3       185      10.8        564      21.7       234      16.5       206     11.7      124      5.6
        Gilt net               970      2B.0       637      39.4       561      41.8         744     42.9       979      57.2     1,357       52.1       683      48.2    1,193      67.8    1,293     60.1

      Spot                   2,214   $1,063      1,388      $699     1,562      $809      1,843      $900     1,473      S742     1,296       $663     1,378      $666    1,464      $785    1,590  $   805
        Pound net              150       6.8        30       2.1         89       5.7        56       3.1        22       1.5         51       3.9        33       2.4        33      0.2       19      1.2
        Long haul            1,556      70.3       885      62.3       938      60.1      1,126      61.1       865      58.8        529      40.8       896      65.0       903     61.7    1,104     69.4
        TrawLer                 36       1.6        69       5.0         50       3.2        75       4.1        38       2.6         37       2.8        37       2.7        63      4.3       33      2.1
        Gilt net                37       1.7        65       4.7       131        8.4        150      8.2       213      14.5        268      20.7       142      10.3       232     15.9      113      7.1

      Flounders              3,970   $5,486      6,027    $7,293     6,403    S10,132     4,231    $9,304     3,256     $7,993    4,571    S10,957     3,927    $9,649    2,637   $9,685     3,003  $9,554
        Pound net               55       1.4        34       0.6         53       0.8        34       0.8        99       3.0        163       3.6       257       6.5       150      5.7       76      2.5
        Long haul               28       0.7        36       0.6         27       0.4        29       0.7        43       1.3         12       0.3        38       1.0        32      1.2       19      0.6
        Trawler              2,888      72.8     4,769      79.1     5,185      81.0      2,891      68.3     1,825      56.1     3,219       70.4     2,326      59.2    1,105      41.9    1,686     56.2
        Gilt net               0.2      <0.1          6     -CO. 1         9      0.2          6      0.1          6      0.2           4      0.1          2      0.1          6     0.3      <0.1    <0.1

      Striped bass             110      $451       185      $356       211      $365         101     $170       135       297         54      S119        43       $96        77     $212       50  S 156
        Pound net                           -         -         -                    -         -                0.2       0.2           -                   -           -       -        -        0        0
        Long haut              0.1      <0.1                                                                       -                                                            -        -        0        0
        Trawler                   2      1.5          6      3.3                                                                                                              10     <0.1         3     6.0
        Gilt net                22      20.3       0.3       0.2                                                                                                              34      0.1         0        0
      Butterfish  5            135       $76        53       $43         80       $64        63       $47        79       $72         62       $53        26       S28       104      $67      122  $     97
        Pound net               11       8.1          1      2.7           7      8.6        14      22.2        10      12.6           5      7.3          7     26.9       0.9      0.9       15      1.2
        Long haul                 4      2.7          4      8.4           2      2.9        0.2      0.3        13      16.3        0.6       1.0          1      5.4       0.5      5.3       21     17.2
        Trawler                 74      55.0        38      71.7         52     64.6         34      53.6        39      49.3         32      51.6        10      38.5        71     69.3       41     33.6
        Gilt net                38      28.4          6     10.6         13     15.7           9     14.4        11      14.1         11      18.2          3     11.5        16     15.5       12      9.8







    m m m m m m so m go m m m = @ = @ m @ m










    Table 10. (Continued).


                             May 82-Apr 83       May 83-Apr 84        May 84-Apr 85        May 85-Apr 86        May 86-Apr 87        May 87-Apr 88        May 88-Apr 89       May 89-Apr 90      May 90-Apr 91
                            Land-     Value/    Land-    Va t Lie/   Land-     Value/     Land-     Value/     Land-     Value/     Land-     Value/     Land-     Value/    Land-    Value/    Land-    Value/
    Species                 ings     percent    ings     percent __in_qs      percent     ings     Dercent     ings     percent     ings     percent     ings     percent    ings    percent    ings    percent

    Harvestfish  5             199     $123        101       $60        110       $97        186      S200       137       S167        115      S158        114      S164      100      $129       98     $135
       Pound not               34      17.2           17    16.8         32      28.9         86      46.5         34      24.6         38      32.7         34      29.8       18      18.0       24     24.5
       Long haul               41      20.6           20    19.4         21      19.5         16       8.8         33      23.9         33      28.5         16      14.3          6     6.2          9     9.2
       Trawler                 34      17.2           7      7.1           5      4.7         43      23.0           7      4.8           6      4.8           8      7.1       22      22.0       13     13.3
       Gilt net                42      21.1           6      6.0           5      4.7         18       9.5         11       8.3         13      11.0           5      4.4       13      13.3       16     16.3

    Spanish mackerel           86       $61           19     $15         58       $42         79       $67       105        SBI        229      $145        199      S141      268      $215      380     S318
       Pound not                 3      3.6           3     14.2           6     10.9         10      12.4         16      15.2         81      35.6         75      37.7       71      26.5       22       5.8
       Long haut               0.9      1.1           1      7.9           3      4.5           5      6.3         13      12.4         15       6.4         18       8.9       33      12.3       12       3.2
       Trawler                 0.4      0.4                                          -       0.3       0.4       0.3        0.3        0.1      @(O. 1      0.2       0.1          3     1.1      0.7       0.2
       Gilt net                30      34.7           4     20.3         14      24.4         27      34.1         41      38.9         so      21.9         43      21.6      114      42.5      143     37.6

    Florida pompano            14       $33           2        $4          4      $11         11       $32         17       $41           9      $24           3        $9         9     $28       14       S24
       Pound net                 3     23.5        0.1       3.1        0.4       8.9           1      9.0           3     16.3           2     24.4        0.4      13.3          5    55.6      0.5       3.6
       Long haut                 6     38.9        0.4      18.7           2     56.6           5     48.4           4     24.3           2     19.7        0.7      18.9          2    18.6          1     7.2
       Trawler                                                             -         -          -         -                                                    -         -     .002     <0.1          -
       Gilt net                0.7      4.7           -                 0.6      13.7        0.1       1.4           2     11.2        0.5       5.5        0.3      10.0                         <0.1    <0.1

    Spotted seatrout           42       $72           72    S120         68      S123         65      S171         85      $157        156      $277        167      S326      161      $345      110     $219
       Pound net                 5     11.6           5      6.8           4      6.0        0.2       0.4       0.3        0.3           2      1.5        0.2       0.1          -              0.3       0.3
       Long haut               15      35.6           19    25.6         15      22.3           9     14.9         10      11.8         36      23.2         35      21.1       31      19.0       21     19.1
       Trawler                 0.4      1.0        0.3       0.4        0.4       0.6           2      2.8           6      6.7           2      1.4        0.7       0.4          8     4.8      <0.1    <0.1
       Gilt net                  2      5.4           4      5.8           4      6.1         16      24.4         10      il.5         17      11.0         22      13.2       10       6.3       10       9.1

    Red drum                   22       $11        146       $81         91       $60         T7      $113       104       $109        115      $149         99      $124      118      $164       82     $105
       Pound net               0.3      1.5           2      1.1        0.8       0.9        0.4       0.5       0.5        0.5         19      16.4           4      4.0          5     4.2          1     1.2
       Long haut                 5     20.4           9      6.5           7      7.7           2      2.8         32      30.9         16      13.8         11      11.1       25      21.6          a     9.8
       Trawler                   6     27.7           13     9.0           6      7.1           2      2.1           2      1.5           1      1.3           2      1.9          1     1.1      0.2       0.3
       Gilt net                  5     24.0           37    25.1         21      22.8         19      24.4           9      8.4         11       9.6           9      9.1       12      10.4          5     6.1

    Black sea bass             213     $343        446      $619        544      $976        503    $1,002       267       $519        495      $979        452    $1,118      509    $1,384      285    $1,042
       Trawler                 71      33.5        266      59.7        363      71.4        296      58.9         95      35.7        315      63.6        206      45.7      205      40.3       60     21.1

    Scup or porgies            658     $840        835      $997        505      $759        188      S212       ill       $186         61       $65         15       $11       47         82      71       $60
       Trawler                 304     46.2        4T7      57.2        267      52.9        171      90.8       ill       99.7         58      94.3         15      100.0      47      99.6       71     100.0

    Bait                    4,302      $354     4,430       $376     4,695       $381     3,437       $230     2,836       $201     4,084       $300     2,596       $168    2,167      $159    2,566     $177
       Pound net               349      8.1        201       4.5        421       9.0        549      16.0       123        4.3        329       8.1        271      10.4      306      14.1      341     13.3
       Long haul.           1,879      43.7     1,901       42.9     1,884       40.1     1,148       33.4     1,386       48.9     1,474       36.1     1,078       41.5    1,112      51.8    1,635     63.7
       Trawler              1,364      31.7     1,613       36.4     1,728       36.7     1,620       47.1       905       31.9     2,109       5l.i        794      30.6      195       9.0       78       3.0
       Gilt net                62       1.5           44     1.0        100       2.1         13       0.4         23       0.8           7      0.2        127       4.9          6     0.3          1










           Table M (Continued).

                                 May 82-Apr          May 83-Apr 84      May 84-Apr 85       May 85-Apr 86       May 86-Apr 87       May 87-Apr 88        May 88-Apr 89      May 89-Apr 90     May 90-Apr 91
                                Land-     VaLue/    Land-     Value/    Land-     Value/    Land-     VaLue/    Land-     Value/    Land-     Value/     Land-    Value/    Land- Value/      Land- Value/
           species              ings     Percent    ings     percent    ings     percent    ings     percent    ings     percent    ings     percent     ings    percent    ings percent      ings percent

           Total finfish
           (w/out menhaden) 31,767       $23,406   32,776    $23,639   37,030    $28,220   32,319    $27,182    25,462   $25,399    31,772   S30,301    25,225   $29,622   20,905  $41,06    24,812  $28,731
            Pound net           1,699       5.4        706       2.2    1,285        3.5    1,553        4.8       684       2.7    1,558         4.9    1,432        5.7      935      4.5      827      3.3
            Long haul           6,579      20.7     5,649      17.2     5,175      14.0     4,250       13.2    4,714      18.5     3,353       10.6     4,308      17.1    4,112     19.7    5,299     21.4
            Trawler             10,367     32.6    11,779      35.9    11,899      32.1     9,850       30.5    6,493      25.5     10,256      32.3     6,099      24.2    4,481     21.5    4,081     16.4
            Gilt net            2,671       8.4     3,071        9.4    3,825      10.3     5,157       16.0    5,067      19.9     6,698       21.1     4,430      17.6    3,555     17.0    3,548     14.3

           Total marketable
            (w/out menhaden) 27,465      $23,092   28,346    S18,994   32,336    S23,263   28,882    $26,952    22,626   $25,197    27,688   $29,884    22,629   $29,454   18,738  $41,677   22,246  $28,554
            Pound net           1'350       4.9        505       1.8       B64       2.7    1,003        3.5       561       2.5    1,229         4.4    1,161        5.1      630      3.3      468      2.1
            Long haul           4,700      17.1     3,748      13.2     3,291      10.2     3,102       10.7    3,328      14.7     2,074         7.5    3,230      14.3    2,991     16.0    3,665     16.5
            Trawler             9,003      32.8    10,166      35.9    10,177      31.5     8,230       28.5    5,588      24.7     8,147       29.4     5,304      23.4    4,285     22.9    4,056     18.2
            Gilt net            2,613       9.5     3,028      10.7     3,725      11.5     5,144       17.8    5,043      22.3     6,691       24.2     4,303      19.0    3,549     18.9    3,547     15.9


           1Pound net landings include Dare County (annual timeframe).
           2Long haul Landings: Long haul landings include April through December          from Dare,   Hyde, Carteret, Craven, PamLico    and  Beaufort counties   (annual timeframe).
           3Winter trawl landings include: Dare, Hyde, Pamlico, Beaufort, Craven,          Carteret, Brunswick and Onstow counties.
           4ocean gitt net Landings incLude all state Landings September through April.
           5Worth Carolina commercial landings combined harvestfish and butterfish Landings in 1985 are harvestfish; for the purpose of this presentation, we extrapolated out butterfish
            landings based on monthly relative proportions of the two species in our samples.










                 Table 11. Landings (mt) of major commercial finfish (including menhaden) in N.C. that are important components of the sciaenid pound net fishery, with
                             total weights of seven species and their combined percentage of the State's total edible finfish tandings.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Percent
                                                                                                                                                                    Total              of
                                                                                                                                                                    wt (mt)           total
                                  Total                                                                                                                               of              state
                                  edible           Atlantic                                                                                        Spanish         domi nant        finfish
                 Year             finfish          croaker          Weakfish           Spot         Butterfish Harvestfish          Bluefish       mackerel         species          tanded

                 1965             15,258               795              889              414            167             57             319             53            2,694            17.7
                 1966             14,772               575              860              495            228             32             372             35            2,597            17.6
                 1967             18,543               582              802            1,383            174             66             403             33            3,443            18.6
                 1968             15,140               545            1,037              714             48             32             396             31            2,803            18.5
                 1969             16,628               621              698              675             59             11             395             44            2,499            15.0
                 1970             13,532               366            1,107              693             60             12             225             29            2,492            18.4
                 1971             14,234               430            1,653              540             26             21             262             43            2,975            20.9
                 1972             18,476             1,864            3,344            1,730             40             23             530             44            7,575            41.0
                 1973             18,613             1,961            2,822            2,448             18             29             911             29            8.218            44.0
                 1974             21,428             2,759            2,747            2,543             34               7            990             33            9,113            42.5
                 1975             24,349             4,650            3,051            3,765             58             18             896             22           12,460            51.2
                 1976             24,390             6,821            3,952            1,213             24             11             615             14           12,650            51.9
                 1977             28,012             8,616            3,933            1,726             22             22           1,057             21           15,397            55.0
                 1978             30,424             9,047            4,927            2,213             50             43             883             18           17,181            56.5              -4
                 1979             37,307             9,325            6,695            3,313             83             14           1,545               6          20,980            56.2
                 1980             41,517             9,592            9,228            3,220             67           125            2,469             34           24,735            59.6
                 1981             31,219             5,083            7,662            1,593            128             68           2,998             23           17,555            56.2
                 1982             28,989             4,910            5,467            2,231            120           207            1,946             86           14,967            51.6
                 1983             28,864             3,289            4,642            1,339             49           M              3,061             19           12,509            43.3
                 1984             29,350             4,160            5,892            1,579             78           105            1,615             58           13,487            45.9
                 1985             29,243             3,953            4,457            1,834             72           159            1,635             79           12,189            41.7
                 1986             27,570             4,275            6,491            1,521             85           176            1,565             05           14,219            51.6
                 1987             24,064             3,306            5,390            1,273             63           121            2,069            229           11,651            48.4
                 1988             27,830             3,826            6,846            1,397             30           114            2,286            199           14,698            52.6
                 1989             20,501             3,095            4,588            1,476             87           100            1,493            267           11,106            54.2
                 1990             21,684             2,617            2,632            1,567            115             87           2,OT7            381            9,476            43.7



                 *IncLudes sit Paratichthys, sp.







                                                                              38


                     TabLe 12. MonthLy and overaLL totaL catch       weight ranges, mean weights of marketabLe (for human consumption) and_scrap
                                  portions, and mean and range of    percent scrap/catch in PamLico Sound sciaenid pound net,catches, 1982 1990.

                                                                       Range of
                                                                     totaL catch                 Mean weight (kq)                   Percent scrap
                     Month              Year             N           weights (kg)           Marketabte            Scrap         Mean          Ranoe

                     May                1982             4           367.9- 721.7               149.9             399.7         72.7         61.6-79.0
                                        1983             6           277.1-1,914.6              140.8             685.7         82.9         59.8-97.1
                                        1985             4           496.4- 984.3               283.2             470.6         62.4         3
                                        1986             5            76.0- 741.2                 86.6            224.2         72.1         18.6-91.8
                                        1987             3           129.8- 451.1               355.0             111.9         24.0         17.5-33.2
                                        1988             1                     234.9            189.5             45.4          19.3
                                        1989             7           484.0-1,787.3              278.8             709.6         73.2         61.4-94.3
                                        1990             7           400.9-3,245.0              435.1          1,040.0          70.5         43.3-95.4


                     Jun                1982             3           699.9-2,025.8              488.2             854.3         63.7         25.9-77.2
                                        1983             6           921.2-2,920.7              686.5             986.6         59.0         43.6-91.1
                                        1984           12            243.1-3,306.7              592.0             567.0         53.4         24.5-77.2
                                        1985             7           209.1-4,714.2              611.7          1,176.1          65.7         26.4-88.5
                                        1986           Is            167.8-2,683.8              690.7             302.4         30.4          9.3-67.6
                                        1987           14            515.1-2,807.3              663.0             627.7         48.6         11.0-  71'3
                                        1988           15            303.0-2,268.0              486.7             549.0         51.2         14.1-88.3
                                        1989           12            780.6-3,677.3              864.0             905.3         50.9         15.9-76.5
                                        1990           11          1,148.9-3,808.8              752.8          1,412.3          65.2         51.9-79.0


                     JuL                1982           16            307.5-3,777.1              972.8             484.6         33.3          2.7-81.1
                                        1983             9           377.9-1,768.3              507.9             544.3         51.8         19.2-66.0
                                        1984           15            607.5-3,507.6           1,425.5              700.1         32.9         12.3-65.3
                                        1985           11          1,267.2-4,WS.8               920.9          1,271.1          57.9         31.2-83.7
                                        1986           16            481.0-3,701.1              854.3             850.7         49.9         16.3-90.0
                                        1987           13            696.4-2,366.0              T75.9             725.8         48.3         24.6 71 7
                                        1988           12            205.5-2,296.5              652.3             610.2         46.3         15.8:79:3
                                        1989           14            239.5-2,656.7              654.9             815.8         58.4         26.7-85.2
                                        1990           15            286.7-2,073.8              558.9             681.9         55.0         22.4-82.5


                     Aug                1982           12            475.8-3,504.5           1,403.2              389.3         22.6          6.9-42.8
                                        1983             8           745.3-2,988.6              837.9             522.2         38.4          9.0-57.4
                                        1984           13            813.3-4,178.9           1,594.0           1,035.8          39.4         24.3-57.6
                                        1985           11          1,060.5-4,838.1           1,531.7           1,1".3           42.7         19.3-6
                                        1986             7           768.9-3,627.4           1,290.1              700.1         35.2         19.6-60.8
                                        1987           12            722.1-2,078.8              840.1             436.6         34.2         22.6 56 5
                                        1988           13            133.9-2,781.4              674.6             491.0         38.4             0:69:7
                                        1989           11            122.6-3,107.6              471.6             541.0         57.8         44.7-76.1
                                        1990           12            235.0-5,462.1              693.2             797.6         53.5         22.4-84.1


                     Sep                1982           10          1,025.1-3,791.2           1,758.6              342.5         16.2         26.2-35.4
                                        1983             a           527.2-3,624.0           1,578.6              481.9         23.4         13.2-32.4
                                        1984             6           417.3-1,803.5              721.8             306.2         29.8         16.4-38.9
                                        1985             6           452.2-1,997.2              567.0             703.9         55.3         21.3-79.5
                                        1986           10              76.6-1,492.3             536.8             279.1         34.2         21.0-69.4
                                        1987           12            408.2-3,916.6           1,801.7              429.0         24.5          3.5-52 4
                                        1988             a           501.2-2,543.8              854.1             260.8         24.6          6.6-46:7
                                        1989             8           465.8-2,501.5              771.4             696.3         52.9         20.2-87.6
                                        1990           11            "3.2-2,987.3               760.4             602.0            .2        17.6-77.3








                                                                              39




                      Table 12. (Contimied)

                                                                       Range of
                                                                     total catch                Mean weight (kq)                  Percent scrap
                      Month              Year            N           weights (kq)           Warketable            Scrap        Mean           Range



                      Oct                1982            1                     271.0           103.6              113.4        52.5
                                         1983            4             63.1-1,219.1            330.5              241.9        42.3              0-".7
                                         1984            3           377.4-1,108.0             510.2              151.1        22.8           9.1-28.7
                                         1986            2           327.5-2,827.7           1,090.0              487.6        30.9          24.1-41.5
                                         1987            2           868.2-1,893.3           1,085.9              294.9        21.3          16.8-31.4
                                         1988            5           175.6- 701.9              408.8              113.4        24.2            7.9-38.7
                                         1989            1                     422.6             59.7             362.9        85.9
                                         1990            5               94.8-596.9            113.7              186.0        62.1          23.9-86.2




                                                                            Mean              Mean                Mean         Mean
                                                                        total weight         market             samvL        % scrap


                      Totals             1982          46                   1,571.4          1,133.8              437.5        27.8
                                         1983          41                   1,224.5            686.1              538.4        ".0
                                         1984          49                   1,798.6          1,123.9              675.7        37.5
                                         1985          39                   1,966.7            917.8            1,048.9        53.3
                                         1986          55                   1,254.1            749.1              505.0        40.3
                                         1987          56                   1,405.3            877.9              527.4        37.5
                                         1988          54                   1,066.7            610.4              456.3        42.8
                                         1989          53                   1,339.7            601.3              738.4        55.1
                                         1990          61                   1,428.3            605.9              822.4        57.6





                                                                                                      40
                            TabLe 13. Species coqmsition of scrapfish (discard or bait) 'in 54 PamLico Sound pound net catches sampted
                                            in 1988.


                                                                                                                                                            Mean fish          Percent
                                                                                    Weight                                       NLmiber                       weight            freq.
                            Species                                          Mean              Percent                  Mean               Percent              (kg)             occur

                            Brevoortia tyramus                               136.2               38.1                   1,351                 36.7              0.10             100.0
                            Micropogonias undulatus                          127.8               35.8                   1,157                 31.4              0.11                    96.3
                            Leiostmus xanthurus                              25.9                 7.3                      352                9.6               0.07                    92.6
                            Opisthonemm ogLin                                18.0                 5.1                      324                8.8               0.06                    79.6
                            Cynoscion regalis                                13.6                 3.8                      139                3.8               0.10             100.0
                            Pomatomus saLtatrix                              11.5                 3.2                       72                2.0               0.16                    85.2
                            Scomberomorus maculatus                            7.8                2.2                       74                2.0               0.11                    83.3
                            Bairdie[La chrysoura                               3.3                0.9                       46                1.2               0.07                    75.9
                            Paralichthys dentatus                              1.8                0.5                       18                0.5               0.10                    55.6
                            CaLLinectes sapidus                                1.5                0.4                       15                0.4               0.10                    74.1
                            Chaetodipterus faber                               1.5                0.4                       22                0.6               0.07                    48.1
                            Orthopristis chrysoptera                           1.3                0.4                       19                0.5               0.07                    59.3
                            Pepritus triacanthus                               1.0                0.3                       15                0.4               0.07                    70.4
                            Lagod       rhomboides                             1.0                0.3                       17                0.5               0.06                    53.7
                            Selene vomer                                       0.8                0.2                       15                0.4               0.05                    22.2
                            Chilomycterus schoepfi                             0.6                0.2                          2              <0.1              0.27                    18.5
                            ParaLichthys Lethostigma                           0.4                0.1                          4              0.1               0.11                    42.6
                            Porichthys plectrodon                              0.4                0.1                       <1                <0.1              1.15                    1.9
                            Peprilus aLepidotus                                0.4                0.1                          8              0.2               0.05                    77.8
                            Caranx hippos                                      0.3               -CO.l                         4              0.1               0.09                    20.4
                            Monacanthus hisoidus                               0.3               <0.1                       10                0.3               0.03                    31'5
                            Prionotus caroLinus                                0.3               <0.1                          4              0.1               0.08                    16.7
                            Atosa sapidissima                                  0.2               <0.1                          1              <0.1              0.15.                   3.7
                            Pogonias cromis                                    0.2               C0.1                          1                                0.13                    1.9
                            Evorthodus tyricus                                 0.2               <0.1                          2              <0.1              0.11                    1.9
                            Atuterus schoepfi                                  0.2               <0.1                          1              <0.1              0.13                    9.3
                            Urophycis regia                                    0.1               <0.1                          3              <0.1              0.05                    9.3
                            Larimus fasciatus                                  0.1               <0.1                          I              <0.1              0.15                    3.7
                            Trinectes macuLatus                              <0.1                <0.1                          1              <0.1              0.07                    18.5
                            Sphoeroides macutatus                            <0.1                <0.1                          1              <0.1              0.06                    33.3
                            Elops saurus                                     <0.1                <0.1                       <1                <0.1              0.20                    1.9
                            Menticirrhus americanus                          <0.1                C0.1                       <1                <0.1              0.11                    13.0
                            Stenotomus spp.                                  <0.1                <0.1                       <1                <0.1              0.07                    1.9
                            Prionotus evolans                                <0.1                CO.l                       <1                <0.1              0.08                    7.4
                            Prionotus scitulus                               <0.1                <0.1                       <1                <0.1              0.05                    5.6
                            Trichiurus tepturus                              <0.1                <0.1                       <1                <0.1              0.27                    11.1
                            Scomberamrus cavatta                             <0.1                <0. I                      <1                <0.1              0.06                    1.9
                            Penaeus aztecus                                  <0.1                <0.1                       <1                <0.1              0.01                    18.5
                            Opsanus tau                                      <0.1                <0.1                       <1                <0.1              0.08                    3.7
                            Diptodus holbrooki                               <0.1                -CO. 1                     <1                -CO. 1            0.05                    3.7
                            Setene setapinnis                                <0.1                <0.1                       <1                <0.1              <0.01                   1.9


                            observed species


                            LotliguncuLa brevis              Prionotus tribulus                        Archosaraus ProbatocephaLus                     Paratichthys spp.
                            Penaeus duorarum                 Centropristis striata                     Menticirrhus spp.                               Paralichthys aLbigutta
                            Penaeus setiferus                Rachycent          canadLin               Menticirrhus saxatitis                          Scoyhthalmus aguosus
                            Portunus spinimanus              ChLorosconbrus chrvsurus;                 Sciaenops oceRatus                              Synphurus otagiusa
                            Tylosurus crocoditus             OLigoplites saurus                        Citharichthys spiLop erus                       Monacanthus ciLiatus
                            Prionotus spp.                   Trachinotus carolinus








                                                                                   41

                        abLe 14. Species composition of scrapfish (discard or bait) in 53 ParnLico Sound sciaenid pound net catches
                                   sampLed in 1989.

                                                                                                                                Mean fish       Percent
                                                                     Weight                               Wriber                   weight         freq.
                       Species                                Mean           Percent              Mean             Percent          Rg)           occur

                       MicropoqoElias unduLatus                251.3            35.9              2,684             31.0            0.09          100.0
                       8revoortia tyrannus                     247.0            35.3              3,173             36.7            0.08          100.0
                       Leiostomus xanthurus                     82.6            11.8              1,428             16.5            0.06          100.0
                       Pomatomus saltatrix                      34.3             4.9                 284             3.3            0.12            98.1
                       Scomberawrus macuLatus                   32.2             4.6                 277             3.2            0.12            81.1
                       Cynosci    regatis                       12.0             1.7                 128             1.5            0.09            96.2
                       Opisthonema oglin                        10.1             1.4                 198             2.3            0.05            79.2
                       BairdieLLa chrysoura                      8.5             1.2                 104             1.2            0.08            75.5
                       Chloroscombrus chrysurus                  4,9             0*7                  40             0*5            1*12            1*9
                       Monacanthus hispidus                      2.6             0.4                  69             0.8            0.04            47.2
                       Orthopristis chrysoptera                  2.0             0.3                  39             0.4            0.05            60.4
                       Caranx hippos                             2.0             0.3                  23             0.3            0.08            39.6
                       Chaetodipterus faber                      1.9             0.3                  49             0.6            0.04            58.5
                       PepriLus triacanthus                      1.3             0.2                  37             0.4            0.03            83.0
                       Lagodon rhomboides                        1.2             0.2                  13             0.2            0.09            20.8
                       Setene vomer                              1.1             0.2                  30             0.4            0.04            39.6
                       Caranx spp.                               0.9             0.1                    9            0.1            0.10            1.9
                       Catlinectes sapidus                       0.9             0.1                    7           <0.1            0.12            86.8
                       ParaHclthys lethostigm                    0*5             1,1                    3           <0.1            0.18            34.0
                       ALuterus schoepfi                         0.5             0.1                    5            0.1            0.10            15.1
                       Prionotus tribulus                        0.4            <0.1                    2           <0.1            0.17            7.5
                       Peprilus aLepidotus                       0.3            <0.1                    7           <0.1            0.05            84.9
                       Sphoeroides macutatus                     0.3            <0.1                    3           <0.1            0.09            47.2
                       Muqit cephaLus                            0.3            <0.1                    2           @6.1            0.17            5.7
                       Opsanus tau                               0.2            <0.1                    2           <0.1            0.10            3.8
                       Trachinotus carolinus                     0.2            <0.1                    3           <0.1            0.06            47.2
                       Urophycis regia                           0.2            <0.1                    2           <0.1            0.09            3.8
                       Paratichthys dentatus                     0.2            <0.1                    7            0.1            0.02            54.7
                       ChiLomycterus schoepfi                    0.1            <0.1                    1           <0.1            0.14            15.1
                       Prionotus carotinus                       0.1            <0.1                    4           <0.1            0.04            13.2
                       Menticirrhus americanus                   0.1            <0.1                    I           <0.1            0.10            15.1
                       Trichiurus lepturus                       0.1            <0.1                    I           <0.1            0.11            17.0
                       CaLLinectes marginatus                   <0.1            <0.1                    I           <0.1            0.08            1.9
                       Prionotus spp.                           <0.1            <0.1                    2           <0.1            0.04            1.9
                       Penaeus duorarun                         <0.1            <0.1                  <1            <0.1            0.08            11.3
                       Mycteroperca microLe-pis                 <0.1            <0.1                  <1            <0.1            0.07            3.8
                       Archosargus Probatocephalus              <0.1            10.1                  <1            <0.1            0.29            3.8
                       Centropristis striata                    <0.1            <0.1                    1           <0.1            0.04            13.2
                       Caranx crysos                            <0.1            <0.1                  <1            <0.1            0.10            1.9
                       Trinectes maculatus                      <0.1            <0.1                    2           <0.1            0.02            13.2
                       LoiLiguncula brevis                      <0.1            <0.1                    I           <0.1            0.02            5.7
                       Penaeus aztecus                          <0.1            <0.1                    1           <0.1            0.02            39.7
                       Citharichthys spiLopterus                <0.1            <0.1                  <1            <0.1            0.02            9.4


                       Observed species


                       Cattinectes similis         Synodus foetens                        Rachycentron canadLin            Pogonias cromis
                       Portunus spinim-mm          Tytosurur. crocoditus                  Atectis citiaris                 Sciaenoys ocetlatus
                       Squitta en"a                Prionotus evotans                      Lobotes surinamensis             Sphyraene borealis
                       Elops saurus                Prionotus scituLus                     Cynoscion nebulosus              Tautoga onitis
                       Alosa mediocris             Centropristis Phitadetphica            Menticirrhus sm-                 ParaUchthys spp.






                                                                                       42


                        Table 15. Species Composition and mean catch/trip of scrap fish (bait) in 61 pound net catches sampled in
                                     Pamlico Sound froin May through October 1990.

                                                                                                                                         Mean
                                                                                                                                         fish         Percent
                                                                      Weight (kQ)                            Number                    weight          freq.
                        Species                                   Mean          Percent               Mean            Percent            (kq)          occur

                        Brevoortia tYramus                        349.1             43.6              4,369             42.5             0.08            96.7
                        Micropogonjas undutatus                   267.8             33.5              20969             28.9             0.09          100.0
                        Leiostomus xanthurus                      43.0              5.4                 790              7.7             0.05            98 4
                        Pomatomus saLtatrix                       37.9              4.7                 208              2.0             0.18            913:4
                        Scomberomorus macutatus                   27.4              3.4                 206              2.0             0.13            86.9
                        Opisthonema ogtin                         19.8              2.5                 734              7.1             0.03            59.0
                        Cynoscion regalis                         17.0              2.1                 184              1.8             0.09            98.4
                        Peprilus triacanthus                       8.7              1.1                 262              2.6             0.03            88.5
                        Lagodon rhomboides                         7.0              0.9                 189              1.8             0.04            67.2
                        Bairdietta chrysoura                       5.7              0.7                  98              0.9             0.06            75" 4
                        Pepritu alepidotus                         2.1              0.3                  51              0.5             0.04            95.1
                        Aluterus; schoepfi                         1.9              0.2                  13              0.1             0.14            18.0
                        Monecanthus hispidus                       1.7              0.2                  18              0.2             0.09            42.6
                        Chaetodipterus faber                       1.5              0.2                  45              0.4             0.03            75.4
                        Caranx hipM                                1.3              0.2                  12              0.1             0.11            29.5
                        ParaLichthys dentatus                      1.2              0.2                  11              0.1             0.11            63.9
                        CaLLinectes sapidus                        1.2              0.2                  18              0.2             0.07            93.6
                        Orthopristis chrysoptera                   1.2              0.2                  14              0.1             0.08            41.0
                        Setene vomer                               0.7              0.1                  13              0.1             0.06            36.1
                        Urophycis regia                            0.7              0.1                     6            0.1             0.11            16.1
                        Prionotus evolans;                         0.7              0.1                  11              0.1             0.06            18.0
                        ChiLomycterus schoepfi                     0.4              <0.1                    2           <0.1             0.22            13.1
                        Rachycentron canadun                       0.3              <0.1                 <1             <0.1             0.40            3.3
                        Chloroscorrbrus chrysurus                  0.3              CO. 1                14              0.1             0.02            18.0
                        Prionotus tributus                         0.2              C0.1                    9           <0.1             0.03            6.6
                        Trinectes maculatus                        0.2              <0.1                    7           <0.1             o.o3            27.9
                        Prionotus carolinus                        0.2              <0.1                    2           <0.1             0.07            14.7
                        Sphoeroides macualtus                      0.1              <0.1                    2           <0.1             0.07            50.8
                        Trachinotus carolinus                      0.1              <0.1                    I           <0.1             0.12            49.2
                        Caranx chrysos                             0.1              <0.1                    2           <0.1             0.06            11.5
                        Menticirrhus americanus                    0.1              <0.1                    1           <0.1             0.12            18.0
                        MugiL cephatus                             0.1              <0.1                    2           'CO.1            0.05            6.6
                        Paratichtbys tethostimm                   <0.1              <0.1                    2           <0.1             0.03            29.5
                        Menticirrhus saxatitis                    <0.1              <0.1                    1           <0.1             0.07            1.6
                        Synodus foetens                           <0.1              <0.1                 <1             <0.1             0.23            4.9
                        Citharichthys spRopterus                  <0.1              <0.1                    3           <0.1             0.02            11.5
                        LolLiquncuLa brevis                       <.O. 1            <0.1                    2           <0.1             0.03            18.0
                        Prionotus scitulus                        <0.1              <0.1                 <1             <0.1             0.03            4.9
                        Eucinostomus spp.                         <0.1              <0.1                 <1             <0.1             0.02            4.9
                        ALosa aestivatis                          <0.1              <0.1                 <1             <0.1             0.02            1.6


                        observed species

                        Penaeus aztecus                     Tylosurus crocoditus;                     Menticirrhus spp.
                        Penaeus duorarum                    Itwteroperca microtepis                   Fogonias cromis
                        Penaeus setiferus                   Alectis ciliaris                          Sciaenops oceLlatus
                        CaLlinectes marginatus              Caranx spp                                Trichiurus tepturus
                                     . 7-
                        Portunus spinimanus                 Otigoplites saurus                        i@a-nberomrus cavalta
                        MusteLus canis                      Archosargus probatocephaLus               Paralichthys spp.
                        ELops saurus                        Cynosci     nebutosus                     Scophthalmus aquosus
                        Atosa mediocris








                                                    43



                                   Albemarle Sound





                                                                                           Ore on
                                                                                              9
                                                                                            Inlet














                                   PungoR.





                                PC
                                          te
                                   M"CO FRJive

                                                                  PAMLICO
                                                                   SOUND
                                                                                            Cape
                                                                                          Hatteras








                                 e%-@




                                                  C,b


                                            I Cj

                      sound



                                           Cape Lookout


               Figure 1.    Location of sciaenid pound net fishing grounds in Pamlico Sound,
                            NC.










                                            44








                      1000-                                 landings 1400
                   C
                   0                                        ke/trip -1200
                   m  Boo-
                   m                                        kg/pound
                   E                                                -1000
                   R
                   C
                   1  600-                                          -Soo  C
                   A
                   L
                   L  400-                                          -600
                   A
                   N
                   D                                                -400
                   N  200-
                   G                                                  200
                   S
                   (MO  o
                               82 @3 8@4 a's @6 @7,  @8 @jj go
                                            YEAR



             Figure 2.  Comnercial landings and catch/effort of Atlantic croaker
                        (Micropogonias undulatus) in sciaenid pound nets, 1982-1990.









                                                 45






                                   7


                                                           1988

                                P                        n-6, 770
                                E
                                R  4
                                C
                                E
                                N
                                T  2





                                        150  200     0   300




                                   0


                                                           1989

                                P                        n-9,462
                                E
                                R
                                C
                                E
                                N
                                T  2




                                        150   200  250   300





                                   10

                                                           1990
                                P                        n-11,960
                                E
                                R
                                C
                                E  4
                                N
                                T

                                   2-



                                   a
                                         150  200  250 300
                                    TOTAL LENGTH (5 mm size classes)
             Figure 3.   Expanded annual length frequencies of Atlantic croaker
                                                         n= 6,97'





                                                           1
                                   [AlLn,9,94

                                                         n,








                         (Micropogonias undulatus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988-
                         1990.








                     P,                                         1982                                                             1985                       P  00                                      1988

                                                                                                                                                               40'
                                                                                       "T
                                                                                          40-                                                                  so.
                        60"
                                            9M                                                                                                                 so
                                                                                          so                                                                      g@
                                                                                                                                                            N  so
                        so                                                                                                                                  0
                                                                                                                                                            y
                                                                                          0
                                                            4                                  0                                                                     0              a               4      a
                                            AGE CLAW                                                         AGE CLASS                                                             AGE CLASS




                                                                                       P                                         1986
                                                               1983                       70.                                                                                                          1989
                                                                                                                                                            0
                                                                                       0 GQ*
                                                                                       a                                                                    : 40.
                                                                                       NT
                                                                                                                                                            T
                     P 40'                                                                44-                                                               IL so-
                        so                                                                so                                                                   to
                        to.                                                               20
                                            IBM                                        A
                        w                                                              y
                                                                                                                    MqM                                                                             4
                                                                                                                      a       4                                                     a
                                            AM CLAW                                                          AN CLAN                                                               AN CLAW



                     P  so.                                                            P                                         1987                       P                                         1990
                                                              1984                        so.

                                                                                          44-
                                                                                                                                                            194 40-
                                                                                       T 40.                                                                T
                        49.                                                            F  so-
                                                                                                                                                            Q so
                                                                                       U                                                                    I
                                                                                                                                                            N 0
                                            Mm                                                                                                              G
                                                                                                                                                            v
                        0                                                                                                                                      din
                                                                                                                                                                     0                              4
                                            AN U-486                                                          AN CLASS                                                             AM CLASS
                                                                                                     P@Z--











                              Figure 4.             Expanded age composition of Atlantic croaker,(Micropogonias undulatus) in                                                               pound net
                                                    samples, 1982-1990.



















                                 260-                                              260
                               C                                      CID landings
                               0                                          kg/trip
                               M 200-                                             -200
                               M                                          kg/pound
                               E
                               R
                               C                       El'
                                 150-
                               I                                                  - 150 C
                               A                               A
                               L

                               L loo-
                               A                                                  -loo  E
                               N
                               D
                               N   60-                                            -50

                               s
                               (MI)
                                   0                                               0
                                          82 83    84 85 86 87     88  89 go
                                                        YEAR

                        Figure 5.  Commercial landings and catch/effort of weakfish (Cynoscion
                                   regalis) from sciaenid pound nets, 1982-1990.









                                                    48









                                                                  1988
                                  P  12-                        n-2,622
                                  E
                                  R
                                  C
                                  E
                                  N
                                  T
                                     4-


                                     2-


                                     a
                                              200    300     400




                                     20

                                                                  1989
                                                                n-1,243

                                  P
                                  E
                                  R
                                  C  10-
                                  E
                                  N
                                  T
                                     a





                                     a
                                              2(@     300     400


                                     14


                                     12-                           1990
                                  P  10-                        n - 1, 4 85
                                  E
                                  R  a
                                  C
                                  E
                                  N
                                  T






                                              200     300     400

                                      TOTAL LENGTH (10mm size classes)
                Figure 6.   Expanded annual length frequencies of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis)
                            from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988-1990.












                                                             1982                     P                                    1985                                                      1988
                                                                                         40'                                                      40,
                                                                                      0

                                                                                      T  SO-                                                      so,




                        so                                                            U
                                                                                         10                                                       of


                           0
                                          Ma aim                                                          AM CLA"                                                 AM CLAW




                                                                                         so                                                       so.
                                                                                      on To.                                1986                                                    1989
                                                                                         W                                                        I
                                                                                                                                                  40-
                      N
                      P 40.                                                           P  40'                                                      Pgo,

                                                                                                                                                  go.

                        so
                                                                                      N
                                                                                      0
                                                                                      v  0                                                        low
                                                          4
                                          A;E a-AN                                                       AM CLAW                                                 AM WASS


                      P to.                                  1984                     P                                   .1987                   Pso.                             1990
                                                                                      2  yo.
                                                                                      n
                                                                                      90
                                                                                      I                                                           T
                                                                                      I  W
                      T 40'                                                           P  40'                                                      Pso-
                        so                                                            me so-                                                      so
                        as                                                            1  .11                                                      1
                                                                                         10                                                       10
                                                                                      y
                                                                                                                                                  EMM              .
                                                                                                                                                           cons
                                                                                                                                                                 COON
                                   COMM
















































                                                                                                                                                                RF@_
                           Lk
                           0  0      1      a      a      4     6                            a      I      a     S      4      6                    i      i      2      a      4      4
                                           AGE CLAW                                                      AOE CLAW                                                AM C-AW



                     Figure 7.           Expanded age composition of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) in pound net samples, 1982-.1990.


















                                    ISO-                                                120
                                   C140-                           landinas
                                   0                               kq/trip            -100
                                   M
                                   M120-                           kg/pound
                                   E
                                   R                                                  -80
                                   C100-
                                   I                                                        C
                                   A
                                                                                            U
                                   L SO-                                              -60   P

                                   L                                                        E
                                   A 60-                                                                             Ln
                                   N                                                  -40
                                   D
                                     40-
                                   N                                                    20
                                     20-
                                   (MI)0                                               0
                                              82  83  84  85 86 87 88 89 90
                                                             YEAR
                            Figure S.  Commercial landings and catch/effort of spot (Lejostomus
                                       xanthurus) in sciaenid pound net samples, 1982-1990.








                                                 51







                                    14

                                    12-                     1988
                                                          n   9 03
                                  P
                                  E
                                  R
                                  C
                                  E
                                  N
                                  T 4-
                                    :L-i       I
                                      100     150     200      250





                                    0



                                                            1989
                                  P                       n -3,6 5 2
                                  E
                                  R
                                  C
                                  E 4
                                  N
                                  T 2



                                    Ob.-
                                      100      150       280   2;0





                                                             1990
                                                          n- 3,6 7 2

                                  P
                                  E
                                  R
                                  C 4.
                                  E
                                  N
                                  T




                                    0
                                      100     150      200     250

                                      FORK LENGTH (5 mm size classes)
              Figure 9.  Expanded annual length frequencies of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus)
                         from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988-1990.
                                       Ob4ll:











                                                   1982           P                          1985                                      1.988
                         to                                       40-

                                                                  T
                       r                                          P40-                                    P 40.

                                                                                                            Go.

                                                                  v o-
                                                                                       I       a                 0       1
                                      ME CLASS                                  ME OL40                                   AGE



                                                                  Pso.                                    P                            1989
                                                   1983           a                          1986

                                                                                                          "T
                       T so                                       T
                       P                                          P40                                      40,


                                                                  Be-
                         ol                                                                                 0.M
                                                                                                                 0
                                      AM CLUS                                   AGE CLAM                                 Age




                         to
                       ,.P                                        P                                      P                            1990
                                                   1984                                      1987

                         Go.

                         40,                                                                               40,
                       P                                          P40,                                   P
                                                                  R                                        So.
                                                                  l so                                     SO                 E MOM
                         10                                                         624ri9A--I--- I                 --    -                 I
                         0
                                              a      a                 0       1       8       a
                                                                                MICLASS                                  ME

                     Figure 10. Expanded       age composition      of spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) in         pound net samples, 1982-1990.




















                                         100                                                            100
                                       C                                            lending&
                                       0                                            kg/trip
                                       M   so-
                                       M                                            kg/pound           -80
                                       E
                                       R
                                       C   eo -
                                       I                                                                so C;
                                       A
                                       L

                                       L   40-
                                       A                                                               -4o
                                       N                                   ......
                                       D
                                       N   20-
                                                                                                        20



                                            0                                                           0
                                                     82 83 84 86 88 87 88 So                 go
                                                                      YEAR

                              Figure 11. Commercial landings and catch/effort of bluefish (Pomatomus
                                            saltatrix) in sciaenid pound nets, 1982-1990.








                                          54






                              Is

                              14-                   1988
                           P  12-                   n=633
                           E  0-
                           R
                           C
                           E
                           N
                           T
                              4


                              2


                              0
                                   200    300     400





                              16

                              14-                   1989
                           P  12-                   n-766
                           E
                           R
                           C
                           E
                           N
                           T
                              4-


                              2



                                   200
                                          300     400





                              14


                              12-                    1990
                           P  10-                 n- 1,22 7
                           E
                           R
                           C
                           E  a
                           N
                           T  4.


                              2
                              0@
                                   200    300     400

                               FORK LENGTH (10 mm size classes)
            Figure 12. Expanded annual 1ength frequencies of bluefish (Pomatomus
                      saltatrix) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988-1990.








                             P                               1982                        P                                 1985                                                         1988
                                                                                         Of
                             0                                                           N40
                             T                                                           T                                                          "T 40
                                                                                         Pso
                             40




                             0                                                           0                                                          0
                             y                                                           0-                                                         v
                                a                          4'                                             a                                                0
                                             An                                                          ASE CLAW



                                                              1983                       P                                1986                      0                                   1989
                                                                                         IW                                                         I
                                                                                         0                                                          0
                             40.                                                         ! .1
                                                                                         T                                                          T me
                             so


                                                                                         so
                                                                                                                                                    U
                             10                                                          so                                                         49
                                                                                         a
                             Y0
                                                                                                                                                          0                          4
                                                                                                         a
                                            A 6 CLAW                                                     AIR                                                           MW CLASS


                             P                               1984                        P                                1987                      P                                   1990
                             so.                                                         as                                                         A".
                                                                                         0                                                          0
                             !"I                                                         MR                                                         a40,
                             T                                                                                                                      TN
                             P                                                                                                                      so-
                                                                                         so

                                                                                         to

                                                                                                                                                    M10
                                                                                                                                                    a
                             y                                                           y                                                          y0
                                                                                           0      1                                                      0      1                    4
                                            ASI GLAU                                                    M9 CLAW                                                       AGE CLAU
                                                                                                                                                         Coen


                                                                                                 rq@'-



                                                                                                 Him
                                                                                                 MEW













                                    ON.M
                                    gr@-
                                    M:M


















                             Figure 13. Expanded age composition of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) in pound net samples,                                                               1982-
                                                1990.
















                             100-                                   100

                          C                                  landIngs
                                                             ka/trip
                          M  80-                                    -80
                          M                                  ka/pound
                          E
                          R
                          C
                             60-                                    60  c
                          A
                          L
                          L  40-                                    4o  E
                          A
                          N
                          D
                          N  20-                                    -20

                          8
                          (MI) 0 --F ---- r               --T       0
                                   82  83 84 85 86 87  88 89 90
                                               YEAR

                     Figure 14. Commercial landings and catch/effort of harvestfish (Peprilus
                              alepidotus) in sciaenid pound nets, 1962-1990.









                                         57








                                                     1988

                            12-

                         E  '0-
                         R
                         C  a-
                         E
                         N  6-
                         T


                            2-


                            a
                                 100      150        200





                            14


                            12-                      1989
                         P  10-                      n-436
                         E
                         R
                         C
                         E
                         N
                         T




                                                      mn

                                 100      150        200







                                                     1990
                            a
                                                  n -1,030

                         E
                         R
                         C
                         E  4-
                         N
                         T

                            2



                            0
                                 1 0       150       P.00
                             FORK LENGTH (5rnm size classes)
                                        @L
                                    ji@

















           Figure 15. Expanded annual length frequencies of harvestfish (Peprilu@
                     alepidotus) from sciaenid pound net samples,-1988-1990.




















                                                     1                                                                          35
                                                                                                ED lending*
                                                  C  14-
                                                  0                                                   kg/trlp                  -30
                                                  M
                                                  M  12-                                              kg/pound
                                                  IS                                                                            -25
                                                  R
                                                  C  10-
                                                  1                                                                             20    C
                                                  A                                                                                   P
                                                  L   8
                                                                                                                                15    U
                                                  L                                                                                   E
                                                  A
                                                  N
                                                  D                                                                             -10                                       CO
                                                      4-                                                 -------
                                                  I
                                                  N               4.
                                                      2-


                                                      0                            --T ------ T-                                0
                                                                 82    83     84    85 86 87           88    89 90
                                                                                       YEAR

                                     Figure 16. Commercial landings and catch/effort of butterfish (Peprilus
                                                      triacanthus) in sciaenid pound nets, 1982-1990.










                                                                                                       59








                                                                            14-
                                                                                                                               1988
                                                                     P      12                                                 n-293
                                                                     E      10
                                                                     R
                                                                     C      B-
                                                                     E
                                                                     N
                                                                     T
                                                                            4-
                                                                            L
                                                                                        100                     1@0                    200


                                                                            12


                                                                            lo-                                                 1989

                                                                     p      B.                                                  n-228
                                                                     E
                                                                     R
                                                                     C      6-
                                                                     E
                                                                     N      4-
                                                                     T




                                                                            0
                                                                                         100                     150                    2@O


                                                                            12

                                                                            io -                                                1990
                                                                     P                                                        n-1,417
                                                                     E
                                                                     R
                                                                     C
                                                                     E
                                                                     N      4-
                                                                     T





                                                                                          100                     150                   200

                                                                              FORK         LENGTH (5 mm size classes)

                                   Figure 17. Expanded                       annual length frequencies of butterfish (PeRrilus
                                                                              Al@




                                                           triacanthus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988-1990.

















                                         100-                                                          120
                                      C              landinos
                                      0              kg/trlp                                          -100
                                      M  80-
                                      M              kg/pound
                                      E
                                      R                                                     %         -80
                                      C
                                      1  60-                                                                 C
                                                                                                      -60    P
                                      L                                                                      U
                                      L  40-                                                                 E
                                      A
                                      N                                                               -40
                                      D
                                      I
                                      N  20-                                                          -.20

                                          0--      CP                                                  0
                                                    82   83 84 86 86         87 88 So        90
                                                                     YEAR

                             Figure 18. Commercial landings and catch/effort of Spanish mackerel
                                           (Scomberomorus maculatus) in sciaenid pound nets, 1982-1990.









                                                  61






                                  10

                                                                1988


                                  P
                                  E
                                  R
                                  C
                                  E
                                  N
                                  T



                                   o                              In M
                                         2@O   300    400    500




                                                                1989
                                                              n-1,190
                                   12-
                                  P
                                  E
                                  R
                                  C
                                  E
                                  N
                                  T


                                   2-
                                   01
                                         2@O    3@O    400    500





                                                                1990
                                                               n-1, 17 0
                                  P
                                  E
                                  R
                                  C
                                  E
                                  N
                                  T



                                          200   3@0    4400   500
                                       FORK LENGTH (10mm size classes)
               Figure 19. Expanded annual length frequencies of Spanish mackerel
                           (Scomberomorus maculatus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988-
                           1990.


















                                   300                                                  so
                                 C                                           landings
                                 0 250-                                      kg/trip
                                 M
                                 M                                            kg/pound  60
                                 E
                                 R 200-
                                 C
                                 I                                                        C
                                 A
                                 L 150-                                                -40P
                                                                                          U
                                 L
                                 A
                                 N 100-
                                 D
                                                                                       -20
                                 N   50-
                                 G

                                 (MO                                                 1.0
                                    0
                                            82  83   84  85  86 87 88 89 90
                                                           YEAR

                         Figure 20. Commercial landings and catch/effort of flounder (Paralichthys
                                    sp.) in Dare County pound nets, 1982-1990.










                                                        63








                                                                         1988
                                            12-                          n-107

                                        E
                                        R
                                        C
                                        E
                                        N
                                        T   4-

                                            2-


                                            0
                                                 150 200    250   3@O 350




                                            14-                           1989
                                                                           n-62
                                            12-

                                        E   'a
                                        R
                                        C   a
                                        E
                                        N
                                        T
                                            4-


                                            2




                                                 150 200    250   300   '350





                                            14


                                            12-                          1990
                                        P                                 n-96
                                        E
                                        R
                                        C
                                        E
                                        N
                                        T   4.


                                            2-


                                            0
                                                  1@0  200 250     300 350

                                             TOTAL LENGTH (10mm size classes)
                    Figure 21. Expanded annual length frequencies of summer flounder
                                  (Paralichthys dentatus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988-
                                  1990.








                                                64







                                                            1988
                                12                       n -6,7 4 8
                                P10-
                                E
                                R
                                C
                                E
                                N
                                T4





                                           i    i   1    1
                                          150      200     250




                                 10


                                 a-                         1989

                                P                        n - 7,2 6 2
                                E
                                R
                                C
                                E4-
                                N
                                T

                                 2



                                 0
                                          I @O     280      250

                                 20                         1990
                                P                        n=8.963
                                E
                                R
                                C
                                E
                                N
                                T


                                           150     2010  1  250
                                    FORK LENGTH (5 mrn size closses)

             Figure 22. Expanded annual length frequencies of Atlantic menhaden
                         (Brevoortia tyrannus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1988-1990.
                                    -SI'6@L


















                                1400                                      2000

                                                                LANDINGS
                              L 1200-          (9,              mr:             C
                                                                                P
                              A 1000-                                     1500  U
                              N                                                 E
                              D
                              I  Soo-
                              N                                          -1000  k
                              G  Soo                                            9
                              8
                                                                                t
                              m  400                                     -600   r
                              t  200
                                                                                P


                                   0                                      0
                                       82 83 84 85 88 87 88 89 90
                                                    YEAR

                      Figure 23. Trends in sciaenid pound net landings (mt) and catches (kg/trip)
                                since 1982, reflecting changes in aggregate resource abundance.








                                                                          66



                                                                       TOTAL FISH


                                                     C  2000                                      26M
                                                     0
                                                     M
                                                     M                                            -2000
                                                     E  moo -
                                                     R
                                                     C
                                                     I         %                           -43    1600   C
                                                     A                                                   P
                                                     L  1000-                                            U
                                                     L                                            1000   E
                                                     A
                                                     N  Goo
                                                     0                                            .600
                                                     IN


                                                              U      64 88 W 87 56 St 00




                                                                       MARKETABLE


                                                     C  14M                                       1200
                                                     0
                                                     M  1"0 -
                                                     M                                            -100
                                                     E                    C31
                                                     R  1000-    %
                                                     C                                            .600
                                                     A  600-                                             C
                                                     L                                --- ---     - WO   P
                                                                                                         U
                                                        600-                                             E
                                                     A                                            .4W
                                                     N  400-
                                                     D
                                                     I  "a -                                      - "0
                                                     N


                                                              62 83 84 as 50 67 N 89 90




                                                                       BAIT/SCRAP


                                                     C  600                                       1200
                                                     0
                                                     M
                                                     N! am -                                      - 1000
                                                     E

                                                                                                  .600
                                                     C  400-                             cr
                                                     A                                                   C
                                                     L  300-                                      600    P
                                                                                                         U
                                                     L                               -d                  E
                                                     A  200-                                      -400
                                                     N
                                                        100.                                      .200
                                                     N
                                                                                                  0
                                                              82 N               6,7 a's     0,0
                                                                            YEAR
                      Figure 24. Commercial              landings and catch/effort (CPUE) of total fish,
                                         marketable      fish, bait (scrapfish) and percent bait in sciaenid
                                        pound net catches, 1982-1990.
                                                                       V10

                                                              'Vill"



                                                                              --- -@ @d










                                                   CROAKER LANDINGS
                                                          BY GEAR



                                                                    ... . ......


                                                                         -TOTAL CATCH
                                  R   8-                                     LONG HAUL BE INE
                                 I                                           FISH TRMVL
                                  C
                                                                             POUND NET
                                  T                                          SINK NET
                                  0
                                  N
                                      4




                                      2-




                                      0
                                      72     74    7e    78    80    82    84     88    88    90
                                                             YEAR (19--)

                            Figure 25. Commercial landings of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus)
                                       caught in North Carolina, 1972-1990.

















                                                                            M         10


                                                                                             -       TOTAL CATCH
                                                                            T
                                                                            R          a     -       HAUL SEINE
                                                                                                     TRAWL

                                                                                             -----   OCEAN SINK NET
                                                                            T                        GILL NET
                                                                            0                        POUND NET

                                                                                       4-




                                                                                       2


                                                                            0          0
                                                                                         72          74           76            78           80           82           84           as            88           90
                                                                                                                                      YEAR (19--)

                                                                 Figure 26. Commercial landings of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) caught in
                                                                                          North Carolina, 1972-1990.

















                                  M    4

                                                                                 TOTAL CATCH
                                  T
                                  R                                              LONG HAUL SEINE
                                       3                                         TRAVL

                                                                                 POUND NET
                                  T                                          ----- GILL NET
                                  0   2-
                                  N
                                  8




                                  0                                             ------------

                                  0 0
                                       72     74    76     78    so     82      84   se     88     90
                                                               YEAR (19--)
                           Figure 27.  Commercial landings of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) caught in North
                                       Carolina, 1972-1990.




















                                        3500-

                                                   TOTAL CATCH
                                     E  3000--     LONG HA
                                     T                     UL SEINE

                                                   FISH TRAWL
                                        2500-
                                     C             POUND NET
                                     T  2000 - ------ GILL NET
                                     0
                                     N
                                     S  1500-

                                     x
                                        1000-

                                     0    500
                                     0
                                     0
                                              ----------
                                            0

                                             72    74    76    78     80    82    84     86    88    90
                                                                  YEAR (19--)

                                 Figure 28. Commercial landings of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) caught in
                                             North Carolina, 1972-1990.




















                                  400


                                       - TOTAL CATCH
                              M        - LONG HAUL SEINE
                              E   300  --- POUND NET
                              T        ...... GILL NET
                              R        -TROLL LINE
                              C   200-

                              T
                              0
                              N   100-



                                     0
                                     72   74    76    78    so   82    84    86    88   so
                                                         YEAR (19--)

                          Figure 29. Commercial landings of Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus)
                                     caught in North carolina, 1972-1990.























                                 A P P E N D I X













































   -7.7







                                                                                   73
                       APPENDIX A.             OveralL species composition and mean catch/trip@ of 54 pound net catches sampted in PamLico Sound
                                               from May through October 1988.



                                                                                                                                   Mean
                                                                                                                                   fish        Percent
                                                                    Weight (kq)                         Number                   weight          freq.
                       Species                                  Mean         Percent              Mean             Percent         (kq)          occur

                       Micropogonias undulatus                  375.9          35.19              2,655            32.94           0.14            96.4
                       Brevoortia tyramus                       198.4          18.58              1,980            24.57           0.10            100.0
                       Cynoscion regalis                        172.3          16.13                 861           10.69           0.20            100.0
                       Scomberomorus macuLatus                  80.4           7.53                  257           3.19            0.31            83.3
                       Peprilus alepfdotus                      59.8           5.59                  405           5.02            0.15            T7.8
                       Leiostomus xanthurus                     50.1           4.69                  642           7.97            0.08            92.6
                       Pomatomus saltatrix                      41.0           3.84                  182           2.26            0.23            85.2
                       Opisthonerm oglin                        27.9           2.62                  572           7.10            0.05            79.6
                       Peorilus triacanthus                     8.8            0.82                  106           1.31            0.08            70.4
                       Chaetodipteru faber                      8.6            0.80                  32            0.39            0.27            48.1
                       Cattinectes sapidus                      7.4            0.69                  69            0.86            0.11            74.1
                       BairclieLla chrysoura                    6.7            0.63                  83            1.03            0.08            75.9
                       Paratichthys lethostigma                 6.4            0.60                  13            0.16            0.48            42.6
                       ParaLichthys dentatus                    6.2            0.58                  35            0."             0.18            55.6
                       Caran hippos                             4.7            0."                   12            0.14            0.41            20.4
                       Sphoeroides maculatus                    2.3            0.21                  11            0.14            0.20            33.3
                       Lagodon rhomboides                       2.0            0.18                  32            0.40            0.06            53.7
                       Orthopristis chry optera                 1.7            0.16                  19            0.23            0.09            59.3
                       Trichiurus lepturus                      1.0            0.09                    3           0.04            0.29            11.1
                       Penaeus aztecus                          0.8            0.08                  24            0.30            0.04            18.5
                       Ty-tosuru7s crocodilus                   0.8            0.08                    1           0.02            0.56            9.3
                       Menticirrhus americanus                  0.7            0.07                    3           0.04            0.21            13.0
                       Selene vomer                             0.6            0.05                  10            0.12            0.06            22.2
                       ChiLomycterus schoepfi                   0.6            0.05                    2           0.03            0.26            18.5
                       Prionotus carolinus                      0.6            0.05                    7           0.08            0.08            16.7
                       Lottiguncula brevis                      0.5            0.04                    5           0.06            0.10            20.4
                       Monacanthus hispidu                      0.3            0.03                  11            0.14            0.03            31.5
                       Aluterus schoepfi                        0.3            0.03                    3           0.03            0.11            9.3
                       Urophycis regia                          0.2            0.02                    3           0.04            0.07            9.3
                       Prionotus evoLans                        0.2            0.02                    1           0.02            0.13            7.4
                       Trachinotus carotinus                    0.2            0.02                    1           0.01            0.29            3.7
                       Prionotus spp,                           0.2            0.02                    1           0.01            0.13            5.6
                       Trinectes maculatus;                     0.1            0.01                    4           0.05            0.03            18.5
                       Penaeus duorarum                         0.1            0.01                    3           0.04            0.03            14.8
                       Penaeus setiferus                        0.1            0.01                    2           0.02            0.05            5.6
                                tau                             0.1            0.01                  <1            CO.Ol           0.20            3.7
                       Monacanthus citiatus                     0.1            0.01                    1           0.01            0.14            1.9
                       Paralichthy atbigutta                    0.1            0.01                  <1            <0.01           0.75            1.9
                       Centropristis striata                    0.1            0.01                    1           0.01            0.07            3.7
                       Menticirrhus saxatilis                   0.1            0.01                  <1            @CO.Ol          0.16            1.9
                       Prionotus tribulus                       <0.1           <0.01                 <1            <0.01           0.16            3.7
                       Archosargus probatocephatus              <0.1           <0.01                   1           0.01            0.05            3.7
                       DipLoclus hotbrooki                      <0.1           <0.01                   1           0.01            0.03            3.7
                       Symphurus plagiusa                       <0.1           <0.01                   1           0.01            0.03            11.1
                       Scophthalmus aquosus                     <0.1           <0.01                   1           0.01            0.03            3.7
                       Larimus fasciatus                        <0.1           <0.01                 <1            0.01            0.03            3.7
                       Portunus spinimanus                      <0.1           <0.01                 <1            <0.01           0.10            1.9
                       @e-lene setapi mis                       -Co. 1         <0.01                 <1            <0.01           0.05            1.9
                       Citharichthys spilopterus                <0.1           <0.01                 <1            <0.01           0.03            3.7
                       Sciaenops ocellatus                      40.1           <0.01                 <1            <0.01           0.04            1.9
                       Prionotus scitulus                       <0.1           <0.01                 <1            <0.01           0.02            5.6

                       Observed species

                       Elops saurus                             Stenotomus spp.
                       Atosa sapidissima                        Menticirrhus spp.
                       Porichthn PLectrodon                     Pogonias cromis
                       Rachycentron canaclum                    Evorthodustyricus
                       ClIoroscombrus chrysurus                 Scomberomorus cavalla
                       OLigoplit2i saurus                       Paratichthys spp.








                                                                                         74
                        APPENDIX B.       OveraLL species composition and mean catch/trip@ of 53 sciaenid pound net catches sampted in
                                          PamLico Sound, May-October 1989.                                                          Mean
                                                                                                                                    fish        Percent
                                                                      Weight (kq)                            Number                weight         freq.
                        Species                                  Mean          Percent              Mean           Percent          (kq)          occur

                        Micropogonias unduLatus                  594.0             44.3             4,676            37.6           0.13          100.0
                        Brevoortia tYrannus                      300.9             22.5             3,894            31.3           0.08          100.0
                        Scomberawrus macuLatus                   105.0             7.8                437              3.5          0.24           81.1
                        Leiostomus xanthurus                     100.5             7.5              1,490            12.0           0.07          100.0
                        Cynoscion regaLis                         79.5             5.9                459              3.7          0.17           96.2
                        Pomatomus saltatrix                       40.9             3.1                296              2.4          0.14           98.1
                        PeoriLus atepidatus                       33.5             2.5                231              1.9          0.15           84.9
                        CaLLinectes sapidus                       17.3             1.3                122              1.0          0.14           86.8
                        Opisthonema ogLin                         12.2             0.9                311              2.5          0.04           79.2
                        Chaetodipterus faber                       8.8             0.7                  36             0.3          0.24           58.5
                        Peorilus triacanthus                       8.2             0.6                ill              0.9          0.07           83.0
                        Paratichthys tethostigma                   7.8             0.6                  15             0.1          0.54           34.0
                        BairdietLa chrysoura                       5.8             0.4                  73             0.6          0.08           75.5
                        Paratichthys dentatus                      3.7             0.3                  26             0.2          0.14           54.7
                        Prionotus carolinus                        3.3             0.3                  12             0.1          0.28           47.2
                        TyLosurus crocoditus                       3.3.            0.3                    4          CO.l           0.77           24.5
                        Caranx hippos                              3.1             0.2                  31             0.3          0.10           39.6
                        Penaeus aztecus                            2.4             0.2                  65             0.5          0.04           39.6
                        Orthopristis chrysoptera                   2.0             0.2                  33             0.3          0.06           60.4
                        Sphoeroides macutatus                      1.8             0.1                  12             0.1          0.16           47.2
                        Lagodon rhomboides                         1.2             0.1                  14             0.1          0.08           20.7
                        SeLene vomer                               0.9             0.1                  22             0.2          0.04           39.6
                        Monacanthus hispidus                       0.7             0.1                  24             0.2          0.03           47.2
                        Caranx spp.                                0.6             0.1                    5          <0.1           0.13            1.9
                        ChRomycterus schoepfi                      0.5             CO.l                   2          <0.1           0.23           15.1
                        ALuterus scho2efi                          0.4             <0.1                   4          CO.l           0.10           15.1
                        Menticirrhus awricanus                     0.3             <0.1                   4          @CO.l          0.09           15.1
                        Prionotus tributus                         0.3             <0.1                   3          <0.1           0.10            7.5
                        Prionotus carotinus                        0.2             <0.1                   5          <0.1           0.04           13.2
                        Mugit cephaLus                             0.2             <0.1                   1          <0.1,          0.15            5.7
                        Trinectes macuLatus                        0.2             <0.1                   3          <0.1           0.05           13.2
                        Trichiurus Lepturus                        0.1             <0.1                   1          <0.1           0.12           17.0
                        Sphyraena boreaLis                         0.1             <0.1                 @Cl          <0.1           0.32            1.9
                        Penaeus duorarum                           0.1             <0.1                   4          <0.1           0.03            3.8
                        Centropristis striata                      0.1             <0.1                   3          <0.1           0.04            9.4
                        Centropristis PhiLadelphica                0.1             <0.1                   1          <0.1           0.07            3.8
                        Opsanus tau                                0.1             <0.1                 <1           <0.1           0.25            3.8
                        Citharichthys spiLopterus                  0.1             <0.1                   3          <0.1           0.02            9.4
                        Mycteroperca microlepis                    0.1             <0.1                   1          <0.1           0.11            3.8
                        Synodus foetens                            0.1             <0.1                   1          <0.1           0.06            1.9
                        Prionotus evolans                         <0.1             <0.1                   I          <0.1           0.04            3.8
                        Urophycis regia                           <0.1             <0.1                 <1           <0.1           0.16            3.8
                        ALosa mediocris                           <0.1             <0.1                 <1           <0.1           0.12            3.8
                        SquiLLa effcxjs                           <0.1             <0.1                 <1           <0.1           0.05            1.9
                        Prionotus scituLus;                       'CO.1            <0.1                   I          <0.1           0.02            3.8
                        Portumis spinimanus                       <0.1             <0.1                   1          <0.1           0.01            1.9
                        Caranx crysos                             <0.1             CO.l                 <1           <0.1           0.06            1.9
                        Lottiguncuta brevis                       <0.1             <0.1                   I          <0.1           0.01            5.7
                        ALectis ciliaris                          <0.1             <0.1                 <1           <0.1           0.01            1.9
                        CaLLinectes simiLis                       <0.1             <0.1                 <1           <0.1           0.01            1.9


                        Observed species

                        Cattinectes marqinatus        Lobotes surinamensis                 Pogonias cromis
                        Etons saurus                  Archosarqus probatocephatus          Sciaenops ocettatus
                        Prionotus spp.                Cynoscion nebuLosus                  Tautoga onitis
                        Rachycentron canadum          Menticirrhus spp.                    ParaLichthys sp.







                                                                                     75
                        APPINDIX C.            Overall species composition and mean  catch/trip@ of 61 pound net catches sampled in Pam(ico Sound
                                               fr(xn may through October 1990.                                                       Mean
                                                                                                                                     fish         Percent
                                                                     Weight (kq)                          NLmber                    weight           freq.
                        Species                                  Mean         Percent              Mean           Percent            (kg)   -- occur

                        Micropogonias undutatus                  531.6            37.2             4,629            31.8             0.12            100.0
                        Brevoortia tyrannus;                     393*1            27,5             4,133            33,3             0*18            96,7
                        Cynoscion regatis                        91.8             6.4                605              4.2            0.15            98.4
                        Pomatomus; sattatrix                     87.9             6.2                343              2.4            0.26            98.4
                        Leiostomus xanthurus                     74.3             5.2              1,001              6.9            0.07            98.4
                        Scomberomorus macutatus                  69.7             4.9                358              2.5            0.20            86.9
                        Pepritus atepidotus                      37.7             2.6                348              2.4            0.11            95.1
                        Pepritus triacanthus                     29.7             2.1                514              3.5            0.06            88.5
                        Cattinectes sapidus                      24.9             1.7                216              1.5            0.12            83.6
                        Opisthonema o9tin                        23.1             1.6                747              5.1            0.03            59.0
                        La,odon rlonboides                       9.4              0.6                247              1.7            0.04            67.2
                        Chaetocioterus; faber                    7.0              0.5                    84           0.6            0.08            75.4
                        Paratichthys Lethostigma                 6.4              0.4                    12           0.1            0.55            29.5
                        Penaeus aztecus;                         5.9              0.4                250              1.7            0.02            45.9
                        SairdietLa chrysoura                     5.4              0.4                    89           0.2            0.06            75.4
                        Paratichthys dentatus                    5.2              0.4                    31           0.1            0.17            63.9
                        Trichiurus Lepturus                      4.4              0.3                    19         <0.1             0.23            77.0
                        TyLosurus crococHtus                     4.3              0.3                    6            0.1            0.70            32.8
                        Sphoeroides macuaLtus                    2.5              0.2                    15           0.1            0.17            50.6
                        Atoterus schoepfi                        2.2              0.2                    18           0.1            0.12            18.0
                        Trachinotus carotinus                    1.9              0.1                    9          <0.1             0.20            49.2
                        Caranx hoppos                            1.6              0.1                    15           0.1            0.11            29.5
                        ChRomycterus schoepfi                    1.1              0.1                    4          <0.1             0.27            13.1
                        Orthopristis chrysoptera                 0.9              0.1                    14           0.1            0.07            41.0
                        Merlticirrhus americanus                 0.9              0.1                    5          <0.1             0.19            la.o
                        Seten vomer                              0.7              <0.1                   17           0.1            0.05            36.1
                        Urqphycis LMjj                           0.6              <0.1                   11         <0.1             0.06            16.4
                        Prionotus carolinus                      0.6              <0.1                   6          <0.1             0.10            14.7
                        Moijacantij -hisvidus                    0.5              <0.1                   20           0.1            0.03            42.6
                        Trinectes macutatus                      0.3              <0.1                   12         <0.1             0.04            27.9
                        Chtoroscombrus chrysurus                 0.3              <0.1                   27           0.2            0.01            18.0
                        Egja cephaLus                            0.3              <0.1                   2          <0.1             0.13            6.6
                        Arghosarqus probatocephalus              0.2              4.1                    0          <0.1             0.66            16.4
                        Lottiguncuta brevis                      0.2              <0.1                   6          <0.1             0.04            18.0
                        Prionotus evotans                        0.2              <0.1                   3          <0.1             0.07            18.0
                        Caranx crysos                            0.2              <0.1                   2          <0.1             0.09            11.5
                        Symodus f oetens                         0.1              <0.1                   I          <0.1             0.18            4.9
                        mycteroperca microtepis                  0*1              <0*1                   1          <0.1             0.16            6.6
                        Etops saurus                             8.3              <0.1                   1          <0.1             0.24            4.9
                        Prionotus scitutus                       7.6              <0.1                   2          <0.1             0.06            4.9
                        Prionotus tribuLus                       7.1              <0.1                   4          <0.1             0.03            6.6
                        Oligoptites saurus                       4.7              <0.1                   1          <0.1             0.12            1.6
                        ALectis citiaris                         3.6              <0.1                   I          <0.1             0.08            1.6
                        Penaeus setiferus                        3.4              <0.1                   2          <0.1             0.03            4.9
                        Citharichthys spiLopterus                3.2              <0.1                   4          <0.1             0.01            11.5
                        Eucinostoffus spp.                       1.7              <0.1                   1          <0.1             0.03            4.9
                        Atosa mediocris                          1.3              <0.1                   0          <0.1             0.13            1.6
                        scophthatmus acpjosus                    0.9              <0.1                   0          <0.1             0.03            3.3
                        MusteLus canis                           0.8              <0.1                   0          <0.1             0.09            1.6
                        Penaeus duorarLmn                        0.5              <0.1                   0          <0.1             0.02            3.3
                        CaLtinectes marginatus;                  0.2              <0.1                   0          <0.1             0.02            1.6
                        Caranx spp.                              0.1              <0.1                   0          <0.1             0.02            3.3
                        Portunus spinimanus                      <0.1             <0.1                   0          <0.1             0.01            1.0

                        observed species

                        Atosa aestivatis                         Pogonias cromis
                        Rachcentron canadtin                     Sciaenops ocellatus
                        Cynoscion nebuLosus                      icmfx-r;;orus -cavalLa
                        Menticirrhus spp-                        Paratichthys spp.
                        menticirrhus saxatitis





                                                                                    IV

                      APPENDIX 0.       Monthly and total conmrciaL Landings of domina@t or selected species captured by Dare County
                                        pound nets in 1985, including total North Carolina pound nets Landings (State) and the percent of
                                        those Landings accounted for by Dare County (% Dare).

                                                                                Commerciat Landings (kq)                                          Percent
                                                 May         Jun        Jul         Aug        Sep          Oct         TotaL           State       Dare

                      Bluefish                   5,777       3,191      4,30        14,602    19,354      4,082         51,389          60,356      85.1
                      Butterfish*                  302       3,177      8,549       1,172         950                   13,950
                      Atlantic croaker          51,582     76,395     118,139     183,625    136,364      1,207        567,313        615,203       92.2
                      Red drum                      20            0           0          0        298           19           328         1,273      25.6
                      Flounder                     263          619     1,187       1,502     20,916      9,684         34,173        242,513       14.0
                      Harvestfish*               2,985     15,083      10,064       4,655      7,109            68      86,325          90,235      60.8
                      Pcqmno                           9        31          138        396        389           38        1,001          4,633      21.6
                      Seatrout, gray            24,639     35,869      46,854       41,958    50,638      1,-785       191,742        214,477       89.4
                      Seatrout, speckled            39            0         45          11           1          0             97           193      50.2
                      Spanish mackerel                 0        612     1,176       5,036      2,092        8"            9,759         14,931      65.3
                      Spot                      17,528       9,402      9,766       9,915      6,921      2,788         56,319          66,889      84.1
                      Bait (scrap)              43,015     117,471    162,525     121,587    101,559      3,171        549,328        634,107       86.6
                      Total                     148,052    265,732    372,772     397,134    344,689     24,177       1,552,555     6,888,675       22.5


                      Total   marketable        105,037    148,261    210,247     275,546    243,130     21,006       1,003,227     6,254,568       16.09


                      Percent bait (scrap)         29.0        44.2       43.6        30.6        39.5      13.1            35.4           9.2



                        North Carolina commercial Landings combined harvestfish and butterfish landings in 1985 as harvestfish; for
                        the purpose of this report, we extrapolated out butterfish Landings based on our monthly relative proportions
                        of the two species in our samipLes.





                      APPENDIX E.       Monthly and total commercial Landings of dominant or selected species captured by Dare County
                                        pound nets in 1986, including total North Carolina pound nets landings (State) and the percent of
                                        those Landings accounted for by Dare County (% Dare).

                                                                                Commercial Landings (kq)                                          Percent
                                                 May         Jun        JuL         Aug        Sep          Oct         TotaL           State       Dare

                      Bluefish                   1,590       1,563      8,191       9,210      7,354      3,764         30,272          35,887      a4.4
                      Butterfish                                        4,159       2,727      2,541        543           9,970         10,898      91.5
                      Atlantic croaker           6,160     47,568      90,273       74,685    11,309      4,425        234,421        250,813       93.5
                      Red drum                                                           9          23      476              508         3,263      15.6
                      Flounder                     334          743     1,500       2,369     25,453     12,867         98,730        504,052       19.6
                      Harvestfish                3,545     14,601       5,851       4,724      3,002      2,048         33,771           68,85      49.0
                      Pompano                          5        25          293        191        347     1,701           2,463          6,632      38.6
                      Seatrout, gray             6,851       3,"7      22,480       11,a2O    29,154     14,034         87, T73       114,671       76.6
                      Seatrout, spotted                2        10          91           4        153                        260           587      ".3
                      Spanish mackerel             334          517     3,602       6,683      3,066      1,826         16,028          17,189      93.2
                      Spot                         864       3,976      7,312       3,536      3,402      2,923         22,013          26,001      84.7
                      Bait (scrap)               8,913       3,901     43,354       43,214     6,101     17,690        123,091        234,418       52.5


                      Total                     29,493     77,460     190,395     168,409     94,a45     123,477       684,081      4,161,969       16.4


                      Total marketabLe          20,580     73,559     147,042     125,194     S8,745     105,787       460,989      3,927,551       14.3


                      Percent bait (scrap)         30.2         5.0       22.8        25.7        6.4       14.3            18.0           5.6








                                                                                  77
                       APPENDIX 1.      Monthly and total commercial landings of domina@t or selected species captured by Dare County
                                        pound nets in 1987, including total North Carolina pound nets tandings (State) and the percent of
                                        those landings accounted for by Dare County (% Dare).

                                                                              Commercial landings (kq)                                      Percent
                                                 may        Jun        Jut        Aug        Sep        Oct         Total         State        Dare

                       Bluefish                  1,538       6,392     6,279      6,628     17,725     2,541        41,103        53,881       76.3
                       Butterfish                     8        201     1,715      1,336      1,140       138          4,538         5,023      90.0
                       Atlantic croaker          3,254    67,761      107,256     94,086   205,440   100,814       578,611       634,460       91.2
                       Red drum                                  6                   236     2,434    16,168        18,844        24,166       78.0
                       Flounder                     698        685     2,072      29,852    56,079    73,856       163,242       412,072       39.6
                       Harvestfish                   68   13,982       8,790      5,590      7,149     1,937        37,515        52,911       70.9
                       Pompano                        4        367        630        474        597      234          2,305         4,960      46.5
                       Seatrout, gray            2,472    17,726     34,921       49,145    70,171    25,003       199,437       229,709       86.8
                       Seatrout, speckled             -         63         31         28          0    2,268          2,389         2,6110     19*1
                       Spanish mackerel            532    28,996     15,385       21,203    13,693     1,666        81,475       104,840       77.7
                       Spot                         102   10, "9     13,781       6,811     15,091     4,771        51,005        65,576       77.8
                       Bait (scrap)             12,406    73,245     99,137       64,671    54,952    24,707       329,117       407,620       80.7


                       Total                    22,601    231,961    297,478    286,235    453,033  266,7811      1,558,019     2,845,305      54.8


                       Total marketable         10,194    158,716    198,341    221,564    398,081   242,004      1,228,902     2,437,685      50.4


                       Percent bait (scrap)       54.9       31.6      33.3        22.6        12.1      9.3           21.1           14.3








                 APPENDIX G.      Annual species composition, mean weight (kg) and number of fish (Mean no. fish) per ctch for the top 99% (by weight) of pound net catches for
                                   1985-87, including number of catches sampled (n) and the percent of the total weight             of the catches sampled (% TW).

                                                                      Mean                                                          Mean                                                         Mean
                                                    Weight NO         no.                                            Weight (ka)    no.                                         Weight 00        no.
                 Species                          Mean     Percent    fish     Species                              Mean Percent    fish Species                               Mean Percent      fish
                 1985 0=39)                                                    1986 0=55)                                                   1987 (rr-56)
                 Micropogonias undutatus          1.290.3     65.6    10,142   Micropogonias undutatus              706.2    48.5   4,080   Micropogonlas undulatus             649.8     46.0   4,414
                 Cynosci     regatis                 158.4    8.1       821    Brevoortia tyrannus                  172.2    13.7   2,062   Cynoscio regatis                    222.9     15.8   1,495
                 Brevoortia tyrannus                 122.3    6.2     2,176    Cynoscion regatis                    171.8    13.7   1f203   Brevoortia tyrannus                 219.4     15.4   2,212
                 Peprilus atepidotus                 90.3     4.6       964    Pepritus atepidotus                   96.1    7.7        834 Scomberomorus macutatus              69.0     4.9      252
                 Pomatomus sattatrix                 71.0     3.6       279    Leiostomus xanthurus                  47.3    3.8        519 Pepritus atepidotus                  65.7     4.6      265
                 Leiostomu xanthurus                 63.4     3.2       969    Pomatomus sattatrix                   32.5    2.6        149 Leiostomus xanthurus                 45.7     3.2      561
                 Scombercmorus macutatus             45.2     2.3       276    Opisthonema oglin                     23.0    1.8        357 Pomatomus sattatrix                  33.7     2.3      172
                 Pepritus triacanthus                32.5     1.7       391    Scomberomorus macuLatus               22.3    1.8        71  Opisthonema ogii                     13.7     1.0      210
                 Lagod    rhomboides                 16.1     0.8       214    Lagod    rhomboides                   19.6    1.6        255 Cattinectes sapidus                  10.9     0.8       70
                 Caranx hippos                       12.5     0.6         65   Pepritus triacanthus                  19.4    1.5        249 Pepritus triacanthus                 10.7     0.8      121
                 Trichiurus lepthurus                11.1     0.6         48   Paratichthys tethostigma               6.6    0.5        12  Caranx hippos                        10.4     0.7       32
                 Paratichthy tethosti-qma             9.7     0.5         14   Chaetodipterus faber                   6.6    0.5        31  Rachycentron canadun                 10.3     0.7         1
                 Chaetodinterus faber                 7.9     0.4         42   Bairdiella chrysoura                   4.6    0.4        59  Paratichthys lethosi                  9.4     0.7       19
                 Peratichthys dentatus                7.7     0.4         59   Caranx hoppos                          4.4    0.3        31  Bairdietta chrysoura                  6.7     0.5       86
                 Bairdiell chrysoure                  5.2     0.3         30   Trachinotus carotinus                  3.3    0.3        13  Paratichthys dentatus                 5.7     0.4       51    -4
                                                                                                                                                                                                          00
                 Cattinectes sapidus                  5.2     0.3         51   Tylosurus crocoditus                   3.3    0.3          6 Lagodon rhomboides                    5.4     0.4       47
                                                                               Trichiurus tepturus                    2.3    0.2        11  chaetodipterus faber                  4.3     0.3       23
                                                                                                                                            Trichiurus tepturus                   3.5     0.2       17
                                                                                                                                            Selene vomer                          3.0     0.2       55







                                                                              79








                      APPENDIX H.     Annual age cariposition of bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, captured by North Carolina
                                      sciaenid pound nets, 1982-90.


                      Age                                                                              A G E
                      composition                              0                                      1                                      2

                      1982                                   92.88                                  17.09                                  0.03
                      1983                                   47.79                                  54.03                                  1.80
                      1984                                   65.57                                  34.09                                  0.35
                      1985                                   58.05                                  39.30                                  3.65
                      1986                                   44.39                                  53.42                                  2.18
                      1987                                   33.70                                  60.90                                  5.40
                      1988                                   83.55                                  13.52                                  2.93
                      1989                                   86.60                                  13.36                                  0.04
                      1990                                   53.32                                  46.43                                  0.25





                                                                                 80


                     APPENDIX 1.      MonthLy (A; 1990), annual, (8; 1990) and scrap (C; 1990) expanded Length frequencies of AtLantic
                                      croaker, Micropaganias undulatus, from PamLico Sound sciaenid pound net sampLes; n = number of
                                      individuaLs measured.                       Percent frequency/size c(ass M. mm)
                                                                    151-      176-      201-      226-      251-      276-    301-    326-
                                                n         <151      175       200       225       250       275       300     325     350     >350


                     A.   Month     Year                                                     --------------------   MarketabLe -----------------


                          May       1988         69                  1.4      14.5      47.9      26.1       5.8      4.3
                          Jun                 1,506       0.1        0.5      13.3      31.2      28.0      19.9      5.5     1.4     0.1
                          JUL                 2,301       0.1        0.9      18.4      26.4      38.0      13.8      1.6     0.4     0.3     0.1
                          Aug                 1,778       0.6        2.3      20.2      40.1      23.5       9.7      2.7     0.5     0.3     0.1
                          Sep                   943       0.3        3.4       6.0      14.2      26.4      31.7     13.8     4.1     0.2     0.2
                          Oct                   173       4.2       54.5       4.1      23.6      11.4       1.5      0.3     0.4


                          May       1989      1,028           -      4.1      24.7      41.2      22.5       6.1      1.3     0.1
                          Jun                 2,773       0.2        0.8      10.2      34.4      36.6      13.5      3.6     0.7
                          Jul                 3,253       2.6        2.1      21.3      51.2      19.5       2.8      0.4     0.1        -
                          Aug                 1,130       6.3        7.8       5.7      33.1      32.5      11.0      2.0     0.8     0.8
                          Sep                 1,252       3.2       20.8       7.5      15.6      27.3      18.6      4.5     2.0     0.4     0.1
                          Oct                    26           -     60.0      30.0        5.0       5.0


                          May       1990        934       2.7        2.4      14.5      42.7      30.7       6.7      0.3
                          Jun                 2,397       4.8        4.4      24.0      37.1      24.2       4.3      1.1     0.1
                          Jul                 3,807       5.3       10.7      12.9      29.7      29.1      10.6      1.5     0.2
                          Aug                 3,246       2.5        4.8       7.2      35.8      38.5       9.7      1.4     0.1
                          Sep                 1,529       4.4       25.6      13.5      14.4      27.6      12.1      1.7     0.5     0.1     0.1
                          Oct                    37       16.5      ".7       11.7        9.7         -         -    17.4



                     B. Annual      1982      7,109       0.2        1.1       3.0      11.2      35.7      33.9     11.7     .2.2    0.5     0.5
                                    1983      5,660       1.4        8.0      17.5      22.5      23.5      18.2      7.2     1.1     0.3     0.2
                                    1984      11,364      0.1        1.8       3.9      12.3      29.8      32.4     15.0     3.9     0.7     0.1
                                    1985      8,232       0.4        1.4       8.4      41.8      33.5      11.3      2.7     0.4     <0.1    0.1
                                    1986      7,982       0.5        0.7       4.0      31.7      44.6      15.0      2.9     0.5     0.1     <0.1
                                    1987      7,104       1.3        3.6       9.5      22.4      43.4      16.5      2.7     0.5     0.1
                                    1988      6,770       0.4        2.6      15.5      29.2      29.2      16.7      4.8     1.3     0.2     0.1
                                    1989      9,462       1.9        4.6      14.0      37.5      28.8      10.1      2.3     0.6     0.2
                                    1990      11,950      4.1        8.1      14.5      33.0      30.4       8.4      1.3     0.2        -       -



                     C. scrap       1986      1,807       1.3        1.1       7.7      55.3      34.6
                                    1987      1,677       2.3        5.6      23.4      45.5      23.0       0.2
                                    1988      1,204       0.5        3.3      26.5      43.5      25.7       0.5
                                    1989      2,043       2.4        5.7      20.3      54.8      16.5       0.2      0.1
                                    1990      2,665       6.5       11.4      20.2      ".9       16.7       0.3








                                                             81













                                                                                      1982
                               6-                                                     n - 7.!09

                               3-




                               6-
                                                                                      1983
                                                                                         5.660

                               3-







                                                                                      1984

                                                                                      M  !1.364


                           z






                           Z   9-
                                                                                         9.052








                                                                                      1986
                               9-                                                        7.982
                               6-
                                                               N N N@
                               3-                               N N,



                               9-                                                     19  ST
                                                                                      n a 7j04




                                            50       2 @0/      250       3 (@O       3;0      400
                                               Total Length (5mm SIZE CLASSES)
                       Appendix J. Expanded annual length frequencies of Atlantic croaker
                                                                  Lan,-
                                                             Fn









                                      (Micropogonias undulatus) from sciaenid pound net samples,
                                      1982-1987.






                                                                             82








                     Appendix K.     Annuat age composition of Attantic croaker, Micropogonias unduLatus, captured by North CaroLina
                                     sciaenid pound nets, 1982-90.


                     Age                                                           AG E
                     composition         0                   1                  2                  3                   4                  5


                     1982                4.59              63.12              30.03               2.16                0.09               0.01
                     1983              12.57               65.62              20.14               1.57                0.10               0.01
                     1984              13.87               69.07              16.35               0.69                0.03               0..03
                     1985              13.10               72.59              13.79               6.49                0.03               0.00
                     1986                7.71              71.29              20.11               0.84                0.04               0.01
                     1987              10.50               70.00              18.67               0.80                0.03               0.00
                     1988                6.08              61.57              28.41               3.84                0.06               0.05
                     1989              11.30               65.68              17.19               4.69                1.09               0.05
                     1990              17.04               49.65              27.-n               5.47                0.12








                                                                                       83



                       APPENDIX L.       Monthly (A; 1988-90), annual (8; 1982-90) and scrap (C; 1986-90) expanded length frequencies of
                                         weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, from Pamlico Sound sciaenid pound net samptes; n                   number of
                                          individuals measured.


                                                                                         Percent frequency size class (FL. mm)
                                                                              201-        251-        301-        351-        401-        451-
                                                        n          <201        250        300         350         400         450         500          >500


                       A.   Month      Year


                            May        1988             65                   10.8        47.7         36.9        4.6
                            Jun                        469         1.4       39.6        ".1          10.8        3.5         0.6
                            JUL                        366         1.0       ".6         41.2         8.4         2.0         2.4         0.3          0.1
                            Aug                        769                   45.3        42.3         6.5         3.B         1.6         0.5
                            Sep                        427         0.5       14.1        5368         18.5        8.5         4.4         0.2
                            Oct                        726         19.5      15.0        40.0         13.6        8.9         1.7         1.2          0.1


                            May        1989             72         1.3       19.7        57.8         13.8        7.4
                            Jun                         50         14.2      54.2        27.1         4.5
                            JUL                        364         0.8       60.7        28.7         6.8         2.1         0.9
                            Aug                        363         14.5      55.3        23.1         4.9         2.0         0.2
                            Sep                        379         11.2      31.9        32.3         13.2        8.7         1.8         0.9
                            Oct                         15            -      42.9        50.0         7.1


                            May        1990            ill         12.1      ".6         32.0         9.0         1.2         1.0
                            Jun                        199         12.3      54.9        22.9         9.9
                            Jut                        436         4.5       69.0        22.4         3.3         0.8
                            Aug                        400         1.4       56.4        37.0         4.9         0.2         0.1
                            Sep                        307         7.1       26.4        48.0         15.8        2.6
                            Oct                         32         10.1      25.2        59.2         5.5




                       B.   Annua L    1982         1,820          5.8       67.2        15.7         5.6         3.6         1.6         0.4          0.1
                                       1983         1,401          7.2       53.8        30.8         4.1         2.9         0.8         0.4
                                       1984         1,972          4.0       58.6        30.9         2.8         2.0         1.2         0.5
                                       1985            T76         1.2       33.4        41.6         18.5        3.6         1.5         0.1          0.1
                                       1986         2,446          4.3       63.2        26.5         4.3         1.3         0.3         0.1
                                       1987         2,849          3.2       66.0        23.3         5.1         1.9         0.4         0.1
                                       1988         2,822          3.3       34.6        43.9         10.8        4.9         2.0         0.5
                                       1989         1,234          7.9       49.7        29.7         8.0         3.7         0.8         0.2
                                       1990         1,485          5.9       51.8        33.7         7.7         0.8         0.1



                       C. Scrap        1986            589         7.2       91.2         1.6
                                       1987            651         10.6      86.2         3.2
                                       1988            262         21.9      73.2         4.9
                                       1989            141         39.1      59.1         0.3         1.5
                                       1990            171         15.2      84.4         0.4









                                                                     84








                                      16-                                                        1982
                                      12-                                                          1,820


                                      4-



                                                                                                 t983
                                                                                                   1.401

                                      a-


                                      4-

                                      16--
                                                                                                 1984
                                      12-                                                          1.972



                                  Z   4-

                                      12--
                                                                                                 1985
                                                                                                   776
                                      a-


                                      4-




                                      j6-
                                                                                                 1986
                                      12-                                                        rk w 2, 4 4 6



                                      4-



                                      16-                                                        1987
                                                                                                 n s 2,849
                                      f2-
                                      a-                                                                                              1
                                      4.



                                                        200              300              400              5C

                                                       TOTAL LENGTH      (io min size Classes)

                         Appendix M.              Expanded annual       length frequencies of weakfish
                                                  (Cynoscion regalis) from sciaenid pound net samples,
                                                  1982-1987.







                                                                            85








                     Appendix N.     Annuat age composition of weakfish, Cynoscion regatis, captured by North CaroHna sciaenid pound
                                     nets, 1982-90.


                     Age                                                              A G E
                     comyosition         0                   1                  2                  3                  4                   5

                     19112              1,12              71*43               24*11               3,43               0,84                1*08
                     1983               1.10              69.20               26.50               2.63               0.52                0.05
                     1984               0.73              68.81               27.17               2.57               0.62                0.09
                     1"1                0,18              11,07               42*47               1*49               0*77                0,03
                     1986               0.97              71.15               25.96               1.69               0.20                0.02
                     1987               0.84              70.76               26.04               2.06               0.27                0.04
                     1968               0.08              45.82               46.92               6.36               0.82
                     1989               1.63              48.78               39.56               8.61               1.33                0.08
                     1990               2.92              26.51               66.77               3.48               0.33









                                                                                  86
                      APPENDIX 0.       Monthly (A; 1988-90), annual (B; 1982-90) and s@crap (C; 1986-90) expanded length frequencies of
                                        spot Leiostomus xanthurus, from Pamlico Sound sciaenid pound net samples; n = number of
                                        individuals measured.


                                                                                 Percent frequency size class (FL, mm)
                                                                   121-       136-      151-      166-       181-      196-     211-     226-
                                                n       <120       135        150       165       180        195       210      225      240       >240


                      A.  Month Year                                                                                   ----------- Marketable  --------


                          May      1988         20                          25.0       40.0      15.0      20.0
                          Jun                 310        1.9       1.4        2.6      25.5      56.4      10.6        1.6
                          Jut                 657        4.6       1.9        0.3       3.1      52.7      31.3        4.5      1.6
                          Aug                 604       15.6      20.5      13.7        3.8      13.3      22.4        6.8      2.0      1.1       0.8
                          Sep                 250        2.8      15.7      15.3       12.4       6.8      17.4       15.4      9.7      4.2       0.3
                          Oct                   62       8.7       7.7        8.0       7.9       5.9        7.2      18.8      26.0     7.0       2.8


                          May      1989       430        0.6      14.1      41.9       25.2      13.0        3.8       1.4
                          Jun                 705        1.7      12.8      38.0       25.4      12.3        8.9       0.9
                          JUL               1,309       11.5       6.2      14.6       39.6      20.0        6.4       1.7
                          Aug                 740       13.8       7.5        2,.7      4.3      11.8      30.4       23.1      6.2      0.2
                          Sep                 361        5.7      18.8      10.4        2.4      13.4      33.5       14.1      1.0      0.4       0.3
                          Oct                     7         -     14.3      14.3       14.3          -     28.5       28.6


                          May      1990       303        5.4       9.3      42.0       38.7       4.3        0.3
                          Jun                 374       19.6      16.7      20.4       32.7       8.2        2.1       0.3
                          JUL                 694       37.6      21.7      18.5        9.9       8.2        4.0       0.1
                          Aug               1,103       11.1       8.7        7.4      11.9      16.4      29.3       13.0      2.1      0.1
                          Sep               1,061        3.3       5.3        3.5       5.3      16.5      35.7       25.3      4.5      0.6
                          Oct                   37       8.2      16.3        6.1      20.4      26.4                 16.5         -     6.1



                      B. Annual    1982     2,867        1.5       7.9      21.5       23.7      18.8      15.2        9.1      2.1      0.2
                                   1983     1,831        1.8      12.1      34.8       27.4      11.2        7.5       3.7      1.3      0.2
                                   1984       978        7.5       5.3        7.1      24.2      30.5      14.6        8.9      1.8      0.1
                                   1985       973        8.8       4.9      11.5       24.3      30.1      12.9        6.6      0.9
                                   1986     1,187        1.5       6.8        6.4      17.2      30.0      22.6       10.6      3.9      1.0       0.1
                                   1987     1,081        4.9       8.6        9.9      22.9      27.8      18.2        5.0      2.2      0.3       0.2
                                   1988     1,903        8.1      10.1        7.3       7.4      33.0      23.5        6.4      2.8      1.0       0.4
                                   1989     3,552        7.6      10.1      21.3       25.0      15.1      13.2        6.4      1.2      0.1
                                   1990     3,572       13.8      11.2      13.5       15.4      12.6      19.8       11.5      1.9      0.3



                      C. Scrap     1986       432        3.3       7.5        7.3      19.6      39.5      20.2        2.6
                                   1987       437        5.9       7.5      11.5       33.4      29.5      11.3        0.8                         0.1
                                   1988       430        6.7      11.2        6.0       9.2      37.0      26.9        3.0
                                   1989     1,091        7.6      12.3      27.6       30.5      15.6        6.0       0.4
                                   1990       886       22.6      12.5      17.9       18.8      12.2      13.6        2.1      0.1      0.2










                                                               87








                                      9-
                                                                                             1982
                                      6-                                                     n - 2,W7


                                      3-




                                      t2-


                                      9-

                                      6-


                                      3-




                                                                                             084
                                      9-                                                     0-978

                                      6-


                                      3-


                                      t2-                             _M
                                                                                             1985
                                      9-                                                        973

                                      6-






                                                                                             1986
                                      9-


                                      6-


                                      3-


                                      9-                                                     1987





                                                                                                     ri
                                                100      1.6     so               200               250
                                                        FORK LENGTH   (5mm $its dasen)

                       Appendix P.            Expanded annual length frequencies of spot (Lejostomus
                                              xanthurus) from sciaenid pound net samples, 1982-1987.








                                                                               88









                     Appendix 0.      AnnuaL age composition of spot, Lelostomus xanthurus, captured by North Carotina sciaenid
                                      pound nets, 1982-90.


                     Age                                                                 A G E
                     conmsition                      0                             1                             2                            3

                     1982                          13.91                         80.26                          5.63                         0.20
                     1983                            3.79                        91.64                          4.53                         0.04
                     1984                          22.83                         64.62                          12.01                        0.54
                     1985                          13.91                         77.54                          8.29                         0.25
                     1986                          12.66                         73.48                          13.49                        0.38
                     1987                          20.31                         70.43                          9.07                         0.20
                     1988                          17.37                         71.52                          10.74                        0.37
                     1989                          15.46                         75.91                          8.50                         0.13
                     1990                          25.50                         64.68                          9.54                         0.28









                                                                                  89


                      APPENDIX R.        Monthty (A; 1988-90), annuaL (B; 1982-90) and scrap (C; 1986-90) expanded Length frequencies of
                                         bLuef ish, Pomatomus, saLtatrix, from Pam( ico Sound sciaenid pound net samptes; n = number of
                                         individuaLs measured.                      Percent frequency size class (FL, mm)-
                                                                            101-        151-       201-        251-       301-        351-
                                                    n           <101        150         200        250         300        350         400        >400


                      A.  Month     Year                                                          --------------------   MarketabLe  ------------------


                          May       1988
                          Jun                       55                                  1.0       45.1        32.0        4.4        17.5
                          JUL                      119                                 41.7       30.4        23.3        4.7
                          Aug                      301                                  5.9       56.3        29.2        7.9         0.7
                          Sep                       33                                            23.2        59.2        6.7        10.9
                          Oct                       25                                 16.0       84.0


                          May       1989            27                          -      45.2       35.9        18.9
                          Jun                       42                     13.2        42.8       38.3         4.5        1.2
                          JUL                      353                      0.2        59.8       28.7         9.4        1.9
                          Aug                      204                                 27.1       63.7         7.7        0.2         1.3
                          Sep                      134                                 17.0       66.4        15.5        1.1
                          Oct                          5                                          100.0


                          May       1990            18                                 18.0       58.2         4.5        9.7         9.6
                          Jun                      247                      0.5         3.9       58.9        34.0        2.7
                          JUL                      540                                  9.7       52.1        35.6        2.2         0.1        0.3
                          Aug                      189                                  0.9       22.4        52.8       20.6         3.3
                          Sep                      196                                  1.4       11.9        46.8       30.3         6.0        3.6
                          Oct                       37                                            45.7        34.9        9.7         2.4        7.3



                      B. AnnuaL     1982          1,291         12.7       58.7        18.2        7.3         3.1
                                    1983           450          7.2        27.9        34.4       21.3         6.2        1.9         1.1
                                    1984           575          4.1        34.2        40.2       13.9         4.6        2.1         0.9
                                    1985           264          2.1        12.1        36.5       28.5        14.5        5.8         0.5
                                    1986           371          1.3        20.7        42.1       17.3        16.0        2.6        <0.1
                                    1987           425                     21.0        45.9       24.9         7.2        0.7         0.3
                                    1988           533                                 12.5       48.5        29.5        6.8         2.7
                                    1989           765                      1.4        45.3       42.1         9.6        1.3         0.3
                                    1990          1,227                     0.2         5.0       43.5        38.8       10.0         1.7        0.8



                      C. Scrap      1986           172          2.0        35.0        62.2        0.8
                                    1987           103             -       33.2        66.2        0.6
                                    1988           121                      1.0        14.2       70.9        12.2        1.7
                                    1989           228                          -      42.6       54.6         2.8
                                    1990           269                                  7.9       65.0        26.6        0.5









                                                                90





                                 16                                                      1982
                                 12                                                        t.291
                                 a-                                                                                        1
                                 4-




                                                                                         1983
                                 a-


                                 4.






                                                                                         1984
                                 8-                                                        575


                                 4-



                             w
                             0
                             w                                                           1965
                             IL  6-


                                 4-




                                 12-
                                                                                         1996
                                                                                            371



                                 4-





                                                                                         1967




                                 4-



                                                  200            300             400
                                                 FORK LENGTH (IOMM size CICSSOS)
                        Appendix   S.         Expanded annual length frequencies of bluefish
                                              (Pomatomus saltatrix) from sciaenid pound net samples,
                                              1982-1987.









                                                                            91








                     APPENDIX T.     AnnuaL age composition of bLuefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, captured by Worth CaroHna
                                     sciaenid pound nets, 1982-90.


                     Age                                                                            A G E
                     compos; i t i an                        0                                     1                                     2

                     1982                                  92.8a                                 17.09                                 0.03
                     1983                                  47.79                                 54.03                                 1.80
                     19114                                 65.57                                 34.09                                 0.35
                     1985                                  58.05                                 39.30                                 3.65
                     1986                                  ".39                                  53.42                                 2.1a
                     1987                                  33.70                                 60.90                                 5.40
                     i9aa                                  83.55                                 13.52                                 2.93
                     i9ag                                  86.60                                 13.36                                 0.04
                     1990                                  53.32                                 46.43                                 0.25









                                                                                 92



                      APPENDIX U.      Monthly (A; 19a8-90), annual (B; 1982-90) and scrap (C; 1986-90) exparded Length frequencies of
                                       harvestf ish, Pepri Lus aLepidotus, from Pamlico Sound sciaenid pound net samples; n = number of
                                       individuals measured.                            Percent frequency/size class (FL, mm)
                                                                                    91-           121-           151-           181-
                                                        n            <90            120           ISO             180           210           >210


                      A.   Month      Year                                                       ------------------  Marketable   ---------------


                           may        1988                6                                      16.7           83.3
                           Jun                         640                                        8.9           75.0           16.1
                           JUL                         301                                       10.0           83.7            6.3
                           Aug                          45                                       14.5           77.2            8.3
                           Sep                          45           1.4            6.8                         76.0           15.8
                           Oct                         154          12.2            27.0          6.3           45.1            9.4


                           May        1989              27               -             -         15.3           76.2            8.5
                           Jun                         110           1.6            2.4          27.0           55.2           13.8
                           Jul                         225               -          0.7          38.5           54.4            6.4
                           Aug                          31               -                        7.9           82.6            9.5
                           Sep                          38           2.7            3.6          23.0           44.8           25.9
                           Oct                            4              -          25.0         25.0           50.0


                           May        1990              48                             -         33.5           43.1           21.5           1.9
                           Jun                         166                          1.4          47.0           41.8            8.9           0.9
                           JUL                         207                          0.4          66.7           23.8            9.1
                           Aug                          41               -          3.8          73.3           20.7            2.2
                           Sep                         268           6.4            31.6         32.9           26.8            2.3
                           Oct                         306           0.6            65.2         18.6                           1.0




                      B. Annua t      1982             814           4.5            34.8         39.5           18.9            2.3
                                      1983             755           0.8            12.4         41.0           44.3            1.5
                                      1984             556           4.4            9.9          21.7           58.5            5.3           0.2
                                      1985             997           5.4            40.5         18.2           28.2            7.7
                                      1986           2,531           0.3            9.9          " .0           38.5            7.2           0.1
                                      1987           1,059                          1.6          23.6           69.0            5.8
                                      1988           1,191           0.8            2.1           9.0           75.8           12.3
                                      1989             435           0.7            1.4          31.4           56.5           10.0
                                      1990           1,036           1.5            21.5         42.2           28.3            6.2           0.3



                      C. Scrap        1986              71           3.7            83.3         13.0
                                      1987                3         86.8            13.3
                                      1988              49          13.2            75.9          9.4             1.5
                                      1989                5              -          43.2         56.8
                                      1990              70          22.6            67.4         10.0









                                                                       93








                                     9-
                                                                                                   n @814

                                     6-


                                     3-




                                                                                                   *83



                                     6-





                                                                                                   1984
                                     12-                                                             64
                                     9-

                                     6-

                                     3-



                                     9-                                                            1985
                                                                                                   nx997
                                     6-


                                     3-





                                                                                                   1986
                                     9-                                                              2,531

                                     6-





                                     15-                                                           1987
                                     12-                                                           n a 1,059
                                     9-
                                     6-


                                                      160                150                 26o

                                                            FORK LEWTH (5 mm *be doem)


                        Appendix V.               Expanded annual length frequencies of harvestfish
                                                  (Pet) ilus alevitotus) from sciaenid pound net samples,
                                                  1982-1987.
                                         M-@J@




                                                             jL









                                                                                 94


                      APPENDIX W.      Monthly (A; 1988-90), annual (B; 1982-90) and scrap (C; 1986-90) expanded Length frequencies of
                                       butterfish, Pepritus triacanthus, from Pamlico Sound sciaenid pound net samples; n = number of
                                       individuals measured.


                                                                                           Percent frectuency/size class (FL. mm)
                                                                                             91-              121-             151-            181-
                                                             n              <90                                150             180             210


                      A.   Month        Year                                                                 ------------ Marketable   -----------


                           May          1988                 13                                              38.5             53.8             7.7
                           Jun                               35                              5.3             15.5             76.1             3.1
                           JUL                               59             1.9             13.0             52.9             26.8             5.4
                           Aug                             139                               3.4             41.1             53.8             1.7
                           Sep                               10                                              40.2             50.0             9.8
                           Oct                               37             2.6             15.3             30.2             43.2             8.7


                           May          1989                 39                             12.1             50.5             35.0             2.4
                           Jun                               71             5.7             19.8             13.2             56.1             5.2
                           Jul                               82             7.3             35.2             30.8             23.7             3.0
                           Aug                               19                -             8.1             43.7             46.0             2.2
                           Sep                               17                -                             11.8             80.8             7.4
                           Oct  -                                                                                                                           I

                           May          1990               318              6.8             70.2             18.4              4.6
                           Jun                             479              0.2             27.0             43.9             28.7             0.2
                           JUL                             375              1.1             11.9             67.3             19.3             0.4
                           Aug                             185              0.4              2.1             78.1             19.4
                           Sep                               43                -                -            29.8             70.2
                           Oct                               17                                                3.9            96.1




                      B. ArruaL         1982               465              0.6              9.4             48.9             39.9             1.2
                                        1983                 50             1.7             23.6             34.4             38.5             1.8
                                        1984               167              0.4              5.7             36.0             56.6             1.3
                                        1985               414              0.6              3.9             39.4.            54.7             1.4
                                        1986               737                 -            10.2             45.1             43.9             0.8
                                        1987               241                 -             4.8             43.5             50.3             1.4
                                        1988               293              0.7              6.8             40.0             48.9             3.6
                                        1989               228              5.2             23.2             25.0             42.6             4.0
                                        1990              1,417             1.6             27.6             47.4             23.2             0.2



                      C. Scrap          1986                 63             0.1             40.5             55.9              3.5
                                        1987                 12                -            23.2             70.7              6.1
                                        1988                 20                             20.3             61.7             18.0
                                        1989                 28             13.1            67.6             19.3
                                        1990               177              1.8             65.7             31.1              0.8             0.6










                                                                           95











                                                                                                       1982
                                                                                                         465


                                        6-





                                                                                                       1983
                                        f2 -                                                             850

                                        9-

                                        6-




                                        15-                                                            1984
                                                                                                       n
                                        12-
                                        9-

                                        6-

                                        3-


                                        15-
                                                                                                       1985
                                    IL  12-                                                            n - 414

                                        9-

                                        6-




                                        12-                                                            1986
                                        9-                                                               737

                                        6-

                                        3-



                                                                                                       1987
                                        12-

                                        9-



                                        3
                                                          1@0                  150                 2001

                                                           FORK LENGTH (5 mm wt Ciosses)


                          Appendix X.                Expanded annual length frequencies of butterfish
                                                     (Peprilus triacanthus) from sciaenid pound net
                                                     samples, 1982-1987.
                                        6
                                        3t






                                                                                96



                     APPENDIX Y.      Monthty (A; 1988-90), annuat (8; 1982-90) and scrap (C; 1986-90) expanded tength frequencies of
                                      Spanish mackeret, Scomberomorus macutatus, from Pamtico sound sciaenid pound net sampLes; n
                                      number of individuats measured.


                                                                                  Percent frequency size ciass (FL, mm)
                                                                            151-       201-       251-       301-         351-      401-
                                                      n         <150        200        250        300        350          400       450       >450


                     A.   Month     Year                                                                    ------------  Marketabte  -----------


                          may       1988
                          Jun                        ill                                         24.1       49.3        15.9        6.6       4.1
                          Jut                        105                    0.9                   1.5       33.0        55.5                  9.1
                          Aug                        334                    2.8       43.1        5.2        8.8        30.1        6.2       3.8
                          Sep                         86                              54.5       37.8        3.9          1.9       0.9       1.0
                          Oct                         30                    6.8        5.1       83.0                                         5.1


                                    1989
                          May                           2          -           -     100.0
                          Jun                        119           -           -       0.8        8.9       76.4        12.5        0.8       0.6
                          JuL                        280           -        3.6       22.7        3.1       26.5        41.5        1.8       0.8
                          Aug                        631           -        0.1       76.8       16.5        0.9          4.2       0.9       0.6
                          Sep                        158           -                  42.4       57.6           -           -          -         -
                          Oct


                          May       1990
                          Jun                         48                    2.9           -      15.6       58.1        16.5        5.2       1.7
                          Jut                        205        0.2        10.0       11.1        1.0       50.4        22.4        3.6       1.3
                          Aug                        392                    2.2       81.1       15.7           -           -       0.8       0.2
                          Sep                        514                    0.3       18.2       73.8        4.5          0.8       0.5       1.9
                          Oct                         11                              21.0       79.0




                     B. Annuat      1982             259                    1.3        7.8       37.6       25.4        21.2        5.8       0.9
                                    1983              42        4.6         1.6       35.7       31.4        4.2        11.2        11.3
                                    1984              56                    2.0       16.7       " .7       19.5          5.6       6.3       5.2
                                    1985             296                    2.9       44.9       45.3        1.1          5.6       0.2
                                    1986             153                    3.8       24.4       21.0       18.1        23.4        7.2       2.1
                                    1987             511        0.3         0.6        9.8       39.5       30.3        16.4        1.8       1.3
                                    1988             666                    1.7       27.1       13.2       21.3        27.4        5.3       4.0
                                    1989            1,190          -        1.4       42.9       14.2       20.4        19.3        1.2       0.6
                                    1990            1,170                   3.1       36.1       36.3       15.8          5.9       1.6       1.2



                     C. Scrap       1986              28                    4.5       92.0        3.5
                                    1987                                    4.5       37.5       58.0
                                    1988             127        0.2         8.0       78.7       13.1
                                    1989             275                       -       1.9       73.9       24.2
                                    1990             261        0.5         8.2       45.5       45.6        0.2








                                                     97










                            2-


                            6-


                            3-



                            Is-
                            15-                                               n-42
                            12.
                            9-
                            6-
                            3-


                                                                              Se4
                            9-                                                n-56
                            6-

                            3-


                            Is-
                            12-                                               n,296

                            9-






                                                                              Ism









                                                                              087








                                         200          300          .400          sw
                                           FORK UD$M (10mrn size class")
                    Appendix Z.        Expanded annual length frequencies of Spanish mackerel
                                       (Scomberomorus maculatus) from sciaenid pound net
                                       samples, 1982-1987.









                                                                                   98




                      APPENDIX AA.      Monthly (A; 1988-90), annual (B; 1982-90) and scrap (C; 1986-90) expanded tength frequencies of
                                        summer flounder, Paratichthy dentatus, from Pamlico Sound sciaenid pound net samples; n = number
                                        of individuals measured.                         Percent frequencylsize class (TL, mm)
                                                                                151-         201-          251-          301-         351-
                                                      n          051            200          250           300           350          400          >401


                      A.  Month      Year                                                                                --------- Marketable  -------


                          May
                          Jun        1988             55          4.7           1.7         50.8          32.2           9.6          1.0
                          Jut                         16          5.7         52.7           7.5          27.9              -         6.2
                          Aug                         22                      10.5          28.5          32.3          21.7          3.5          3.5
                          Sep                         8                                                   44.2          44.2         11.6
                          Oct                         6                                     45.1                                     54.9

                          May        1989             4              -             -        50.0          50.0
                          Jun                         8           9.7           9.8         40.7          39.8
                          Jut                         26         30.8         36.2           3.9          11.9           8.0          9.2
                          Aug                         22          5.9         29.6          35.6          21.4           7.5
                          Sep                         2          33.8         66.2
                          Oct

                          May        1990             13         90.4           9.6
                          Jun                         10         25.8         47.0          18.7                                      8.5
                          Jut                         29         20.2         " .9          15.5           6.3           5.3          3.3          4.5
                          Aug                         16         13.0         11.0          10.2              -         28.3         33.2          4.3
                          Sep                         19          7.9         32.9          10.1           5.7          12.3         26.7          4.4
                          Oct                         8              -        20.0              -         25.0          35.0         10.0          10.0



                      B. Annual      1982           200          14.2         40.0          20.8          18.0           5.9          0.8          0.3
                                     1983           153          12.5         22.7          22.9          24.9           9.4          4.2          3.4
                                     1984           159          25.3         23.4          12.3          33.4           5.5
                                     1985             54          2.0         45.6          19.4          23.2           4.3          5.5
                                     1986             37          8.9         67.1           5.8          13.0           5.2
                                     1987           112          10.4         39.5          21.0          19.9           9.0          0.1          0.1
                                     1988           107           3.3         11.2          35.4          31.8          13.2          4.3          01.8
                                     1989             62         20.3         29.8          19.0          20.0           6.0          4.9
                                     1990             95         27.5         31.3           9.5           5.8           9.9         12.7          3.3



                      C. Scrap       1986             12          8.4         69.9          21.7
                                     1987             30          4.6         " .0          33.6          17.8
                                     1988             22          5.0         24.2          51.9          18.9
                                     1989             6          77.3         22.7
                                     1990             8          87.2         12.8









                                                                           99






                                    9-                                                                1962
                                                                                                         200



                                                                                                      '1985
                                    9-                                                                   153

                                    6-




                                    12-                                                               1984
                                                                                                         159






                               w

                               a:
                               w    15-
                               CL   12-                                                               1985
                                                                                                      n&54
                                    9-

                                    6-

                                    3-


                                                                                                      T-

                                                                                                      1986
                                    15-                                                               no 37
                                    12-



                                    12-                                                               1987
                                    9-                                                                n a 112

                                    6-


                                    3-

                                                      2;0               300                400               5@0

                                                      TOTAL LENGTH (10mm      ure cicsses)

                    Appendix BB.               Expanded annual length frequencies                 of summer flounder
                                               (Paralichthys dentatus) from nound                 net samples, 1982-
                                               1987.






                                                                                  100



                      APPENDIX CC.     Monthty (A; 1988-90), annuat (8; 1982-90) and scrap (C; 1986-90) expanded tength frequencies of
                                       Attantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus, from Pamtico Sound sciaenid pound net samptes; n
                                       number of individuaLs measured.


                                                                                             Percent frequency/size cLass (FL, mm)
                                                                                              121-              151-             lai-
                                                             n               <120             150                180             210            >210


                      A.  Month          Year


                          May            1988                 52                                              28.9              63.2             7.9
                          Jun                             1,834              1.7              6.8             14.4              68.0             9.1
                          Jut                             2,182              4.2             12.9             23.2              46.1            13.6
                          Aug                               922                              12.5             32.1              42.3            13.1
                          Sep                               599                               1.2             60.2              34.0             4.6
                          Oct                               159                               3.6             55.5              24.a            16.1


                          May            1989               956                 -            12.8             40.3              36.3            10.6
                          Jun                               944              0.9             29.5             35.4              23.7            10.5
                          Jut                             2,106              0.5             34.8             40.8              15.0             8.9
                          Aug                             1,126                 -             3.8             26.2              49.6            20.4
                          Sep                             1,809                 -            18.3             67.5              12.0             2.2
                          Oct                               311                 -             7.0             67.3              23.0             2.7


                          May            1990             1,548                 -             0.7             73.9              25.1             0.3
                          Jun                             2,419                               1.5             52.7              45.3             0.5
                          Jut                             2,351                               1.3             72.1              26.5             0.1
                          Aug                               698                 -             0.2             66.6              32.9             0.3
                          Sep                             1,463                               0.3             58.8              40.6             0.3
                          Oct                               484                               0.4             58.5              41.1                -




                      B. Year            1982             5,849              1.5             67.4             21.1               8.9             1.0
                                         1983             3,406              10.3            64.6             23.7               1.4            <0.1
                                         1984             2,671              0.1             37.6             52.6               9.0             0.7
                                         1985             1,568              0.3             52.8             29.7              14.8             2.4
                                         1986             3,936              0.1             23.4             30.9              41.8             3.8
                                         1987             2,704              1.2             14.6             17.3              59.6             7.3
                                         1988             5,748              1.8              8.9             27.0              51.6            10.7
                                         1989             7,252              0.4             21.4             41.7              26.4            10.1
                                         1990             8,963                               1.1             63.0              35.6             0.3



                      C. scrap           1986             3,936              0.1             23.4             30.9              41.8             3.8
                                         1987             2,704              1.2             14.6             17.3              59.6             7.3
                                         1988             1,597                                               50.4              49.6
                                         1989             2,574                 -            45.8             50.8               3.4
                                         1990             3,326                                               41.7              58.3








                                                                              101







                                                                                                         1982
                                     12-

                                     9-
                                     6-

                                     3-




                                                                                                         1983
                                     9-                                                                  n a 3,406


                                     3-




                                                                                                         1984
                                     9-                                                                       2,671

                               U
                               z
                               LLI   3-




                                                                                                         1985
                               z                                                                         ft a 1,568
                               Uj    9-

                                     6-

                                     3-



                                     9-                                                                  1986
                                                                                                         n a 3.936







                                     12-                                                                 1987
                                     9-                                                                  n e 2.704

                                     6-

                                     5-


                                                     f
                                                    90       1@0       1@0       18'0     210       240
                                                          FORK LENGTH      (5mm SIZE CLASSES)
                         Appendix DD.                Expanded annual length frequencies of Atlantic
                                                     menhaden (irevoortia tyrannus) from pound net samples,
                                                     1982-1987.
                                                             JL35:@.--
                                                           &42.-
                                                              A61h4.
                                                             AOMS4.
                                                           A&








                                                                                                   102



                          Appendix EE. Species composition of scrapfish (discard or bait) in 54 pound net catches saupted in 1986.

                                                                              Weight Ckq)                                 Number                        Mean fish          % freq.
                          Species                                       Meam                Perc..                Mean              Percent             weight (kq)           occur.

                          Micropogonias undutatus                        222.0                46.01               1,857               36.44                0.120               100.0
                          Brevoortia tyrannus                            116.3                24.12               1,456.               28.57               0.080               96.3
                          Cynoscion regatis                              50.0                 10.36                 491                9.63                0.102               100.0
                          Leiostomus xanthurus;                          27.9                 5.79                  362                7.10                0.077               9
                          Lagod      rhomboides                          18.0                 3.74                  259                5.09                0.069               81.5
                          Opisthonema oQLi                               11.3                 2.34                  169                3.31                0.067               64.8
                          Pomatams sattatrix                               7.8                1.61                   68                1.34                0.114               96.3
                          Chaetodil2terus faber                            6.6                1.36                  .199               1.97                0.066               48.1
                          BairdietLa chrysoura                             3.9                0.81                   57                1.12                0.068               68.5
                          Scoffberomorus maculatus                         3.7                0.76                   38                0.74                0.098               74.1
                          Peprilus atepidotus                              3.7                0.76                   75                1.47                0.049               98.2
                          Caranx hippos                                    3.0                0.63                   30                0.59                0.101               25.9
                          Peprilus triacanthus                             2.2                0.45                   47                0.92                0.047               90.7
                          Setene vomer                                     1.4                0.30                   24                0.47                0.059               25.9
                          Orthopristis chrysoptera                         1.3                0.26                   21                0.42                0.059               48.1
                          CaLtinectes saoidus                              0.8                0.16                      4              0.09                0.175               38.9
                          Mg.
                             q:J1 cephaLus                                 0.4                0.09                   10                0.19                0.043                 1.9
                          ParaHchthys dentatus                             0.4                0.08                      6              0.11                0.067               35.2
                          Aluterus schoepfi                                0.3                0.06                      1              0.03                0.195                 5.6
                          Menticirrhus americanus                          0.2                0.05                      2              0.04                0.118               20.4
                          Sphoeroides maculatus                            0.2                0.04                      2              0.04                0.098               20.4
                          Paralichthys lethostimm                          0.2                0.04                      2              0.04                0.090               38.9
                          Larimus fasciatus                                0.1                0.03                      1              0.02                0.145               11.1
                          Caran spp.                                       0.1                0.03                      2              0.03                0.082                 7.4
                          Monacanthus hispidu                              0.1                o.03                      3              0.06                0.042               18.5
                          Prionotus scitulus                               0.1                0.02                      3              0.05                0.030                 7.4
                          Synodus foetens                                  0.1                0.02                   'Cl               0.01                0.230                 1.9
                          Prionotus evotans                                0.1                0.02                      1              0.01                0.115               14.8
                          mycteroperca microlepis                          0.1                0.02                      1              0.01                0.120                 5.6
                          Trichiurus tepturus                            <0.1                 0.01                   <1                0.00                0.180               51.9
                          Chitomvcterus schoepfi                         <0.1                 0.01                   <1                0.00                0.207                 9.3
                          Cattinectes simitis                            <0.1                 0.01                      1              0.01                0.040                 5.6
                          Caranx crysos                                  -CO.1                0.00                   <1                0.01                0.070                 1.9
                          Trinectes macutatus                            'CO.1                0.00                   -Cl               0.01                0.046                 9.3
                          Chloroscoffbrus chrysurus                      <0.1                 0.00                      0              0.01                0.020                 1.9
                          LotHquncuia brevis                             'CO.1                0.00                      2              0.03                0.003                 9.3
                          Prionotus tributus                             -CO. 1               0.00                   'Cl               0.00                0.060                 7.4
                          Prionotus carotinus                            <0.1                 0.00                   -Cl               0.00                0.050                 1.9
                          ScophthaLmus aquosus                           <0.1                 0.00                   @Cj               0.00                0.020                 1.9









                                                                                  103



                       Appendix FF. Species comiposition of scrapfish (discard or bait) in 56 pound net catches sampted in 1987.


                                                                   Weight (kq)                         Number                Mean fish        % freq.
                       Species                            -Mean               Percent           Mean          Percent        weight Ckq)        occur.

                       Micropogonfas undulatus                156*1            17"17            1,124            34*96          0,113           110*1
                       Brevoortia tyrannus                    152.2            36.41            1,557            35.73          0.098           98.2
                       Cynoscion regatis                      ".2              10.57              432            9.90           OJ02            100.0
                       Leiostomus xanthurus                   24.1              5.76              357            8.18           0.068           96.4
                       Pomatomus saLtatrix                      9.1             2.17                71           1.64           0.127           92.9
                       Opisthonema ogtinum                      9.0             2.15              151            3.46           0.060           75.0
                       BairdieLla chrysoura                     4.9             1.17                63           1.44           0.078           76.8
                       Scomberomorus macu(atus                  4.3             1.04                31           0.71           0.141           96.4
                       Lagodon rhodmides                        4.3             1.03                35           0.80           0.124           42.9
                       Paralichthys dentatus                    1.7             0.41                20           0.45           0.087           58.9
                       Selene vomer                             1.7             0.40                30           0.68           0.056           32.1
                       Orthopristis  chrysoptera                1.6             0.38                23           0.52           0.071           48.2
                       Chaetodioterus faber                     1.0             0.25                18           0.41           0.057           50.0
                       Caranx hippos                            1.0             0.24                8            0.17           0.130           57.1
                       ParaLichthys lethostigm                  0.7             0.17                9            0.20           0.082           35.7
                       Pepritus triacanthus                     0.5             0.12                9            0.20           0.058           75.0
                       Caltinectes sapidus                      0.3             0.07                5            0.11           0.062           71.4
                       Monacanthus hispidus                     0.3             0.06                6            0.13           0.045           21.4
                       ChiLomycterus schoeg)fi                  0.2             0.05                1            0.02           0.220           10.7
                       Menticirrhus americanus                  0.2             0.04                2            0.04           0.090           35.7
                       Peprilus atepidotus                    <0.1              0.02                2            0.04           0.050           96.4
                       ELops saurus                           <0.1              0.01                <1           0.01           0.120            8.9
                       Aluterus schoepfi                      <0.1              0.01                <1           0.01           0.290            5.4
                       Citharichthys spiLopterus              <0.1              0.01                2            0.05           0.026            1.8
                       Prionotus scitutus                     <0.1              0.01                <1           0.01           0.120            5.4
                       Larimus fasciatus                      <0.1              0.01                <1           0.01           0.120            3.6
                       Prionotus tributus                     <0.1              0.01                1            0.03           0.040            1.8
                        Ycteroperca microlepis                <0.1              0.01                <1           <0.01          0.230            3.6
                       Scophthatmus aquosus                   <0.1              0.01                1            0.02           0.041            5.4
                       M


                       Symphyrus Plagiusa                     <0.1              0.01                <1           0.02           0.050            5.4
                       Prionotus evotans                      <0.1              0.01                <1           0.01           0.080            5.4
                       Trinectes macMLatus                    <0.1              0.01                1            0.03           0.026            8.9
                       Urophycis regia,                       <0.1              0.01                <1           0.01           0.070            1.8
                       Setene setapinnis                      <0.1              0.00                <1           0.01           0.060            5.4
                       Prionotus carmLinus                    <0.1              0.00                <1           0.01           0.010            5.4


                       Species observed


                       LoLliguncula brevis         RachyEentron canadum              Chaetodon sp.
                       Limulus Polyohemus          Caranx sp.                        Mugit cephatus
                       Penaeus aztecWs             Trachinotus caroLinus             Sphyraena boreaLis
                       Penaeus duora               Qagm ion sp.                      Tautoga onitis
                       Alosa mediocris             Qmscion nebutosus                 Trichiurus tepturus
                       Tytosurus crocodiLus        Menticirrhus sp.                  Scomberomiorus scombrus
                       Prionotim sp.               Menticirrhus saxatitis            Paralichthys sp.
                       Centropristis striata,      Sciaenops oce(latus               Sphoeroides macutatus





















                          ASSESSMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES

                                 Completion Report for Project 2-IJ-16

                                                May 1992





                                                JOB 3

                            WINTER TRAWL FISHERY ASSESSMENT


                                                   By


                                            Jeffrey L. Ross











                                                  ABSTRACT
                    The North Carol i na wi nter trawl f i shery i s a mul ti speci es-mul ti gear f i shery
              conducted from mid-September through April from offshore Long Island, New York
              to west of Cape Lookout, North Carolina. The fishery has three main components:
              the nearshore flounder, deepwater, and flynet fisheries. Species-specific CPUEs,
              size-age composition of the catches, and landings were assessed for the 1988-91
              fishing seasons And compared with the 1982-88 seasons.

                    Summer flounder (Paralichtys dentatus) dominated nearshore flounder and
              deepwater catches.   During 1988-91, mean seasonal CPUEs in nearshore fishery
              catches were 47-76% of the mean for the 1982-91 seasons. CPUEs in deepwater
              catches during 1989-91 were the lowest since 1982-83 (only 60-76% of the nine
              season mean). Landings during 1989-91 were only 38-59% of the nine season mean.
              The age composition of summer flounder catches was truncated with 85-98% of the
              fish less than 4 years old. Recent regulation changes have reduced the relative
              abundance of age 0 and 1 fish in the catches.

                    Scup (Stenotomus chrysops) were an important component and frequent target
              species of deepwater trips. CPUEs and landings during.1988-90 were the lowest
              for the period and only 4-17% and 9-29% of the nine season averages respectively.
              Catches and landings increased during the 1990-91 season. Scup length frequency
              distributions remained unimodal and compressed towards smaller size classes,
              although the relative abundance of larger fish increased slightly during 1989-91.

                    Black sea bass (Centropristis striata) were the third dominant species in
              deepwater catches. Seasonal mean CPUEs ranged from 68% to only 9% of the nine
              season mean.   Landings were average during 1988-90, but only 29% of the nine
              season mean, and the lowest for the period, during 1990-91. The size composition
              of black sea bass has been relatively stable throughout the nine seasons,
              although a gradual reduction in large sea bass has occurred and the fishery
              harvests primarily small fish.

                    Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) were the dominant species of the flynet
              fishery. The CPUEs increased from 62 to 102% of the nine season mean during the
              last three seasons, but seasonal landings fell from 78% to only 57-60% of the
              nine season mean.     The size and age composition has become increasingly
              compressed towards small, young fish, with age 0 and 1 fish making up 90% of the
              catches during 1989-91.

                    Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) were ubiquitous in catches by all gears, but
              the largest catches were made with flynets when large fish were targeted. The
              CPUEs in flynets have fluctuated without trend during the last nine seasons,
              largely due to the sporadic market demand. Landings fell from 49% to 26% of the
              nine season mean. All sizes and ages of bluefish continued to be represented in
              winter trawl catches.

                    Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) were an abundant component and
              occasional target species of flynet trips. Seasonal mean CPUEs and landings for
              1988-91 were all lower than the nine season means, with 1990-91 CPUEs and
              landings 33% and 23% of the nine season means respectively.     The size and age


                                                     ii











             composition of 1988-91 catches was compressed towards smaller younger fish. An
             increased percent were unmarketable-sized for human consumption.

                   Flynets continued to produce the bulk of the scrap fish landed by winter
             trawlers. Weakfish, croaker and spot were the principal components of the scrap
             fish.  Scrap fish have made up 33-39% of the flynet catches since 1984-85.
             Minimal amounts of unmarketable size fish were landed by the nearshore flounder
             and deepwater fisheries.

                   Aggregate resource trend analyses indi  cated overall reduced CPUEs and
             landings of the dominant species by the nearshore flounder, deepwater, and
             'sciaenid-bluefish' flynet fisheries, as, well as the overall winter trawl
             fishery, since the projects inception.     This corresponded with the overall
             reduced size of all dominant species harvested except bluefish.







                                                     TABLE OF COWTENTS


                 ABSTRACT   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

                 TABLE OF CONTENTS    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               iv

                 INTRODUCTION    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                 1

                 METHODS AND MATERIALS     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               3

                 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION      . . .  * ' ' *   ' * * ' *  *  * ' *  * * '  * *  * *       6
                       Nearshore Flounder Fishery      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             6
                            Seasonal Catch Composition        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            7
                            Trends in Catch Composition       1982-1991  . . . . . . . . . . .           8
                            Summer Flounder - CPUE, Landings and Size         Composition   . . .        8

                       Deepwater Fishery     . . .                                                      10
                            Seasonal Catch Compo@it*io*n,                                               10
                            Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1991        . . . . . . . . . . .          11
                            Scup - CPUE, Landings and Size Composition          . . . . . . . .         11
                            Black Sea Bass      CPUE, Landings and Size Composition         . . .       12
                            Summer Flounder       CPUE, Landings and Size Composition       .  . .      13

                       Flynet Fishery     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             14
                            Seasonal Catch Composition (All Areas Combined)            . . . . . .      14
                            North of Cape Hatteras      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           15
                            Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          16
                            West of Cape Lookout     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            16
                            Catch Composition 1982-91       . . . . . . . . .    : :   , * * * *  *     17
                            Weakfish - CPUE, Landings and Age/Size Composition           . . . . .      18
                            Atlantic Croaker - CPUE, Landings and Age/Size Composition            .     20
                            Bluefish - CPUE, Landings and Age/Size Composition           . . . . .      22
                            Spot - CPUE, Landings and Age/Size       Composition    . . . . . . .       24

                       Scrap Fish . .     ' i * ' i * * ' * ' * '     ' * ' ' * *   '  * ' * * '  '     25
                            Sciaenid Bluefish Flynet Fishery       . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          25
                            Nearshore Flounder Fishery      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           26
                            Deepwater Fishery      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            27

                       Aggregate Resources    Trends    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           27

                 SPECIES SYNOPSES    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              29
                       Summer Flounder    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             29
                       Weakfish   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               31
                       Black Sea Bass     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             32
                       Scup   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               33
                       Bluefish   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               35
                       Atlantic Croaker     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             36

                 MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             37

                 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              39

                 LITERATURE CITED    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . .              40



                                                              iv











              TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     42

              FIGURES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     68


              APPENDIX










                                                  INTRODUCTION
                    The North Carol i na wi nter trawl f i shery i s a mul ti speci es-mul ti gear f i shery
              that lands fish in North Carolina from September through April. Fishing effort
              shifts to one of several target species depending on seasonal distribution,
              availability, catchability and marketability and can also vary between fishing
              ports.  Fishing grounds extend from the Hudson Canyon off New York to south and
              west of Cape Lookout, North Carolina, and from the beach to the 50 fathom curve
              (Figure 1).


                    The winter trawl fishery accounted for 18-23% (4,056-5,304 mt) of all
              edible finfish landed in North Carolina during the 1988-91 fishing seasons. In
              one or more of the last three fishing seasons, the fishery accounted for greater
              than 20% of North Carolina's landings of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), summer
              flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus), harvestfish
              (E. alevidotus), Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), black sea bass
              (Centropristis striata),     scup  (Stenotomus chrysops),     and scrap fish for
              industrial uses or bait.


                    In North Carolina, winter trawl catches are landed at' ports from Wanchese
              to Morehead City-Beaufort.     The primary processing facilities are located in
              Wanchese, where 30-40 vessels offload at six fish houses. Morehead City-Beaufort
              is the second largest processing center with 5-6 fish houses servicing 10-15
              trawlers. The ports of Lowland, Vandemere, Bayboro, Englehard, Wrights Creek,
              and Oriental offload fish for 26-32 trawlers. Due to the extensive geographic
              range of fishing grounds utilized by the trawler fleet, catches are often landed
              in other states, particularly Hampton, VA and New Bedford, MA.


                    The history of the North Carolina winter trawl fishery was reviewed by Ross
              et al. (1986), together with a discussion of the justification for partitioning
              the fishery into three components: nearshore flounder, sciaenid-bluefish flynet,
              and deepwater fisheries.     Although some spatial and temporal overlap occurs
              between these components, the partitioned catches are characterized by a
              constancy and fidelity in species composition. The partitioning facilitates the
              generation of species-specific catch-per-unit-of-effort data to reflect abundance
              levels and not trends in fishing effort.









                                                     2

                   The nearshore flounder fishery is the southern, and November through
             January, extension of the mid-Atlantic flounder trawl fishery.      Virtually all
             vessels that enter the North Carolina winter trawl fishery participate in this
             component. A portion of the North Carolina fleet fishes for summer flounder off
             New England during the summer, follows the fish      south during the fall and
             offshore during the winter. Vessels begin landing fish caught off Delaware and
             Virginia in North Carolina ports by October or November. By mid-November or
             December, most of the fleet is fishing off the Outer Banks of North Carolina.


                   The predominant gear used in the nearshore flounder fishery is the flounder
             trawl, which has a 16.8-19.8m (55-65 ft) headrope with 12-15 cm (5-6 in) mesh in
             the wings, and 11.4-14.0 cm (4.5-5.5 in) mesh in the tailbag (5.5 in diamond or
             6.0 in square mesh is required in flounder nets fished in state waters). Long
             groundlines, which include up to 91.4 m (300 ft) of cookies, 22.9 m (75 ft) of
             chain, and 30.5 m (100 ft) of cable, act as leads directing fish into the
             relatively small net. Combination nets are higher profile nets, with 20-25 cm
             (8-10 in) mesh in the wings tapering to 5-7 cm (2-3 in) mesh in the tailbags
             used when seeking summer flounder as well as weakfish, butterfish, and squi@
             (Loligo pealij).


                   The deepwater component of the winter trawl fishery is prosecuted primarily
             by vessels from Wanchese when nearshore flounder fishing declines in late
             December or early January.   Fishing occurs from the Cigar to Norfolk Canyon and
             north along the shelf edge for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. Dif-
             ferent trawl gear is used depending on the species targeted. Flounder trawls or
             combination nets are used for all three species, and flynets are employed when
             scup are schooled up in the water column.


                   The flynet fishery encompasses North Carolina trawlers fishing for
             weakfish, Atlantic croaker, bluefish, butterfish, and industrial (scrap) fish.
             Flynet fishing generally takes place in depths less than 36 m (20 fathoms) from
             Oregon Inlet to west of Cape Lookout from late September through April . Flynets
             are high profile trawls used for fish that school higher in the water column than
             typical groundfish. Flynets fish 3-3.7 m (10-12 ft) off the bottom, and range











                                                       3

              from 24.4 to 36.6 m (80-120 ft) across,   with wing mesh sizes of 41-163 cm (16-64
              in), tapering to 5 cm (2 in) in the tailbag.


                    In 1982, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) initiated
              a statewide sampling program for the dominant commercial finfisheries.            The
              objective was to obtain biological and fisheries data on economically important
              fishes for use in reaching management decisions. The winter trawl fishery was
              included, and is herein described for the 1988-91 fishing seasons, after
              portioning the fishery into its three components (nearshore flounder, deepwater,
              and flynet). Species composition, relative abundance, distribution, seasonality
              are presented. Catch-per-ef fort and the age and/or size frequency distributions
              of the dominant species are presented and compared with species and fishery
              specific data from the 1982-88 fishing seasons.


                                            METHODS AND MATERIALS
                    Winter trawl catches were sampled while being offloaded at fish packing
              houses in Wanchese and Morehead City-Beaufort, and to a lesser extent in
              Oriental, Bayboro, Lowlands, Wrights Creek, and Englehard.       Crew members were
              interviewed, when available, to obtain information on area       and depth fished,
              number and duration of tows, days on the fishing grounds, and gear(s) used
              including size of headrope and cod-end mesh.        When possible, eight or more
              catches were sampled per month.


                    To insure adequate coverage of all sizes and species in the catches, and
              since culling occurs offshore, stratified random samples of the graded catch were
              taken.  This process involved randomly sampling one or more 50 lb (22.7 kg)
              cartons of each species' market category or grade (small, medium, large, jumbo,
              etc.). More cartons of the larger grades were sampled since they contained fewer
              fish. Each sample was weighed to t   he nearest 0.1 kg, individual fish measured
              to the nearest millimeter (FL or TQ, and        the total number of individuals
              recorded.  If the individuals in a carton were   too numerous to measure, at least
              30 were measured, and the remainder counted.      The total catch weight of each
              market category for each species was obtained    from the fish dealer's records.









                                                     4

                   In cases where the weight of a particular species' market grades were
             included on the trip ticket, but were not sampled, an estimate of the number of
             fish landed for the grade was made using mean weight/individual from a sample of
             that species and grade from another recent catch, and usually from the same area.


                   Total length-frequencies for each catch were derived by expanding the
             sample length-frequencies for each market category (grade) by an expansion factor
             to represent the species market grade weight. Species market grade weight was
             obtained from trip tickets and species length-frequencies were a combination of
             those expanded for the respective species market grades.       Species numerical
             abundance/catch was calculated similarly by determining the number of
             individuals/market grade and then summing all market grades/species.


                   Scrap fish are herein defined as the part of the catch not marketed for
             human consumption, but rather sold for bait or industrial uses, or discarded.
             At least half of a fish basket (about 12 kg) of scrap fish was sampled when it
             was a significant (>50 kg) component of the catch.   If the scrap fish comprised
             <50 kg, it was considered negligible and not sampled, although the component
             species were noted.


                   Samples of scrap fish were sorted and weighed (kg) by species, and all
             individuals measured to the nearest millimeter JL or FL).        If a particular
             species was too numerous, a random subsample of at least 30 individuals was
             measured, and the remaining fish counted. However, if a species had two or more
             distinct size classes, then each size class was treated as a separate species
             when subsampled. The total weight of the scrap was obtained, preferably from the
             trip ticket, and if not, it was estimated.


                   Length-frequencies for scrap fish were derived by expanding the sample
             length-frequencies to represent the total weight of the species in the scrap.
             Total weight of a species in the scrap was calculated by determining the
             proportion of a species in the sample, and expanding that to the respective
             species proportional weight in the scrap.  The number of individuals/species in
             the scrap was calculated by expanding the number of individuals in the sample to
             represent the total weight of the species in the scrap.












                                                       5

                     Winter trawl catches were analyzed by "fishing seasons," that is, October
              1988-April 1989 (1988-89), October 1989-April 1990 (1989-90), and October 1990-
              April 1991 (1990-91). Analyses of catches and trends in the winter trawl fishery
              were also facilitated by partitioning the fishery into the three component
              fisheries described in Ross et al. (1986). These included the nearshore directed
              flounder fishery, the flynet fishery, and the deepwater fishery.


                    Average catches and landings were determined and compared throughout the
              report. Average catch/trip (CPUE; kg) was defined as the total catch or total
              catch/species/one day trip; a trip may consist of one or more days and sets of
              the trawl gear.    Average catch/day (CPD) was calculated based on days on the
              fishing grounds; this included days spent searching for fish but not days enroute
              to and from the grounds. Landings refer to commercial landings (kg) data derived
              from the North Carolina General Canvas Data compiled through the North Carolina
              Divisions of Marine Fisheries and the National Marine Fisheries Service
              cooperative data collection program. Three-year means and six-year means for
              landings and catches are presented. These values are equally weighted means of
              seasonal totals or seasonal means and are utilized only to illustrate fishery
              trends.


                    Scale samples from summer flounder, weakfish, Atlantic croaker, bluefish,
              and spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) (30-60 individuals/species) were taken monthly
              when available and represented the entire size range of individuals captured.
              Both 1 ength (mm, FL or TQ and weight (kg) data were taken for each fish sampled.
              Ageing was done using criteria for determining annuli given by Smith et al.
             '(1981) for summer flounder, Wilk (1977) for bluefish, Ross (1988) for croaker,
              DeVries (1981) for spot, and Massman (1963), Merriner (1973) and Hawkins (1988)
              for weakfish.   Species-specific semi-annual or quarterly age-length keys were
              developed and merged with expanded length-frequency data to produce the overall
              annual age composition.


                    Spot age-length data from 1979-91 was pooled, partitioned into September-
              December and January-April seasonal keys, and integrated into 1982-91 winter
              trawl length frequency data.




                                                             1                                      1
                                                       6

                     Bluefish seasonal age-length keys were developed by pooling all fish aged
              f rom oceani c waters/f i sheri es duri ng September through Apri I , and merged wi th the
              respective season's winter trawl length frequency data.
                       I                                                                            I


                     Atlantic croaker age-length data for 1979-82 was pooled and integrated into
              1982-86 seasonal length frequency data.     Age-length data for 1988-91 data was
              pooled and integrated into 1988-91 seasonal length frequency data. Ageing data
              from the two periods (1979-82 and 1988-81) was pooled and integrated into 1986-88
              seasonal length frequency data.      Quarterly keys were used with the monthly
              groupings:    December-March, April-June, July-September, and October-November
              (Ross 1988).


                    Weakfish age-length data from January 1982-December 1983 was pooled-and
              integrated into 1982-86 seasonal length frequency data. Weakfish ageing data for
              September 1988-april 1991 was pooled and integrated into 1988-91 seasonal length
              frequency data.    ageing data from the two periods (1983-82 and 1988-91) was
              pooled and merged with 1986-88 seasonal length frequency data. The age-length
              keys were partitioned for winter (October through March) and summer (April
              through September).


                    Summer flounder age-length data from 1988-91 was integrated into 1988-91
              length frequency data for respective seasons on a quarterly basis.           Summer
              flounder age-length data for 1982-87 from the Northeast Fisheries Center, NMFS
              weigh-out data was merged into 1982-87 length frequency data for respective
              seasons on a quarterly basis. The quarters used were the first (January-March)
              and the fourth (October-December).


                                           RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
              NEARSHORE FLOUNDER FISHERY
                    From October 1988 through March 1991, 103 nearshore flounder catches from
              depths of 8-40 m from Cape Henelopen to Beaufort Inlet were sampled. Overall,
              82% of the catches were from waters between Cape Henry and Wimble Shoals, 8% from
              Cape Charles to Cape Henelopen, 8% from Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout, and 2%
              west of Cape Lookout.   Most of the catches sampled (70%) were from waters off











                                                     7

             North Carolina, while 22% were from both Virginia and North Carolina waters, and
             8% were exclusively from waters north of North Carolina.


             Seasonal Catch Composition
                   Twenty-nine nearshore flounder catches were sampled between October 1988
             and March 1989, with all but two from north of Cape Hatteras (Table 1). Total
             catch weights ranged from 288 to 9,685 kg/trip and averaged 3,417 kg/trip.
             Catches were greater north (3,410 kg/trip) than south of Cape Hatteras (3,053
             kg/trip). Summer flounder dominated the overall catch weight (92%), and together
             with Loligo squid and black sea bass accounted for 95% of the catches (Table 2,
             Appendix C).   Summer flounder dominated catches both north and south of Cape
             Hatteras (Table 3) and every month except December, when only one small catch was
             sampled. Catches generally declined through the season (Table 4.)


                   Twenty-six nearshore flounder catches were sampled between October 1989 and
             April 1990, including eight from south of Cape Hatteras (Table 1). Total catch
             weights ranged from 480 to 8,361 kg/trip and averaged 3,330 kg/trip.        Summer
             flounder, northern puffers (Sphoeroides maculatus), squid, weakfish, and Atlantic
             croaker accounted for 91% of the catches (Table 2, Appendix D).       Total catch
             weights were greatest west of Cape Lookout (5,355 kg/trip), although summer
             flounder catches were largest north of Cape Hatteras (Table 3). Summer flounder,
             squid and weakfish dominated catches north of Cape Hatteras (94%), between Cape
             Hatteras and Lookout (78%) (Table 3) and overall catches October through February
             (Table 4). Northern puffers, summer flounder, and croaker dominated catches west
             of Cape Lookout in March and April.


                   All but one of the 48 nearshore flounder catches sampled October 1990-March
             1991 were from north of Cape Hatteras. Total catch weights ranged from 443 to
             11,085 kg/trip and averaged 4,320 kg/trip (Table 1).     Summer flounder, whelks
             (Busycon sp.), and squid accounted for 92% of the catches (Table 2, Appendix E).
             Summer flounder accounted for >80% of the catch weights in all months (Table 4)
             and both north and south of Cape Hatteras (Table 3).










                                                      8

             Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1991
                   Summer flounder was the dominant species in the nearshore flounder fishery
             (68-92%) during the 1988-91 seasons as during 1982-88 (62-94%) (Ross 1991).
             Smaller catches of summer flounder have increased its fluctuations in relative
             abundance compared to incidental species during the last six seasons when
             compared to catches from 1982-85 (Table 5). The eleven species cited as dominant
             species, including weakfish, squid, and bluefish (Table 5) accounted for 87-97%
             of the nearshore flounder catches during the 1988-91 fishing seasons, whereas
             they accounted for 95-100% of the catches during 1982-88.        The lower values
             during 1988-91 also reflected increased catches of northern puffers (particularly
             1989-90) and reduced catches of weakfish and bluefish.


             Summer Flounder- CPUE. Landings and Size/Age Composition
                   Summer flounder catches by the nearshore flounder fishery during the 1988-
             91 fishing seasons continued the decline noted during the preceding three seasons
             (Ross 91). Seasonal mean catch/trip ranged from 2,285 to 3,679 kg/trip during
             1988-91 (Table 5, Figure 2). The unweighed three-season mean (3,032 kg/trip) was
             14% less than for 1985-88 and 62% less than for 1982-85. Correspondingly, mean
             catch/day, which ranged from 526 kg/day (1989-90) to 713 kg/day (1988-89)
             continued to decline (Table 5, Figure 2). The unweighed three-season mean (650
             kg/day) was 14% less than for 1985-88 and 68% less than for 1982-85.          Summer
             flounder CPUEs were lower in 1989-90 than in any season since 1982-83, although
             catches did improve in 1990-91.


                   Summer flounder landings by the winter   trawl fleet (all gears combined) in
             North Carolina declined during the 1988-91     fishing seasons and paralleled the
             declining CPUEs. Landings ranged from 1,105 to 2,326 mt during 1988-91 (Figure
             2, Appendix A). The unweighted three-season    mean for 1988-91 (1,706 mt) was 41%
             less than the 9-season mean, 36% less than     for 1985-88, and 60% less than for
             1982-85. Landings for 1989-90 and 1990-91 were the lowest seasonal totals since
             1982-83.   The northern ports, including Wanchese, dominated (78-91%) winter
             trawler landings of flounder during 1988-91 as they did from 1985 to 1988
             (Appendix B.)











                                                      9

                    The size composition of summer flounder in nearshore catches reflected the
              combined effects of growth overfishing and the observance of the 13" TL minimum
              size limit.  The overall size range, 271-760 mm TL in 1988-89, 294-710 mm TL in
              1989-90, and 267-728 mm TL in 1990-91, was similar throughout the period (Figure
              3, Appendix F). Most of the summer flounder were 331-460 mm TL (84%) in 1988-89
              and 331-470 mm TL (83%) in 1989-90, but slightly smaller (84% were 321-440 mm TQ
              in 1990-91. The relative abundance of fish 401-500 mm TL (market grade=large)
              declined from 46% to 39% to 34%, and 500+ mm TL (market grade=jumbo) from 5% to
              7% to 2% during 1988-91. Undersized summer flounder (<330 mm TL) encompassed
              4.5-6% of the catches in 1988-90 and 8% in 1990-91.


                    Comparing the relative abundance of various size classes of summer flounder
              during the last three seasons with previous years could be misleading due to the
              imposition of the 13" size limit. However, comparison of the 1988-91 unweighted
              three-season mean number of fish/trip/size class (= market grade) illustrates the
              level of reduced catches since the 1982-85 fishing seasons. The size limit has
              reduced catches of dabs (<300 mm FL) - ftom 1,714 to 4 fish/trip - and signifi-
              cantly reduced the number of small (351-400 mm TL) - from 5,551 to 883 fish/trip.
              Nevertheless, catches of larger grades were also notably less than during 1982-
              85, with only 39% as many medium (350-400 mm TL), 53% as many large (401-500 mm
              TL), and 41% as many jumbo flounder (>500 mm TL) landed. However, in 1990-91 the
              catch/trip of medium summer flounder (350-400 mm TL) was the highest of the last
              three seasons and second highest in six seasons; the catch of large (401-500 mm
              TL) was the highest in six seasons; however, catches of jumbo summer flounder
              (>500 mm TL) were the lowest for the entire period.


                    The age composition of summer flounder was extremely truncated, with
              greater than 90% of the fish less than four years old (Figure 4). The impact of
              the 13" size limit was apparent during the 1989-91 seasons, when one year old
              fish made up only 6% of the catch, whereas in previous years they accounted for
              33-55% of the fish caught (Appendix G). Interestingly, the percent of three year
              old fish increased during the 1989-91 seasons. The apparent shift to the right
              in age composition was probably an artifact caused by the loss of one year old
              fish.










                                                          10

               DEEPWATER FISHERY
                     During the 1988-91 winter trawl seasons, 91 deepwater catches from offshore
               of Wimble Shoals to Cape May, NJ in depths of 38 to 128 m were sampled. The most
               frequently fished area was Norfolk Canyon (25%), while 33% of the catches were
               from Cape Hatteras to Cape Henry (including 15% from the Cigar), and 42% from
               north of Norfolk Canyon to off Cape May, NJ.


               Seasonal Catch Composition
                     The 33. deepwater catches sampled during the 1988-89 season ranged from
               1, 653-17, 598 kg/tri p and averaged 5, 633 kg/tri p (Tabl e 1) . Summer f I ounder (72%)
               dominated the catches and together with squid and black sea bass accounted for
               95% of the total weight of the catches sampled (Table 6, Appendix H). Summer
               flounder dominated catches from December through March, although their average
               catch/trip and relative abundance were highest in December and January and
               declined through April (Table 7).         Black sea bass, squid, scup and summer
               flounder were nearly equally abundant in April catches (Table 7).


                     The 45 deepwater catches sampled during the 1989-90 season ranged from
               1,057 to 12,935 kg/trip and averaged 4,269 kg/trip (Table 1). Summer flounder
               (39%) and black sea bass (25%) dominated catches and together with squid and scup
               accounted for 95% of the weight of the catches sampled (Table 6, Appendix I).
               Summer flounder and squid dominated catches in December and January (Table 7).
               The CPUE and relative abundance of summer flounder steadily declined through
               April.   Black sea bass catches were largest in February and April and scup
               catches were largest in March.


                     The 13 deepwater catches sampled during the 1990-91 fishing season ranged
               from 4,239 to 20,388 kg/trip and averaged 9,070 kg/trip (Table 1). Scup, summer
               flounder and Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) dominated the catches and
               together with squid accounted for 91% of the catches (Table 6, Appendix J).
               Summer flounder dominated catches in January and February, after which CPUE and
               relative abundance steadily declined through April.            Scup dominated catches
               sampled in March, and Atlantic mackerel and scup dominated catches in April
               (Table 7).











             Trends in Catch Composition 1982-1991
                    The species composition of deepwater catches from the 1988-91 fishing
             seasons was very similar to catches from 1982-88, with the exception of a few
             catches sampled in 1990-91 (Tables 6 and 8). Scup, black sea bass and summer
             flounder were the target species and together dominated deepwater catches (78-
             93%) from 1982-90. Although the relative abundance of each species fluctuated
             seasonally, the three fish species, together with squid accounted for 92-98% of
             the deepwater catches. During the 1990-91, black sea bass CPUEs reached their
             lowest level since 1982, while several catches (100+ boxes) of Atlantic mackerel
             were caught with deepwater flynets in March and April.         Atlantic mackerel
             together with the 4 dominant species (including squid) in 1990-91 accounted for
             nearly 93% of the catches sampled.


                    Although the species composition of the deepwater catches was consistent,
             the total catch weights during the last three seasons continued the decline noted
             during the 1985-88 seasons (Ross 1991).   The target species combined--black sea
             bass, summer flounder, and scup--ranged from 8,319 to 12,400 kg/trip during 1982-
             85, 5,785 to 8,659 kg/trip during 1985-88, and only 3,321 to 5,859 kg/trip during
             1988-91. The unweighted three-season CPUE for the three target finfish species
             during 1988-91 was 33% less than during 1985-88 and 65% less than during 1982-85.
             Catches during 1990-91 were higher than during the previous three fishing

             seasons.



             Scup-CPUE, Landings and Size Composition
                    Scup CPUEs steadily declined from 1982-83 (9,709 kg/trip) to a nine-season
             low during 1988-89 (107 kg/trip), but have increased during the 1989-91 fishing
             seasons (Table 8, Figure 5).      Improved summer flounder catches could have
             resulted in a shift of effort during the 1988-89 fishing season.     Nevertheless,
             unweighted three-season mean CPUEs for 1988-91 (1,436 kg/trip and 219 kg/day)
             were 30% less/trip and 50% less/day than during 1985-88, and 73% less/trip and
             85% less/day than during the 1982-85 fishing seasons.


                    Commercial landings of scup by the winter trawl fishery paralleled trends
             in CPUE.   Landings reached the nine season low during 1988-89 and rebounded
             slightly thereafter (Figure 5, Appendix A). The three-season mean for landings










                                                      12

              during 1988-91 (44 mt) was 38% of the landings during 1985-88 and only 13% of the
              1982-85 landings. The increased landings (71 mt) in 1990-91 were still only 20%
              of the three-season mean for 1982-85 (349 mt).       Virtually all scup landed in
              North Carolina came from trawlers packing in the northern counties (95-98%),
              primarily in the port of Wanchese (Appendix B)


                    Scup length frequency distributions were unimodal and reflected continuing
              signs of growth overfishing during 1988-91. Scup ranged from 130 to 360 mm FL
              in 1988-89, 124 to 420 mm FL in 1989-90, and 99 to 356 mm FL in 1990-91 (Figure
              6, Appendix K).    The largest fish caught during each of the 1985-88 seasons
              exceeded 420 mm FL (Ross 1991).     Most (90-93% seasonally) of the scup caught
              during 1988-91 were 151-250 mm FL.      Growth overfishing was evidenced by the
              decl i ne. of f i sh >250 mm FL (market grades = medi um-l arge and I arge) . Seasonal ly,
              these fish accounted for 3-18% of the scup sampled during 1982-85, and 12-32%
              during 1985-88 but only 2-10% of the 1988-91 catches.        Correspondingly, the
              number of scup >250 mm FL/deepwater trip declined from an unweighted three-season
              mean of 2,982 fish/trip in 1982-85 to 1,623 fish/trip in 1985-88 to only 313
              fish/trip in 1989-91. Catches of larger fish have increased during the last two
              seasons from the low point in 1988-89; however, the mean catch for the best of
              the two seasons (739 large fish/trip - 1990-91) was only 33% of the unweighted
              mean catch/trip for the 1982-88 seasons (Ross 1991).


              Black Sea Bass - CPUE, Landings and Size Composition
                    Black sea bass CPUEs were dramatically lower during the 1988-91 season than
              during the previous six fishing seasons (Table 8, Figure 7). Seasonal mean CPUEs
              during 1988-91 ranged from 142-1,044 kg/trip, and were less than both the
              unweighted mean CPUE for the 1982-91 fishing seasons and the mean catch/trip for
              any individual fishing season. The unweighted three-season mean (557 kg/trip)
              during 1988-91 was only 27% of the unweighted 1982-88 mean catch/tri p/ season.
              The seasonal trends in mean catch/day for black sea bass corresponded with those
              for mean catch/trip. The unweighted mean catch/day/season for 1988-91 was only
              13% of the mean catch/day/season for 1982-88.


                    Commercial landings of black sea bass declined during the last three
              seasons (Figure 7, Appendix A)    with landings during 1990-91 the lowest since











                                                      13

              1982-83. Seasonal landings ranged from 60 (1990-91) to 206 mt (1988-89). The
              average landings/season for 1988-91 was 33% less than for 1982-88. Most (78-81%)
              of the black sea bass caught by trawlers in North Carolina were landed in
              northern Pamlico Sound ports, and in particular, Wanchese (Appendix B).


                    Black sea4 bass length-frequency distributions for the 1988-91 fishing
              seasons were unimodal and generally similar to catches from 1982-88 (Figure 8,
              Appendix Q. Black sea bass ranged from 136-567 mm TL in 1988-89, 162-610 mm TL
              in 1989-90, and 113-521 mm TL in 1990-91. Most (72-79% seasonally) of the black
              sea bass were 201-300 mm TL (market grades=small and medium).        The relative
              abundance of large black sea bass (>350 mm TL; market grades=large and jumbo) was
              less than during the previous three-season periods. Whereas these fish accounted
              for 5.9-11.9% and 6.8-15.3% of the overall catches during the 1982-85 and 1985-88
              fishing seasons, respectively, during 1988-91 black sea bass >350 mm FL accounted
              for only 4.4-7.1% of the catches sampled (Ross 1991).


              Summer Flounder - CPUE, Landings, and Size Composition
                    Summer flounder catches in deepwater continued to parallel nearshore catch
              trends, with low CPUEs during two of the last three fishing seasons (Figure 2,
              Table 8).   The CPUE of summer flounder in deepwater catches fell from 4,053
              kg/trip during the 1988-89 season to 1,674 and 2,118 kg/trip during the next two
              seasons.  Overall, the mean catch/trip of summer flounder during the 1989-91
              seasons were less than the nine-season mean, 38% less than the unweighted
              seasonal mean for 1982-89, and were the two lowest seasonal means since 1982-83.
              Similarly, mean catch/day of summer flounder fell from 789 kg/day during 1988-89
              (the highest value for the nine seasons) to 275 and 399 kg/day during the 1989-91
              fishing seasons. Catch/day values during 1989-91 were the lowest seasonal means
              recorded since 1982, and 44% less than the unweighted mean for the 1982-88
              fishing seasons.


                    Summer flounder length frequency distributions for deepwater catches during
              the 1988-91 fishing seasons were unimodal and similar to nearshore catches
              (Figure 3, Appendix F). Summer flounder ranged from 258-738 mm FL, 251-734 mm
              FL, and 295-730 mm FL during the respective seasons, the minimums were greater
              and the maximums similar to those during 1985-88.      Most (80%) of the summer










                                                         14

              flounder were encompassed by the size ranges 321-440 mm TL in 1988-89, 321-460
              mm TL in 1989-90, and 321-420 mm TL in 1990-91.       The contribution of undersized
              flounder increased from 8.4%-9.3%-11.6% of the catches during the three seasons.
              The contribution of market grades 'large' (400-500 mm TL) and 'jumbo' (>500 mm
              TL) fell from 35 to 37% and 3 to 12%, respectively, during the 1988-90 seasons
              to only 27% and 2% of the 1990-91 catches. The relative abundance of large fish
              in deepwater catches, while fluctuating seasonally, has not changed dramatically
              since 1982.    The seasonal mean catch/trip of large (401-500 mm TL) and jumbo
              (>500 mm TQ summer flounder ranged from 677 to 2,165 and 71 to 222 fish/trip,
              respectively during the 1988-91 seasons and for two of the three seasons exceeded
              the unweighted mean for the previous six fishing seasons (781 large and 108 jumbo
              fish/trip) (Ross 1991).


              FLYNET FISHERY
                     From October 1988 through April 1991, 120 flynet catches (excluding
              deepwater flynet catches targeting scup) were sampled (Table 1). Fishing grounds
              ranged from off Chesapeake Bay to Frying Pan Shoals, although all but three of
              the catches were taken predominantly off North Carolina. Overall, 53% of the
              catches sampled were made between Chesapeake Bay and Wimble Shoals, 36% between
              Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout, and 11% between Cape. Lookout and Frying Pan
              Shoals.    The inception of the flynet season off North Carolina was late
              September-early October in waters between False Cape and Oregon Inlet.


              Seasonal Catch Composition - All Areas Combined
                     Thirty-eight flynet catches sampled October 1988 through March 1989
              included 23 catches from Wimble Shoals to north of Chesapeake Bay, nine catches
              between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout, and six catches between Beaufort Inlet
              and Cape Lookout Shoals (Table 1).        Total catch weights ranged from 1,370 to
              31,770 kg/trip and averaged 10,142 kg/trip.        Weakfish (39%), Atlantic croaker
              (27%),   and spot (13%) dominated catches, and together with bluefish and
              butterfish accounted for 91% of the catches (Table 9, Appendix M).


                     Forty-two flynet catches sampled October 1989 through April 1990 included
              29 catches from off the mouth of Chesapeake Bay to Wimble Shoals, nine catches
              from Cape Lookout to Cape Hatteras, and four catches from Frying Pan Shoals to










                                                     15

             Cape Lookout Shoals (Table 1).    Total catch weights ranged from 761 to 47,287
             kg/trip and averaged 12,576 kg/trip. Weakfish (36%), Atlantic mackerel (21%) and
             Atlantic croaker (21%) dominated the catches, and together with bluefish and spot
             accounted for 93% of the catches (Table 9, Appendix N).


                   Forty flynet catches sampled October 1990 through April 1991 included 12
             catches from taken from Cape Henry to Wimble Shoals, 25 catches from Cape
             Hatteras to Cape Lookout, and three catches from Beaufort Inlet to   Cape Lookout
             (Table 1). Total catch weights ranged from 1,040 to 39,381 kg/trip and averaged
             11,340 kg/trip. Weakfish dominated the catches (57%), and together with spot,
             Atlantic croaker, bluefish and butterfish accounted for 85% of the catches (Table
             9, Appendix 0).


                   Flynet catch composition during 1988-91 was similar among seasons, and when
             compared to previous seasons. Weakfish were dominant during 1988-91, as well as
             five of the previous six seasons (Table 9; Ross 1990, 91). Weakfish, Atlantic
             croaker, bluefish, spot and butterfish were the top five species during 1988-89
             and 1990-91, and during five of the previous six seasons; in those seven fishing
             seasons they accounted for 85-96% of the catches.         Atlantic mackerel were
             abundant in the catches sampled during the remaining two seasons, and when
             included with the other five species (=top six) accounted for 90-94% of the catch
             weights.


             North of Cape Hatteras
                   Most of the flynet fishing north of Cape Hatteras occurred around Wimble
             Shoals and north to Oregon Inlet.    The catches sampled from these waters were
             primarily from trawlers fishing out of Oregon Inlet and packing out in Wanchese.
             Overall, 53% of the flynet catches sampled during 1988-91 were made north of Cape
             Hatteras, including 60%, 69% and 24% during respective seasons. Mean catch
             weights ranged from 11,268 kg/trip in 1988-89 to 13,637 kg/trip in 1989-90. The
             unweighted three-season mean (12,212 kg/trip) was 25% less than the mean for the
             1985-88 fishing seasons (Ross 1991) (Table 1).


                  Weakfish dominated (30-50%) flynet catches north of Cape Hatteras, and
             together with croaker, bluefish, spot, butterfish and Atlantic mackerel accounted











                                                    16

             for 89-95% of the catches each season (Table 10). Whereas catches of weakfish
             and croaker generally included a wide variety of species, catches of Atlantic
             mackerel and large bluefish were often essentially single species catches.
             Catches of croaker, spot and butterfish were generally largest in October and
             November. Weakfish were prevalent in October catches, but the largest catches
             occurred November through February.    Catches of large bluefish occurred from
             December through March, while sizeable catches of Atlantic mackerel were sampled
             January through March (Table 11).


             Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout
                   Trawlers flynet fishing between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout were
             typically from western Pamlico Sound fishing villages or the Beaufort-Morehead
             City fleet.   Fishing generally began in November or December, with greatest
             fishing effort developing after nearshore flounder fishing declined. Overall,
             36% of the flynet catches sampled during the 1988-91 seasons were from between
             the Capes, including 24%, 21% and 50% of the catches during respective seasons.
             Seasonal mean total catch weights ranged from 4,524 (1988-89) to 12,530 kg/trip
             (1989-90). The unweighted three-season mean (10,718 kg/trip) was 10% less than
             for 1985-88 (11,894 kg/trip) (Ross 1991) (Table 1).


                   Weakfish dominated flynet catches between Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras
             each fishing season and accounted for 55-74% of the catches annually (Table 10).
             Weakfish, croaker, bluefish, and spot accounted for 81-91% of the catches sampled
             from 1988-91. Weakfish generally dominated catches from December through March,
             with the largest catches occurring December through February (Table 11). Croaker
             catches were typically largest in November and December, although one large catch
             was sampled in April 1991. Spot and butterfish catches were largest in November
             and December.



             West of Cape Lookout
                   Flynet catches made west of Cape Lookout were only sampled during November
             through February, although the flynetting season in those waters was more
             protracted.   Since much of the fishing effort produces large quantities of
             unmarketable-size foodfish for industrial uses (Ross 1990,1991), the legality of
             which is questionable (NC Marine Fisheries Commission 1991),      sampling these










                                                     17

             catches was not always possible. Overall, catches west of Cape Lookout accounted
             for 11% of the flynet samples, or 6-16% of the flynets sampled annually (Table
             1).  Since 1982, catches sampled west of Cape Lookout were usually made between
             Bogue Inlet and Cape Lookout; however, two catches sampled in 1990 were made
             between Topsail Inlet and Cape Fear.    Seasonal mean total catch weights ranged
             from 5,031 (1989-90) to 15,966 kg/trip (1990-91). The unweighted 3-season mean
             of 14,329 kg/trip was 10% less than the mean for the 1985-88 fishing seasons.


                   The dominance of weakfish in flynet catches west of Cape Lookout increased
             from 36-73% of the catches sampled during the 1988-91 fishing seasons (Table 10).
             Weakfish, croaker, and spot accounted for 82-90% of the 1988-90 catches. During
             1990-91, weakfish, spot and menhaden accounted for 96% of the three catches
             sampled, and croaker catches were small. Discerning any seasonal trends in these
             waters was impossible since the number of catches sampled monthly was small
             (Table 11).


             Catch Composition 1982-91
                   The species composition of flynet catches from 1988-91 was predictable and
             consistent spatially and temporally, although the relative abundance of the
             species varied with both aspects (Tables 9, 10, and 11).      Weakfish dominated
             flynet catches from off Chesapeake Bay to Cape Fear, and were abundant if not the
             dominant species in the catches from October through April. Atlantic croaker,
             spot and bluefish were occasionally dominant and consistently abundant in catches
             north of Cape Lookout, while croaker and spot were occasionally dominant and/or
             abundant in catches from west of Cape Lookout.       Large bluefish and croaker
             occasionally dominated catches north of Cape Lookout and large catches of
             Atlantic mackerel were made north of Cape Hatteras. Butterfish, and northern and
             southern kingfish (Menticirrhus saxatilus and M. americanus) regularly occurred
             in flynet catches in all areas.


                   The species composition of flynet catches during 1988-91 were very similar
             to those sampled from 1982-88 (Ross 1990,1991). Weakfish and croaker dominated
             catches throughout the period, although croaker were subject to greater
             fluctuations in relative abundance within areas and between years.         Croaker
             occasionally dominated catches north of Cape Hatteras during October and








                                                     18

             November; bluefish occasionally dominated catches   December through April north
             of Cape Lookout, as did Atlantic mackerel north of Cape Hatteras. The relatively
             abundant incidental species including butterfish, spot and kingfishes, together
             with pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) and silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura)
             occurred in catches throughout the period. Excluding catches that were directed
             towards and exclusively Atlantic mackerel or spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias),
             ten species accounted for 95% of the weight of the flynet catches each season
             from 1988-91 and 96-98% of the catches sampled from 1982-91 (Table 12).


                   To represent trends in CPUE of weakfish, Atlantic croaker, bluefish, and
             spot, the following sections present overall flynet catch data, and also CPUE
             data for flynet trips which did not target spiny dogfish, Atlantic mackerel or
             striped bass.   These catches are defined as "sciaenid-bluefish" flynet trips
             (Table 12) (Ross 1991).


             Weakfish - CPUE, Landings and Size Composition
                   Weakfish dominated overall flynet catches during the 1988-91 fishing
             seasons, accounting for 36-57% of the catches seasonally (Table 9) as well as
             throughout thespatial range of the flynet fleet (Table 10). Weakfish catches
             were largest north of Cape Hatteras November through February, between Cape
             Hatteras and Cape Lookout December through March, and west of Cape Lookout
             November through February (Table 11).       Seasonally, the largest mean CPUEs
             occurred west of Cape Lookout during 1988-89 (5,174 kg/trip) and 1990-91 (11,634
             kg/trip) and between Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras during 1989-90 (6,845
             kg/trip) (Table 10).


                   The overall mean catch/trip of weakfish in sciaenid-bluefish flynet catches
             increased during successive fishing seasons from 1988-89 (3,394 kg) to 1990-91
             (6,576 kg), although CPUEs were generally less than during the 1982-88 seasons
             (Table 12, Figure 9). The mean catch/trip during two of the three seasons was
             less than the nine-season mean, and the unweighted three-season mean for 1988-91
             (5,273 kg/trip) was 25% less than the mean for 1982-88 (7,043 kg/trip).
             Similarly, mean catch/day during the 1988-90 fishing seasons (2,303 and 3,200
             kg/day) was lower than the unweighted nine-season mean, although the mean for
             1990-91 (4,665 kg/day) mean was the third highest seasonal mean since 1982-83.










                                                     19

             The unweighted three-season mean (3,389 kg/day) was 11% less than for 1982-88.



                   Commercial landings of weakf i sh by the wi nter trawl f 1 eet ranged f rom 1, 168
             to 1,590 mt/season from 1988-91, and were the lowest seasonal totals since 1982
             (Figure 8, Appendix A). Mean weakfish landings during 1988-91 (1,326 mt/season)
             were only 44% of the mean landings/season from 1982-88. As in previous years,
             most of the weakfish (56-80% seasonally) were landed in the southern ports of
             Craven, Carteret, Brunswick and Onslow counties (Appendix B).


                   The size of weakfish captured by all winter trawl gears (virtually all from
             flynets) combined decreased during the 1988 through 1991 fishing seasons.
             Weakfish ranged from 121 to 800 and 135 to 895 mm TL during the 1988-90 seasons,
             respectively, but only 106 to 662 mm TL during 1990-91 (Figure 10, Appendix P).
             The percent of fish <300 mm TL (market grades = scrap and small (pan)) increased
             from 73% to 93% to 94%, and the percent of fish >300 mm TL (market grades =
             medium and large) decreased from 27% to 7% to 6% during successive fishing
             seasons. Catches of weakfish >300mm TL during 1990-91 were significantly reduced
             in catches by all winter trawl gears when compared with previous seasons.


                   The size composition of weakfish differed between fishing grounds, with
             larger fish caught in more northern waters (Figure 10, Appendix P). A smaller
             percentage of unmarketable sized (<220 mm TQ weakfish were caught north of Cape
             Hatteras (1.8-16%) than between Capes Hatteras and Lookout (33-64%) and west of
             Cape Lookout (22-39%). The relative abundance of weakfish >300 mm TL declined
             from 44% to 16% north of Cape Hatteras, 24% to 1.2% and 3.6% between Capes
             Hatteras and Lookout, and 11% to 0.4% west of Cape Lookout. Weakfish >500 mm TL
             were only landed north of Cape Hatteras.     These spatial patterns in the size
             composition of weakfish in flynet catches paralleled patterns noted in catches
             during previous fishing seasons (Ross 1990,1991).


                   The size composition of weakfish has shifted towards smaller fish,
             continuing a trend noted in catches during 1985-88 (Ross 91).   Weakfish 201-300
             mm TL dominated catches during 1988-91 (53-75%) as well as from 1982-88 (60-78%)
             (Figure 10, Appendix P). However, the relative abundance of unmarketable sized












                                                      20

             (<220 mm TQ weakfish has increased from 12-16% (1982-85) to 31-47% (1985-91).
             Weakfish >301 mm TL (market grades medium and large) accounted     for 9-27% of the
             fish from 1982-89 but only 5-6% during 1989-91. Mean catch/trip/size class data
             confirms the decline of large weakfish in flynet catches. The range of CPUEs of
             weakfish 201-300 mm TL (8,077-34,546 fish/trip/fishing season) during 1982-89
             encompassed the 12,337-32,578 fish/trip during 1989-91, and the mean for 1989-91
             (22,457 fish/trip) was within 1% of the seven-season mean (22,457 fish/trip).
             However, catch/tri p/ season of fish >300 mm TL during 1989-91 (1,882 fish) was 66%
             less than for 1982-89 (5,542 fish).


                   Weakfish age   0-11 were represented in winter trawl      catches (all gears
             combined) during the 1988-91 fishing seasons, but the overall   age composition was
             compressed towards younger fish (Figure 11, Appendix Q).         Age 0 and 1 fish
             accounted for 70% of the weakfish sampled during 1988-89, and   87-88% of the 1989-
             91 catches.    Age 0 weakfish made up 4-5% of the catches       during the 1982-86
             seasons, 17-28% during the 1986-89 seasons, and 31-49% of the 1989-91 catches.
             conversely, weakfish age 2 and older accounted for 20-30% of the catches during
             1982-89, but only 12-13% during 1989-91.      During 1989-90, one vessel had two
             large catches of large weakfish, thus, the 4% 3+ year old fish, whereas during
             1990-91, only 0.5% of the fish were 3+ years old.


             Atlantic Croaker - CPUE. Landings and Size/Age Composition
                   Atlantic croaker was the second most important species in flynet catches
             during 1988-89, and third behind Atlantic mackerel in 1989-90 and spot in 1990-91
             (Table 9).   Catches of croaker were generally largest north of Cape Hatteras
             during the 1988-91 (Table 10), whereas from 1982-88 catches were largest west
             of Cape Lookout (Ross 1990, 1991). North of Cape Hatteras, croaker catches were
             largest during October and November; the mean catch/trip (3,353 to 1,531 kg) and
             relative abundance (29% to 13%) declined during successive seasons (Table 11).
             Between Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras, croaker catches were generally small
             (259-1,502 kg/trip/season) (Table 10), the largest of which were sampled November
             through March (Table 11). West of Cape Lookout, croaker catches declined from
             4,101 to 1,370 to 141 kg/trip during successive seasons (Table 10).











                                                     21

                    The CPUE of croaker in sciaenid-bluefish flynet trips was comparatively low
              during the 1988-91 fishing seasons (Table 12, Figure 12). The mean catch/trip
              (708 kg) during 1990-91 was the lowest CPUE for the nine seasons, and the
              unweighed three-season mean (2,290 kg/trip) for 1988-91 was 40% less than for
              1982-88 (3,744 kg/trip/season). The catch/day during 1990-91 (708 kg) was also
              the lowest seasonal mean, and the unweighted 1988-91 mean (1,410 kg/day) was 32%
              less than for 1982-88 (2,085 kg/day).


                    Landings of croaker by the winter trawl fleet have declined and during the
              1989-91 fishing seasons were the lowest since 1982-83 (Figure 12, Appendix A).
              Mean landings/season for 1988-91 (414 mt) were 50% less than for 1982-88.
              Landings of croaker were generally greater in Morehead City-Beaufort and southern
              Pamlico Sound ports (54%, 37% and 76% during successive seasons), but declined
              throughout (Appendix B).


                    Seasonal length frequency distributions were increasingly bimodal and
              continued to reflect a growth overfished population   (Figure 13). During 1988-
              91, croaker ranged from 116-382 mm TL which was similar to the range for 1985-88
              (124-385 mm TQ. However, the dominant mode encompassed smaller fish each year,
              shifting from 206-265 mm TL (69%) in 1988-89 to 185-240 mm TL (69%) by 1990-91
              (Appendix P).   Correspondingly, the relative abundance of fish <175 mm TL
              increased from 9.1% to 21.2% during the period while fish >250 mm TL decreased
              from 27% to 2.7%.


                    Small croaker were more abundant in central and southern waters, although
              the central tendency of the length-frequency distributions was similar in all
              areas during the 1988-91 fishing seasons (Figure 13, Appendix R). Unmarketable-
              sized croaker (<225 mm TQ dominated catches in all waters, accounting for 50-84%
              north of Cape Hatteras, 73-90% between the Capes, and 60-97% west of Cape
              Lookout. Croaker 175-250 mm TL generally dominated all catches except that fish
              125-175 mm TL dominated catches between the Capes during 1989-90 and west of Cape
              Lookout during 1990-91.


                    The size composition of croaker during the 1988-90 fishing seasons was
              similar to catches from 1983-88, but the smallest fish noted during this project









                                                     22

             occurred in 1990-91 (Appendix R). The central tendency of the length-frequency
             distributions has shifted towards smaller fish since 1982. Croaker 225-275 mm TL
             accounted for 60% of the catches during 1982-83, 200-250 mm TL fish accounted for
             56-75% from 1983-90 and 175-225 mm TL fish accounted for 60% during 1990-91.
             Unmarketable-sized croaker (<225 mm TL) accounted for 25% of the catches in 1982-
             83, 40-64% from 1983-90 and 81% from 1990-91 while fish >275 mm TL accounted 15%
             in 1982-83, 1-7% from 1983-90 and 0.2% during 1990-91.


                   The age composition of atlantic croaker (all gears combined) was compressed
             towards younger fish during the 1988-91 fishing seasons, particularly when
             compared with 1982-88 catches (Figure 14, Appendix S). Age I fish have dominated
             catches since the 1983-84 season, but their relative abundance during 1988-91
             increased from 76% to 96%, and was higher than preceding seasons (27-69%). Age
             2 fish made up 39%-59% of the 1982-86 catches, 15-27% of the 1986-90 catches, and
             only 4% of the 1990-91 catches.


             Bluefish - CPUE, Landings and Size-Age Composition
                   Bluefish were ubiquitous in winter trawl catches by all gears and in all
             areas during 1988-91. Bluefish were caught incidentally in flynet, nearshore
             flounder, and deepwater trawls.   Large bluefish were occasionally targeted with
             flynets when market prices were favorable (2-4 samples/year) . Bluefish generally
             ranked in the top five species of finfish (kg/trip) each season for each gear
             (Tables 2, 6, and 9), as in previous seasons (Ross 1990, 1991).    However, CPUEs
             of bluefish in flynets (605-879 kg/trip) exceeded those of nearshore flounder
             (24-56 kg/trip) and deepwater (31-65 kg/trip) catches.


                   Bluefish catches increased from south to north (Table 10).      The largest
             catches (1,091-1341 kg/trip/season) sampled were made north of Cape Hatteras, and
             during December, January and March (Table 11).     Bluefish catches between Cape
             Hatteras and Cape Lookout ranged from 237 to 899 kg/trip/season, and sizeable
             catches occurred in January and February. West of Cape Lookout, bluefish were
             strictly an incidental catch (69-113 kg/trip/season).


                   Bluefish CPUEs from flynet catches have fluctuated since the 1982-83
             seasons with no trend evident.         Mean CPUEs/season during      1988-91 were










                                                          23

               intermediate for the nine seasons (Table 12, Figure 15).           The unweighted mean
               catch/trip for the 1988-91 seasons (875 kg/trip) was 22% less than for 1982-88
               (1 123 kg/tri p) .    Since catches of large bluefish are landed sporadically,
               sampling error could explain the lack of trend.        However, the unweighted three-
               season mean catch/trip of bluefish during 1988-91 was 70% less in nearshore
               summer flounder catches and 77% less in deepwater catches than during 1982-88
               (Tables 5 and 8).


                      Bluefish captured by winter trawls encompassed a broad size range,
               reflecting the importance of North Carolina waters as a wintering grounds (Figure
               16). Larger bluefish were caught in more northern waters. West of Cape Lookout,
               99-100% were <300 mm FL whereas large fish (>500 mm FL) accounted for 17-44% of
               the bluefish north of Cape Hatteras, and 0.2-20% between Cape Hatteras and
               Lookout (Appendix T). This same differential distribution with size was noted
               during 1982-88 (Ross 1990,1991).


                      Bluefish length frequency distributions (all gears combined) during 1988-91
               were multimodal and encompassed the full size range sampled since 1982 (Figure
               16).   Bluefish ranged from 184 to 842 mm FL, 156 to 825 mm FL, and 100 to 827 mm
               FL during the respective 1988-91 seasons, and 153 to 830 mm FL from 1982-88 (Ross
               1991).    During the 1988-89 and 1990-91 seasons, bluefish size frequency
               distribution had three modes: two modes (160-300 mm FL and 300-420 mm FL) which
               combined accounted for 72% and 94% of the fish during respective seasons; and
               large bluefish (>500 mm FL) which accounted for 25% and 4%.            During 1989-90,
               bluefish <420 mm FL accounted for 73% of the catches, and fish >500 mm FL
               accounted for 22% Although the percent large bluefish (>500 mm FL) has declined
               from 51% during 1987-88 to 4% of the 1990-91 catches (Appendix T), growth
               overfishing is not necessarily indicated since this range of fluctuation was also
               observed from 1982 to 1987 and likely reflects the sporadic pattern of landings
               and marketing of large bluefish rather than availability.


                      The overall age composition of bluefish in winter trawl catches during 1988
               to 1991 (all gears combined) included ages 0-9 each season and was similar to
               previous years' catches (Figure 17, Appendix U).            Age 1 fish dominated the
               catches during 1988-91 (56-82%) as they did from 1982 to 1988 (34-80%).










                                                     24

             Nevertheless, older fish continue to be well represented most seasons, although
             their relative abundance varied seasonally without trend. Age 3+ fish accounted
             for 0.6-44% of the catches 1982-88 and 4-23% during 1988-91, while age 7+
             bluefish made up 0.1-6% of the 1982-88 catches and 0.4-1.2% of 1988-91 catches.


             Spot - CPUE. Landings, and Size-Age Composition
                   Spot were ubiquitous in flynet catches in all areas, but were never
             targeted and most were too small to be marketed for human consumption.
             Seasonally, spot made up 7-13% of all flynet catches and averaged 927 kg (1989-
             90) to 1,325 kg/trip (1988-89) (Table 9).    Mean CPUEs/season and the relative
             contribution of spot to total catch weight increased from north to south during
             1988-91 (Table 10) as well as during 1985-91 (Ross 1991). The largest catches
             of spot occurred north of Cape Hatteras in October and November, between Hatteras
             and Lookout in December, and west of Cape Lookout November through January (Table
             11).


                   Mean CPUEs of spot in sciaenid-bluefish flynet catches have fluctuated with
             no trend since 1982 (Figure 18). The CPUEs ranged from 1,082 to 1,325 kg/trip
             and 657 to 795 kg/day during 1988-91, and each exceeded the nine-season mean
             (Table 12). The unweighted three-season mean CPUEs for 1988-91 (1175 kg/trip and
             740 kg/day) were 32 and 37%, respectively, greater than for 1982-88.


                   Commercial landings of spot by the winter trawl fleet have fluctuated since
             1982 with no trend (Figure 18).     The range (33-63 mt) and mean (44 mt) of
             landings/season for 1988-91 was slightly smaller than for 1982-88 (range=36-75
             mt; mean=51 mt) (Appendix A). More spot (79-96%) were landed by trawlers which
             offloaded in southern fishing ports, as was the case in previous seasons
             (Appendix B, Ross 1991).


                   Small, unmarketable spot dominated flynet catches every season. During
             1988-91, spot size frequency distributions were unimodal with the majority of the
             fish 135-180 mm FL (Figure 19). Although they ranged from 93 to 263 mm FL, only
             0.6-1.7% were marketable-sized spot (>195 mm TL).        The 1988-91 spot size
             frequency distributions were analogous to those from 1982 to 1988 in which 95-97%
             were unmarketable (<195 mm TL; Ross 1991).        Marketable spot (>195 mm TQ










                                                     25

             accounted for 1.7-6.8% of the fish north of Cape Hatteras, and 0.1-1.2% of the
             fish south of Cape Hatteras (Appendix V).


                    The age composition of spot in trawler catches has remained basically the
             same since 1982-83 (Figure 20, Appendix W).      Ages 0 and I spot continued to
             dominate catches during 1988-91 (93-97%) as during 1982-88 (85-90%). However,
             the relative abundance of age 2+ fish declined from 12 to 15% during 1982-88 to
             only 3 to 7% during 1988-91.


             SCRAP FISH
             Sciaenid-Bluefish Flynet Fishery
                    Flynets continued to produce the largest quantities of scrap fish landed
             by the trawl fishery (Ross 1991).      To describe scrap fish trends in flynet
             catches, trips that targeted Atlantic mackerel or dogfish (Squalus acanthias or
             Mustelus canis) were excluded from analyses since they were essentially single
             species catches and/or contained no sciaenids. Seasonally, flynet trips north
             of Cape Hatteras averaged 3,064-5,232 kg/trip of scrap fish which accounted for
             24-44% of those catches during 1988-91; between Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout
             scrap fish averaged 1,115-7,446 kg/trip and constituted 25-59% of the catches;
             and west of Cape Lookout scrap fish averaged 2,302-8,776 kg/trip and constituted
             35-56% of the catches (Table 13).


                    The species composition of the scrap was similar between areas and seasons.
             Weakfish, croaker and spot accounted for 75-81% of weight of scrap fish north of
             Cape Hatteras, 76-88% between the Capes, and 64-88% west of Cape Lookout during
             the 1988-91 seasons (Tables 14-16).     Since 1982, weakfish, croaker, and spot
             together with bluefish and butterfish have dominated (77-95%) the weight of the
             scrap fish sampled from all flynet catches combined (Table 17). However, the
             relative abundance of these five species declined from 93 to 95% of the scrap
             during the 1982-85 to 89-91% during 1985-88 to 77-87% during 1988-91.           The
             relative abundance of menhaden and pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) in the scrap
             increased south of Cape Hatteras during 1989-91.


                    Scrap fish remained a large component of sciaenid-bluefish flynet catches,
             particularly since the 1984-85 season.   Scrap fish accounted for 33739% of the











                                                     26

             flynet catches sampled during the 1984-91 seasons, but only 13-17% of the 1982-84
             catches (Figure 21a).        CPUEs of scrap increased from 1,834 to 2,410
             kg/trip/season from 1982-84 to 3,983-5,910 kg/trip/season from 1984-88 and 3,562-
             4,393 kg/trip/season during 1988-91 (Figure 21b).


                   Whereas the relative abundance of scrap fish in flynet catches corres  ponded
             with reported landings of scrap fish through the 1988-89 fishing season, the two
             sets of data for 1989-91 produced contradictory trends due to non-reporting of
             scrap fish landings. The percent of scrap fish in the 'sciaenid-bluefish' flynet
             catches sampled and in the reported flynet landings (=winter trawl landings of
             weakfish, croaker, spot, bluefish, and butterfish) increased between the 1982-83
             and 1984-85 fishing seasons and was greater than 30% of the catches through the
             1988-89 season (Figure 22).     However, while the percent of scrap in flynet
             catches sampled during the 1989-91 seasons remained between 35-39%, the percent
             of scrap fish to total landings declined to only 5-10% of 1989-91 landings
             (Figure 22, Appendix A).    Most reported landings of scrap fish have come from
             Morehead City-Beaufort, where it is marketed for bait and industrial uses.
             During the 1982-89 fishing seasons, scrap fish accounted for 28-42% of the total
             winter trawler landings from southern Pamlico Sound ports (dominated by Beaufort-
             Morehead City trawlers), but only 1-9% of the landings in northern Pamlico Sound
             ports (Appendix B, Ross 1990, Ross 1991). During 1989-91, scrap fish accounted
             for only 7% and 1% of the reported landings in southern ports, whereas the
             percent of scrap fish in northern ports remained within the historical range.
             During 1990-91, the weight of scrap fish in the catches sampled in southern ports
             exceeded the reported landings.


             Nearshore Flounder Fishery
                   Insignificant quantities of scrap fish were landed by the nearshore
             flounder fishery.   During the 1988-91 fishing seasons, scrap fish accounted for
             <1% of the nearshore flounder catches north of Cape Lookout, and 11% (605
             kg/tri p) of the catches 0 west of Cape Lookout (Table 13) . Croaker and spot were
             the main components of the scrap fish (Tables 14-16). The small amount landed
             by the nearshore flounder fishery was due to the use of large mesh tailbags (4
             1/2 to 5-1/2 inch stretched mesh), low profile trawls, and greater culling at sea










                                                        27

              since catches were small compared to      flynet catches.     This corresponded with
              findings from 1982-88 (Ross 1991).


              Deepwater Fishery
                     The amount   of scrap fish in the deepwater catches was generally not
              excessive. During the 1988-91 seasons, scrap fish accounted for 0.2-7.6% and 9-
              688 kg/trip of the  deepwater catches seasonally (Table 13). Increased scrap fish
              in 1990-91 catches  was related to increased catches of scup in deepwater flynets,
              which historically have produced large catches of unmarketable-sized scup, (Ross
              1990).   Nevertheless, only four of 13 deepwater catches had >50 kg volumes of
              scrap.    Scup have generally dominated the scrap fish landed by the deepwater
              fishery since 1982 (Table 14-16, Ross 1991).


                     The small quantities of scrap fish landed in deepwater catches during 1988-
              91 corresponded with findings during 1982-88 (Ross 1991).         Minimal amounts of
              scrap fish were landed due to culling at sea and the use of large mesh tailbags
              when targeting summer flounder. Also, small scup (pin porgies) and 'mice' black
              sea bass are marketable, thus reducing the amount of discarded fish.


              AGGREGATE RESOURCE TRENDS
                     Indices of aggregate abundance for species groups may reflect major changes
              in fishery resources (NEFC 1988). Data for these indices were derived from CPUE
              data (mean catch/trip and mean catch/day) from winter trawl fishery components
              including:

              1.     the 11 dominant species, including squid, which comprised 87-99% of the
                     nearshore flounder fishery catches (Table 5);

              2.     the 8 dominant species, including squid, that comprised 98-100% of the
                     deepwater fishery catches (Table 8);

              3.     the 11 dominant species in the sciaenid-bluefish flynet catches that
                     comprised 95-98% of the flynet catches (this grouping excluded catches
                     that targeted dogfish, striped bass (Morone saxatilis), and Atlantic
                     mackerel) (Table 12); and

              4.     all finfish (and squid) in the winter trawl fishery by merging all catches
                     sampled seasonally.









                                                          28

                     Total biomass caught on nearshore flounder fishery trips has declined since
               the 1984-85 fishing season (Figure 23a). Mean CPUEs were lower during the 1988-
               91 seasons than during any previous sea        son.    The unweighted seasonal mean
               catch/trip for 1988-91 (3,394 kg/trip) was 28% less than for 1985-88 and 61% less
               than for 1982-85.      Similarly, unweighted mean catch/day during 1988-91 (718
               kg/day) was 36% and 67% less than during the 1985-88 and 1982-85 seasons
               respectively.    The reduced CPUEs reflect primarily reduced catches of summer
               flounder, and secondarily, of weakfish and bluefish. The imposition of a 5 1/2
               inch mesh tailbag regulation in state waters during the 1990-91 fishing season
               reduced the landings of dab and small flounder, as well as incidental groundfish
               and squid.     However, the      relative abundance and CPUE of summer flounder
               increased during 1990-91.


                     Total biomass caught in deepwater trawls has generally declined since the
               projects inception. Mean CPUEs during the last four seasons were all lower than
               the first five seasons (Figure 23b).        The unweighted seasonal catch/trip for
               1988-91 (5,845 kg/trip) was 29% less than during 1985-88 and 52% less than during
               1982-85 (11,440 kg/trip). The decline in catch/day was even more dramatic, as
               catches during 1988-91 (962 kg/day) were 40% less than during 1985-88 and 63%
               less than 1982-85 fishing seasons.      During each of the last three seasons, black
               sea bass and bluefish CPUEs were lower than the species-specific nine-season
               means while summer flounder and scup were lower two of the three seasons.
               Fishing effort in deepwater was reduced during the 1990-91 fishing season because
               summer flounder were more concentrated in shallower, mid-shelf waters than along
               the shelf-edge.    Thus, while CPUEs increased for virtually all species during
               1990-91, fishing effort in deepwater was reduced and overall landings of the
               three dominant species was the second lowest total for the last nine fishing
               seasons (Figure 23b).


                     Total biomass caught on sciaenid-bluefish flynet trips has declined during
               recent fishing seasons. Whereas CPUEs and landing were relatively stable through
               the 1987-88 season, both CPUEs and landings have recently declined (Figure 24a).
               The unweighted three-season means for 1988-91 (10,264 kg/trip and 6,473 kg/day)
               were 21% lower/trip and 11% lower/day than for the 1982-88 seasons.               Croaker
               catches were lower all three seasons, and weakfish, bluefish and butterfish










                                                        29

               catches were lower two of the three seasons compared with the species specific
               nine-season mean CPUEs. Combined landings of weakfish, croaker, spot, bluefish,
               and butterfish have steadily declined during the last three fishing seasons
               (Figure 24a).


                     Total biomass caught by the winter trawl fleet, all gears combined,
               declined during the 1988-91 fishing seasons. Mean CPUEs and landings were lower
               than during any of the previous six seasons (Figure 24b).          Unweighted three-
               season mean CPUEs during 1988-91 (7,147 kg/trip and 1,969 kg/day) were 22% and
               27%, respectively, lower than for catches during 1985-88 and 37% and 45%,
               respectively, lower than for the 1982-85 seasons.        Declining CPUEs translated
               into reduced overall landings of all species by the winter trawl fishery (Figure
               24b).  The winter trawl fleet landed 9,000-10,177 mt seasonally during 1982-85,
               but only 4,056-5,304 mt during 1988-91 seasons.


                     The decline in the winter trawl fishery catches and landings paralleled
               marketable finfish landings in North Carolina from all fisheries combined (Table
               18).  Total edible finfish landings for all fisheries combined peaked in 1980
               (41,000 mt), exceeded 28,000 mt from 1977 through 1985, but have fallen since
               1985. Overall landings in 1989 and 1990 (20,501 and 21,684 mt) were 30% less
               than the mean for the previous ten years (1979-88), and the lowest since 1974.
               Even more dramatic has been the decline in overall landings (all fisheries
               combined) of the eight species that dominate winter trawl fishery landings (Table
               18).  The eight species produced peak landings of 30,527-33,526 mt during 1979-
               80, but accounted for only 11,970-14,627 mt during 1989 and 1990, a 39% reduction
               in landings from the annual mean for the previous ten years.
               SUMMER FLOUNDER                   SPECIES SYNOPSES
                     Summer flounder has traditionally been the most valuable component of the
               winter trawl fishery. During the last three seasons, summer flounder landings
               by the trawl fleet were valued at $4.1-5.7 million (Appendix B). This accounted
               for 28-44% of the poundage and 59-75% of the value of the marketable finfish
               landed by the fleet seasonally.      The fishery produced 42-59% of all flounder
               (three species combined) landed commercially in North Carolina (Appendix A).









                                                     30

             Landings of summer flounder by trawlers in North Carolina accounted for 23-44%
             of the east coast landings of between 1980-85 and 18-25% between 1986-90.


                    Summer flounder landings during 1989-90 fell to the lowest levels since the
             early 1970s (Figure 25). Annual Atlantic coast commercial landings ranged from
             9,904 to 19,004 from 1974 to 1988, but declined to 9,701 and 5,000 mt during 1989
             and 1990, respectively.      Annual North Carolina trawler landings of summer
             flounder, which ranged from 2,325 to 7,295 mt from 1973-1988, fell to 1,909 and
             1,238 mt during 1989 and 1990, respectively. Landings during 1989 and 1990 were
             only 26% and 17% of landings during 1979 (7,295 mt).


                   Catch per unit effort of summer flounder by North Carolina winter trawlers
             participating in the nearshore fishery remained low while deepwater CPUEs
             fluctuated.    Continuing the trend noted for the 1985-88 fishing seasons,
             nearshore summer flounder CPUEs during 1988-91 declined 14% from the previous
             three years and were 62-68% lower than during 1982-88.       Deepwater catches of
             summer flounder have not shown the same persistent decline, with seasonal mean
             CPUEs during 1988-89 among the highest, but 1989-91 the lowest CPUEs since 1982-
             83.


                  Age composition of summer flounder in North Carolina and along the east
             coast is severely truncated with over 90% of the catch age 4 or younger.      Older
             age classes should be represented in the catch since this species lives to at
             least 15.years old (Dery 1988).


                   Recent stock assessment information indicates that the summer flounder
             stock is over-exploited and the stock level is low (NOAA 1992). Recruitment has
             declined sharply over the last decade.      The fishing mortality rate on fully
             recruited summer flounder was 1.1 in 1990.          Thus, there is a five-fold
             difference between the Fm.. and the current F.   In order to reach the defini*tion
             of overfishing in the fishery management plan (F ... =0.23), the Mid-Atlantic
             Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) recommended that current exploitation rates
             would have to be reduced by 73%.     In the current draft of Amendment 2 to the
             Fishery Management Plan for the summer flounder fishery, the MAFMC proposes to










                                                        31

              meet this reduction by the 13" size limit, enacting a 5 1/2 minimum mesh size in
              the tailbag, and reducing harvest by implementing a quota management system.


              WEAKFISH
                     Weakfish was the dominant species harvested with flynets during the 1988-91
              seasons. Most were caught from Oregon Inlet to Beaufort Inlet, with smaller fish
              caught in more southern waters.     During the last three seasons, weakfish landed
              by winter trawlers were valued at $0.8-$1.3 million, accounted for 27-30% of the
              weight, and 13-17% of the value of marketable finfish landed by the fleet.
              Trawlers produced 30-44% of the weakfish landed commercially in North Carolina.
              The 1990-91 season was the first since 1983-84 that trawlers landed more weakfish
              than ocean gill nets (primarily sink nets) (Appendix A).


                     Commercial landings of weakfish have declined in recent years.           Winter
              trawler landings and Atlantic coast commercial landings fell to the their lowest
              levels since 1970, while North Carolina landings were at their lowest level since
              1971 (Figure 26).


                    Although CPUEs of weakfish increased during 1988-91, catches were still 25%
              less than during the 1982-88 seasons. Conversely, the CPUE of weakfish in sink
              nets, which steadily increased from 1982 through 1987, declined precipitously
              through the 1990-91 season (Ross 1992). The contradictory trends reflected less
              frequent, but still sizeable catches of weakfish, coupled with declining effort
              by trawlers using flynets and instead shifting to other fisheries, ie. flounder
              fishing or scalloping. .


                    The size composition of weakfish in trawl catches continued the shift
              towards smaller fish noted in 1985-88 catches (Ross 1991).       This was also noted
              in sink net catches, where the reduced availability of larger fish. has
              necessitated the use of smaller mesh gill net to maintain productivity (Ross
              1992).  The size of weakfish recruiting to the recreational fishery in the mid-
              Atlantic has also decreased (ASMFC 1991).


                    The age composition of weakfish in flynet catches was severely truncated,
              with over 87% of the catch during 1989-91 age 0 or 1. Older (6-10 years old) age








                                                     32

             classes were represented during only one of the last three seasons., This trend
             was apparent in sink net catches during the last three seasons (Ross 1992).


                   Weakfish continued to account for a significant component of the scrap fish
             landed by trawlers. During the 1988-91 fishing seasons, the average number of
             weakfish in the scrap increased from 8,900-18,900 fish/trip, which was in the
             range of catches during 1982-86, but less than during the 1986-88 fishing

             seasons.



                   The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has determined that
             weakfish were being overfished (Vaughn et al. 1991). Fishing mortality (F) is
             currently between 0.9 and 1.2, and has increased in recent years, even as
             landings have declined. Growth overfishing has been evidenced for several years
             based on commercial catches (Ross 1991). Recruitment overfishing may be showing
             early stages based on DMF juvenile survey data since CPUEs were lower during
             1987-91 than 1981-86, and 1991 CPUEs were the lowest of the 13 years sampled
             (Tangedal 1992). Measures to reduce mortality by imposing minimum size limits
             and/or net mesh sizes, seasonal closures, and reductions in bycatch of juvenile
             weakfish are currently being considered for North Carolina fisheries.




             BLACK SEA BASS
                   Black sea bass has traditionally been one of three dominant species in the
             deepwater component of the winter trawl fishery. However, they accounted for <2%
             of the deepwater catches sampled during 1990-91 as catches were greatly reduced.
             Overall, black sea bass were worth $153,000-$461,000, and accounted for 2-5% of
             the marketable fish landed by winter trawl fleet in North Carolina during the
             1988-91 seasons.  Trawlers accounted for 21-46% of the black sea bass landed in
             North Carolina and 12-17% of those landed from North Carolina to Maine (Appendix
             A).


                   Commercial landings of black sea bass north of Cape Hatteras were highest
             during 1952 (9,900 mt) and declined steadily to 600 mt by 1971 (Figure 27).
             During the 1980s landings ranged from 1,100-1,900 mt and fluctuated without
             trend. Recreational landings account for a large percent of the black sea bass










                                                     33

              caught annually. Annual winter trawl landings of black sea bass ranged from 71-
              370 mt from 1980-1990. However, landings during the 1990-91 were only 30% of the
              previous two seasons, and the lowest seasonal total since the projects inception
              in 1982.


                    Catch-per-unit-effort of black sea bass by winter trawlers has steadily
              declined since the 1984-85 fishing season.     Reported CPUE data for the Mid-
              Atlantic trawl fishery in 1990 and the NEFC spring offshore bottom trawl survey
              during 1991 indicated comparatively small catches (NEFC 1991).


                    The size composition of black sea bass in trawl catches has remained
              relatively constant since 1982. There has been a slight decline in jumbo (>350
              mm TL) fish in recent years, but generally the harvest remained primarily small
              and medium (200-300 mm TL) fish. These primarily 2-3 year old fish dominated
              commercial landings north of Cape Hatteras (NEFC 1991). The biologically optimum
              age of first harvest for black sea bass is six years, to account for their
              hermaphroditic reproductive biology. Consequently, high pre-recruit indices from
              the NEFC survey corresponded to higher commercial landings two years later, but
              periods of high landings were brief. This suggests the incoming year classes are
              reduced rapidly by the fishery (NEFC 1991).


                    Currently, the assessment information is insufficient to allow definitive
              understanding of the status of this stock, but the stock would appear to be fully
              exploited (NEFC 1991).   Development of a stock assessment for black sea bass
              north of Cape Hatteras by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC)-
              MAFMC will begin in 1992.
              SCUP  Scup is one of the three dominant finfish species in the deepwater trawl
              catches which are landed primarily from January through April. Virtually all are
              landed in the northern ports, particularly Wanchese.     Scup landings were low
              during the last three seasons and valued at only $20,300-$82,300, which was 0.2%-
              1.2% of the value of marketable fish landed by the trawlers. Scup accounted for
              only 0.3-1.8% of the marketable finfish landed by trawlers during 1988-91, down









                                                     34

              from 3.3-4.7% of the 1982-84 landings. Trawlers produced all of the scup landed
              in North Carolina (Appendix A).


                    Commercial landings of scup have steadily declined in recent years (Figure
              28). Annual landings in North Carolina during 1988-90 (8-57 mt) were lower than
              any year since 1977 and less than 10% of the landings from 1979-1984. Commercial
              landings of scup from Virginia to Maine have also declined, with annual landings
              in 1987-89 the lowest since 1973. East coast landings of scup since 1967 were
              50-80% less than during 1950 to 1964.  The Virginia winter trawl fishery, which
              produced in excess of 5,000 mt during the early 1960s, has averaged less than 350
              mt during the 1980s (NEFC 1991). Recreational catches, which represent 20-50%
              of the landings during the 1980s, in 1990 were 40% below the 1980-89 mean (NEFC
              1991).


                    Catch per unit effort of North Carolina trawlers declined to their lowest
              level in 1988-89, than rebounded slightly the next two seasons. This paralleled
              CPUEs of New England otter trawlers which also approached record lows during the
              1989 fishing season and only rebounded slightly during 1990. Juvenile indices
              since 1981 have fluctuated widely, but appear to be trending downward (NEFC
              1991).


                   The size composition of scup in winter trawl catches continued to reflect
              signs of growth overfishing.   The relative abundance and catch/trip of large
              (>250 mm FL) scup were lower during 1988-91 than during the previous six fishing
              seasons and much lower than were reported from catches during the 1930s (Ross
              1991). Scup length frequencies from commercial and recreational fisheries from
              southern New England to New Jersey also have shifted to smaller fish, although
              the reported modes (24 cm) were slightly larger than fish landed in North
              Carolina (18-21 cm).


                   The low CPUEs, reduced landings and truncated length frequency
              distributions evidenced in North Carolina trawler catches of scup in recent years
              confirm trends observed from Virginia to southern New England. Throughout the
              range, the fishery continues to direct harvest on increasingly young fish. The











                                                     35

             NEFC considers the status of scup exploitation to be overexploited (NEFC 1991).
             The ASMFC-MAFMC will initiate a stock assessment of scup during 1992.


             BLUEFISH
                    Bluefish were ubiquitous in all trawl catches, and large bluefish were
             occasionally the target species in flynet catches.   Bluefish accounted for 3-5%
             of the marketable finfish landed by the winter trawlers during the 1988-91
             seasons; they were valued at $44,000-$78,000, or approximately 1% of the total
             value of the marketable fish landed by trawlers, which produced 6-16% of the
             bluefish landed in North Carolina.    The production of bluefish by trawlers in
             North Carolina compared to other fisheries has been low since 1984 (Appendix A),
             particularly in comparison with 1977 through 1983, largely because of the
             expansion of the sink net fleet (Ross 1990).


                    Atlantic coast annual commercial landings of bluefish have exceeded 40,000
             mt since 1973, whereas from 1950-1973 landings were less than 30,000 mt. North
             Carolina trawlers produced 10-26% (0.8-2.0 million mt) of the bluefish landed
             along the east coast during 1980-84, but only 2-8% (0.1-0.5 million mt) during
             1988-90 (Figure 29). North Carolina has dominated bluefish commercial landings
             in recent years, although sink nets replaced otter trawls as the most productive

             gear.


                    Catch-per-unit-effort of bluefish by trawlers declined during the 1988-91
             fishing seasons. Bluefish catches by flynets during 1988-91 were intermediate
             in comparison to the 1982-91 seasons. Although flynets catches were only 22%
             less, deepwater and nearshore flounder catches of bluefish were 70-77% less than
             the 1982-88 mean.    Recreational fishery CPUEs have been declining since 1982
             (MAFMC 1989, NEFC 1991).   Sink net CPUEs of large bluefish have increased while
             CPUEs of small bluefish have been stable since 1982 (Ross 1992).


                    All sizes and ages of bluefish continue to be represented in trawler
             catches off North Carolina.   Bluefish continues to be the only species that has
             not shown a systematic decline in the relative abundance of large/old fish in
             commercial catches. The size composition of bluefish in sink net catches has
             been similar to trawler catches since 1982.









                                                    36

                   Recent stock assessment of bluefish found the stock to be fully exploi   ted
             (MAFMC 1989, NEFC 1991). There was no evidence of a systematic decline in year
             class strength since three strong year classes were produced during the 1980s.
             However, recreational CPUEs and landings have declined since 1981.      Off North
             Carolina there has been evidence of a shift offshore and north of the main body
             of large bluefish, based on fishing patterns of the fishing fleet. This may be
             the result of progressively warmer winters and may have some bearing on reduced
             recreational catches, particularly spring catches around North Carolina and
             Virginia.


             ATLANTIC CROAKER
                   Atlantic croaker was second to weakfish in importance to the flynet fishery
             off North Carolina. Since 1982, trawlers had accounted for 12-29% of the croaker
             landed in North Carolina, but during 1990-91 trawlers produced only 6% (Appendix
             A).   Correspondingly, during the 1988-91 seasons, croaker accounted for a
             diminishing percent of the total trawler landings in terms of volume (12% to 10%
             to 4%) and value (6% to 6% to 2%).


                   Commercial landings of croaker have exhibited two periods of high landings
             since 1950, with record landings during the late 1970s (Figure 30). Landings
             during the 1980s have generally been intermediate in range, but have declined in
             recent years. North Carolina has dominated Atlantic coast landings since 1962
             and accounted for 68-98% during the 1980s.      However, North Carolina annual
             landings during 1990 were the lowest since 1973, and 1987-90 landings were
             roughly one-third of peak landings during 1977-1980. Similarly , winter trawl
             landings in 1990 were the lowest recorded since 1950.   Sink net landings during
             the 1990-91 season were the lowest since 1981 (Ross 1992.


                   Catch per unit effort of croaker has generally declined.      Flynet CPUEs
             during 1990-91 were the lowest recorded since the projects inception (1982).
             Similarly, sink net CPUEs of croaker have declined with 1989-91 catches lower
             than the previous six seasons (Ross 1992).


                   Growth overfishing continued to plague the winter trawl fishery. Roughly
             80% of the croaker landed were unmarketable size fish during the 1990-91 season,










                                                       37

              an increase in smal-1 fish from the previous seven seasons when 40-64% were
              undersized.    The relative abundance of 'medium-large' croaker continued to
              decline and accounted for less than 1% of the 1990-91 catches. The compressed
              age composition of croaker confirms this. The relative abundance of age I fish
              has increased while age 2 and older fish have decreased in recent years.


                    Croaker have been grow    th overfished and may be undergoing recruitment
              overfishing as well. Declining numbers of large fish and the steadily increasing
              dominance of unmarketable sized fish in the catches has been noted in the recent
              past (Ross 1991) and continued during the last three years. Signs of recruitment
              overfishing may be inferred from DMF juvenile survey data.          Juvenile croaker
              CPUEs fluctuated with several high peaks from 1979 (first year of sampling)
              through 1987, after which CPUEs have declined, no strong year class was
              evidenced, and 1991 values were the lowest for the entire period (Tangedal 1992).
              Management measures to reduce bycatch and scrap fish landings of weakfish,
              particularly by shrimp and fish trawls, and        long hauls could reduce fishing
              pressure on the co-occurring croaker during the next few years.


                                 MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
                    The overall assessment of the winter trawl fishery at the end of the 1990-
              91 fishing season was the same as at the end of the 1987-88 fishing season (Ross
              1991).   All principal species components of the fishery, except for bluefish,
              were characterized by reduced CPUEs, reduced landings, and compressed size/age
              composition compressed towards smaller/younger fish.


                    All principal components of the winter trawl fishery have been assessed as
              overfished by MAFMC and/or ASMFC-      Weakfish and summer flounder, the two most
              important species harvested by the fishery, have been assessed as severely
              overfished and the initial phases of regulations implemented. Black sea bass and
              scup, have recently been assessed to be overfished and FMPs will soon be
              implemented with regulatory action pending. Bluefish have been assessed to be
              fully exploited, regulatory action has been recommended to the states, and most
              states have complied with the plan. Atlantic croaker has been growth overfished,
              but no regulatory action is pending.









                                                     38

                    Increased size limits and gear restrictions (minimum mesh size tailbags)
              have been the initial regulatory thrust of the FMPs currently in place (summer
              flounder and weakfish) and for those proposed, but not yet approved (black sea
              bass and scup). The most critical need for this fishery is to increase the size
              of the fish harvested. These regulations should ultimately reduce the volume of
              undersized food fish discarded or marketed as industrial fish or crab bait.
              Benefits to the fishermen could be realized in the near future by increased yield
              per recruit if recruitment levels are not below average.

                    The second phase of the FMPs, not yet instituted, are aime*d at reducing
              fishing mortality (F) on the fully-recruited age classes.         This is to be
              accomplished by reductions in effort or landings through quotas and/or closed
              seasons. This could cause extreme hardships on the fleet. Closed seasons could
              result in increased fishing pressure on other fully exploited stocks (i.e.,
              bluefish and croaker). The sink net fleet, due to the reduced availability of
              weakfish during the 1990-92 fishing seasons, shifted to other fisheries
              (bluefish, dogfish, tuna, and king mackerel). The winter trawl fleet has less
              flexibility. The bluefish market is easily glutted, dogfish is an alternative
              for some, but beyond these two species, the options are very limited.


                    Since alternative species are unavailable to the winter     trawl fleet, a
              reassessment of the weakfish, summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass stocks
              could be made after several years of enforced size limits and mesh size
              restrictions. Seasonal closures, based on quotas, could then be considered based
              on the updated assessments rather than projected levels of stock size based on
              1980s data.  The possibility exists that stock recovery could be faster than
              expected due to interactive effects of the various mesh size restrictions put in
              place on non-target species that are not fully accounted for in stock
              assessments.  In other words,  the 5-1/2" mesh size tailbag used in the summer
              flounder fishery will result in increased escapement of weakfish, bluefish, scup
              and black sea bass previously harvested incidentally during this fishery.       A
              three in square mesh tailbag,  likely to be imposed on the flynet fishery for
              weakfish, will increase the escapement of small croaker and spot.










                                                     39

                    Limited entry to the winter trawl fishery by recent participants only
              should be evaluated. This would ensure that those who suffer through periods of
              hardship imposed by FMP regulations will ultimately bear the fruits of improved
              fish stocks. This would also ensure that vessels from other fisheries that are
              currently in similar phases of overfishing and strict management measures being
              instituted (i.e., New England groundfish and scallop fisheries) do not shift into
              this fishery).


                    Management of the fish stocks harvested by the fleet must be flexible
              enough to ensure fleet viability through the current period of strict
              regulations. Within the last five years and during the next several years, a
              previously unregulated fleet will suddenly have to deal with severe restrictions
              on virtually every species harvested and every net used.         Long term stock
              rebuilding could minimize the loss of income to the fleet while allowing gradual
              increased biomass of adult fish due to mesh and fish size restrictions.



                                              ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
                    This report would not have been possible without the field and technical
              assistance of Beth Burns, John Zuaboni, Tonya Stevens, Lele Judy, Chris Wilson,
              Greg Judy, Mike Pulley, Rick Monaghan, Jack Guthrie, Jim Francesconi, and Joe
              Andrews.  Paul Phalen, Mike Tangedal, Diana Tootle, and Lisa Boddie provided
              invaluable help with computer processing and data retrieval.          Meg Foward
              expeditiously drifted many of the figures. I am, as always, appreciative of Dee
              Willis for typing and compilation of the manuscript.      Linda Mercer and Sara
              Winslow provided constructive reviews of the manuscript.          Finally, I am
              especially grateful to the commercial fishermen, fish dealers, and fish
              processors who allowed us to sample their catches.












                                                         40


                                                 LITERATURE CITED

              Dery, L.M.
                     1988. Summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, p. 97-102, In: Penttila,
                     J. and L.M. Dery (eds). Age Determination Methods for Northwest Atlantic
                     Species, p. 97-102. NOAA Tech. Rep. MMFS 72, 135 p.

              DeVries, D.A.
                     1982. Age and growth of spot in North Carolina. Northeast Fish. Wildl.
                     Conf. Apr. 13-15, 1982, N.J. (abstract).

              Hawkins, J.H.
                     1988. Age, growth, and mortality of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, in North
                     Carolina, with a discussion of population dynamics. M.S. thesis. East
                     Carolina Univ., Greenville, NC, 86 p.

              MAFMC (Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council).
                     1989. Fishery Management plan for the bluefish fishery, 76 p.

                     1990. Amendment #1 to the fishery management plan for the summer flounder
                            fishery, 115 p.

              Massman, W.H.
                     1963. Age and size composition of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, from pound
                     nets in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia 1954-58. Chesapeake Sci.4:43-51.

              Merriner, J.V.
                     1973. Assessment of the weakfish resource, a management plan, and aspects
                     of life history in North Carolina.         Ph.D. Diss. North Carolina State
                     Univ., Raleigh, 201 p.

              NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
                     1992.    Report of the thirteenth northeast regional stock assessment
                     workshop (13th SAW), Fall 1991. NOAA/NMFS Northeast Fish. Sci. Cent. Ref.
                     Doc. 92-02.

              North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission.
                     1991. North Carolina Fisheries Rules for Coastal Waters 1991. 201 p.

              Northeast Fisheries Center; Conervation and Utilization Division.
                     1991.  Status of the fishery resources off the northeastern United States
                     for 1991. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-F/NEC-86, 132 p.

              Ross,  J.R.
                     1989.   Assessment of the sink net fishery along North Carolina's Outer
                     Banks, Fall 1982 through Spring 1987, with notes on other coastal gill net
                     fisheries.   NC Dept. Environ., Health.., and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish.
                     SSR No. 50, 53p.

                     1990. Assessment of the North Carolina winter trawl fishery, September
                     1982-April 1985. NC Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar.
                     Fish. SSR No. 53. 97 p.










                                                          41


                     1991. Assessment of North Carolina winter trawl fishery September 1985-
                     April   1988.   N.C. Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resours., Div. Mar.
                     Fish.   SSR No. 54., 80 p.

                     1992. Assessment of North Carolina sink net fishery, September 1987-April
                     1991. NC Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish. Compl.
                     Rep.,   Proj. 2-IJ-32-1.

              Ross,  J.R.,   D.A. DeVries, J.H. Hawkins, and J.B. Sullivan.
                     1986.    Assessment of North Carolina commercial finfisheries.           NC Dept.
                     Nat. Resour, and Communi ty Devel op. , Di v. Mar. Fi sh. Compl . Rep. for Proi.
                     2-386-R, 418 p.

              Ross,  S.W.
                     1988. Age, growth, and mortality of Atlantic croaker North Carolina with
                     comments on population dynamics. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 117:461-473.

              Scarlett, P.G.
                     1982.    Fishery management plan for the summer flounder (Paralichthys
                     dentatus) fishery. ASMFC, Fish. Mgmt. Rep. No. 3, 80 p.

              Smith, R.W.,   L.M. Dery, P.G. Scarlett, and A. Jearld, Jr.
                     1981. Proceedings of the summer flounder (Paralichtys dentatus) age and
                     growth workshop, 20-21 May 1980, NEFC Woods Hole, MA. NOAA Tech. Memo.
                     NMFS-F/NEC-11.

              Tangedal, M.
                     1992.   Juvenile abundance indices for spot, Atlantic croaker, weakfish,
                     southern flounder, blue crab, and brown shrimp from 1979-1991. NC Dept.
                     Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish. unpublished
                    manuscript.

              Vaughn, D.S., R.T. Seagraves, and K.West.
                     1991. Assessment of status of the Atlantic weakfish stock, 1982-1988.
                     ASMFC Spec. Sci. Rep. No. 21, 29 p.

              Wilk,  S.J.
                     1977.    Biological and fisheries data on bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix
                     (Linneaus). U.S. Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv. Tech. Ser. Rep. No. 11, 56 p.







                                                                                      42



                      Table 1.    Monthly summary of sampling of winter trawl fishery from October 1988 to April 1991, by area fished (N = nor
                                  of Cape Hatteras; C = Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout; S = west of Cape Lookout) and gear (Flounder = flounder
                                  or combination nets fishing in depths generally <20 fathoms; Deepwater includes flounder nets, fLynets and
                                  combination nets used in waters >20 fathoms; FLynet denotes use of flynet; Crab denotes use of crab trawl);
                                     number of catches sampled.

                                                                                                Catch weight (kq)                      Sample weight NO
                      Year        Month       Area            Gear             n         Mean                     Range             Mean             Ranae

                      1988        Oct           N           FLynet             3        16,521.8              11,007-27,215         257.6            105-51
                                                N           Flounder           3            867.0             2,601- 9,685          354.1            340-310
                                                                                                                                                          6

                                  Nov           N           FLynet             5        20,725.2              9,072-36,299          188.4            91-29
                                                S           Ftynet             1        31,770.0                                    85.7
                                                N           Flounder           10       3,767.3                 288- 7,588          221.5            86-361

                                  Dec           N           Ftynet             1        4,010.3                                     226.7
                                                C           Ftynet             1        1,369.9                                     78.0
                                                S           Ftynet             3        10,186.5              3,220-14,169          112.1            95-121
                                                N           Flounder           1           431.0                                    126.5
                                                N           Deepwater          7        6,591.2               2,948-17,598          244.8            160-349

                      1989        Jan           N           Flynet             6        8,680.0               3,036-21,526          173.5            79-23
                                                S           Ftynet             1        18,261.6                                    123.2                  1
                                                N           Flounder           3        3,813.4               1,108- 6,750          272.6            204-357
                                                C           Flounder           2        3,055.0               1,346- 4,764          249.2            227-272_
                                                N           Deepwater          8        7,654.0               2,106-15,021          232.1            130-341
                                  Feb           N           Ftynet             1        7,082.0                                     226.7
                                                C           Ftynet             1        9,989.4                                     155.5
                                                S           FLynet             1        12,602.9                                    155.6
                                                N           Flounder           9        2,616.0               1,287- 4,570          228.7            183.3
                                                N           Deepwater          9        5,165.7               2,030-11,974          345.6            145-51

                                  Mar           N           Ftynet             7        6,115.6                 243-12,843          286.5            97-591
                                                C           FLynet             7        4,187.0               1,536-11,796          173.3            50-39_1
                                                N           Flounder           1        1,969.5                                     436.8
                                                N           Deepwater          7        2,954.8                 1,653-4,528         349.0            206-518
                                  Apr           N           Deepwater          2        5,562.6                 2,942-8,183         281.6            131-431
                      1989        Oct           N           Flynet             4        14,429.2              8,241-23,385          125.5            92-178
                                                N           Flounder           1        2,954.1                                     362.9
                                  Nov           N           FLynet             6        18,318.0              10,859-22,839         147.2            78-30J
                                                N           Flounder           8        4,575.7                 480- 7,165          253.7            0-385

                                  Dec           N           FLynet             4        13,673.3              1,370-37,761          265.1            40-612
                                                C           FLynet             1        27,935.0                                    88.5
                                                S           FLynet             2        2,744.2                 761- 4,727          65.2             5-
                                                N           Ftounder           8        2,137.2                 923- 3,363          191.4            0-370
                                                C           Flounder           3        2,557.5                 941- 4,719          135.0            68-171
                                                N           Deepwater          4        3,145.3               2,179- 4,762          284.7            204-35@1

                      1990        Jan           N           FLynet             5        15,602.3              60217-47,287          249.0            68-639
                                                C           FLynet             1        7,485.5                                     272.2
                                                S           Flynet             1        8,585.8                                     109.4
                                                N           Deepwater          20       3,979.6               1,289-10,522          275.6            0-5021
                                  Feb           N           FLynet             6        6,858.4               2 022-28,415          225.9            91-431
                                                C           FLynet             3        15,738.7              6:015-26,203          105.6            65-136
                                                S           FLynet             1        6,053.0                                     57.7
                                                N           Ftounder           1        2,415.0                                     136.0
                                                C           Flounder           2        1,957.9                 739- 3,177          157.1            132-162
                                                N           Deepwater          9        4,783.7               1,135-12,935          271.4            111-3751
                                  Mar           N           FLynet             3        18,329.5              6,808-41,246          238.7            88-493
                                                C           Ftynet             4        7,560.5               5,087-12,347          88.8             27-141
                                                S           Flounder           1        4,152.2                                     250.5
                                                N           Deepwater          8        4,860.4               1,057-10,344          259.2            13-5141
                                                C           Crab               2           993.0                975- 1,010          108.3            90-126








                                                                                       43




                       Table 1, Ilonlinuedl,

                                                                                                 Catch weight (kq)                      Sample weight (kq)
                       Year      Month         Area            Gear            n      -----Mean                    Range             Mean             Range


                                  Apr            N           FLynet            1          1,165.8                                    106.2
                                                 s           Flounder          2          5,959.3              3,557- 8,361          186.9            174-200
                                                 N           Deepwater         4          4,488.1              3,428- 5,411          326.1            287-363

                       1990       OCI            N           Flyne,            3          8,303,4              6,815-11,162          179*1            145,198
                                                 N           Ftounder          1          7,724.0                                    385.2

                                  Nov            N           Ftynet            5         14,155.8              6,628-22,710          150.6            140-168
                                                 c           Ftynet            2         13,274.5              10,481-16,067         183.2            179-187
                                                 N           Flounder          12         5,387.5                 548-11,085         298.0              0-585

                                  Dec            c           FLynet            3         21,793.2              8,234-39,381          131.5            43-218
                                                 N           Flounder          15         3,088.4                443- 6,472          274.6            142-381
                                                 c           F L otinder       1          1,357.2                                    222.8


                       1991       Jan            N           Flynet            2         17,341.6              10,477  -24,206       277.7            91-465
                                                                ynet           3         12,760.5              9,755-17, "8          115.6            83-164
                                                 s           FLynet            2         22,408.1              4,531-11,340          149.5            147-152
                                                 N           Flounder          7          4,855.3                461- 9,151          320.5            204-539
                                                 N           Deepwater         2          5,638.2              4,674- 6,603          408.4            317-499

                                  Feb            N           FLynet            1          1,039.7                                         0
                                                 c           Flynet            8          7,273.8              2,504-15,682          123.9            54-246
                                                 s           Ftynet            1          3,084.5                                    66.6
                                                 N           Flounder          10         4,826.9              2,650- 8,814          278.1            179-431
                                                 N           Deepwater         2          5,778.0              5,478- 6,078          328.0            296-360

                                  Mar            N           FLynet            1         16,374.6                                    64.3
                                                 c           FLynet            8          7,355.2              2,644-14,429          112.4            50-162
                                                 N           Flounder          2          2,"0.0               1,803- 3,077          341.9            227-457
                                                 N           Deepwater         3         10,642.6              4,239-16,940          208.3            68-390

                                  Apr            c           Ftynet            1         16,740.0                                    51.9
                                                 N           Deepwater         6         10,525.0              5,566-20,388          230.1            123-401
















                    Table 2. Species composition, mean weight (kg) and mean number of fish per trip for the top 99% (by weight) of the nearshore flounder catches by season for October
                               1988 through April 1991, including numbers of catches sampled (n) and the percent of the total weight of the catches samples.


                                                                    Mean                                                            Mean								Mean		
                                                  Weight (kg)       no.                                           Weight (kg)       no.                                 Weight (kg) no.
                    Species                    Mean      Percent    fish     Species                            Mean      Percent   fish    Species                    Mean        Percent     fish

                    1988-89 (n=29)                                            1989-90 (n=26)                                                  1990-91 (n=48)


                    Paralichthys dentatus       3,133.7     91.7    3,731    Paralichthys dentatus            2,284.6     68.5   2,956     Paralichthys dentatus       3,679.1     85.2        5,399 
                    Loligo pealii                  74.4      2.2             Sphoeroides maculatus              265.0      8.0     100     Busycon sp.	             171.2      4.0	
                    Centropristis striate          39.0      1.1       93    Loligo Pealii                      235.5      7.1             Loligo Pealii                 109.1      2.5         
                    Pomatomus saltatrix            25.1      0.7        4    Cynoscion regalis                  148.7      4.5     263     Lophius americanus 	        64.6      1.5
                    Pogonias cromis                21.9      0.6             Micropogonias undulatus             51.4      2.4     582     Sphoeroides maculatus		  58.2	1.3		  48
                    Cynoscion  regalis             17.8      0.5       21    Pomatorrus saltatrix                55.8      1.7      34     Pomatomus saltatrix		  47.2	1.0	        10	
                    Mustelus canis                 14.4      0.4             Archosargus Probatocephatus         50.9      1.5       8     Centropristis striata		  27.7	0.6		  98 
                    Lophius americanus             14.0      0.4        6    Leiostomus xanthurus                34.1      1.0     542     Menticirrhus americanus	  24.2	0.6		  89
                    Micropogonias undulatus        14.0      0.4       71    Busycon sp.                         28.1      0.8             Cyniscion regalis		  20.4	0.5		  43
                                                                             Menticirrhus sp.                    24.4      0.7       6     Morone saxatilis			  17.5	0.4		   3
                                                                             Centropristis striata               24.1      0.7      48     Menticirrhus saxatilis		  16.9	0.4		  48	
                                                                             Peprilus triacanthus                20.3      0.6     270     Paralichthys lethostigma	  14.0	0.3		  16
                                                                             Lophius americanus                  14.6      0.4             Carcharhinidae			  13.5	0.3
                                                                             Menticirrhus saxatilis              13.8      0.4      71     Pepritus triacanthus		   9.2	0.2		  18
                                                                                                                                           Acipenser oxyrhynchus		   8.4	0.2		  <1 	










                  Table 3. Species composition of nearshore flounder catches (top 99% by weight) partitioned by area fished from October 1988 through April 1991; n = number of
                              catches sampled.

                                                  Mean                                                          Mean                                                           Mean
                                                  catch              Mean                                       catch                 Mean                                     catch              Mean
                                                  weight            no.                                         weight                no.                                       weight            no.
                  species                         (kg)      % TW      fish       Species                        (kq)       % TW       fish      Species                         (kg)     % TW     fish


                                   NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS                                      CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT                             WEST OF CAPE LOOKOIJT


                  1988-89 (rr-27)                                                1988-89 (n=2)                                                1988-89 0=0)
                  Paratichthys dentatus          3,157.3     92.6       3,738    Paratichthys dentatus         2,815.6     92.2       3,644
                  Lotig peatii                      78.3      2.3           -    Squaliformes    '               167.1      5.5
                  Centropristis striate             41.8      1.2        100     Lophius americanus               28.1      0.9          38
                  Pomatomus sattatrix               26.9      0.8           5    Lolig peatii                     21.5      0.7
                  Pogonias cromis                   23.6      0.7           -    Cynosci    regalis               10.2      0.3          12
                  Cynosci     regalia               18.3      0.5         21     Pepritus triacanthus               9.5     0.3          66
                  Mustetus canis                    15.5      0.5           -
                  Micropogonlas undutatus           15.1      0.4         76
                  Lophius americanus                12.9      0.4           -



                  1989-90 (M18)                                                  1989-90 (n=5)                                                  1989-90 (n=3)
                  Paratichthys dentatus          2,740.4      83.6      3,372    Paratichthys dentatus         1,201.3     51.9       1,895     Sphoeroides macutatus          1,935.1   36.1
                  Lolig Peatil                     221.2      6.7                Lotig peatii                    328.1     14.2                 Paratichthy dentatus           1,355.0   25.3     2,224
                  Cynoscion regatis                128.1      3.9        168     Cynoscio regatis                277.6     12.0          543    Micropogonias undutatus         683.4    12.8     4,987
                  Pomatomus sattatrix               60.8      1.9         29     Sphoeroides macutatus           162.0      7.0         433     Archosargus Probotocephatus     404.8     7.6
                  Busyc     sp.                     45.6      1.4                Menticirrhus spp.               104.3      4.5                 Leiostomus xanthurus            295.6     5.5     4,694
                  Centropristis striata             19.9      0.6         69     Pomatomus saltatrix              68.3      2.9          69     Lotigo Deatii                   166.4     3.1
                  Lophius americanus                17.6      0.5                Centropristis striata            29.7      1.3            1    FeDritus triacanthus            129.5     2.4     1,947
                  Sphoeroides maculatus             15.2      0.5                Sicyoni brevirostris             27.2      1.2            -    Menticirrhus saxatitis           76.3     1.4        450
                  Pepritus triacanthus                6.9     0.2         59     Seriota dumeriti                 19.1      0.8            1    Mustelus canis                   68.0     1.3
                                                                                 Acipenser oxyrhynchus            17.2      0.7          <1     Menticirrhus americanus          58.0     1.1        318
                                                                                 Paratichthy atbigutt             14.3      0.6          24     Cynosci    regatis               56.9     1.1        368
                                                                                 Micropogonjas undulatus          12.2      0.5          27     Centropristis striate            40.1     0.7           -
                                                                                 Archosargus probotocephatus      10.1      0.4            4
                                                                                 Menticirrhus saxatilis             8.4     0.4          51
                                                                                 Sciaenops oceltatus                6.8     0.3          <1



                  1990-91 047)                                                   1990-91 (rr-1)
                  Paratichthys dentatus          3,730.8      85.1      5,475    Paratichthys dentatus         1,250.4     89.4       1,838
                  Busycon sp.                      174.8      4.0                Paratichthys tethostigma         84.4      6.0          141
                  Lotig pealii                     102.2      2.3                Sphoeroides macutatus            54.4      3.9
                  Lophius americanus                65.9      1.5
                  Sphoeroldes macutatus             58.3      1.3         49
                  Pomatomm sattatrix                48.2      1.1         10
                  Centrooristfs striate             28.3      0.6        100
                  Menticirrhus americanus           24.8      0.6         91
                  Cynoscion regaLls                 20.9      0.5         44
                  Morone saxatiLis                  17.9      0.4           3
                  Menticirrhus saxatitis            17.3      0.4         49
                  Squatiformes                      13.7      0.3
                  Paratichthys lethosti-qma         12.5      0.3         13
                  Peprflus triacenthus                9.4     0.2         18









                  Table 4. Monthly species composition (top 99%) and mean catch/trip of nearshore flounder catches sampled from October 1988 through March 1991; n = number
                             of catches sampled.

                                                                         Mean                                                             Mean                                                           Mean
                                                      Weight (kg)          no.                                          Weight (kg)         no.                                         Weight (kq)        no.
                  Species                          Mean      Percent     fis  h    Species                          Mean       Percent    fish       Species                          Mean    Percent    fish

                  1988-89                                                          1989-90                                                           1990-91
                  Oct (n=3)                                                        Oct (n=l)                                                         Oct (n=l)
                  Peralichthys dentatus            5,637.6      94.3     7,045     Paralichthyï¿½ dentatus            2,869.3      97J      3,597      Paralichthys dentatus           6,756.5     87.5    8,861
                  Pogonias cromis                    212.1       3.6               Raychycentron canadum               52.6       1.8           3    Cynoscio regatis                 272.2       3.5    1,007
                  Centropristis striata              38.0        0.6        150    Pomatomus sattatrix                 25.9       0.9           7    Sphoeroides maculatus            181.4       2.3         -
                  C)Moscion regalia                  36.0        0.6          72                                                                     Peprilus triacanthus             147.4       1.9         -
                  Pomatomus sattatrix                27.7        0.5          7                                                                      Menticirrhus saxatitis           144.8       1.9      366
                                                                                                                                                     Pomatomus sattatrix               73.5       0.9         5
                                                                                                                                                     LoLig pealii                      56.7       0.7
                                                                                                                                                     Centropristis striata             43.1       0.6      155

                  Nov (rr-10)                                                      Nov (n=8)                                                         Nov (rr-12)
                  Paratichthys dentatus            3,553.7      94.3     4,400     Paratichthys dentatus            4,308.1      94.2     5,457      Paratighthys dentatus          4,351.1      80.8    6,001
                  Lotig Peatli                       98.3        2.4          -    Lotigo Peatii                       63.7       1.4                Busycon sp.                      394.0       7.3
                  Pomatomus sattatrix                38.8        1.0          5    Cynoscio regatis                    40.7       0.9           80   Sphoeroides macutatus            158.3       2.9      193
                  Cynosci     regatis                36.3        1.0          35   Centropristis striata               40.0       0.9         139    Lotig pealii                      92.5       1.7
                  Busyc    sp.                       15.8        0.4          -    Busyco sp.                          38.9       0.9                Menticirrhus americanus           55.3       1.0      155
                                                                                   Sphoeroides    macutatus            27.5       0.6                Paratichthys dentatus             45.3       0.8         46
                                                                                   Pomatomus saltatrix                 26.6       0.6           9    Pomatomus saltatrix               42.9       0.8         14
                                                                                                                                                     Theuthidida myopsid               35.9       0.7
                                                                                                                                                     Cynoscio regatis                  35.9       0.7         74
                                                                                                                                                     Centropristis striata             34.0       0.6      113   4:.
                                                                                                                                                     Menticirrhus saxatilis            33.7       0.6         71 CA
                                                                                                                                                     Pogonias cromis                   21.3       0.4         1
                                                                                                                                                     Carcharhinus spp.                 17.9       0.3
                                                                                                                                                     Acipenser oxyrhynchus             17.5       0.3         <1

                  Dec (rr-1)                                                       Dec 0=12)                                                         Dec 0=16)
                  Micropogonias undutatus            336.1      78.0     1,756     Paratichthyï¿½ dentatus            1,254.9      55.8     1,484      Paratichthys dentatus           2,523.5     84.2    2,978
                  Paratichthys dentatus              64.8       15.1          87   Lotig Pealii                       364.3      16.2                Busycon spp.                     123.8       4.1         -
                  Leiostomus xanthurus                7.8        1.8          70   Cynoscion regatis                  297.3      13.2        459     Pomatomus saltatrix               85.5       2.8         13
                  Lotig pq#W                          7.7        1.8          -    Pomatomus sattatrix                 108.2      4.8           73   Loligo pealii                     81.0       2.7         -
                  Sphoeroides macuiatus               5.0        1.2          -    Sphoeroides macutatus               70.4       3.1         197    Morone saxatitis                  52.2       1.7         9
                  Cynosci     regatis                 3.6        0.8          -    Busyco spp.                         46.3       2.1           -    Sphoeroides maculatus             39.9       1.3         -
                  14enticirrhus spp.                  3.2        0.7               Henticirrhus sp.                    46.0       2.0                Menticirrhus americanus           16.4       0.5         88
                                                                                   Acipenser oxyrhynchus               10.3       0.5           <1   Sciaenops ocetlatus               10.0       0.3         1
                                                                                   Centropristis striata               10.0       0.5           4    Peprilus triacanthus               9.1       0.3         7
                                                                                   SerioLa dumeriti                     8.7       0.4           <1   Menticirrhus spp.                  8.0       0.3         7
                                                                                   Menticirrhus saxatitis               8.0       0.4           21   Cynoscion regalis                  7.5       0.2         6
                                                                                   Pepritus triacanthus                 6.8       0.3           53   Centropristis striata              7.3       0.2         14











               TabLe 4. (Continued).


                                                                     Mean                                                              Mean                                                          Mean
                                                   Weight (kg)         no.                                          Weight (kq)          no.                                         Weight (kq)       no.
               Species                          Mean      Percent    fish       species                          Mean      Percent     fish      Species                           mean    Percent   fish


               Jan (rr-5)                  Jan (no sanpLes)                        Jan (n=7)
               Paratichthys dentatus            3,247.6      92.5    3,899                                                                       Paratichthys   dentatus,        4,407.5     90.8    7,854
               Win Peatil                         105.6      3.0                                                                                 Lotigo Peatii                     220.5      4.5       146
               Carcharhimis sp.                   66.9       1.9                                                                                 Unidentified scrapfish             50.9      1.0
               Busycon sp.                        27.2       0.8                                                                                 Menticirrhus americanus            30.1      0.6       137
               Pomatomus sattatrix                22.2       0.6          4                                                                      Menticirrhus   saxatitis           29.5      0.6       123
               Lophlus americanus                 19.0       0.5          17                                                                     Busyc    spp.                      23.3      0.5'
                                                                                                                                                 Octopus                            20.4      0.4
                                                                                                                                                 Pornatomus sattatrix               18.2      0.4          6
                                                                                                                                                 Cynoscion reAaHs                   15.5      0.3          12

               Feb (n=9)                                                        Feb (n=3)                                                        Feb 0=10)
               Paratichthys dentatus            2,239.5      85.6    2,317      Paralichthys dentatus           1,398.6       66.3     2,199     Paratichthys clentatus          4,241.3     87.9    6,877
               Lotigo Peatli                      171.7      6.6          13    Lotigo Pealii                     368.8       17.5               Lophius americanus                287.8      6.0          -
               Centropristis striata              98.8       3.8         210    Lophius americanus                113.4        5.4               Busyc    sp.                      134.5      2.8
               Mustetus canis                     46.5       1.8                Sicyonia brevirostris              45.4        2.2               LoliA Peatii                       60.9      1.3
               Lophius americanus                 34.5       1.3          10    Cynoscion regalis                  31.8        1.5           17  Carcharhinidae                     43.1      0.9          -
               Fomatomus sattatrix                16.2       0.6          4     Sphoeroides macutatus              30.2        1.4               Centropristis striata              34.3      0.7          74
                                                                                Centropristis striata              24.3        1.2           5
                                                                                Paratichthys atbigutta             23.8        1.1           40
                                                                                Micropogonias undulatus            14.0        0.9           36
                                                                                Menticirrhus saxatilis                         0.7           86                                                               4N
                                                                                Archosargus Probatocephalus         7.6        0.6           5                                                                %4
                                                                                Menticirrhus sp.                    7.2        0.4           -
                                                                                Menticirrhus americanus             5.2        0.3           22


               Mar (n=l)                                                        Mar (n=l)                                                        Mar (rr-2)
               Paratichthys dentatus            1,969.5     100.0    2,643      Sphaeroides nocutatus           2,211.3       53.3           -   Paratichthys clentatus          1,993.3     81.7    3,452
                                                                                Paratichthys dentatus           1,064.4       25.6     1,675     Centropristis striata             158.7      6.5       983
                                                                                Archosargus Probatocephatus       408.2        9.8       127     Lophius americanus                108.2      4.4
                                                                                Micropogonias undutatus           219.1        5.3       918     LoLigo Peatii                      95.3      3.9
                                                                                Menticirrhus saxatitis             98.8        2.4               Pomatornus sattatrix               78.1      3.2          21
                                                                                Menticirrhus sp.                   54.4        1.3           2
                                                                                Acipenser oxyrhynchus              50.3        1.2

               Apr (no sampLes)                                                 Apr (n=2)                                                        Apr (n=l)
                                                                                Sphoeroides waculatus           1,797.0       30.2     2,498     Paratichthys dentatus           6,756.5     87.5    8,861
                                                                                Paratichthys dentatus           1,500.3       25.2     7,481     Cynosci     regatis               272.2      3.5    1,007
                                                                                MicropoAonias undulatus           915.5       15.4     7,041     Sphoeroides maculatus             181.4      2.4
                                                                                Leiostmus xanthurus               443.4        7.4               Pepritu triacanthus               147.4      1.9
                                                                                Archosargus Probatocephatus       403.0        6.8               Menticirrhus saxatitis            144.8      1.9       366
                                                                                Loliao Pealii                     249.6        4.2     2,739     Pomatornus sattatrix               73.5      0.9
                                                                                Pepritus triacanthus              182.9        3.1           35  Lotig Peatii                       56.7      0.7
                                                                                Mustelus canis                    102.0        1.7       553     Centropristis striata              43.1      0.6       155
                                                                                Cynoscion regatis                  85.3        1.4       447
                                                                                Menticirrhus americamis            79.6        1.3       216
                                                                                Menticirrhus saxatilis             65.1        l.i
                                                                                Centropristis striata              60.1        1.0









                        Table 5      Seasonal mean catch/trip (kg/trip) and catch/day (kg/day) for the dominant species in the 1982-91 nearshore f lounder trawl fishery, including
                                     the species percent of the total weight of the catches sampled.


                                                                                                                                                                                          9-season
                                                                                                                                Season                                                      wean
                        Species                                       1982-83       1983-84      1984-85      1985-86       1986-87      1987-88      1988-89      1989-90     1990-91      CPUE

                        Paratichthys dentatus           kg/trip         @5,584        9,867       8,312         3,359        3,101         4,137        3,134        2,285       3,679      4,829
                                                        kg/day          2,261         2,219       1,652           762          787          996          713          526         711       1,180
                                                          %             93.7          93.3          88.6        74.2           62.0         81.5         91.7         68.5        85.2

                        Cynoscion regatis               kg/trip          203           248          345           504        1,213          355            18         149          20          340
                                                        kg/day             85           57           56           114          305           85              4         30            4         82
                                                          %              3.4           2.4          3.7         11.1           24.3         7.0          0.5          4.5         0.5

                        Loliq PeaM                      kg/trip            85          131          209           106          128           78            74         236         100          129
                                                        kg/day             35           30           40            26           33           19              1         49          19          30
                                                          %              1.4           1.3          2.3           2.4          2.6          1.5          2.2          7.1         2.3

                        Pomatomus sattatrix             kg/trip            30          125          202           118          153          220            25          56          47          109
                                                        kg/day             13           29           24            27           36           53              6         13            9         23
                                                          %              0.5           1.2          2.1           2.6          3.1          4.3          0.7          1.7         1.1

                        Menticirrhus saxatitis          kg/trip            29             8            5           43           17             7           <1          30          24          18
                                                        kg/day               B            2            1            9             B            2             <           7           3            5
                                                          %              0.5           0.1          0.1           1.0          0.3          0.1          0.1          0.9         0.6

                        Menticirrhus americanus         kg/trip            <1             3            5           41           14           18            <1          17          27          14
                                                        kg/day             <1             1            1            8             7            5           <1            2           5            4        0
                                                          %             <0.1          <0.1          0.1           1.0          0.3          0.4          0.1          0.5         0.6

                        Pepritus triacanthus            kq/trip              4          30             8           21           36           13              1         20          19          17
                                                        kg/day               1            7            1            5             8            3           <1            1           2            3
                                                          %              0.1           0.3          0.1           0.5          0.7          0.3          0.3          0.6         0.4

                        Acip2nser oxyrhynchus           kg/trip              7            7          17             7             7            6             1           6           8            7
                                                        kg/day               3            2            2            2             2            1           <1            1           2            2
                                                          %              0.1           0.1          0.2           0.2          0.1          0.1          0.3          0.2         0.2

                        Lophius americantis             kg/trip              1         100           91            18           20           24            14          15          65          38
                                                        kg/day             <1           23             5            4             5            6             3           3         13             8
                                                          %             <0.1           1.0          1.0           0.4          0.4          0.5          0.4          0.4         1.5

                        Paratichthys tethostigma        kq1trip            12             0          12             2             7          49              1           1         14          10
                                                        kg/day               5                         3           <1             2          12            <1          <1            3            3
                                                          %              0.2                        0.2         <0.1           0.1          1.0          0.3          <0.1        0.3

                        Micropogonfas undutatus         kg/trip              2            4            8           59          165           32            14          81            2         41
                                                        kg/day             <1             1            1           13           24             8             3           3         <1             6
                                                          %             <0.1          <0.1          0.1           1.3          3.3          0.6          0.4          2.4         <0.1

                        Totals                          kg/trip         5,957        10,523       9,214         4,278        4,861         4,939        3,282       2,896        4,005      5,551
                        (11 species)                    kg/day          2,411         2,371       1,786           970        1,217         1,190         747          635         T71       1,346
                                                          %             99.9          99.7          98.5        94.7           97.2         97.3         96.9        86.8         92.7


















                  Table 6. Species composition, mean weight (kg), and mean number of fish (Mean no. fish) per catch for the top 99% by weight of the deepwater catches for
                             October 1985 through April 1988, including number of catches sampled (n).

                                                                    Mean                                                       Mean                                                     Mean
                                                   Weight (kq)  '   no.                                       Weight (kq)        no.                                    Weight (kg)     no.
                  Species                          Mean      %      fish     Species                          Mean      %      fish     Species                         Mean      %     fish

                  1988-89  (rr-33)                                           1989-1990 0=45)                                            1990-91  (rr-13)

                  Paratichthys dentatus          4,052.7     72.0   5,803    ParaLichthys dentatus          1,674.2    39.2    1,920    Stenotomus chrysops           3,598.9     39.7  17,606
                  Wig Pealij                       813.8     14.4            Centropristis striata          1,044.5    24.5    3,606    Paratichth    dentatus        2,118.0     23.3    3,551
                  Centropristis striata            485.0     8.6    1,345    Lolig peatij                     712.4    16.7         -   Scomber scombrus              2,095.6     23.1    4,985
                  Stenotomus chrysops              107.3     1.9       628   Stenotomus chrysops              603.0    14.1    2,382    Lotig peatii                    419.9     4.6
                  Pomatomus sattatrix                61.1    1.1       24    Lophius americanus                59.5     1.4         16  Centropristis striata           142.2     1.6      233
                  Scomber scombrus                   32.0    0.6       90    Pomatomus saltatrix               31.4     0.7         21  Lophius americanus              139.4     1'. 5     95
                  Lophjus; americanus                27.6    0.5       16    Pepritus triacanthus              29.9     0.7       203   Peprilus triacanthus            126.9     1.4     1,187
                                                                             Cynoscion regatis                 27.2     0.6         21  Mertuccius bitinearis           104.7     1.1      241
                                                                             Merluccius bitinearis             26.8     0.6         40  Unidentified scrapfish            87.2    1.0                   4@o
                                                                             Carcharhinus spp.                 14.4     0.3             Ctupea harengus                   65.6    0.7      430
                                                                                                                                        Pomatomus sattatrix               64.6    0.7       68









                     Table 7.        Monthly species composition (top 99%) and mean catch/trip of deepwater catches sanipted December 1988 through April 1991; n                                          nunber of catches sanpled.

                                                                                Mean                                                                         Mean                                                                      Mean
                                                             WeiSht (kg)        no.                                                     WeiAht (kq)    -      no.                                                  WeiAht (kg).        no.
                     Species                              Mean      Percent     fish       Species                                   Mean      Percent        fish    Species                                   Mean       Percent     fish

                     Dec 1988                                                              Dec 1989
                     (n=7)                                                                 (n=4)
                     Paratichthys dentatus               4,999.4       75.9     7,316      Paratichthys dentatus                    2,060.8       65.5     2,500
                     Lotig peatii                        1,207.5       18.3            -   Lotigo Peatii                              817.8       26.0
                     Pomatomus sattatrix                   164.1         2.5           51  Cynoscion regatis                            77.5        2.5           79
                     Centropristis striata                 137.0         2.1        131    Pomatomus saltatrix                          52.7        1.7           9
                     Cynosci      regatis                    40.2        0.6           30  Centropristis strista                        48.5        1.5           57
                                                                                           Acipenser oxyrhynchus                        20.4        0.7           1
                                                                                           Stenotomus chrysops                          12.6        0.4
                                                                                           Menticirrhus spp.                              9.9       0.3
                                                                                           Seriota durwriti                               8.4       0.3           CI


                     Jan 1989                                                              Jan 1990                                                                   Jan 1990
                     (rr-B)                                                                (n--20)                                                                    (n=2)
                     Paratichthys dentatus               6,690.6       87.2     9,557      Paratichthys dentatus                    2,308.8       58.0     2,663      ParaLichthys dentatus                    4,941,8        87.6     8,416
                     Lotig Peatii                          646.9         8.4           -   Lotigo peatii                              869.9       21.9                Lotig peatii                                232.5        4.1           -
                     Centropristis striata                 176.1         2.3        208    Centropristis striata                      552.5       13.9     1,478      Centropristis striata                       213.2        3.8        202
                     Pomatomus sattatrix                     54.4        0.7           12  Stenotomus chrysops                          62.1        1.6       159     Lophius americanus                          157.9        2.8           -
                     Lophius americanus                      28.0        0.4           24  T-ophjus afne-r-T-canus                      52.6        1.3               Mertuccius bitinearis                        47.7        0.8           -
                     Stenotomus chrysops                     26.4        0.3           36  Mertuccius biLinearis                        28.2        0.7               Stenotomus chrysops                          23.8        0.4          96
                                                                                           Wenidia beryttina                            23.9        0.6
                                                                                           Cynoscion regalis                            19.9        0.5           14
                                                                                           Pepritus triacanthus                         18.4        0.5           34                                                                           Ln
                                                                                           Pomatomus sattatrix                          14.0        0.4           2                                                                            CD


                     Feb                                                                   Feb                                                                        Feb
                     (rr-9)                                                                (n=9)                                                                      (n--2)
                     Paratichthys dentatus               3,683.3       71.3     4,681      Centropristis striata                    2,596.2       54.3     8,929      Paralichthys dentatus                    4,577.3        79.2     7,372
                     jakie pea i i i                       651.3       12.6            -   Paratichthys dentatus                    1,573.2       32.9     1,686      Lotig peatii                                467.2        8.1
                     Centropristis striata                 628.7       12.2     1,700      Loticio Peatii                             20.6          5.0               Lophius americanus                          449.5        7.8        402
                     Stenotoous chrysops                     97.6        1.9        480    Stenotomus chrysops                        151.8         3.2       636     Centropristis striata                       215.0        3.7        646
                     Lophjus americanus                      43.3        0.8           16  Fo;h-ius ame-ric-a-nus                     110.4         2.3           61  Busyc     spp.                               57.2        1.0
                     Poinatomus sattatrix                    29.7        0.6           17  Pepritus triacanthus                         67.7        1.4       545


                     Mar                                                                   Mar                                                                        Mar
                     (n=7)                                                                 (n=8)                                                                      (n=3)
                     Paratichthys dentatus               1,420.4       48.1     2,634      Stenotoms chrysop                        2,538.5       52.2     9,958      Stenotomus chrysops                      8,642.3        81.2    38,410
                     Centropristis striata                 748.2       25.3     2,377      Centropristis striata                      775.7       16.0     3,749      Paralichthys dentatus                    1,171.7        11.0     2,181
                     Lotig Peatii                          716.5       24.3            -   Paratichthys dentatus                      702.8       14.5        861     Pepritus triacanthus                        306.8        2.9     2,389
                     Stenotomus chrysops                     29.0        1.0           90  Lotigo peatii                              573.0       11.8                Scomber scoffibrus                          179.9        1.7
                     Lophius americanus                      28.0        1.0           13  Lophius americanus                           57.0        1.2               Lophius americanus                          131.1        1.2        142
                                                                                           Cynoscio regatis                             47.6        1.0           29  LoHA Peatil                                  80.6        0.8
                                                                                           Mertuccius bitinearis                        46.6        1.0       197     Centropristis striata                        65.1        0.6          99
                                                                                           Pepritus triacanthus                         43.7        0.9       433











              Tabie 7. (Continued).


                                                               mean                                                             Mean                                                         Mean
                                                eight (kq)     no.                                                             no.                                                           no.
              Species                        Mean    Percent   fish     Species                            Mean     Percent     fish   Se2cies                            Mean     Percent   fish

              Apr                                                       Apr                                                            Apr
              (n=2)                                                     (n=4)                                                          (rr-6)
              Centropristis striata         1,371.2     24.7   4,932    Centropristis striata              1,546.9     34.5    5,532   Scomber scombrus                   4,450.6     42.3   10,800
              Lolig Peatii                  1,125.9     20.2         -  Loligo peatii                      1,157.5     25.8            Stenotomus chrysops                3,468.6     33.0   18,909
              Stenotopus chrysops           1,117.8     20.1   7,813    Stenotmus chrysops                 1,054.5     23.5    4,661   Paratichthys dentatus               828.7      7.9    1,341
              Paratichthys dentatus         1,063.0     19.8   1,660    ParaLi@-h-thys dentatus              284.8     6.4       276   Wig Peatii                          636.3      6.1         -
              Scomber scombrus                 528.2     9.5   1,489    Carcharhinus sp.                     162.4     3.6             Mertuccius bilinearis               209.1      2.0       521
              Prionotus sp.                    96.4      1.7   1,501    Poffetomus saltatrix                 155.8     3.5       163   Unidentified scrapfish              189.0      1.8         -
              Pomatomus saltatrix              75.7      1.4        82  Meriuccius bilinearis                 37.2     0.8             Ctupea harengus                     142.2      1.3       932
              Mertucclus bitinearis            46.9      0.8       120  Lophius americanus                    36.2     0.8             Pomatomus saltatrix                 135.5      1.3       147
              Lophlus amerl anus               34.7      0.6        25                                                                 Centropristis striata               132.8      1.3       173
                                                                                                                                       Pepritus triacanthus                121.0      1.1    11372











            Table B. Seasonal mean catch/trip (kg/trip) and catch/day (kg/day) for the dominant species in the 1982-91 deepwater trawl fishery, including the species percent
                       (%) of the total weight of the catches sampled.

                                                                                                                                                                                           9-season
                                                                                                                  Season                                                                      mean
            Species                                          1982-83        1983-84       1984-85        1985-86       1986-87        1987-88       1988-89        1989-90     1990-91        CPUE

            Stenotomis chrysops               kg/trip         9,709          3,970         2,003          1,638         3,736            707            107          603        3,599         2,897
                                              kg/day          2,836          1,232            397           282           852            149             21          100           535          712
                                                %               72.8          40.5           17.3          22.7          38.3           10.8            1.9         14.1          39.7

            Paratichthys dentatus             kq/trip         1,377          .2,862        4,434          2,527         2,357          3,680          4,053        1,674        2,118         2,786
                                              kg/day             408           492            749           434           537            778            789          275           399          540
                                                %               10.3          29.2           38.2          35.0          24.2           56.2          72.0          39.2          23.4

            Centroprfstis striate             kq/trip         1,314          1,487         3,449          1,888         2,566          1,398            485        1,044           142        1,530
                                              kg/day             199           334            563           324           585            296             94          179            27          288
                                                %                9.9          15.2           29.7          26.2          26.3           21.4            8.6         24.5           1.6

            Lotig PeaHi                       kg/trip            669           889         1,043            591           489            268            814          712           420          655
                                              kg/day              78           137            177           101           112             57            158          118            79          113
                                                %                5.0           9.1            9.0           8.2           5.0            4.1          14.4          16.7           4.6

            Pomatomus sattatrix               kg/trip            184           116            193           317           185            346             61           31            65          166
                                              kg/day              35            40             13            54             42            73             12             5           12           32
                                                %                1.4           1.2            1.7           4.4           1.9            5.3            1.1          0.7           0.7

            Lophius americamis                kg/trip             31            25            132            55             75            56             28           59           139           66      PQ
                                              kg/day               9              3            23              9            17            12               5          10            26           13
                                                %                0.2           0.3            1.1           0.8           0.8            0.9            0.5          1.4           1.5

            Pepritus triacanthus              kg/trip             21           255             55            27             70              4            21           31           127           67
                                              kg/day               4            85             12              5            16              1              1            5           12           16
                                                %                0.2           2.6            0.5           0.4           0.7            0.1          <0.1           0.7           1.4

            Mertuccius bitinearis             kg/trip             17            62             23            13             63            21               8          27           105           37
                                              kg/day               5            19               1             2            14              4              2            5           20             8
                                                %                0.1           0.6            0.2           0.2           0.6            0.3            0.1          0.6           1.1

            Totals                            kg/trip         13,322         9,666         11,332         7,056         9,541          6,480          5,558        4,181        6,715         8,205
            (8 species)                       kg/day          3,574          2,342         1,935          1,211         2,175          1,370          1,082          693        1,110         1,721
                                                %               99.9          98.7           97.7          97.9          97.8           99.1          98.7          97.9          74.0










                   Table 9. Species composition, mean weight (kg) and mean number of fish per trip, of the top 99% (by weight) of fLynet catches sampled from October 1988 through
                                April 1991, including number of catches sampled (n).

                                                       Mean                                                                  Mean                                                                   Mean
                                                       catch                   Mean                                          catch                   Mean                                           catch                 Mean
                                                       weight                  no.                                           weight                  no.                                             weight               no.
                   Species                             (kg)       % TW         fish       Species                            (kg)         % TW       fish       Species                              (kg)      % TW       fish


                   1988-89    (rr-38)                                                     1988-89   (rr-42)                                                     1990-91 0=40)
                   Cynoscim regatis                  3,999.4        39.4      15,355      Cynoscion regatis                  4,502.7      35.8       16,397     Cynoscion regatis                  6,412.1      56.6     42,238
                   Micropogonias undutatus           2,738.4        27.0      19,230      Scomber scombrus                   2,660.0      21.2       9,131      Leiostomus xanthurus                1,088.7      9.6     19,825
                   Leiostomis xanthurus              1,325.5        13.1      21,449      Micropogonias undutatus            2,602.8      20.7       19,514     Micropogonias undutatus             1,068.2      9.4     11,269
                   Pomatomus sattatrix                  878.6        8.7          743     Pomatomus sattatrix                  971.6       7.7       1,069      Pomatomus sattatrix                  605.0       5.3      1,545
                   Pepritus triacanthus                 250.5        2.5       4,705      Lejostomus xanthurus                 927.1       7.4       12,994     Pepritus triacanthus                 490.0       4.3      8,361
                   Lagodon rhomboides                   187.3        1.8       1,260      Pepritus triacanthus                 189.7       1.5       3,529      Brevoortia tyrannus                  338.5       3.0      2,498
                   Menticirrhus americanus              115.2        1.1          501     Stenotomus caprinus                   89.1       0.7       2,393      Lagod     rhomboides                 285.4       2.5      8,797
                   Stenotomius sp.                      109.2        1.1       2,753      Bairdietta chrysoura                  78.2       0.6       1, T78     Scomber scombrus                     187.9       1.7         470
                   Lotiq Peatii                          73.8        0.7          16      Lotigo Peatii                         69.2       0.6           118    Menticirrhus saxatilis               151.4       1.3      1,052
                   Pogonias cromis                       63.9        0.6             -    Urophycis Lnja                        65.8       0.5           718    Menticirrhus americanus                94.1      0.8         529
                   Carcharhinus sp.                      48.8        0.5             -    Lagodon rhomboldes                    51.7       0.4       1,278      Scomberomorus macutatus                84.3      0.7         410
                   Paratfchthys dentatus                 40.3        0.4          84      Brevoortia tyramus                    38.8       0.3           175    Pepritus atepidotus                    82.6      0.7      1,894
                   Menticirrhus saxatitis                40.4        0.4          262     Carcharhinus sp.                      36.2       0.3                  Stenotomus caprinus                    82.4      0.7      1,645
                   Bairdiella chrysoura                  36.4        0.4          530     Menticirrhus saxatilis                32.0       .0.3          268    Anchoa hepsetus                        43.5      0.4      3,133
                   Brevoorti tyrannus                    33.1        0.3          241     Menticirrhus americanus               30.4       0.2           308    Unidentified scrapfish                 40.9      0.4               Ln
                   orthopristis chrysoptera              25.0        0.3          643     Orthopristis chrysoptera              29.5       0.2           564    Sphoeroides macuiatus                  39.1      0.3         81
                   Archosargus Probatocephalus           18.4        0.2             4    Scomberomorus maculatus               18.6       0.2           35     Bairdietta chrysoura                   37.3      0.3         @61
                   Stenotomus chrysops                   18.2        0.2          499     Prionotus evotans                     15.6       0.1           296    Mentfcirrhus spp.                      22.8      0.2
                   Galaocerdo, cuvieri                   17.9        0.2                  Pepritus alepidotus                   15.5       0.1           330    orthopristis chrysoptera               21.2      0.2         493
                   Centropristis striata                 12.5        0.1          59      Stenotomus chrysops                   14.2       0.1           308    Ctupea harengus                        20.9      0.2      1,960
                   Cephatopoda                           12.3        0.1          28      Scomberomorus cavalta                 12.7       0.1             5    Lophius americanus                     18.7      0.2         12
                   Rachycentro cana                        9.2       0.1             1








                  Table 10.         Species coffposition, mean weight (kg), and mean mmber of fish per trip of the top 99% (by weight) of the ftynet catches partitioned by area fished,
                                    from October 1988 through April 1991, including rurber of catches saffpted (n).


                                                    Mean                                                                  Mean                                                                    Mean
                                                    catch                 Mean                                            catch                  Mean                                             catch              Mean
                                                    weight                no.                                             weight                 no.                                              weight             no.
                  Species                           (kq)       % TW       fish         Species                            (kg)        % TW       fish       Smcies                                (kq)      % TW     fish

                                                                                                        NORTH OF CAPE     HATTERAS

                  1988-89 (rr-23)                                                      1989-90   0=29)                                                      1990-91 (rr-12)

                  Cynoscion regalia                3,947.3      35.0        9,510      Cynosci     regatis              4,081.2       29.9       7,855      Cynoscion regatis                 5,809.2       49.5     30,162
                  Micropogonias undulatus          3,353.2      29.8       19,851      Scomber   scombrus               3,841.5       28.2      13,224      Micropogonias undutatus           1,530.6       13.1     13,352
                  Lelostomus xanthurus             1,432.4      12.7       20,195      Micropogonias undutatus          3,114.2       22.8      21,175      Pomatomus saltatrix               1,()91.0      9.3         620
                  pomatmus sattatrix               1,340.9      11.9          837      Pcxnatomus salt@-trjx            1,112.4         8.2         952     Ee-iostomus xanthurus                 962.1     8.3      11,260
                  Peprilus triacanthus               351.7        3.1       6,701      Leiostomus xanthurus                574.1        4.2      5, 775     Scoffber scombrus                     626.2     5.3      1,568
                  Stenotomus sp.                     180.4        1.6       4,549      Pepritus triacanthus                197.9        1.4      3,506      Pepritus triacanthus                  409.8     3.5      7,319
                  Lotig peaiii                       121.9        1.1             -    Stenotomus caprinus                 129.1        0.9      3,466      Scomberomorus macutatus               252.8     2.1      1,218
                  Menticirrhu americanus               87.8       0.8         359        tigo peatij                        94.3        0.7          94     Pepriius atepidotus                   210.9     1.8      5,009
                  Carcharhimis sp.                     80.6       0.7             -    Zarcharhinus sp.                     70.3        0.5         628     Stenotomus caprinus                   158.2     1.4      2,878
                  Pogonias cromis                      64.5       0.6             -    6-rthopristis   chrysoptera          51.9        0.4            -    We-nticirrhus americanus              80.8      0.7         419
                  Paratichthys dentatus                63.8       0.6         133      ic-;iZeromorus maculatus             41.6        0.3         790     Clupea harengus                       69.7      0.6      6,535
                  Stenotomus chrysops                  30.1       0.3         825      Pepritus atepidotus                  26.9        0.2          51     Lophjus awericanus                    61.8      0.5         40
                  Fa-teocerdo cuvieri                  29.6       0.3          <1      Prionotus evolans                    22.4        0.2         477     Orthopristis chrysoptera              61.8      0.5      1,413
                  Orthopristis chrysoptera             29.3       0.3         590      Menticirrhus saxatilis               20.7        0.2         421     Brevoortia tyrannus                   38.9      0.3         144
                  Centropristis striata                20.5       0.2          88      Scomber sp.                          19.6        0.2         161     Lotiq peaLii                          37.4      0.3         113
                  Rachycentro canadun                  15.1       0.1             1    icomberomorus cavatta                18.3        0.1            -    Merluccius bitinearis                 33.7      0.3         160   Lq
                  Scoffberomorus cavalta               14.0       0.1             4    -nticirrhus americanus               17.9        0.1            7         oa hepsetus                      31.3      0.3      3,446    4@b
                                                                                       Sphaeroides maculatus                16.7        0.1          99     Chaetodipterus faber                  29.4      0.3         510
                                                                                       Centropristis striata                16.5        0.1         384     Menticirrhus saxatilis                27.3      0.2         146
                                                                                       Stenotomus chrysops                  13.9        0.1         147     Carcharhinidae                        24.0      0.2         <1
                                                                                                                                                            Opisthonema ogtin                     22.0      0.2         887
                                                                                                                                                            Bairdielta chrysoura                  19.2      0.2         213

                                                                                                    CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT
                  (rr-9)                                                               (n=9) .                                                              0=25)
                  Cynoscion regalis                3,349.0      74.1       17,735      Cynosci     regatis              6,845.3       54.6      43,5V       Cynosci      regatis              6,074.7       57.4     46,144
                  Leiostomus xanthurus               272.3        6.0       9,711      Leiostomus xanthurus             2,092.8       16.7      35,026      Lejostomus xanthurus              1,078.3       10.2     22,604
                  micropogonias undutatus            258.9        5.7       4,635      Micropogonies undutatus;         1,502.6       12.0      17,113      Micropogonias undutatus               957.6     9.1      11,287
                  Pomatomus saltatrix                236.8        5.2         620      P(xnat(xnus satt@t-rix              899.4        7.2      1,266      Pepritus triacanthus                  578.6     5.4      9,708
                  Pogonfas cromis                    105.1        2.3          <1      Bairdietta-chrysoura                347.4        2.a      8,035      Pornatamus saitatrix                  434.0     4.1      2,089
                  Archosaraus [)robatocephatus         52.4       1.2         160      Pepritus triacanthus                229.2        1.8      5,048      Lagod     rhomboides                  425.4     4.0      13,037
                  Menticirrhus americanus              43.3       1.0       1,332      Brevoortia tyrannus                 173.6        1.4         756     Brevoortia tyrannus                   283.5     2.7      2,617
                  Lagodon rhomboides                   36.0       0.8       4,069      Lagodon rhomboides                  117.3        0.9      3,316      Menticirrhus saxatitis                229.2     2.2      1,612
                  Peprilus triecanthus                 33.1       0.7       2,836      Menticirrhus americanus              84.0        0.7      1,118      Menticirrhus americanus               111.8     1.1         645
                  Bairdleit chrysoura                  32.5       0.7       4,247      Menticirrhus saxatitis               82.6        0.7         731     Unidentified scrapfish                58.1      0.5            -
                  Brevoortfs tyramus                   23.9       0.5       1,633      Urophycjs Lffljq                     80.4        0.6      1,328      Sphoeroides maculatus                 57.6      0.5         60
                  Acipenser oxyrhynchus                16.9       0.4             3                                                                         Stenotomus caprinus                   55.9      0.5      1,251
                  Sciaenops ocettatus                  16.4       0.4          11                                                                           Anchoa hepsetus                       54.1      0.5      3,327
                                                                                                                                                            Bairdietta chrysoura                  42.4      0.4         874
                                                                                                                                                            Menticirrhus spp.                     32.6      0.3            -










                 Tabte 10. (Continued).

                                                Mean                                                          Mean                                                          Mean
                                                catch              Mean                                       catch                Mean                                     catch              Mean
                                                weight             no.                                        weight               no.                                       weight            no.
                 Species                        (kg)      % TW      fish       Species                        (kg)       % TW      fish      Species                         (kg)-    % TW     fish

                                                                                               WEST OF CAPE   LOOKOUT

                 1988-89 (rr-6)                                                1989-90 (n=4)                                                 1990-91 (rr-3)
                 Cynosclon regatis             5,174.7      36.2    34,190     Cynoscion regatis             2,287.8     45.5      17,306    Cynosci    regatis            11,634.3   72.9     57,986
                 Micropogonias undutatus       4,100.9      28.6    38,783     Micropogonias undutatus       1,369.8     27.2      12,880    Brevoortia tyrannus            1,995.0   12.5     10,917
                 Leiostomus xanthurus          2,495.4      17.4    43,864     Lejostomus xanthurus             863.5    17.2      15,763    Leiostomus xanthurus           1,681.8   10.5     30,932
                 hagodon rhomboldes            1,124.2      7.8      7,120     Lagodon rhomboides               248.1     4.9      5,619     Lagodon rhomboides               255.2    1.6     8,518
                 Menticirrhu americanus          309.2      2.2      1,518     Pomatomus saltatrix              112.9     2.3      1,466     Micropogonias urxlulatus         140.9    0.9     2,788
                 Henticirrhus saxatitis          215.7      1.5      1,459     Pepritus triacanthus              41.1     0.8         281    Pmatoms saltatrix                 86.0    0.5        707
                 Pepritus tplacanthus            188.4      1.3      3,638     Bairdietla chrysoura              39.3     0.8         590    Pepritus triacanthus              72.8    0.5     1,309
                 Brevoorti tyramus               170.6      1.2      1,235     Menticirrhys sp.                  34.0     0.7           0
                 Balrdlett chrysoura             170.0      1.2      2,540
                 Pomatomus sattatrI4              69.0      0.5        564
                 Lotig sp.                        66.4      0.5        175
                 Orthopristis chrysoptera         45.8      0.3      1,814
                 Odontapsfs taurus                45.4      0.3
                 Archosargus probatocephatus      36.6      0.3




                                                                                                                                                                                                       Ln
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Ln



                                                                                  56                                                                    1
                   Table 11.     Monthly species composition and mean catch/trip of dominant species (top 99% by weight) in fLynet catches from
                                 October 1988 through ApriL 1991, by area; n-number of catches sampled.
                                                                                                                                                        a
                                                     Weight                                        Weight                                         Weight
                   Species                      Mean        %      Species                     Mean         %     Species                    Mean       %

                   NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS                          CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT                  WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT



                   October 1988 (n=3)
                   Micropogonias undulatus      6,828.2    41.3
                   Leiostomus xanthurus         3,308.5    20.0
                   Cynoscion   regalis          2,421.7    14.7
                   Peprilus triacanthus         1,334.4     8.1
                   Stenotomus sp.               1,260.5     7.6
                   Pogonias cromis                267.5     1.6
                   Pomatomus saltatrix            260.0     1.6


                   November (n=5)                                                                                  (n=l)
                   Micropogonias undulatus       11,172.6    53.9                                                   Leiostomus xanthurus          9,944.8    45.6
                   Leiostomus xanthurus         4,349.3    21.0                                                   Cynoscion regalis             7,535.2    34.6
                   Cynoscion regalis              3,296.3    15.9                                                   Micropogonias undulatus       2,040.4    14
                   Peprilus triacanthus             476.3     2.3                                                   Lagodon   rhomboides          1,139.4       2
                   Menticirrhus americanus          396.7     1.9                                                   Menticirrhus americanus         725.8    3.3
                   Pomatomus saltatrix              204.9     1.0
                   ParaLichthys dentatus            184.4     0.9


                   December (n=1)                                (n=l)                                          (n=3)
                   Cynoscion regalis          2,812.7    70.1    Cynoscion regalis           1,219.3   88.8    Cynoscion regalis          5,929.0       8
                   Pomatomus saltatrix        1,152.2    28.7    Leiostomus xanthurus           55.5    4.0    Micropogonias undulatus    3,767.6    27.8
                   Paralichthys dentatus         34.9     0.9    ParaLichthys dentatus          51.9    3.8    Lagodon rhomboides         1,849.7    13.7
                                                                 Cynoscion nebulosus             7.7    0.6    Leiostomus xanthurus       1,372.7    l4.ll
                                                                                                               Bairdiella chrysoura         264.5       9
                                                                                                               Menticirrhus americanus      177.9    1.3


                   January 1989 (n=6)                                                                             (n=l)

                   Cynoscion regalis            8,109.3    93.6                                                   Micropogonias unduLatus    4,871.3   44.7
                   Leiostomus xanthurus           212.1     2.4                                                   Cynoscion regalis          4,055.7   37 2
                   Loligo pealii                  151.6     1.7                                                   Brevoortia tyrannus          996.3
                   Paralichthys dentatus           63.6     0.7                                                   Leiostomus xanthurus         556.6
                   Pomatomus saLtatrix             43.4     0.5                                                   Menticirrhus americanus      217.7    2.0

                   February (n=1)                                  (n=l)                                          (n=1) 

                   Cynoscion regalis            4,115.0    58.1    Cynoscion regalis            8,283.2   82.9    Micropogonias undulatus    6,390.9    50.7
                   Peprilus triacanthus         1,664.7    23.5    Micropogonias unduLatus        625.8    6.3    Cynoscion regalis          1,670.7    13.3
                   Loligo pealii                1,224.7    17.3    Pomatomus saltatrix            235.2    2.4    Menticirrhus saxatilis     1,293.8    1
                   Pomatomus saltatrix             22.7     0.3    Brevoortia tyrannus            184.1    1.8    Peprilus triacanthus      1,078.7     8.6
                   ParaLichthus dentatus           21.3     0.3    Bairdiella chrysoura           164.6    1.7    Loligo sp.                   398.2     3.2
                                                                   Menticirrhus americanus        159.6    1.6    Menticirrhus americanus      377.9
                                                                   Leiostomus xanthurus           141.6    1.4    Leiostomus xanthurus         352.9
                                                                   PepriLus triacanthus           133.4    1.3
 



                                                                                       57

                     Table 11. (Continued).
                                                         Weight                                          Weight                                          Weight
                     Species                       Mean        %      Species                      Mean          %    Species                      Mean         %

                     NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS                           CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT                   WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT

                     March (n=7)                  (n=7)
                     Pomatomus saltatrix           3,943.1    64.5    Cynoscion regalis             2,948.4    70.4
                     Cynoscion regaLis             1,636.8    26.8    Leiostomus xanthurus            321.9     7.7
                     Carcharhinus spp.               175.0     2.9    Pomatomus saltatrix             270.9     6.5
                     Micropogonias undulatus         108.8     1.8    Micropogonias unduLatus         243.2     5.8
                     Pogonias cromis                  97.2     1.6    Pogonias cromis                 131.2     3.1
                     Loligo peaLii                    66.6     1.1    Archosargus probatocephalus      67.3     1.6
                                                                      Lagodon rhomboides               46.3     1.1






                     October 1989 (n=4)

                     Micropogonias undulatus       8,396.4    60.3
                     Leiostomus xanthurus          3,118.2    22.4
                     PepriLus triacanthus          1,101.8     7.9
                     Pomatomus saltatrix             432.2     3.1
                     Stenotomus caprinus             249.8     1.8
                     Scomberomorus maculatus         165.1     1.2
                     Cynoscion regaLis               119.0     0.8
                     Carcharhinus sp.                 92.6     0.7


                     November (n=6)

                     Micropogonias undulatus       9,454.6    51.7
                     Cynoscion regalis             5,038.2    27.3
                     Leiostomus xanthurus            695.9     3.8
                     Pomatomus saltatrix             567.2     3.1
                     Stenotomus caprinus             457.3     2.5
                     Urophycis regia                 324.2     1.8
                     LoLigo PeaLii                   288.1     1.6
                     PepriLus triacanthus            201.9     1.1
                     Orthopristis chrysoptera        200.8     1.1


                     December (n=4)                                   (n=l)                                          (n=1)

                     Cynoscion regaLis             9,404.4    69.0    Leiostomus xanthurus       11,758.0   42.1    Micropogonias undulatus   1,093.7   39.9
                     Pomatomus saltatrix           4,231.9    30.9    Cynoscion regalis           6,372.2   22.8    Leiostomus xanthurus        599.3   21.8
                                                                      Micropogonias unduLatus     5,404.6   19.3    Cynoscion regalis           540.0   19.7
                                                                      BairdielLa chrysoura        2,601.3    9.3    Lagodon rhomboides          158.1    5.8
                                                                      Pomatomus saltatrix           729.3    2.6    Pomatomus saltatrix          97.6    3.6
                                                                      Peprilus triacanthus          483.3    1.7    Peprilus triacanthus         68.3    2.5
                                                                                                                    Menticirrhus sp.             68.0    2.5
                                                                                                                    BairdieLLa chrysoura         57.5    2.1


                     January 1990 (n=5)                             (n=l)                                       (n=1)

                     Scomber scombrus         11,577.0    74.2    Pomatomus saLtatrix      7,296.0    97.5     Micropogonias undulatus       3,292.0  38.3
                     Cynoscion regaLis         3,290.3    21.1    SquaLus acanthias          147.4     2.0     Cynoscion regalis             2,905.3  33.8
                     Pomatomus saltatrix         572.1     3.7                                                 Leiostomus xanthurus          1,562.4  18.2
                                                                                                               Lagodan rhomboides              512.5   6.0
                                                                                                               Pomatomus saltatrix             256.6   3.0
 






                                                                                     58

                    TabLe 11. (Continued).

                                                      Weight                                          Weight                                   Weight
                    Species                      Mean        %      Species                     Mean    %          Species               Mean          %

                    NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS                          CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT                  WEST OF  CAPE LOOKOUT

                    February (n=6)                                  (n=3)                                           (n=1)
                    Cynoscion regaLis            5,431.9    79.2    Cynoscion regalis           13,955.7    88.7   Cynoscion regaLis           5,166.0   85.5
                    Scomber scombrus               840.7    12.3    Leiostomus xanthurus           862.6     5.5   Leiostomus xanthurus          693.0    1.5
                    Pomatomus saltatrix            497.3     7.2    Micropogonias undulatus        364.1     2.3   Lagodon rhomboides            163.9     .7
                    LoLigo pealii                   70.8     1.0    Bairdiella chrysoura           147.6     0.9
                                                                    Urophycis regia                137.5     0.9


                    March (n=3)                                      (n=4)

                    Scomber scombrus             16,339.7   89.1    Cynoscion regalis           3,342.2     44.1
                    Pomatomus saltatrix           1,444.8    7.9    Micropogonias unduLatus     1,756.7     23.2
                    SquaLiformes                    293.0    1.6    Leiostomus xanthurus        1,122.4     14.8
                                                                    PepriLus triacanthus          365.0      4.8
                                                                    Brevoortia tyrannus           358.5      4.7
                                                                    Menticirrhus saxatiLis        184.3      2.4
                                                                    Menticirrhus americanus       134.2      1.8


                    ApriL (n=1)

                    Cynoscion regaLis              734.4    63.0
                    Centropristis striata          262.7    22.5
                    Loligo peaLii                   68.0     5.8
                    Scomber scombrus                22.7     1.9
                    Pomatomus saltatrix             21.8     1.9
                    Paralichthys dentatus           20.9     1.8





                    October 1990 (n=3)

                    Leiostomus xanthurus         3,042.6    36.6
                    Micropogonias unduLatus      1,585.2    19.1
                    Cynoscion regalis            1,398.6    16.8
                    Peprilus aLepidotus            293.1     9.5
                    Scomberomorus maculatus        313.8     3.8
                    PepriLus triacanthus           276.0     3.3
                    Stenotomus caprinus            262.5     3.2
                    Chaetodipterus faber            98.5     1.2
                    Pomatomus saltatrix             88.8     1.1


                    November (n=5)                                  November (n=2)

                    Cynoscion regaLis          8,194.6    57.9    Peprilus triacanthus        4,161.1     30.6
                    Micropogonias unduLatus    2,722.2    19.2    Micropogonias undulatus     2,408.5     17.7
                    Peprilus triacanthus         7,665     5.4    Cynoscion regalis           2,353.4     17.3
                    Leiostomus xanthurus         483.6     3.4    Lagodon rhomboides            748.3      5.5
                    Pomatomus saLtatrix          442.3     3.1    Stenotomus caprinus           698.3      5.1
                    Scomberomorus macutatus      418.5     3.0    Sphoeroides maculatus         695.9      5.1
                    Stenotomus caprinus          222.1     1.6    Anchoa hepsetus               538.2      4.0
                    Menticirrhus americanus      163.9     1.2    Leiostomus xanthurus          472.6      3.5
                                                                  Menticirrhus americanus       430.3      3.2
                                                                  Peprilus alepidotus           331.8      2.4
                                                                  Pomatomus saltatrix           322.7      2.4
 







                                                                                       59
                      Table 11. (Continued).            Weight                                           Weight                                         Weight
                      Species                      Mean               Species                      Mean               Species                     Mean          %

                      NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS                          CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT                   WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT

                                                                      December (n=3)
                                                                      Cynoscion regalis            17,282.4     79.4                                                                      
                                                                      Micropogonias undulatus         688.3     3.2
                                                                      Lagodon rhomboides              424.8     1.9
                                                                      Pomatomus saltatrix             390.2     1.8
                                                                      Peprilus triacanthus            242.4     1.1
                                                                      Menticirrhus americanus         171.8     0.8


                      January 1991 (n=2)                               January 1991 (n=3)                             January 1991 (n=20)
                      Cynoscion regalis            12,015.0   69.3    Cynoscion regalis            9,575.7      75.0  Cynoscion regalis           15,949.8    71.2
                      Pomatomius saltatrix          5,250.5   30.3    Leiostomus xanthurus         1,485.6      11.6  Brevoortia tyrannus         2,978.2     13.3
                      Loligo pealii                     40.2    0.2    Lagodon rhomboides              530.7     4.2   Leiostomus xanthurus       2,520.1     11.2
                      Acipenser oxyrhynchus            24.7    0.1    Pomatomus saltatrix             431.6     3.4   Lagodon rhomboides             371.5    1.7
                                                                      PeoriLus triacanthus            296.4     2.3   Micropogonias undutatus        211.4    0.9
                                                                      Brevoortia tyrannu              132.6     1.0   Powtomus saltatrix             129.0    0.6
                                                                      Menticirrhus americanus         124.8     1.0   Pepritu triacanthus            107.4    0.5


                      February (n=l)                                 February (n=8)                                  February (n=l)
                      Cynoscion regalis              512.1    49.2    Cynoscion regalis            3,670.8      50.5  Cynoscion regalis           3,003.3     97.4
                      Lophius americanus             414.6    39.9    Leiostpmus xanthurus            876.8     12.1  Brevoortia tyrannus              28.7   0.9
                      Pomtomus saltatrix             113.0    10.9    Pomatomus saltatrix             859.7     11.8  Lagodon rhomboides               22.7   0.7
                                                                      Menticirrhus saxatiLis          567.5     7.8   Pepritus alepidotus               9.8   0.3
                                                                      Laaodon rhomboides              536.7     7.4
                                                                      Micropogonias undulatus         269.9     3.7
                                                                      PepriLus triacanthus            240.8     3.3


                      March (n=1)                                    March (n=8)
                      Scomber scombrus             7,413.3    80.2    Cynoscion regalis            4,613.1      62.7
                      CLupea harengus                836.3     8.9    Leiostomus xanthurus            938.8     12.8
                      Merluccius bitinearis          403.8     4.3    Brevoortia tyrannus             639.6     8.7
                      Lophius americanus             326.9     3.5    PePrilus triacantnus            325.1     4.4
                      PepriLus triacanthus           254.8     2.7    Lagodon rhomboides            240.6     3.3
                      Lolig pealii                     38.5    0.4    Menticirrhus saxatilis          130.4     1.8
                                                                      Pomatomus saltatrix             107.7     1.5
                                                                      Menticirrhus americanus         102.2     1.4
                                                                      Menticirrhus sp.                98.9      1.3
                                                                      Micropogonias undulatus         46.2      0.6


                                                                      April (n=l)
                                                                      Micropogonias undulatus 14,491.0          86.6
                                                                      Unidentified scrapfish       1,360.8      8.1
                                                                      Leiostomus xanthurus            340.6     2.0
                                                                      Cynoscion regalis               316.5     1.9
 










                    Table 12.     Seasonal mean catch/trip (kg/trip) and catch/day (kg/day) for the dominant species in the 1982-91 fiynet fishery, including the species percent (%) of
                                  the total weight of the catches sampled.



                                                                                                                               Season
                    Species                                              1982-83         1983-84         1984-85        1985-86         1986-87         1987-88         1988-89

                    Cynoscion regalis                  kg/trip           6,782           9,384           4,780          6,696           7,818           6,800           3,994
                                                        kg/day            3,229           5,640           2,061          3,224           4,771           4,246           2,303
                                                          %                52.8             69.0           35.6            44.2            52.8           56.9            39.4

                    Micropogonias undulatus             kg/trip           2,344           2,612           5,191          5,868           4,685           1,90            2,738
                                                        kg/day              824           1,338          3,441          2,826           2,856           1,230           1,610
                                                          %                18.2             19.2           38.6            38.7            31.6           16.3            27.0

                    Leiostomus xanthurus                kg/trip             369             606           1,391             903          1,059             488           1,325
                                                        kg/day              191             353             878             435            646             308             768
                                                          %                 2.9             4.5            10.4             6.0            7.2             4.1            13.1

                    Pomatanus saltatrix                 kg/trip           2,635             244           1,367             441            271           1,783             879
                                                        kg/day            1,334             141             626             214            165           1,128             516
                                                          %                20.5             1.8            10.2             2.9            1.8            14.9             8.47

                    Peprilus triacanthus                kg/trip             202               48            248             361            160             382             250
                                                        kg/day                42              10             77             174              97            241             147
                                                          %                 1.6             0.3             1.8             2.4            1.1             3.2             2.5

                    Brevoortia tyrannus                 kq/trip                 6             18             26             176              43              89             33
                                                        kg/day                  3             10             1.1              85              26              53             19
                                                          %                <0.1             0.1             0.2             1.2            0.3             0.7             0.3

                    Menticirrhus americanus             kg/trip                16             47             45             128              99              56            115
                                                        kg/day                  5             28             29              63              63              34             67
                                                          %                .0.2             0.4             0.3             0.8            0.7             0.4             1.1

                    Lagod    rhomboides                  kg/trip                 1               3            36              98              62              73            187
                                                        kg/day                  1               2            26              47              37              46            1010
                                                          %                <1             0.2             0.3             0.6            0.4             0.6             1.8

                    Menticirrhus saxatilis              kg/trip                16             12             16              48              23              12             40
                                                        kg/day                  3               7            10              24              15                7            24
                                                          %                 0.2             0.1             0.1             0.3            0.2             0.1             0.4

                    Bairdiet chrysoura                 kg/trip                 7             23             40              44              28              40             36
                                                      kg/day                  3             14             26              21              17              25             21
                                                          %                 0.1             0.2             0.3             0.3            0.2             0.3             0.4

                    Totals (10 species)                 kg/trip           12,378          12,997          13,140         14,763          14,248          11,667          9,543
                                                        kg/day            5,635           7,543           7,185          7,113           8,693           7,318           5,586
                                                          %                96.5             95.8           97.8            97.4            96.3           97.5            94.7
 




                                                                                   61


                      Table 11,        Scrap component of winter trawl catches    from Ollober 1988 through April 1991 by gear and area
                                       fished (North=north of Cape Hatteras; Centra(=Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout; South=west of Cape
                                       Lookout), including: number of catches in which scrap weight was obtained (n), mean total weight
                                       (x TW), mean weight of marketed fish (x market), mean total weight of scrap (x scrap) and percent
                                       of scrap (% scrap) in these catches. ALI weights are in kg.



                      Year                          Area                n             x TW              x Market          scrap          % scrap


                      FLYNETS

                      1988-89                       Worth               23           11,268             8,109            3,160              28.0
                                                    Central               9           4,519             3,403            1,115              24.7
                                                    South                 6          15,532             6.756            8.776              56.5
                                                    Total               38           10,343             6,780            3,562              34.5

                      1989-90                       North               29           13,643             11,198           2,445              17.9
                                                    Central               9          12,542             5,096            7, "6              59.4
                                                    South                 4           5,032             2,730            2.302              45.7
                                                    Total               42           12,587             9,084            3,503              27.9

                      1990-91                       North               12           12,315             6,763            5,553              45.1
                                                    Central             25           10,559             6,679            3,880              36.8
                                                    South                 3          15.96              10,374           5.593              35.1
                                                    Total               Z-0          11,491             6,981            4,510              39.3

                      NEARS"ORE FLOUNDER

                      1988-89                       North               27            3,409             3,404                5               0.2
                                                    Central               2           3.055             3.055                0               0.0
                                                    Total               29            3,385             3,380                5               0.2

                      1989-90                       North               20            2,956             2,956                0                 0
                                                    Central               5           2,318             2,318                0                 0
                                                    South                 3           5.357             4.752               605             11.3
                                                    Total               28            3,099             3,034                65              2.1

                      1990-91                       North               47            4,380             4,380                0                 0
                                                    Central               1           1.357             1.357                0                 0
                                                    Total               48            4,317             4,317                0                 0

                      DEEPWATER


                      1988-89                       North               33            5,626             5,603                23              0.4

                      1989-90                       North               44            4,268             4,259                9               0.2

                      1990-91                       North               13            9,070             8,382               688              7.6








                                                                                          62



                        Table 14.        Species composition (top 99%) and mean catch/trip of scrap fish in fLynet, deepwater, and nearshore
                                         flounder trawl catches sampled from October 1988 through April 1989; n=number of catches in which scrap
                                         was sampled.                                                                                                            I
                                                                                                                                                           Mean
                                                                                                                                                           fish
                                                                            Weight RD                                      Number                          Weight
                        Species                                     Mean                 Percent                 Mean                 Percent

                        FLYNET: NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS (rr-12)

                        Leiostomus xanthurus                        2,719.5               46.22                38,550                 47.22                0.071
                        Micropogonias undulatus                     1,538.2               26.14                12,909                 '15.81               0.119
                        Cynoscion regatis                            503.6                  8.56                 5,498                 6.74                0.092
                        PepriLus triacanthus                         493.4                  8.39               11,422                 13.99                0.043
                        Stenotomus spp.                              345.8                  5.B8                 8,719                10.68                0.040
                        Stenotomus chrysops                           57.8                  0.98                 1,581                 1.94                0.037
                        Orthoeristis chrysoptera                      56.2                  0.95                 1,130                 1.38                0.050
                        Pomatomus sattatrix                           53.9                  0.92                   409                 0.50                0.132
                        Synodus foetens                               16.3                  0.28                   127                 0.16                0.128
                        Sphyraena borealis                            14.6                  0.25                   162                 0.20                0.090
                        Urophycis regia                               12.8                  0.22                    89                 0.11                0.145
                        Sphoeroides macuLatus                         12.3                  0.21                   157                 0.19                0.078
                        PepriLus aLevidotus                             8.7                 0.15                   266                 0.33                0.032



                        FLYNET: CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT        (n=7)

                        Cynoscion regalis                            646.8                45.10                  9,024                31.17                0.072
                        Leiostornus xanthurus                        321.2                22.40                12,210                 42.18                0.026
                        Micropogonias undutatus                      193.4                13.49                  5,261                18.17                0.037
                        Pomatomus saLtatrix                           86.6                  6.04                   741                 2.56                0.117
                        Lagod    rhomboides                           46.3                  3.23                   581                 2.01                0.080
                        BairdieLta chrysoura                          41.8                  2.91                   607                 2.10                0.069
                        Brevoortia tyrannus                           30.7                  2.14                   233                 0.81                0.132
                        Menticirrhus americanus                       27.8                  1.94                    48                 0.16                0.58Z
                        Peprilus triacanthus                          16.0                  1.12                   142                 0.49                0.113
                        Paratichthys dentatus                           8.4                 0.59                    19                 0.06                0.450
                        Urophycis regia                                 5.3                 0.37                      9                0.03                0.569
                        Alosa aestivalis                                3.0                 0.21                    22                 0.08                0.140



                        FLYNET: WEST OF    CAPE LOOKOUT Cn=6)

                        Leiostomus xanthurus;                       2,482.6               32.88                43,772                 43.20                0.057
                        Micropogonias undulatus                     2,000.4               26.50                23,875                 23.56                0.084
                        Cynoscion regalis                           1,234.8               16.36                15,589                 15.39                0.079
                        Lagodon rhomboides                          1,124.2               14.89                  7,120                 7.03                0.158
                        8revoortia tyramus                           170.6                  2.26                 1,235                 1.22                0.1
                        BairdielLa chrysoura                         170.0                  2.25                 2,540                 2.51                0.0.,
                        Peprilus triacanthus                          97.7                  1.29                 2,718                 2.68                0.036
                        Cephatopoda                                   66.4                  0.88                   175                 0.17                0.380
                        Pomatomus sattatrix                           54.3                  0.72                   525                 0.52                0.103
                        Menticirrhus saxatilis                        48.0                  0.64                   524                 0.52                0.092
                        Orthopristis chrysoptera                      45.8                  0.61                 1,814                 1.79                0.025


                        NEARSHORE FLOUNDER: ALL      AREAS (n=2)

                        Micropogonias undulatus                       64.1                94.27                    393                91.82                0.163
                        Leiostomus xanthurus                            3.9                 5.73                    35                 8.18                0.111



                        DEEPWATER: ALL AREAS (n=3)

                        Stenotomus chrysops                          141.1                52.56                  1,661                55.15                0.085
                        Prionotus spp.                                64.3                23.96                  1,000                33.22                0.064
                        Centropristis striata                         24.5                  9.12                   184                 6.11                0.133
                        Paralichthys dentatus                         18.9                  7.04                    59                 1.96                0.320
                        Urophycis regia                               14.3                  5.33                    72                 2.38                0" 200
                        Lotigo pekii                                    5.4                 2.00                    36                 1.18                0.150







                                                                                           63




                         Table 15.         Species composition (top 99%) and mean catch/trip of scrap fish in fLynet, deepwater, and nearshore
                                           fLounder trawl catches in which scrap was sampled during October 1989 through April 1990; rr-number of
                                           catches in which scrap was sampled.

                                                                                                                                                           Mean
                                                                                                                                                           fish
                                                                            Weight (kq)                                     Number                         weight
                         S
                          pecies                                        Mean              Percent                Mean                Percent               (kq)


                         FLYNET: NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS (rr-13)

                         Micropogonias urdulatus                     3,350.4                47.53               28,438                 33.88               0.118
                         Leiostomus xanthurus                        1,541.6                21.87               15,855                 18.89               0.097
                         Cynoscion regatis                              441.5                6.26                2,940                   3.50              0.150
                         Stenotomus caprinus                            374.3                5.31               10,050                 11.97               0.037
                         Pepritus triacanthus                           255.8                3.63                6,926                   8.25              0.037
                         Pomatmxjs sattatrix                            230.8                3.27                1,186                   1.41              0.195
                         Urophycis reqia                                197.0                2.79                1,801                   2.15              0.109
                         Orthopristis chrysoptera                       120.5                1.71                2,291                   2.73              0.053
                         Prionotus evoLans                              64.9                 0.92                1,221                   1.45              0.053
                         PepriLus atepidotus                            64.6                 0.92                1,380                   1.64              0.047
                         Menticirrhus saxatitis                         56.2                 0.80                   452                  0.54              0.124
                         Sphoeroides macuLatus                          48.3                 0.69                1,113                   1.33              0.043
                         Synodus foetens                                39.5                 0.56                   701                  0.84              0.056
                         Prionotus scituLus                             37.4                 0.53                1,127                   1.34              0.033
                         Anchoa hepsetus                                33.4                 0.47,               3,215                   3.83              0.010
                         CaLLinectes larvatus                           33.1                 0.47                   828                  0.99              0.040
                         Stenotomus chrysops                            27.1                 0.39                   937                  1.12              0.029
                         Prionotus tribuLus                             25.9                 0.37                   5'M                  0.69              0.045
                         Lolig PeaLif                                   20.4                 0.29                   273                  0.32              0.075
                         Centropristis striata                          19.2                 0.27                   270                  0.32              0.071
                         Prionotus carotinus                            19.2                 0.27                   581                  0.69              0.033
                         Lagodon rhorboides                             12.2                 0.17                   135                  0.16              0.090
                         Portunus sp.                                    8.3                 0.12                   828                  0.99              0.010
                         Monacanthus hispidus                            7.1                 0.10                   232                  0.28              0.031
                         Menticirrhus &Toericanus                        4.7                 0.07                     36                 0.04              0.130



                         ILYNIT: CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE IOOKCUT ln@81

                         Cynoscion regatis                           4,036.5                 48.2               22,839                   23.1              0.177
                         Leiostomus xanthurus                        2,286.7                 27.3               38,798                   39.2              0.059
                         Micropogonias undutatus                     1,013.9                 12.1               14,137                   14.3              0.072
                         BairdieLLa chrysoura                           381.8                4.6                 9,040                   9.1               0.042
                         PepriLus triacanthus                           191.8                2.3                 4,781                   4.8               0.040
                         Lagod     rhomboides                           132.0                1.6                 3,730                   3.8               0.035
                         Pomatomus sattatrix                            99.2                 1.2                 1,122                   1.1               0.088
                         Urophycl's regia                               86.2                 1.0                 1,469                   1.5               0.059
                         Menticirrhus americanus                        48.4                 0.6                 1,039                   1.1               0.047
                         Menticirrhus saxatiLis                         33.7                 0.4                    393                  0.4               0.086
                         Brevoortia tyrannus                            32.0                 0.4                    851                  0.8               0.038
                         Stenotomus chrysops                            24.2                 0.3                    403                  0.4               0.060

                         FLYNET: WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT (rr-4)

                         Leiostomus xanthurus                           793 *0               34.5               15,389                   41.8              0.052
                         Cynoscion regaLis                              600.1                26.1                6,402                   17.4              0.094
                         micropogonias undutatus                        493.1                21.4                6,752                   18.3              0.073
                         Lagodon rhomboides                             248.1                10.8                5,619                   15.3              0.0"
                         Pomatomus sattatrix                            88.3                 3.8                 1,466                   4.0               0.060
                         BairdielLa chrysoura                           39.3                 1.7                    590                  1.6               0.067
                         Brevoortia tyrannus                            16.4                 0.7                    133                  0.4               0.124
                         Peprilus triacanthus                           12.2                 0.5                    281                  0.8               0.043
                         Orthopristis chrysoptera                        8.5                 0.4                    200                  0.5               0.043
                         Peprilus alepidotus                             0.4                 CO.1                     12                 <0.1              0.035








                                                                                   64


                     Tabte 15. (Continued).


                                                                                                                                                Mean
                                                                                                                                                fish
                                                                     Weight (kg)                                  Number                        weight
                     Species                                    Mean              Percent                Mean              Percent              (kq)

                     NEARSHORE FLOUNDER: ALL AREAS (n=l)

                     Leiostomus xanthurus                       886.8                48.9               14,081               52.6               0.063
                     Micropogonias unduLatus                    333.2                18.4                4,084               15.3               O.Oa2
                     PepriLus triacanthus                       275.2                15.2                5,478               20.5               0.050
                     Lotig peatii                               150.5                 8.3                                                       0.050
                     Menticirrhus americanus                     35.5                 2.0                  322                 1.2              0.110
                     Orthopristis chrysoptera                    30.1                 1.7                  430                 1.6              0.070
                     Cynoscion regatis                           26.9                 1.5                  322                 1.2              0.083
                     Sphoeroides macutatus;                      21.5                 1.@                  430                 1.6              0.050
                     Urophycis regia                             18.3                 1.0                  322                 1.2              0.057
                     Lagodon rhomboides                          15.0                 0.8                  430                 1.6              0.035
                     Prionotus evotans                            9.7                 0.5                  107                 0.4              0.090
                     Prionotus scitulus                           3.2                 0.2                  215                 0.8              0 015
                     Decapterus punctatus                         3.2                 0.2                  107                 0.4              0:030
                     Citharichthys spp.                           3.2                 0.2                  215                 0.8              0.015
                     Anchoa mitchitH                              2.1                 0.1                  215                 0.8              0.010

                     DEEPWATER: ALL AREAS (n=l)

                     Mertuccius bitinearis                      227.8                55.8                1,427               40.5               0.160
                     Stenotomus chrysops                         69.3                17.0                  729               20.7               0.095
                     Urophycis chuss                             48.0                11.8                  516               14.7               0.093
                     Squalus ac-anthias                          33.1                 8.1                  547               15.5               0.061
                     Lotiq @-eaiii                                8.5                 2.1                  121                 3.4              0.070
                     Prionotus carotinus                          7.6                 1.9                  121                 3.4              0.063
                     Atosa Pseudoharengus                         7.3                 1.8                    30                0.9              0.243
                     Scomber scombrus                             6.7                 1.6                    30                0.9              0.223






                                                                                       65



                        Table 16.        Species composition (top 99%) and mean catch/trip of scrap fish in fLynet, and deepwater trawl catches
                                         in which scrap was sampled during October 1990 through April 1991; n=nLinber of catches from which scrap
                                         was sampled.

                                                                                                                                                      Mean
                                                                                                                                                      fish
                                                                           Weight (kq)                                  Number                        weight
                        Species                                    Mean                Percent                Mean               Percent              (kq)

                        FLYNET: NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS (rr-9 )

                        Cynoscion regalis                         2,734.0               38.00                20,023               23.96               0.137
                        Micropogonias undulatus                   1,525.5               21.20                15,930               19.06               0.096
                        Leiostomus xanthurus                      1,102.8               15.33                14,219               17.01               0.078
                        PepriLus triacanthus                        367.8                5.11                 8.055                9.64               0.046
                        Scoffberomorus maculatus;                   317.5                4.41                 1,673                2.00               0.190
                        PepriLus alepidotus                         270.2                3.76                 7,017                8.40               0.039
                        Stenotomus caprinus                         237.3                3.30                 4,316                5.16               0.055
                        Pomatomus saltatrix                         186.2                2.59                   379                0.45               0.492
                        Orthopristis chrysoptera                     92.7                1.29                 2,119                2.54               0.0"
                        Brevoortia tyrannus                          58.3                0.81                   216                0.26               0.270
                        Anchoa hepsetus                              47.0                0.65                 3,169                6.19               0.009
                        Chaetodipterus faber                         44.0                0.61                   765                0.91               0.058
                        Opisthonema ogtin                            33.0                0.46                 1,330                1.59               0.025
                        BairdieLLa chrysoura                         28.7                0.40                   320                0.38               0.090
                        Synodus foetens;                             28.6                0.40                   316                0.38               0.090
                        Urophycjs regia                              20.8                0.29                   173                0.21               0.120
                        Menticirrhus saxatilis                       19.6                0.27                   115                0.14               0.170
                        Menticirrhus americanus                      18.1                0.25                   161                0.19               0.112

                        FLYNET: CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT       (n=25)

                        Cynoscion regaLis                         1,261.8               32.04                16,599               23.08               0.076
                        Leiostomus xanthurus                        804.4               20.43                18,3"                25.51               0.0"
                        Micropogonfas undulatus                    4514,6               14*08                 8,254               11,48               0,067
                        Lagodon rhomboides                          394.1               10.01                12,067               16.78               0.033
                        Brevoortia tyrannus.                        281.1                7.14                 2,589                3.60               0.109
                        Peprilus triacanthus                        208.5                5.29                 5,387                7.49               0.039
                        Pomatomus saLtatrix                         172.0                4.37                 1,601                2.23               0.107
                        Stenotomus caprinus                          55.9                1.42                 1,251                1.74               0.045
                        Anchoa hepsetus                              54.1                1.37                 3,327                4.63               0.016
                        Bairdielta chrysoura                         31.7                0.81                   710                0.99               0.045
                        Peprilus aLepidotus                          29.3                0.74                   580                0.81               0.051
                        Menlicirrhus saxatilis                       24.7                0.63                   337                0.47               0.073
                        Menticirrhus americanus                      18.5                0.47                   1                  0.20               0.128


                        FLYNET: WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT (n=3)

                        Cynoscion regatis                         2,7B4.3               39.80                35,591               38.53               0.078
                        Brevoortia tyrannus                       1,995.0               28.52                10.917               11.82               0.183
                        Lejostoffus xanthurus                     1,611.3               23.03                30,018               32.50               0.054
                        Lagodon rhomboides                          255.2                3.65                 8,518                9.22               0.030
                        Micropogonias unduLatus                     108.1                1.55                 2,490                2.70               0.043
                        Pomatomus sattatrix                          86.0                1.23                   707                0.77               0.122
                        Bairdietta chrysoura                         67.5                0.96                 2,005                2.17               D.034
                        Pepritus triacanthus                         55.4                0.79                 1,085                1.17               0.051

                        DEEPWATER: ALL AREAS (rr-4)

                        Stenotomus chrysops                       1,407.1               62.96                12,995               77.94               0.108
                        Gnathosomata                                283.5               12.68                      -                    -                   -
                          upea harengus                             213.3                9.55                 1,397                8.38               0.153
                        MerLuccius biLinearis                       134.1                6.00                   768                4.60               0.175
                        Loligo PeaLii                                60.8                2.72                      -                    -                   -
                        C,


                        Pepritus triacanthus                         52.7                2.36                 1,071                6.43               0.049
                        Urophycis regia                              34.6                1.55                   190                1.14               0.182
                        Scomber scoffbrus                            26.8                1.20                   108                0.65               0.249











                    TabLe 17. Dominant species in scrapf ish f rom sciaenid-bLuef ish f lynet catches sampted during 1982-91 f ishing seasons.



                    Spec i es                       Mean        %               Spec i es                     Mean         %               Swies                       Mean        %

                    1982-83 (n=14)                                              1985-86 (n-22)                                             1988-89 (n=25)

                    Micropogoni s undutatus        1,314.7     40.2     9,097    Micropogonias undutatus      2,500.7    41.9    28,157    Leiostomus xanthurus       1,991.1     39.5   32,428
                                as-
                    Cynosci    regatis               801.5     24.5    10,594    Cynoscio regatis             1,449.1    24.3    17,166    Micropogonias unduLatus    1,272.6     25.3   13,400
                    Leiostomus xanthurus             624.9     19.1     9,761    Leiostomus xanthurus         1,014.0    17.0    14,704    Cynoscion regaLis            719.2     14.3     8,907
                    Pomatomus saLtatrix              290.7      8.9     1,849    PepriLus triacanthus           228.1     3.8     4,916    Lagodon rhomboides           284.7      5.6     1,916
                    Pepritus triacanthus              56.2      1.7     1,056    Brevoorti tyrannus             208.1     3.5     2,483    PepriLus triacanthus         264.8      5.3     6,175
                                                                                 Pornatomus; sattatrix          156.9     2.6     1,800    Stenotomus, sp.              166.0      3.3     4,185
                                                                                                                                           Pomatomus saLtatrix            63.2     1.2        530


                    1983-84 (rr-14)                                             1986-87 0-29)                                              1989-90 (n=22)

                    Micropogonias unduLatus        1,212.8     44.1    13,353    Cynosci     regaLls          2,486.3    39.9    28,069    Micropoganias undulatus 1,981.2        29.7   19,295
                    Cynosci    regalis               769.2     28.0     8,548    Micropogonias unduLatus      1,762.3    28.3    19,835    Cynoscion regaLis          1,777.6     26.7   10,805
                    Leiostomus xanthurus             551.1     20.0     8,048    Leiostomus xanthurus         1,127.1    18.1    16,842    Leiostomus xanthurus       1,676.4     25.1   24,113
                    Menticirrhus americanus           38.5      1.4       358    Unidentified scrapfish         336.3     5.4          .   PepriLus triacanthus         188.3      2.8     4,938
                    Peprilu triacanthus               36.6      1.3       879    Pomatomus sattatrix            106.9     1.7        805   Stenotomus caprinu           170.1      2.5     4,568
                    Pomatomus saltatrix               30.0      1.1       320    Lagodon rhonboides              76.3     1.2     2,252    F@-tomus sattatrix           157.)      2.4     1,214
                                                                                 Pepritus triacanthus            65.2     1.1     1,014    BairdieLLa chrysoura         146.0      2.2     3,394


                    1984-85 (n=33)                                              1987-88 (n-23)                                             1990-91 (n=36)

                    Micropogonigs unduLatus        2,385.9     46.7    24,827    Cynosci     regatis          2,920.8    55.5    30,556    Cynoscio regatis           1,715.8     34.9   18,943
                    Leiostomus xanthurus           1,528.8     29.9    22,160    Micropogonias undutatus        880.0    16.7     9,688    Leiostomus xanthurus         938.0     19.1   18,400
                    Cynoscion regatis                804.3     15.7     7,400    Lejostomus xanthurus           621.3    11.8     6,874    Micropogonias undulatus      733.2     14.9     9,480
                    Pomatomus sattatrix               79.8      1.6       450    Pepritus triacanthus           279.9     5.3     5,830    Brevoortia tyrannus          374.4      7.6     2,756
                    PepriLus triacanthus              74.6      1.5     1,685    Brevoortia tyrannus            119.7     2.3     1,424    Lagodon rhomboides           295.4      6.0     9,101
                                                                                 Lagodo rhomboides               98.7     1.9     2,307    Pepritus triacanthus         231.1      4.7     5,622
                                                                                 Pomatomus sattatrix             69.1     1.3        567   Powtomus saltatrix           168.0      3.4     1,255










                    Table 18. Total Landings (mt) of comnercial finfish (excluding menhaden) in North Carolina (by all gears) that are important components of the winter trawl
                                fishery, with total weights of the nine species and their combined percentage of the state's total edible finfish landings.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Percent
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  of
                                                                                                                                                                                                  Total          total
                                     Total                                                                                                       Stack                                           weight of       state
                                     edible                                                                                                        sea                 ++                        dominant       finfish
                    Year             finfish           Croaker          Ftourder*         Weakfish           Bluefish            Spot              bass            scup        Butterfish         species       landings

                    1965             15,258               795             2,141                889               319               414             494             442            167             5,661            37.1
                    1966             14, T72              575             1,822                860               372               495             574             872            228             5,798            39.3
                    1967             18,543               582             1,992                802               403             1,383             905             205            174             6,406            34.6
                    1968             15,140               545             1,181             1,037                396               714             541              77              48            4,539            30.0
                    1969             16,628               621             1,255                698               395               675             475             114              59            4,292            25.9
                    1970             13,532               366             1,435             1,107                225               693             534              90              60            4,510            33.4
                    1971             14,234               430             1,819             1,653                262               540             339              92              26            5,161            36.3
                    1972             18,476             1,864             2,112             3,334                530             1,770             288              17              40            9,965            54.0
                    1973             18,613             1,961             3,341             2,822                911             2,448             310                7             18           11,818            63.5
                    1974             21,428             2,759             5,358             2,747                990             2,543             597              15              34           15,043            70.2
                    1975             24,349             4,650             5,221             3,051                896.            3,765             520              51              58           18,212            74.8
                    1976             24,390             6,821             5,195             3,952                615             1,213             260              92              24           18,172            74.5
                    19T7             28,012             8,616             5,052             3,933             1,057              1,726             665              53              22           21,123            75.4
                    1978             30,424             9,047             5,584             4,927                883             2,213             521             478              50           23,703            T7.9     4
                    1979             37,307             9,325             8,355             6,695             1,545              3,313             624             588              82           30,527            181.9
                    1980             41,517             9,592             7,657             9,228             2,469              3,220             694             599              67           33,526            80.8
                    1981             31,219             5,083             4,430             7,662             2,998              1,593             543             581            128            23,118            74.1
                    1982             28,989             4,910             3,828             5,467             1,946              2,231             368             668            120            19,538            67.4
                    1983             28,864             3,288             4,451             4,642             3,061              1,339             242             302              49           17,374            60.2
                    1984             29,350             4,160             6,843             5,892             1,615              1,579             449             476              78           21,092            71.9
                    1985             29,243             3,953             4,973             4,457             1,635              1,834             553             269              72           17,746            60.7
                    1986             27,570             4,276             4,012             6,491             1,565              1,521             498             172              85           18,620            67.6
                    1987             24,064             3,306             3,621             5,390             2,069              1,273             243             113              63           16,078            66.9
                    1988             27,930             3,826             4,656             6,846             2,286              1,397             558              57              30           19,656            70.4
                    1989             20,501             3,095             3,427             4,588             1,493              1,476             452                a             87           14,627            71.4
                    1990             21,664             2 617             2,"5              2,632             2,077              1,567             470              47            115            11,970            55.2



                    *    Includes all Paratichthys, not just P. dentatus. Actual landings of E. dentatus would be approximately 15-20% tower.

                    ++ includes only scup Landings for winter trawler fisehry to prectude the inclusion of a significant amount of Pagrus spp. Landings together with Stenotamus
                         chrys


























                                                                                         Chesapeake
                                                                                               say
                              37*
                                                                                               Cape HWW

                                                                                           Nor I a I It


                                                                                                            a


                                                                               Nc






                               36-                 Flounder

                                                   Deepwator
                                                                                                                    rogon Iftlot
                                                   Flyn*t





                                                                                  LOWSOM                  Oqattar&$
                                                                               Vandommem                                 Hatteras..'
                                                                                                 x',"00cracok

                                                                                .0.161       6rum Ini
                                35*                                                     -X@



                                                                               Wat

                                                                                           Cape  La*kOvt


                                                                                          t,j



                                                                  ...Aa


                                34-

                                                        Cal 90. F4er


                                                        70                     77*                    76-                      73-






                       Figure 1.           Fishing grounds of North Carolina winter trawl fishery; depth in
                                            feet.
                                                                                                 ,a












                    12-                                                                      6
                                                                                                  C
                                                                Catch/ tri P- nears hore          0
                                                                                                  M
                    10-                                         Catch/day- nears hore        5    M
                                                                Cate h/ t rip- deepwater          E
               C                                                                                  R
               p     8-                                         Catch/ day- deepwater       -4    C
               U                                                Commercial landings
               E                                                                                  A
                                                                                                  L
               k     6-                                                                     -3
               9                                                                                  L
                                                                                                  A
                                                                                                  N             Ch
               0     4-                                                                     -2    D
               0                                                                                  1
               0                                                                                  N
                                                                                                  G
                     2-              ............. ....                                           S

                                                ... . .............. .                            M
                                            ........... .............. .
                           A [   IA                                                               t
                     0 ---d     - I                    --f-     I -     i      I       1_0
                        82-83          84-85          86-87         88-89           90-91
                                       FISHING SEASON (19--)

                      Figure 2. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of summer flounder (Paralichthys
                               dentatus) from 1982-1991 winter trawl fishery.






                                                                                                Deepwater     M- NearShore



                                                                                                     1988-89

                                                E     6-                                               n=15,442
                                                R
                                                C
                                                E     4-
                                                N
                                                T


                                                      2-





                                                      0


                                                      a-


                                                                                                      1989-90

                                                      6-                                                n-13,214

                                                p
                                                E
                                                R
                                                C     4-
                                                E
                                                N
                                                T

                                                      2-





                                                      0            TT+TT7T+


                                                   10-



                                                                                                    1990-91

                                                                                                       n=18,035


                                                E     6-
                                                R
                                                C
                                                E
                                                N     4-
                                                T


                                                      2-




                                                      0                                                                       H
                                                      251-   301-    351-    401-    451-    501-    551-     601-   651-     701-
                                                      260 310         360     410    460      510     5660    610     660     710
                                                                      TOTAL LENGTH (mm)
                                     Figure 3. Length-frequency distribution (10                              mm   size.   classes) of
                                                               I              I


































                                                      summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) in 1988-1991
                                                      winter trawl catches.





                                                                            71


                                                             7

                                                         10

                                                         20


                                                         60                                              1983-841
                                                         40

                                                         20




                                                         60                                              1984-85

                                                         40

                                                         20


                                                                           ----------------



                                                         60                                               985-8 6

                                                         40

                                                         20





                                                         60                                              1986-87
                                                (D
                                                0        40

                                                         20





                                                         60                                              1987-88
                                                a.

                                                         40

                                                         20



                                                         66                                              1988-891

                                                         40

                                                         20
                                                         60                                              1989-90@
                                                         40

                                                         20

                                                         60                                              1990-911
                                                         40

                                                         20



                                                                0       1      2       3      4      5      6


                                                                                Age
                                        Figure 4. Annual expanded age composition of summer flounder
                                                      (Paralichthys dentatus) in the North Carolina winter
                                                      trawl fishery, 1982-1991.













                        12-                                                                   500
                                                                                                     C
                                                                  Catch/trip                         0
                        10-                                       Catch/day                          M
                                                                                            -400     M
                                                                  Commercial landings                E
                   C                                                                                 R
                   P    8-                                                                           C
                   U                                                                                 I
                   E                                                                          300    A
                                                                                                     L
                   k
                   9    6-                                                                           L
                                                                                                     A
                   1                                                                        -200     N
                   0    4-                                                                           D
                   0                                                                                 1
                   0                                                                                 N
                                                                                            -100     G
                        2-                                                                           S

                                                                                                     M
                        0                   Y ..... ................. El r                           t
                                                                  Y.. ............. ........ .-0
                            82-83         84-85         86-87         88-89         90-91
                                          FISHING SEASON (19--)

                               Figure 5. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of scup (Stenotomus
                                        chryso0s) from 1982-1991 winter trawl fishery.






                                                                      73


                                                                               1988-89
                                        20-
                                                                                  n=*,549

                                    p
                                    E   15-
                                    R
                                    C
                                    E
                                    N   10-
                                    T







                                         0 - i


                                        25-


                                        20-                                      1989-90
                                                                                  n-1549
                                    p
                                    E
                                    R
                                    C
                                    E
                                    N
                                    T


                                          5-




                                         0


                                        20-



                                                                               1990-91
                                        15-                                       n-7591
                                    p
                                    E
                                    R
                                    C   10-
                                    E
                                    N
                                    T




                                                     161       151-    201-      251-     301-      351-
                                            60       116        160     210      260       310      360
                                                          FORK LENGTH (mm)

                              Figure 6.    Length-frequency      distribution (10 mm size          classes) of
                                           scup (Stenotomus      chrysops) in 1988-1991 winter trawl
                                           catches.







               4000-                                          400   C
                                                   Catch/trip       0
               3500-                                                M
                                               -9- Catch/day        M
                                                                    E
               3000-                              Landings    300   R
                                                                    C

            C  2500-                                                A
            P                                                       L
            U                                                 200   L
            E  2000-

            k                                                       N
            9  1500                                                 D
                                                                    I       I
                                                              -100  N
               1000-                                                G
                                                                    S
                 500-

                                                                    M
                  0                                           0     t
                    82-83    84-85    86-87    88-89    90-91
                                FISHING SEASON

                      Figure 7. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of black sea bass
                            (Centropristis philadelphica) from 1982-1991 winter
                            trawl fishery.






                                                                                                    75
                                                                     Deepwater
                                                             i -
                                                          121; IM Nearshore            LIi
                                                                                                                         1988-89

                                                          lo-                                                               n=3,260
                                                      p
                                                      E   a-
                                                      R
                                                      C
                                                      E   6-
                                                      N
                                                      T   4-

                                                          2-


                                                          0                    44


                                                          12-




                                                          10-
                                                                                                                        1989-90

                                                                                                                           n,7,100
                                                      p   a-
                                                      E
                                                      R
                                                      C
                                                      E
                                                      N
                                                      T   4-



                                                          2-




                                                          0



                                                          12-



                                                          10-                                                           1990-91

                                                                                                                            n-1,422
                                                      p
                                                      E
                                                      R
                                                      C   6-
                                                      E
                                                      N
                                                      T   4-


                                                          2-



                                                          0-                                                                   -r- T I T- I Ir-r-r
                                                             101-    151-    201-     251-      301-     351-     401-      451-     50t-
                                                             110     160     210       260      310       3W       410      460       510
                                                                                TOTAL LENGTH (mm)
                                      Figure 8. Length-frequency distribution (10                                       mm    size classes) of
                                                          black sea bass (Centropristis striata) in 1988-1991
                                                          winter trawl catches.












                                                                                                    -3500
                                                                                                                 C
                                                                                   Catch/trip                    0
                                                                                   Catch/day        -3000        M
                            8-                                                                                   M
                                                                                   Landings                      E
                                                                                                    -2500        R
                      C                                                                                          C
                      P                                                                                          1
                            6-                                                                                   A
                      U                                                                             -2000        L
                      E
                                                                                                                 L
                                                                                                    -1500        A
                      0     4-                                                                                   N
                      0                                                                                          D
                      0
                                                                                                    -1000        1
                                                                                                                 N
                            2-                                                                                   G
                                                                                                    -500         S
                                                                                                                 M
                                                                                                                 t
                            0-                                                                        0
                               82-83          84-85           86-87          88-89          .90-91
                                              FISHING SEASON (19--).

                               Figure 9. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis)
                                        from 1982-1991 winter trawl fishery.






                                                16                                    77

                                                                             Northern         Southern   C3 Centrai
                                                14

                                                12-                                          1988-89
                                         p      10-                                             n=6516
                                         E
                                         R
                                         C      8
                                         E
                                         N      6-
                                         T

                                                4-



                                                2-



                                                0


                                                20-


                                                                                             1989-90

                                                is-                                             n-7540

                                         p
                                         E
                                         R
                                         C      10-
                                         E
                                         N
                                         T

                                                5-









                                                30-



                                                25-                                          1990-91
                                         p      20-                                             n-12,705
                                         E
                                         R
                                         C      15-
                                         E
                                         N
                                         T      10-



                                                5-            Ili



                                                0
                                                  101-    201-      30k      401-      501-       601-    701-      801-
                                                  120      220      320       420      520        6?0      720      820
                                                                    TOTAL LENGTH               (mm)
                          Figure 10.              Length-frequency distribution (20                     mm size      classes)
                                                  of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) in 1988-1991 winter
                                                  trawl catches.







                   80-             1982-83                    1985-86                    1988-89

                   60-

                   40-

                   20-
               Z 0
               W
                   80              1983-84                    1986-87                    1989-90

                   60

                   40-
               z   20-
               W
               U      I "n                        FAA
               a:    0
               W
               0.  80.             1984-85                    1987-88                    1990-91             CO
                   60-

                   40-

                   20-

                    0.-1"
                        0        3 4   5   6+     0 1 2 3 4 5 6+             0     2  3 4   5 6+
                                                    AG E CLASS
                           Figure 11.      Age composition of weakfish (Cynoscion- regalis) in winter
                                           trawl catches during 1982-91 fishing seasons.












              7-                                                           -1600
                                                                                     C
                                                             Catch/trip              0
              6-                                                           -1400     M
                                                         El  Catch/day               M
                                                             Landings      -1200     E
              5-                                                                     R
          C                                                                          C
          P                                                                -1000     1
          U   4-                                                                     A
          E                                                                          L
                                                                           -800
                                                                                     L
              3-1                                                                    A               1.4
          0                                  RX                               ;00    N
          0                                                                          D
          0   2-                                                                     1
                                                                           -400      N
                                                                                     G
                                                                                     S
                                                                             200
                                                                                     M
                                                                                     t
              0                                                            .0
                 82-83        84-85        86-87       88-89         90-91
                              FISHING SEASON (19--)

                 Figure 12.   Commercial landings and mean CPUE of Atlantic croaker
                              (Micropogonias undulatus) from 1982-1991 winter trawl
                              fishery.






                                                                       1988-89
                             p                                            n=4563
                             E
                             R
                             C  4-
                             E
                             N
                             T

                                2-






                                o


                                10-



                                a-                                       1989-90

                                                                           n-4789
                             p
                             E  6-
                             R
                             C
                             E
                             N  4-
                             T


                                2-




                                                                  OU
                                0



                                12-




                                10-
                                                                      1990-91
                             p  a-                                      n-3153
                             E
                             R
                             C  6-
                             E
                             N
                             T  4-



                                2
                                oL          I-MI'n
                                  101- 126- 151- 176- 201- n6- ?51- 276- 301- 326-
                                  105 130   155  180  205 1230  255  280   305 330
                                             TOTAL LENGTH (5mm)

             Figure 13. Length-frequency distribution (5 mm size classes) of Atlantic
                             croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) in 1988-1991 winter trawl
                             catches.
                                             Itm






                100-             1982-83                    1985-86                   1988-89
                75-

                50-

                25

                 0
            z
            W   100-             1983-84                     1986-87                  1989-90
            D
                75-

                50-
            LL
                25.
            z                                 ISO                                FA
            W 0
                                                                                                          CO
                100,             1984-85                    1987-88                    1990-91
            W
                75-

                50-

                25-

                 0
                      0 1    2   3 4 5           0 1 2 3 4         5       0 1 2 3 4          5
                                                   AGE CLASS


                         Figure 14.      Age composition of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus)
                                                  rawl catches du            hing
                                         in winter t           ring 1982-91 fis   seasons.
                        I   I                      I                          I
                   Lh












              3000-                                         2000
                                                                  C
                                                Catch/trip        0

                                                Catch/day
              2500-                                               M
                                                Landings   -1500  E
                                                                  R
                                                                  C
              2000-                                               1
           C                                                      A
           P                                                      L
           U                                               -1000
           .E 1500-                                               L
           k                                                      A
                                                                  N          co
           9                                                      D
              1000-                                               1
                                                           -500   N
                                                                  G
                                                                  S
              500                                ............

                                                                  M
                                                                  t
                 0
                  82-83    84-85    86-87    88-89    90-91
                           FISHING SEASON (19--)

                Figure 15. Commercial landings and mean CPUE of bluefish (Pomatomus
                          saltatrix) from 1982-1991 winter trawl fishery.






                                                         83
                                                  Northern   Southern W Central
                                                             1988-89

                                                               n=1066
                          p
                          E
                          R
                          C  10-
                          E
                          N
                          T






                             0



                             is-

                             14-                             1989-90
                             12-                              n-1393
                          p  10-
                          E
                          R
                          C
                          E
                          N  6-
                          T

                             4-



                             2-


                             0-1 1


                            35-

                            30-                             1990-91

                            25-                               n-1456
                         p
                         E  20-
                         R
                         C
                         E  15-
                         N

                            10-



                             5-



                             0
                               lot- 201-   301- 401-   501-  601-   701-  801-
                               120  220    320   420   520    620   720   820
                                           FORK LENGTH     (mm)

                 Figure 16.      Length-frequency distribution   (20 mm size classes)
                                 of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) in 1988-1991 winter
                                 trawl catches.












                                            80
                  60-             1982-83                   1985-86                   1988-89

                  40-

                  20-
                   0 --                                                          m FJ
                          1 MI Epp   up Or-                                                 or
               z
               LLJ 60-            1983-84                   1986-87                   1989-90
               0
               CY
                  40-
               LL- 20-                                                                                    cc
               z              913 93 ar
               LLJ  o,                                                80-
               U
               Q@ 60-             1984-85                   1987-88                   1990-91
               W
               IL
                  40-

                  20-
                    0-                                         r7I mp-
                       0 1 2 3        6 7+      0 1 2 3         @ 7+      0 '1

                                                 AGE CLASS
                                                00,
                      L




                        Figure 17.     Age composition of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) in winter
                                       trawl catches during 1982-91 fishing seasons.












                1600-                                                                           80
                                                                                                       C
                1400-              Catch/trig)         Catch/day           Landings                    0
                                                                                                       M
                                                                                                       M
                1200-                                                                                  E
                                                                                              -60      R
                                                                                                       C
           C    1000-                                                                                  1
           P                                                                                           A
           U                                                                                           L
           E     800-                                                                           40
                                                                                                       L
           k                                            Vq                                             A                   00
           9     600-                                                                                  N                   U1
                                                                                                       D

                 400 -                                                                        -20      N
                                                                                                       G
                                                                                                       S
                 200 -
                                                                                                       M
                    0                                                                       @O         t
                        82-83          84-85           86-87          88-89           90-91
                                       FISHING SEASON (19--)
                         Figure 18.     Commercial landings and mean CPUE of spot (Lejostomus,
                                        xanthurus) from 1982-1991 winter trawl fishery.






                                                                                      Northern           southern     LZ central
                                                  12                                                              1988-89
                                                  10-                                                                 n=2033


                                              E   a-
                                              R
                                              C
                                              E   6-
                                              N
                                              T   4-

                                                  2-



                                                  0



                                                  20-



                                                                                                                  1989-90
                                                                                                                    n-2509
                                              P
                                              E
                                              R
                                              C   10-
                                              E
                                              N
                                              T

                                                  5-









                                                  12-




                                                  10-
                                                                                                                 1990-91
                                                                                                                   n-4452
                                              P
                                              E
                                              R
                                              C
                                              E
                                              N
                                              T   4-



                                                  2-



                                                  0
                                                     91-           116-           141-           166-           19t-          2J6-
                                                     95            120                            170           195            220
                                                                         FORK LENGTH (5mm)

                           Figure 19. Length-frequency distribution (5 mm size                                                classes) of spot
                                                  (Lejostomus xanthurus) in 1988-1991 winter trawl catches.














                    60-             1982-83                   1985-86                   1988-89


                    40-

                >-  20-
                0                FA - -                        NOR=
                z                                                                    rT/M
                W
                D
                Cy  60-             1983-84                   1986-87                   1989-90
                W
                W
                LL- 40-


                Z   20-
                W                                                                                              CO
                                                                                     r/71M

                W
                    60-             1984-85                   1987-88                   1990-91


                    40-
                    20-          FA                                                  M,
                         0 1               4       0    1 2 3 4              0 1      2 3 4

                                                   A E
                                                     G     CLASS
                                                      IN //,


                          Figure 20.      Age composition of spot (Lejostomus xanthurus) in winter trawl
                                          catches during 1982-91 fishing seasons.











                             10,000-
                                       ME Northern     Central    Southern     overall

                              8,000-


                                                   ...         ...        ...
                         C
                         P    6.000-
                                                              . . . . . . ...
                         E

                              4,000-
                         k
                         9

                              2,000 -
                                 0-@
                                    82-83       84-a6      88-87       88-89       90-91
                                                 FISHING SEASON (19--)

                            70- B

                                    M Northern F-1 central  E3 Southern     overau
                            so-



                            60-
                        P
                        E
                            40-
                        R
                        C
                        E   30-
                        N
                        T
                            20-



                            10



                              0
                                82-83       84-86        88-87       U-89         90-91

                  Figure 21.      Catch per trip (A) and percent of the total weight (B) of
                                  scrap  fish in all flynet catches sampled during the 1982-1991
                                  fishing seasons.











                       6tOOO-                                                                             60

                                                                            Ynet landings
                       50000-                                             Sc apfish landings           -50     P
                                                                                                               E
                                                                     0', %      rap in landings
                  L                                                                                            R
                                                                                                               C
                  A    4v000-                                             % Sc ap in samples           -40     E
                  N                                                                                            N
                  D
                                                                                                               T
                  N    %000-                                                                           -30     S
                  G                                                                                            C
                                                                                                               R                  Co
                                                                                                               A
                       2j000-                                                                          -20     p
                  M
                                                                                                               F
                  t

                       10000-
                                                                                                       -10
                                                                                                               H



                                                                                                         0
                            0                                                                     T,
                                82-83          84-85           .86-87          88-89           90-91
                                                   FISHING SEASON (19--)

                          Figure 22.         Weight and percent of scrapfish in flynet landings (=total
                                             landings of dominant species in flynet catches) compared with
                                             percent of scrapfish in flynet catches sampled during 1982-
                                             1991 fishing seasons.









                                  12- A                                                            8,000
                                                                                                             C
                                                                        Catch/trip                           0
                                                                                                             m
                                  10-                              4DI- Catch/day                 -5,000     m
                                                                        Commerciai landince                  E
                            C                                                                                R
                            P                                                                                C
                            U     a-                                                              -4.000     1
                            E                                                                                A
                            k     8-                                                               3,000
                            9                                                                                L
                                                                                                             A
                                                                                                             N
                            0     4-                                                              -2,000     D
                            0                                                                                1
                            0                                                                                N

                                  2-                                                               1,000     9

                                                                                                             m
                                  OLW             @.1,91                                                     t
                                     82-83        84-85         se-87         88-89        90   in
                                                  FISHING SEASON (19--)



                                  14 B                                                             7.000     C
                                                                        Cateh/trip                           0
                                  12-                                                             -8,000     m
                            C                                           Catch/day                            m
                            P                                           Commerciai landinas                  E
                                                                                                             R
                            U     10-                                                             -6.000     C
                            E                                                                                I                            I
                                                                                                             A
                                  a-                                                              -4,000     L
                            k                                                                                L
                            9     8-                                                              -3,000     A
                                                                                                             N
                                                                                                             D
                            0     4-                                                              -2.000     1
                            0                                                                                N
                            0     2                                                               -1,000     S
                                                                                G            4D              m
                                  ot if                                         +            +L_ - o         t
                                     82-83                      88-417        as-89         90-91
                                                  FISHING SEASON (19--)
                   Figure 23.            Aggregate resource trends for A) nearshore flounder and
                                         B) deepwater fishery for the 1982-1991 fishing seasons.
                                                                               @Fl







                                                                                    91



                                    is-   A                                                                 7.000
                                                                                                                       C
                                    14-                                        Catch/trio                              0
                                                                                                          -6,000       M
                                C                                              Catch/day                               M
                                P   12-                                  CD      mmeraiai landings                     E
                                U                                                                         -61000       R
                                                                                                                       C
                                E   jo-                                                                                I
                                                                                                                       A
                                k                                                                         -4,000       L
                                                                                                                       L
                                                                                                          -3.000       A
                                     a-                                                                                N
                                0                                                                         -2
                                     4-                                                                      .000
                                0                                                                                      N
                                0                                                                                      G
                                     2-                                                                      1,000     a

                                                                                                                       M
                                     0                   H,                                               [0           t
                                         82-83         84-86         se-a7          as-so           90-91
                                                       FISHING SEASON (19--)




                                    14- B                                                                 le,ooo
                                                                                                                       C
                                                                         --W- Catch/trip                               0
                                    42-                                        Catch/day                  14.000       M
                                C                                                                                      M
                                                                                                                       E
                                P                                              Mark6tabl* fish            12,000       R
                                U   10-                                          tal fish landings                     C
                                E                                                                       -1 ,           I
                                                                                                                       A
                                k                                                                       -8,000
                                                                                                                       L
                                     a-                                                                                A
                                                                                                        -8,000         N
                                                                                                                       D
                                0    4-                                                                                1
                                0                                                                         4,000        N
                                                                                                                       G
                                     2-                                                                 -2,000
                                                                                                                       M
                                     0                                                                    0            t
                                         82--83        84-85         ae-a7        8a-sg           90-91
                                                      FISHING SEASON (19--)
                   Figure 24.             Aggregate resource trends for A) flynet and B) all trawl
                                          catches combined for the 1982-1991 fishing seasons.
                                                                                        0
                                                                               Ca'ch/"'@
                                                                               Catch/day

                                                                                     *r0lal
                                                                                m @in      landings












                        20-

                    M       --0 Atl. Coast Corn'l
                    E           NC Winter trawlers
                    T
                    R   15- -9- Recreational
                    C

                    T
                    0
                    N   10-
                    N               0.0.' 0-0.0
                    E
                    S      >
                                             0.,0
                    1
                    0
                    0
                    0

                        0 1          1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1HI 11HIIH111 I H11

                         50      55     60     65      70     76     80      85     90
                                                         9--)
                                                  YEAR (1
                           Figure 25. Annual commercial and recreational landings of summer flounder
                                      from Maine to North Carolina from 1950-1990.












                   20 -


               M               AtI. Coast Com'l
               E               NC Commercial
               T
               R               NC Winter trawlers


               T
               0
               N
               N     01
               E







                                                                      or
               0
               0

                                                              T
                    01                                        1-

                      45       50      55      60      65      70      75      80      85      90
                                                       YEAR (19--)


                             Figure 26. Annual commercial landings of weakfish from 1945-1991.













                                                                         12-

                                                          M                                                              N. Carolina                                                                                                                 N.C. Trawlers
                                                          E              10-                                             Maine-Cape Hatteras-                                                                                                        Recreational
                                                          T
                                                          R


                                                                             8-
                                                          T
                                                          0
                                                          N                  6-
                                                          N
                                                          E
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             to
                                                          S
                                                                             4-


                                                          1
                                                          0                  2-
                                                          0
                                                          0


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ... ...........
                                                                                                                                                                                       .. ........                                                                                                               . . ....... .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         . . . ............             . .......... ......                ............
                                                                             0                                                T                                                             I      I I                       1 1-11 11 111                                                                    1

                                                                                   50                                55                               60                               65                                70                                75                               80                                85                                90
                                                                                                                                                                                                        YEAR (19--)

                                                                                                   Figure 27.                                         Annual commercial and recreational landings of black sea bass
                                                                                                                                                      (*commercial landings from Maine-Cape Hatteras landings include
                                                                                                                                                      North Carolina landings from northern counties only).













                      25-

                 M                                                               N.C. commercial

                                                                                 VA-Maine commercial
                 T
                 R    20-                                                        Recreati onal
                 C

                 T
                 0
                 N
                 N
                 E
                 S    10-



                 1      5-
                 0
                 0
                 0


                                                    . .. ....... ...... .......... ...... ..     -A . .........
                       0                             1 @         1 11 1                                  1- T-+-

                         50        55        60         65        70        75         80        85        90
                                                           YEAR (19--)
                            Figure 28.     Annual commercial and recreational landings of scup from Maine
                                           to North Carolina from 1950-1990.












                     8-

                 M              Atl. CoaSt Com'l
                 E         ---- NC Commercial
                 T
                 R          .......... Winter trawl
                     6-



                 T
                 0
                 N   4-
                 N
                 E
                                                                                                                        CA



                     2

                 0
                 0
                 0
                                                                        . ...............    ..... ..... .........
                     0                                                                 T

                       50        65        60        65        70        75       80        85        90
                                                        YEAR (19--)


                                Figure 29. Annual commercial landings of bluefish from 1950-1990.












                       14-

                  M               AtI. Coast Com'l.
                  E    12-       NC Commercial
                  T
                  R              Winter trawl fleet
                       lo-

                  T    8-
                  0
                  N
                  N                                                      :0
                  E    6-
                  S


                       4-


                  0
                  0    2-
                  0


                       0

                         60       55       60       65       70        75       80       85       90
                                                         YEAR (19--)

                             Figure 30. Annual commercial landings of Atlantic croaker from 1950-1990.




                                                                  .I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I
                            A P P E N D I X                        I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I
                                                                   I







     APPENDIX A.      Seasonal commercial Landings of sciaenid pound net           1,  Long haut  2, ocean gitt net (gitt net)     3,  and winter trawler   4 fisheries in North Carolina for 1982-1990
                      fishing seasons (season = May-Aprit), inctuding total tandings/species (mt), total value of state landings (value in 1000s of dollars) and relative contribution
                      of the three fisheries/species (percent).


                             May 82-Apr 83         May 83-Apr 84        May 84-Apr 85        May 85-Apr 86       May 86-Apr 87          May 87-Apr 88        May 88-Apr 89    -  May 89-Apr 90      May 90-Apr 91
                            Land-     Value/      Land-    Va L Lie/   Land-    Value/      Land-    Value/      Land-    Value/       Land-    Value/      Land-    Value/     Land-   Va I Lie/   Land-   Value/
     Species                ings      percent     ings     percent     ings     percent     ings     percent     ings     percent      ings     percent     ings     percent    ings    percent     ings    r)ercent
     Atlantic croaker       4,475     $3,572      3,697    $3,099      4,707    $3,278      4,211    $3,204      3,757      $2,909     3,552    $3,133      3,164    $3,036     2,787   $3,201      2,550   $2,749
       Pound net               863      19.3        292       7.9        443        9.4       567       13.5        234       6.2        579      16.3        451       14.2       244      8.8       218      8.5
       Long haut.           2,064       46.1      1,883      50.9      1,339       28.4     1,114       26.4     1,392       37.0        679      19.1      l,lT7       37.2    1,427      51.2     1,769     69.4
       Trawler                 547      12.2        478      12.9      1,359       28.9     1,069       25.4        721      19.2        761      21.4        653       20.7       436     15.7       154      6.1
       Gilt net                385       8.6        540      13.3      1,219       25.9     1,252       29.7     1,204       32.1      1,283      36.1        636       20.1       385     13.9       304     11.9
     Weakfish               5,163     $4,695      5,486    $3,936      4,728    $3,874      6,626    $4,458      5,276      $4,152     6,561    $4,717      5,298    $5,041     2,854   $3,320      2,759   $2,803
       Pound net               126       2.5         73       1.3        167        3.5       192        2.9         88       1.7        199        3.0       232        4.4        58      2.0        74      2.7
       Long haut               737      14.3        704      12.8        762       16.1       508        7.7        586      11.1        412        6.3       608       11.5       240      8.4       481     17.4
       Trawler              3,054       59.5      2,740      49.9      1,760       37.2     2,570       38.8     1,971       37.4      2,364      36.0      1,590       30.0    1,168      41.1     1,220     44.4
       Gilt net                846      16.4      1,555      28.4      1,565       33.1     2,654       40.1     2,2T7       43.2      3,253      49.6      2,440       46.1    1,202      42.2       842     30.5
     Bluefish               3,470       $914      1,618      $565      1,344       $509     1,734       $513     1,712       $732      2,603      $755      1,417       $538    1,761      $678     2,150   S  740
       Pound net                89       2.6         31       1.9         38        2.9           51     3.0         30       1.8         41        1.6         35       2.5        14      0.8        14      0.7
       Long haut               194       5.6        153       9.5        ill       11.7       216       12.5        212      12.4        214        8.2       164       11.6       136      7.7       139      6.5
       Trawler              1,776       51.2        465      28.7        359       26.7       353       20.3        185      10.8        564      21.7        234       16.5       206     11.7       124      5.6
       Gilt net                970      28.0        637      39.4        561       41.8       744       42.9        979      57.2      1,357      52.1        683       48.2    1,193      67.8     1,293     60.1
     Spot                   2,214     $1,063      1,388      $699      1,562       $809     1,843       $900     1,473       $742      1,296      $663      1,378       $666    1,464      $785     1,590   $  805  '0
       Pound net               150       6.8         30       2.1         89        5.7           56     3.1         22       1.5         51        3.9         33       2.4        33      0.2        19      1.2
       Long haul            1,556       70.3        885      62.3        938       60.1     1,126       61.1        865      58.8        529      40.8        896       65.0       903     61.7     1,104     69.4
       Trawler                  36       1.6         69       5.0         50        3.2           75     4.1         38       2.6         37        2.8         37       2.7        63      4.3        33      2.1
       Gilt net                 37       1.7         65       4.7        131        8.4       150        8.2        213      14.5        268      20.7        142       10.3       232     15.9       113      7.1

     Flounders              3,970     $5,486      6,027    $7,293      6,403    $10,132     4,231    $9,304      3,256     $7,993      4,571    $10,957     3,927    $9,649     2,637   $9,685      3,003   $9,554
       Pound net                55       1.4         34       0.6         53        0.8           34     0.8         99       3.0        163        3.6       257        6.5       150      5.7        76      2.5
       Long haut                28       0.7         36       0.6         27        0.4           29     0.7         43       1.3         12        0.3         38       1.0        32      1.2        19      0.6
       Trawler              2,888       72.8      4,769      79.1      5,185       81.0     2,891       68.3     1,825       56.1      3,219      70.4      2,326       59.2    1,105      41.9     1,686     56.2
       Gilt net                0.2      <0.1           6     <0.1            9      0.2           6      0.1           6      0.2           4       0.1           2      0.1          6     0.3      <0.1     <0.1

     Striped bass              110      $451        185      $356        211       $365       101       $170        135       297         54      $119          43       $96        77     $212        50   $ 156
       Pound net                  -          -         -          -          -         -          -         -       0.2       0.2           -          -          -           -                 -        0         0
       Long haul               0.1      <0.1           -          -                                                    -          -                                                   -         -        0         0
       Trawler                    2      1.5           6      3.3                                                                                                                   10     <0.1          3     6.0
       Gilt net                 22      20.3        0.3       0.2            -         -          -                    -          -         -          -          -           -     34      0.1          0         0
     Butterfish   5            135       $76         53       $43         80        $64           63     $47         79       $72         62        $53         26       $28       104      $67       122   S    97
       Pound net                11       8.1           1      2.7            7      8.6           14    22.2         10      12.6           5       7.3           7     26.9       0.9      0.9        15      1.2
       Long haul                  4      2.7           4      8.4            2      2.9       0.2        0.3         13      16.3        0.6        1.0           1      5.4       0.5      5.3        21     17.2
       Trawler                  74      55.0         38      71.7         52       64.6           34    53.6         39      49.3         32      51.6          10      38.5        71     69.3        41     33.6
       Gilt net                 38      28.4           6     10.6         13       15.7           9     14.4         11      14.1         11      18.2            3     11.5        16     15.5        12      9.8










                 APPENDIX A. (Continued).


                                                 May 82-Apr 83              May 83-Apr 84               May 84-Apr 85               May 85-Apr 86              May 86-Apr 87               May 87-Apr 88               May 88-Apr 89                   May 89-Apr 90        May 90-Apr I
                                                Land-       VaLue/         Land-       Va L Lie/       Land-        VaLue/         Land-        Value/        Land-        VaLue/         Land-       Va I Lie/       Land-        Value/       Land-       Value/          Land-    Vatuej
                 Species                        fnqs        percent        ings        percent         ings        percent         ings        percent        ings        Dercent         ings        percent         i ngs       percent       ings       percent          ings     percer
                 Harvestffsh      5               199          S123           101           S60           110           $97           186         $200           137         $167                115       $158              114      $164             100     $129             98      $135,
                    Pound net                       34         17.2             17        16.8             32         28.9             86         46.5             34        24.6                38        32.7              34       29.8             .18     18.0             24      24.1
                    Long haul                       41         20.6             20        19.4             21         19.5             16          8.8             33        23.9                33        28.5              16       14.3             6       6.2              9       9.2
                    Trawler                         34         17.2               7         7.1               5         4.7            43         23.0               7         4.8               6    .    4.8               8        7.1              22      22.0             13      13.3
                    GHL net                         42         21.1               6         6.0               5         4.7            18          9.5             11          8.3               13        11.0              5        4.4              13      13.3             16      16.3

                 Spanish mackerel                   86          $61             19          S15            58           $42            79          $67           105           $81               229       $145              199      $141             268     $215         380         $31f
                    Pound not                          3        3.6               3       14.2                6       10.9             10         12.4             16        15.2                81        35.6              75       37.7             71      26.5             22      5.f
                    Long haul                     0.9           1.1               1         7.9               3         4.5               5        6.3             13        12.4                15        6.4               18       8.9              33      12.3             12      3.2
                    Trawler                       0.4           0.4               -                                                   0.3          0.4           0.3           0.3               0.1       <0.1              0.2      0.1              3       1.1          0.7         0.2
                    GILL net                        30         34.7               4       20.3             14         24.4             27         34.1             41        38.9                50        21.9              43       21.6             114     42.5         143         37.t

                 Florida pa"no                      14          $33               2           $4              4         Sil            11          $32             17          S41               9         $24               3           $9            9       $28              14      $24
                    Pound net                          3       23.5           0.1           3.1           0.4           8.9               1        9.0               3       16.3                2         24.4              0.4      13.3             5       55.6         0.5         3.6
                    Long haul                          6       38.9           0.4         18.7                2       56.6                5       48.4               4       24.3                2         19.7              0.7      18.9             2       18.6             1       7.2
                    Trawler                            -             -                                        -             -             -             -                          -             -             -                           -           .002    <0.1             -
                    GILL net                      0.7           4.7               -             -         0.6         13.7            0.1          1.4               2       11.2                0.5       5.5               0.3      10.0                                  @co. 1      <0.1

                 Spotted seatrout                   42          $72             72        $120             68         $123             65         $171             85        $157                156       $277              167      $326             161     $345         110         $219
                    Pound net                          5       11.6               5         6.8               4         6.0           0.2          0.4           0.3           0.3               2         1.5               0.2      0.1              -            -       0.3         0.3
                    Long haul                       15         35.6             19        25.6             15         22.3                9       14.9             10        11.8                36        23.2              35       21.1             31      19.0             21      19.1
                    Trawler                       0.4           1.0           0.3           0.4           0.4           0.6               2        2.8               6         6.7               2         1.4               0.7      0.4              a       4.8          CO. 1       <0.1
                    Gill net                           2        5.4               4         5.8               4         6.1            16         24.4             10        11.5                17        11.0              22       13.2             10      6.3              10      9.1

                 Red drum                           22          $11           146           $81            91           $60            77         $113           104         S109                115       $149              99       $124             118     $164             82      S105
                    Pound net                     0.3           1.5               2         1.1           0.8           0.9           0.4          0.5           0.5           0.5               19        16.4              4        4.0              5       4.2              1       1.2
                    Long haul                          5       20.4               9         6.5               7         7.7               2        2.8             32        30.9                16        13.8              11       11.1             25      21.6             8       9.8
                    Trawler                            6       27.7             13          9.0               6         7.1               2        2.1               2         1.5               1         1.3               2        1.9              1       1.1          0.2         0.3
                    GHL net                            5       24.0             37        25.1             21         22.8             19         24.4               9         8.4               11        9.6               9        9.1              12      10.4             5       6.1
                 Black sea bass                   213          $343           446         $619            544         $976            503      S1,002            267         $519                495       $979              452  $1,118               509  $1,384          285     $1,042
                    Trawler                         71         33.5           266         59.7            363         71.4            296         58.9             95        35.7                315       63.6              206      45.7             205     40.3             60      21.1

                 Scup or porgies                  658          $840           835         $997            505         $759            188         $212           ill         $186                61        S65               15       $11              47        82             71      S60
                    Trawler                       304          46.2           477         57.2            267         52.9            171         90.8           Ili         99.7                58        94.3              15     100.0              47      99.6             71    100.0
                 Bait                           4,302          $354        4,430          $376         4,695          S381         3,437          $230        2,836          $201         4,084            $300       2,596           $168      2,167          S159         2,566       $177
                    Pound net                     349           8.1           201           4.5           421           9.0           549         16.0           123           4.3               329       8.1               271      10.4             306     14.1         341         13.3
                    Long haul                   1,879          43.7        1,901          42.9         1,884          40.1         1,148          33.4        1,386          48.9         1,474            36.1       1,078           41.5      1,112          51.8         1,635       63.7
                    Trawler                     1,364          31.7        1,613          36.4         1,728          36.7         1,620          47.1           905         31.9         2,109            51.1              794      30.6             195     9.0              78      3.0
                    GILL net                        62          1.5             44          1.0           100           2.1            13          0.4             23          0.8               7         0.2               127      4.9              6       0.3              1











     APPENDIX A. (Continued).

                            May 82-Apr 83       May 83-Apr 84       May 84-Apr 85-       May 85-Apr 86        May 86-Apr 87        May 87-Apr 88        May 88-Apr 89      May 89-Apr 90      May 90-Apr 91
                           Land-     Value/     Land-     Value/    Land-     Value/     Land-     Value/     Land-     Value/     Land-     Value/     Land-     Value/   Land- Value/       Land- VaLue/
     Species               ings     percent     ings     percent    ings     percent     ings     percent     ings     percent     ings     percent     ings     percent   ings percent       ings percent

     Total finfish
     (w/out menhaden) 31,767        $23,406    32,776   $23,639    37,030    $28,220     32,319   $27,182     25,462   $25,399    31,772    $30,301    25,225    $29,622   20,905  $41,836    24,812  $28,731
       Pound net           1,699        5.4        706       2.2    1,285         3.5    1,553         4.8       684       2.7     1,558        4.9     1,432        5.7      935       4.5      827       3.3
       Long haul           6,579       20.7     5,649      17.2     5,175       14.0     4,250       13.2     4,714      18.5      3,353      10.6      4,308      17.1    4,112      19.7    5,299      21.4
       Trawler             10,367      32.6    11,779      35.9    11,899       32.1     9,850       30.5     6,493      25.5      10,256     32.3      6,099      24.2    4,481      21.5    4,081      16.4
       Gill net            2,671        8.4     3,071        9.4    3,825       10.3     5,157       16.0     5,067      19.9      6,698      21.1      4,430      17.6    3,555      17.0    3,548      14.3

     Total marketable
       Wout menhaden) 27.465        $23,092    28,346   $18,994    32,336    $23,263     28,882   $26,952     22,626   $25,197    27,688    $29,884    22,629   $29,454    18,738  $41,677    22,246  $28,554
       Pound net           1,350        4.9        505       1.8       864        2.7    1,003         3.5       561       2.5     1,229        4.4     1,161        5.1      630       3.3      468       2.1
       Long haul           4,700       17.1     3,748      13.2     3,291       10.2     3,102       10.7     3,328      14.7      2,074        7.5     3,230      14.3    2,991      16.0    3,665      16.5
       Trawler             9,003       32.8    10,166      35.9    10,177       31.5     8,230       28.5     5,588      24.7      8,147      29.4      5,304      23.4    4,285      22.9    4,056      18.0
       GUL net             2,613        9.5     3,028      10.7     3,725       11.5     5,144       17.8     5,043      22.3      6,691      24.2      4,303      19.0    3,549      18.9    3,547      15.9


     1 Pound net landings include Dare     County.
     2 Long haul landings: Long haul landings include April through December from Dare,              Hyde, Carteret, Craven, Pamlico and Beaufort counties.
     3 Winter trawl Landings include: Dare, Hyde, Pamlico, Beaufort, Craven, Carteret, Brunswick and Onstow counties.
     4 ocean gill net landings include all state landings September through April.
     5 North Carolina conmerciat Landings combined harvestfish and butterfish Landings in 1985 are harvestfish; for the purpose of this presentation, we extrapolated out butterfish
       Landings based on monthly relative proportions of the two species in our samples.








                      APPENDIX B.        Predominant marketed fish captured in the 1988-1991 winter trawl fishery including total Landings (Total, kg), percent of total state
                                         Landings/species (Percent), and value in dollars (Value). This data was partitioned by areas where fish were Landed: North includes Dare
                                         (Wanchese), Hyde (EngLehard), Beaufort (Belhaven), and Pamlico (Bayboro) counties; South includes Craven, Carteret (Beaufort -Morehead), Brunswick
                                         and OnsLow counties.



                                                                                   1988-89                                                 1989-90                                           1990-91
                      Species                                       Total          Percent          Value                 Total        Percent            Value             Total         Percent            Value
                      Atlantic croaker            Worth           303,101           9.58         S  221,891            276,556          10.0         S    271,506           37,674          1,48       S     35,633
                                                  South           350,298          11.08            287,041            159,746           5.8              144,008          116,528          4.57             93,641
                                                  Total           653,400          20.66         S  508,932            436,302          15.7         S    415,514          154,202          6.05       S     129,274
                      Spot                        North              1,506          0.11         $        679             9,940          0.7         S      4,428             6,883         0.44       S     3,047
                                                  South             35,800          2.60              14,852            52,595           3.6              27,825            26.13           1.65             13,822
                                                  Total             37,306          2.71         S    15,531            62,535           4.3         S    32,253            33,022          2.08       S     16,869
                      Weakfish                    North           495,306           9.35         S  410,083            517,398          18.2         S    623,907          252,354          9.15       $     291,859
                                                  South         1,094,260          20.66            868,015            650,978          22.9              527.22           967,917        35.09              584,423
                                                  Total         1,589,566          30.01         $1,278,098           1,168,376         41.1         $1,151,135           1,220,271       44.24        S     873,282
                      Bluefish                    North           163,330          11.53         $    54,577           159,410           9.1         S    52,576            79,233          3.69       S     29,890
                                                  South             70,344          4.97              23,713            46,606           2.7              12,352            45,079          2.10             14.25
                                                  Total           233,674          16.50         S    78,290           206,016          11.7         S    64,928           124,312          5.79       $     44,147
                      Flounders                   Worth         1,879,958          .47.87        $4,630,802            864,361          32.8         $3,135,492           1,333,670       44.42        $4,002,724
                                                  South           446,266          11.37          1,131,962            240,871           9.2              962,224          352,386        11.74          1,020,885
                                                  Total         F,326,224          59.23         $5,762,764           1,105,235         41.9         $4,097,736           1,686,055       56.15        $5,023,609
                      King whiting                North             10,351          4.45         S     7,741              8,486          2.8         S      7,388           28,427          7.20       $     24,477
                                                  South             48,534         20.85              47,842            52.45           17.3              70,265            33,032          8.37             38,139
                                                  Total             58,885         25.30         $    55,583            60,942          20.1         S    77,653            61,459        15.56        S     62:616
                      Black sea bass              North           191,847          42.45         S  439,855            186,557          36.7         S    418,409           47,846        16.79        $     122,519
                                                  South             14,535          3.22              28,472            18.56            3.7              43,382            12,351          4.34             31.17
                                                  Total           206,383          45.67         $  468,327            205,125          40.3         S    461,791           60,197        21.12        S     153,197
                      Scup                        North             14,301         95.18         S    19,500            46,180          97.7         S    81,559            69,295        97.67        S     58,583
                                                  South                 725         4.82                  788               902          1.9                  805              1,658        2.34                739
                                                  Total             T-5,026        TOO.0         $    20,288            47,082          99.6         $    82,364            70,953        100.00       S     59,921
                      Squid                       North           277,577          71.87         $  128,766            208,iOo          54.8         S    89,396            91,277        81.29        %     45,057
                                                  South             44,991         11.65              22,716            84,122          22.2              37,903            15,446        13.76              9.764
                                                  Total           322,568          83.52         $  151,482            292,222          77.0         $    127,299          106,722        95.05        $     54,821
                      Butterfish                  North              8,671         33.56         S    10,403            58,766          57.3         S    38,995            19,371        15.87              17,212
                                                  South              1.268          4.91               1.38             12.24           12.0                5,209           22,089        18.10              12,395
                                                  Total              9,938         38.46         $    11,792            71,013          69.3         $    44,204            41,459        33.97        S     29,607

                      Harvestfish                 North                 620         0.55         $        751                  -             -       $           -               282        0.29       $        579
                                                  South              7.532          6.64               8.712            21.93           22.0              20.02             13,022        13.33              6.008
                                                  Total              8,152          7.18         $     9,463            21,939          22.0         $    20,027            13,305        13.61        $     6,587











                 APPENDIX B. Continued).



                                                                          1988-89                                              1989-90                                         1990-91
                 Species                                     Total       Percent           Value             Total         Percent           Value'            Total       Percent            Value
                 Atlantic mackerel         North              1,750       100.0        $        536         394,724          99.8        $   85,891            65,087       100.00       S    15,078
                                           South                 0             0                  -                              -                                    0           -                0
                                           Total              T,750       100.0        $        @36         394,724          99.8        S   85,891            65,W         100.00       $    15,078
                 Scrap/bait                North             28,367         1.10       $      1,251           43,139          2.0        $     2,368           28,899         1.13       $     4,084
                                           South            765.78        29.51              47,155         151,925           7.1            10,052            49,451         1.93             5,452
                                           Total            794,154       30.60        $     48,406         195,064           9.0        S   12,420            78,350         3.06       $     9,536
                 Total                     North         3,477,262        13.79        $6,061,791         2,921,890          14.0        $5,038,850         2,248,715         9.28       $4,835,996
                                           South         2,621.40         10.40         2,498,455         1,558,588           7.5         1,925,109         1,832,598         7.56        1,869,313
                                           Total         6,098,669        24.18        $8,559,246         4,480,478          21.5        $6,963,959         4,081,313        16.84       $6,705,309
                 Total marketable          North         3,448,895        15.24        $6,060,540         2,878,751          14.5        $5,036,482         2,219,816         9.98       $4,831,912
                                           South         1,855,620          8.20        2,451,300         1,406,663           7.1         1,915.05          1,783.14          8.02        1,863,861
                                           Total         5,304,515        23.45        $8,511,840         4,285,414          21.6        $6,951,539         4,002,963        18.00       $6,695,T73





                                                                                                                                                                                                   CD
                                                                                                                                                                                                   w





                                                                                       104

                      APPENDIX C.       OveraLt species conposition and mean catch/trip of 29 nearshore fLounder trawL catches swpLed
                                        from October 1988 through Aprit 1989.


                                                                                                                                   Mean
                                                                                                                                   fish          %
                                                                      Weight (kq)                         Nunber                 weight          freq.
                      Species                                    Mean           Percent            Mean          Percent           (kq)        occur.

                      ParaLichthys dentatus                   3,133.7             91.7            3,731           94.5           0.840           100.0
                      Lotiq peaHi                                74.4              2.2                -               -               -          41.4
                      Centropristis striata                      39.0              1.1              93             2.4           0.417           72.4
                      Pomatomus sattatrix                        25.1              0.7                4            0.1           5.867           62 1
                      Pogonias cromis                            21.9              0.6                -               -               -           3:4
                      Cynoscion regalis                          17.8              0.5              21             0.5           0.863           37.9
                      Mustetus canis                             14.4              0.4                -               -               -           3.4
                      Micropogonias undulatus                    14.0              0.4              71             1.8           0.197           17.2
                      Lophius americanus                         14.0              0.4                6            0.2                           41.4
                      Carcharhinus sp.                           11.9              0.4              <1            <0.1           345.6            6.9
                      Busyco sp.                                 10.2              0.3                -                               -          13.8
                      ParaLichthys tethostigma                    1.1             <0.1                1           <0.1           0.867           10.3
                      Sphoeroides macuLatus                       1.1             <0.1                -               -               -          10.3
                      Peorilus triacanthus                        0.9             <0.1                6            0.2           0.145            6' 9
                      Sciaenops ocelLatus                         0.8             <0.1              <1            <0.1           11.350           3.4
                      Tautoga onitis                              0.8             <0.1              <1            <0.1                -           6.9
                      Conger oceanicus                            0.7             <0.1                -               -               -           3.4
                      Acipenser oxyrhynchus                       0.7             <0.1              <1            <0.1          19.500            3.4
                      Menticirrhus sp.                            0.7             <0.1                2            0.1           0.292           17.2
                      PLacopecten magettanicus                    0.5             <0.1                -               -               -           3.4
                      Cephalopoda                                 0.5             <0.1                -               -                           6.9
                      Leiostomus xanthurus                        0.4             <0.1                9            0.2           0.046           10.3
                      Octopus vulgaris                            0.4             <0.1                -               -               -          10.3
                      Scytiorhinus retifer                        0.3             <0.1              <1            <0.1           9.100            3.4
                      Cynoscion spp.                              0.1             <0.1                -               -               -           3.4
                      CautoLatiLus microps                        0.1             4.1               <1            <0.1           0.967            3.4
                      Archosargus probatocephalus                 0.1             <0.1              <1            <0.1           2.620            3.4
                      Cynoscion nebuLosus                        <0.1             <0.1              <1            <0.1           0.700            6.9
                      Chaetodipterus faber                       <0.1             4.1                 -               -               -           3.4




                      Observed species


                      Callinectes sapidus                     Prionotus spp.                          Raja egtanteria
                      Ovalipes ocellatus                      Prionotus carotinus                     Dasyatis sabina
                      Ovatipes stephensoni                    Prionotus evolans                       Dasyatis sayi
                      Porturus Aibbessi                       Stenotomus chrysons                     Rhinoptera bonasus
                      Asteroidea                              Menticirrhus americanus                 Raia spp.
                      Astropecten articutatus                 Etropus crossotus                       Paratichthys obLonqus
                      Urophycis reqia                         Persephona sp.                          Scophthalmus aquosus
                      MerLuccius bitinearis                   Libinia emarginata                      SguaLus acanthias







                                                                                       105



                       APPENDIX D.       OveraLL species conposition and mean catch/trip of 26 nearshore Rounder trawL catches sampLed
                                         from October 1989 through ApriL 1990.

                                                                                                                                   Mean
                                                                                                                                   fish           %
                                                                      Weight (kq)                        Number                  weight           freq.
                       lpecies                                  Mean            Percent           Mean          Percent            (kq)           occur.

                       Paralichthys dentatus                    2,284.6            68.5           2,956             59.0         0.773            100.0
                       Sphoeroides macuLatus                     265.0               8.0            100             2.0          2.657            46.2
                       Lotiq peaLij                              235.5               7.1                                                          80.8
                       Cynoscion regaLis                         148.7               4.5            263             5.3          0.565            92.3
                       Micropog nias undutatus                     81.4              2.4            582             11.6         0.140            30.8
                       Pornato-nus saltatrix                       55.8              1.7               34           0.7          1.655            61.5
                       Archosarqus probatocephatus                 50.9              1.5               8            0.2          6.153            38.5
                       Leiostomus xanthurus                        34.1              1.0            542             10.8         0.063            15.4
                       Busycon spp.                                28.1              0.8                                                          19.2
                       Menticirrhus sp.                            24.4              0.7               6            0.1          3.913            38.5
                       Centropristis striata                       24.1              0.7               48           1.0          0.504            65.4
                       Peprilus triacanthus                        20.3              0.6            270             5.4          0.075            65.4
                       Lophius americanus                          14.6              0.4                                                          15.4
                       Menticirrhus saxatiLis                      13.8              0.4               71           1.4          0.196            26.9
                       Menticirrhus americanus                     8.0               0.2               41           0.8          0.197            26.9
                       MusteLus canis                              7.8               0.2               3            0.1          2.916            3.8
                       Acipenser oxyrhynchus                       6.3               0.2               <1           <0.1         27.347           15.4
                       Sicyonia brevirostris                       5.2               0.2                                                          3.8
                       SerioLa dumeriLi                            3.7               0.1               <1           <0.1         23.815           3.8
                       Busycon canaticulatm                        3.5               0.1                                                          3.8
                       ParaLichthys aLbigutta                      2.7               0.1               5            0.1          0.594            3.8
                       Sciaenops oceLlatus                         2.2               0.1               <1           0.1          7.140            19.2
                       Rachycentron canadtxn                       2.0               0.1               <1           <0.1         17.533           3.8
                       Cynoscion nebuLosus                         1.8               0.1               1            <0.1         2.355            26.9
                       Pogonias cromis                             1.3             <0.1                <1           <0.1         33.110           3.8
                        archarhinus timbatus                       1.3             <0.1                                                           3.8
                       Busycon carica                              1.2             <0.1                                                           3.8
                       Orthopristis chrysoptera                    1.2             <0.1                17           0.3          0.070            7.7
                       C



                       ParaLichthys Lethostigma                    0.9             <0.1                I            <0.1         0.831            7.7
                       Urophycis reqia                             0.7             <0.1                12           0.3          0.057            15.4
                       Lagodon rhomboides                          0.6             <0.1                17           0.3          0.035            3.8
                       Stenotomus spp.                             0.4             <0.1                                                           3.8
                       Urophycis spp.                              0.4             <0.1                                                           7.7
                       Prionotus evotans                           0.4             <0.1                4            0.1          0.090            11.5
                        ctopus                                     0.3             <0.1                                                           3.8
                       Carcharhinus sp.                            0.2             <0.1                <1           <0.1         4.540            3.8
                       COonge oceanicus                            0.2             <0.1                <1           <0.1         4.100            3.8
                       Stenotomus chrysops                         0.1             <0.1                1            <0.1         0.200            11.5
                       Prionotus scituLus                          0.1             <0.1                8            0.2          0.015            7.7
                       Decapterus punctatus                        0.1             <0.1                4            0.1          0.030            3.8
                       Citharichthys spp.                          0.1             <0.1                8            0.2          0.015            3.8
                       Tautoga onitis                              0.1             <0.1                <1           <0.1         1.350            11.5
                       Anchoa mitchilti                            0.1             4.1                 8            0.2          0.010            3.8

                       Observed species

                       Argopecten gibbus           Brevoortia tyrannus               Citharichthys     spiLopterus
                       Penaeus duorarum            Ftrumeus teres                    ParaLichthys obLonqus
                       CaLappa Rammea              Mertuccius biLinearis             ScophthaLmus aquosus
                       Hepatus epheliticus         Ophidion spp.                     -Ancytopsetta quadroceLtata
                       Callinectes sapidus         Scophthatmus actuosus             GLyptocephatus cynogLossus
                       OvaLipes spp.               Priacanthus arenatus              Symphurus pLagiusa
                       Ovalipe oce(Latus           Stenotomus caprinus               Balistes capriscus
                       OvaLipes stephensoni        Euthynnus a(Letteratus            Lacto phrys quadricornfs






                                                                                                   106



                           APPENDIX E.        OveraLL species coaposition and mean catch/trip of 48 nearshore fLounder trawL catches smpLed
                                              from October 1990 through ApriL 1991.                                                                      Mean
                                                                                                                                                         fish            %
                                                                                Weight (kq)                                Nurrber                     weight            freq.
                           Species                                        Mean                Percent             Mean             Percent               (kq)            occur.

                           Paratichthys dentatus                         3,679.1                   85.2           5,399                93.0            0.681             100.0
                           Busycon spp.                                     171.2                  4.0                  -                  -                 -           43.8
                           LoLigo PeaLii                                    109.1                  2.5
                                                                             64.6                  1.5
                           Lophius; americanus                                                                                                               -           25 0
                           Sphoeroides macutatus                             58.2                  1.3                48               0.8             1.208             39.6
                           Pomatmus saLtatrix                                47.2                  1.0                10               0.2             4.669             60.4
                           Centropristis striata                             27.7                  0.6                98               1.7             0.282             79 2
                           Menticirrhus americanus                           24.2                  0.6                89               1.5             0.272             12:5
                           Cynoscion regatis                                 20.4                  0.5                43               0.7             0.473             58.3
                           Morone saxatiLis                                  17.5                  0.4                  3              0.1             5.872             14.6
                           We-nticirrhus saxatilis                           16.9                  0.4                48               0.8             0.356             20.8
                           ParaLichthys Lethostigm                           14.0                  0.3                16               0.3             0.903             12.5
                           Carcharhinidae                                    13.5                  0.3                  -                  -                 -             8.3
                           Pepritu triacanthus                                9.2                  0.2                18               0.3             0.521             41.7
                           Acipenser oxyrhynchus,                             8.4                  0.2                <1               <0.1           57.924             16.7
                           Unidentified scrapfish                             7.6                  0.2                  -                  -                 -             6.3
                           Pogonias cromis                                    6.8                  0.2                'Cl              <O.l           32.790             10.4
                           Archosargus probatocephatus                        5.3                  0.1                  1              <0.1            4.883             25.0
                           Octopus                                            5.3                  0.1                  1              <0.1            7.042             22.9
                           Menticirrhus spp.                                  4.7                  0.1                  7              <0.1            0.687             29.2
                           Sciaenops ocetlatus;                               3.9                  0.1                <1               <0.1           15.483               1 3
                                                                              1.9                                                                            -           11':4
                           Micropogonias undu(atus                                                 <0.1                 -                                                  3
                           Tautoga onitis                                     1.0                  <0.1               <1               <0.1            2.181             18.8
                           Limanda ferrugine                                  0.7                                       -                  -                 -             2.1
                           Leiostomus xanthurus.                              0.6                  <0.1                 4              <0.1            0.158               6.3
                           Euthymus alletteratus                              0.5                  4.1                <1               <0.1            3.783               2.1
                           Seriola duneriti                                   0.5                  <0.1               <1               <0.1           22.200               2.1
                           Stenotomus chrysops                                0.3                  <0.1                 2              <0.1            0.207             18.8
                           Sarda s  arda                                      0.1                  'C0.1                -                  -                 -             2.1
                           FN;osc'i:on nebuLosus                             <0.1                  <0.1               <1               <O.l            2.300                 :3
                           Paralichthys albigutta                            CO.l                  <0.1               <1               C0.1            0.420               2
                           Pepritus spp.                                     -CO.1                 <0.1                 -                                    -             2.1

                           observed species

                           Busycon canaLicuLatLin                            Portunus spp.                          Prionotus scitulus
                           Penaeus duorarum                                  Mustelus canis                         Centropristis ocyurus;
                           Homarus; americanus                               Squatina dumeriLi                      Orthopristis chrysoptera
                           Libinia sop.                                      Raia eglanteria                        Scomberomorus macutatus,
                           Cance spp.                                        Conger spp.                            Citharichthys spilopterus
                           Cancer borealis                                   Urophycis spp.                         Scophthatmus gSuosus
                           Cancer irroratus                                  Urophycis tnia                         GtyptocephaLus cynogLossus
                           Arenaeus cribarius                                Urophycis parLii                       Pseudopteuronectes americanus
                           CaLLinectes sapidus;                              Notocentridae                          Gvnmchirus melas
                           CaLLinectes similis                               Prionotus caroLinus                    Svm*urus spp.
                           Ovatipes oceLtatus                                Fr-ionotus evotans                     BaListes capriscus
                           Ovalipe stephensoni







                                                                                  107

                       APPENDIX 1.       Size composition of summer flounder IParalicl,lys dentatus, captured by North Carolina winter
                                         trawlers during 1988-91 partitioned by gear (A), area (8), and season (C); n=number of individuals
                                         measured.


                                                                                     Percent frequency/size class (TL. mm)
                                                                  Undersize-              301-    351-     401-     451-      501-     601
                                            Season           n         <330     <300      350     400      450      500       600      700     >700


                       A.  GEAR
                           Ftynet           1988-89          208       58.1     51.1      14.4    13.9     15.0      5.1      0.5
                           Deepwater                       8,610       8.4       0.3      22.9    36.2     27.6      9.7      2.8      0.5     <0.1
                           Flounder                        6,823       4.5       0.1      15.2    34.3     30.4     15.5      4.1      0.4     -CO. 1

                           FLynet           1989-90             1     100.0     100.0
                           Deepwater                       7,571       9.3      <0.1      23.4    29.7     21.9     13.4      11.0     0.6     <0.1
                           Flounder                        5,320       6.1       0.1      22.3    32.6     25.7     12.6      6.7      0.1     <0.1
                           Crab trawl                        327       3.5                15.2    35.8     32.9     11.3      4.2      0.6


                           FLynet           1990-91             8      97.7     97.7        1.3      0.7     0.3
                           Deepwater                       3,074       11.6      0.1      31.8    38.9     23.0      4.1      1.7      0.3       0.1
                           F L ounder                      14,961      8.0      <0.1      26.4    37.5     26.1      7.7      2.2      0.1     <0.1

                       8.  AREA
                           Northern         1988-89        15,091      7.4       0.6      20.1    35.1     28.6     11.9      3.3      0.4     <0.1
                           Central                           549       8.6       2.5      17.4    42.0     25.2      9.4      3.5      0.2

                           Northern         1989-90        11,578      7.8       0.1      22.0    30.5     23.7     13.7      9.6      0.4     <0.1
                           Central                         1,106       11.9      0.6      35.8    33.4     21.5      6.3      2.4      0.1
                           Southern                          550       2.8                20.8    39.4     28.0      9.1      2.6      <0.1    <0.1


                           Northern         1990-91        17,753      8.6      <0.1      27.2    37.7     25.7      7.1      1.2      0.1     <0.1
                           Central                           290       21.2     14.1      23.5    34.4     17.7      9.2      1.0      <0.1


                       C.  SEASON
                           1982-83                         5,027                16.7      40.3    24.4     12.7      3.8      1.9      0.1     <0.1
                           1983-84                         14,844               16.7      39.1    25.7     12.3      4.4      1.7      0.1     <0.1
                           1984-85                         15,185                9.9      43.3    24.3     13.9      4.9      2.4      0.3     <0.1
                           1985-86                         14,477               15.4      32.8    26.4     15.4      7.0      2.6      0.3     <0.1
                           1986-87                         11,350                7.8      31.6    31.6     20.1      5.8      2.9      0.2     <0.1
                           1987-88                         15,395               18.0      38.8    31.7       7.1     3.1      1.1      0.2     <0.1
                           1988-89                         15,641                0.7      20.0    35.3     28.5     11.8      3.3      0.4     <0.1
                           1989-90                         13,214                0.2      22.8    31.0     23.7     13.0      8.9      0.4     <0.1
                           1990-91                         18,043                0.1      27.2    37.7     25.6      7.1      2.1      0.1     <0.1











                       APPENDIX G.       Age composition of summer flounder (Paratfchthys dentatus) captured by North Carolina winter
                                         trawl, 1982-1991.

                                                                                    Percent/age class
                       Season            0            1            2             3            4            5             6             7           8


                       1982-83           25.5        55.2         16.8           1.7          0.6          0.2            0            0           a

                       1983-84           8.5         48.9         33.8           6.4          1.8          0.5            0            0           0

                       1984-85           13,5        51,0         31.4           2.9          1.0          0.2            0            0           0

                       1985-86           5.0         51.4         35.4           7.3          0.4          0.4            0            0           0

                       1986-87           11.5        46.8         34.5           6.5          0.5          0.1            0            0           0

                       1987-88           6"6         68*3         22,4           2.2          0.4          0.1            0            0           0

                       1988-89           0.4         33.3         41.9          22.1          1.3          0.6          0.4            0           a

                       1989-90           0.1           6.5        ".3           36.0          12.0         0.8          0.3            0           0
                       1990-91           0.0           6.6        54.3          36.7          2.3          0.1            0            0           0






                                                                                           108



                           APPENDIX H.      OveralL species conposition and mean catch/trip of 33 deepwater trawL catches sanpied from
                                            October 1988 through ApriL 1989.                                                           Mean
                                                                                                                                        fish         %
                                                                         Weight (kq)                          Number                  weight         freq.
                           Species                                   Mean           Percent           Mean           Percent            (kq)        occur.

                           ParaLichthys dentatus                   4,052.7             72.0           5,803            72.0           0.698          97.0
                           LoLigo pealii                             813.8             14.4                -               -               -         87.8
                           Centropristis striata                     485.0              8.6           1,345            16.7           0.361          97.0
                           Stenotomus chrysops                       107.3              1.9              628            7.8           0.171          63.6
                           Pomatomus saLtatrix                        61.1              1.1              24             0.3           2.568          63.6
                           Sconber scorribrus                         32.0              0.6              90             1.1           0.355           3.0
                           Lophius americamis                         27.6              0.5              16             0.2           1.776          48.5
                           Cynoscion regaLis                          11.9              0.2                8            0.1           1.490          42.4
                           Merluccius biLinearis                       8.1              0.1                7            0.1           1.116          27.3
                           PLacopecten mageLLanicu                     6.8              0.1                -               -               -         33.3
                           Prionotus spp.                              5.8              0.1              91             1.1           0.064           9.1
                           Busycon sp.                                 4.9              0.1                -               -               -          3.0
                           GtyptocephaLus cynoglossus                  3.9              0.1              10             0.1           0.377          24.2
                           ParaLichthys spp.                           2.5             <0.1                2           <0.1           1.042           3.0
                           Peprilus triacanthus                        2.1             <0.1              19             0.2           0.111          30.3
                           Acipenser oxyrhynchus                       1.9             <0.1              'Cl           <0.1          20.833           6.1
                           Urophycis regia                             1.4             <0.1                7            0.1           0.208          18.2
                           Stenotomus spp.                             0.8             <0.1                -               -               -          3.0
                           Conger oceanicus                            0.7             <0.1              <1            <0.1           1.808          12.1
                           Centropristis philadeLphica                 0.5             <0.1                -               -               -          6.1
                           Tautola onitis                              0.1             <0.1                -               -               -          3.0
                           ParaHchthys oblongus                        0.1             <0.1              <1            <0.1           0.337          18.2
                           Menticirrhus spp.                           0.1             <0.1              <1            4.1            0.230           3.0
                           Sparidae                                    0.1             4.1                 -               -               -          3.0
                           Archosargus probatocephalus                 0.1             -COA              <1            <0.1           1.800           3.0



                           observed species


                           Cancer irroratus                        Scomberesax saurus                      Persephona punctatus
                           Catlinectes sapidus                     HoLocentrus ascensionis                 Cancer borealis
                           Ovatipes  sp.                           Prionotus carolinus                     ScophthaLmu aquosus
                           Ovatioes  ocellatus                     Prionotus evoLans                       Sympurus Plagiusa
                           OvaLipes  stephensoni                   Prionotus scitutus                      Squalus acanthias
                           Portunus  spp-                          EpinepheLus drLmmondhayi                Raia eglanteria
                           Portunus  gibbessi                      CauLoLatitus microps                    Raia radiata
                           Asteroidea                              Cynoscion nebuLosus                     Dasyatis sabina
                           Astropecten articulatus                 Menticirrhus saxatiLis
                           Urophycis spp.                          Etropus crossotus







                                                                                              109



                         APPENDIX 1.        OveraLl species copposition and mean catch/trip of 45 deepwater catches samp               Led during
                                            October through ApriL 1990.

                                                                                                                                      Mean
                                                                                                                                      fish             %
                                                                        Weight (kq)                            Number                weight          freq.
                         Species                                      Mean          Percent            Mean           Percent           (kq)         occur.

                         Paralichthys dentatus                      1,674.2            39.2            1,920            23.2          0.872            88.9
                         Centropristis striata                      1,0".5             24.5            3,606            43.5          0.290            97.8
                         Loligo peaLii                                712.4            16.7                                                            91.1
                         Stenotomus chrysops                          603.0            14.1            2,382            28.7          0.253            64.4
                         Lophius americanus                           59.5              1.4               16             0.2          3.823            80.0
                         Pornato-ous saltatrix                        31.4              0.7               21             0.3          1.530            64.4
                         PepriLus triacanthus                         29.9              0.7               203            2.5          0.147            51.1
                         Cynoscion regalis                            27.2              0.6               21             0.3          1.274            68.9
                         MerLuccius billnearls                        26*11             0,6               40             0*5          1,667            31,6
                         Carcharhinus spp.                            14.4              0.3                                                            2.2
                         Menidia beryttina                            10.6              0.3                                                            4.4
                         Gtyptocephatus cynoglossus                    6.9              0.2               21             0.3          0.323            24.4
                         Ptacopecten mage(Lanicus                      5.2              0.1                                                            15.6
                         Centropristis ocyurus                         2.9              0.1               15             0.2          0.188            2.2
                         Menticirrhus; sop.                            2.6              0.1                 4            0.1          0.599            6.7
                         Sparidae                                      2.1              0.1                                                            6.7
                         Acipenser oxyrhynchus                         1.8             <0.1               <1            <0.1         40.800            4.4
                         Urophycis spp-                                1.6             C0.1                                                            2.2
                         Scomber scombrus                              1.2             <0.1                 4            0.1          0.318            11.1
                         Urophycis regia                               1.1             <0.1                 3           <0.1          0.345            22.2
                         Conger oceanicus                              1.1             <0.1                                                            8.9
                         Urophycis chuss                               1.1             <0.1               11             0.1          0.093            4.4
                         Cynoscion nebulosus                           0.8             <0.1               <1             0.1          1.994            6.7
                         Seriota dLzneri I i                           0.7             <0.1               <1            <0.1         33.600            2.2
                         Squatus acanthias                             0.7             <0.1               12             0.2          0.061            2.2
                         Busyc      canalicalatun                      0.7             <0.1                                                            2.2
                         mycteroperca spp.                             0.7             <0.1               <1            <0.1         30.400            4.4
                         LophoLatiLus chamaeleonticeps                 0.7             <0.1                                                            2.2
                         Busycon carica                                0.5             <0.1                                                            2.2
                         Busycon spp.                                  0.4             <0.1                                                            2.2
                         Caulolatitus microps                          0.4             <0.1               <1            <0.1          8.650            6.7
                         Tautoga onitis                                0.3*            <0.1               <1            <0.1          7.550            13.3
                         Archosarqus probatocephatus                   0.3             <0.1                                                            6.7
                         Micropogonjas undulatus                       0.2             <0.1               <1            <0.1          1.355            8.9
                         Paralichthys Lethostigm                       0.2             <0.1               <1            <0.1          1.298            2.2
                         Prionotus carotinus                           0.2             <0.1                 3           <0.1          0.063            8.9
                         Tosa Rseudoharenqus                           0.2             <0.1                 I           <0.1          0.243            2.2
                         Octopus                                       0.2             <0.1                                                            2.2
                         CautoLatitus spp.                             0.1             <0.1                                                            2.2
                         Alosa sapidissima                             0.1             <0.1                                                            2.2
                         Euthynnus aLLetteratus                        0.1             <0.1               <1            <0.1          4.500            2.2
                         Congridae                                     0.1             <0.1                                                            2.2
                         Poklachius vi    rens                        <0.1             <0.1               <1            <0.1          1.400            2.2
                         Sciaenops o@ellatus                          <0.1             <0.1               <1            <0.1          0.900            2.2

                         observ      species

                         Ilex ittecebrosus                   OvaLipes stephensoni                 Prionotus;   scituLus
                         Henatus epheLiticus                 Portumis sp.                         ParaLichthys atbigutta
                         Cancer boreaLis                     ALosa aestivatis                     ParaLichthy oblongus;
                         Cancer irroratus                    Clupea harengus                      Scophthalmus aquosus
                         Caltinectes sapidus                 Brevoortia tyrannus                  Sywvhurus otagiusa
                         Ovatipes                            Prionotus spp.                       Sphoeroides maculatus
                         Ovalipes oce(latus                  Prionotus evoLans                    Mustelus; spip.
                                                                                                  Raia egtanteria








                      APPENDIX J.      overall species conposition and mean catch/trip       of 13 deepwater trawl catches sanpted from
                                       January through April 1991.


                                                                                                                             Mean
                                                                                                                             fish         %
                                                                   Weight ft)                        Number                weight       freq.
                      Species                                  Mean          Percent          Mean        Percent          (kq)          occur.

                      Stenotomus chrysops                    3,598.9           39.7           17,606          61.7         0.204          100.0
                      Paratichthys dentatus                  2,118.0           23.3           3,551           12.4         0.596          84.6
                      Scomber scombrus                       2,095.6           23.1           4,985           17.5         0.420          46.2
                      Loliq peatii                             219.9             4.6               -              -                       76.9
                      Centropristis striata                    142.2             1.6             233           0.8         0.610          100.0
                      Lophius americanus                       139.4             1.5             95            0.3         1.475          53.8
                      Peprilus triacanthus                     126.9             1.4          1,187            4.2         0.107          69.2
                      MerLuccius bilinearis                    104.7             1.1             241           0.8         0.435          46.2
                      Unidentified scrapfish                    87.2             1.0                                                       7.7
                      Ctupea harengus                           65.6             0.7             430           1.5         0.153          23.1
                      Pomatomus saltatrix                       64.6             0.7             68            0.2         0.950          38.5
                      Prionotus spp.                            26.3             0.3             21            0.1         1.270          15.4
                      Menticirrhus sop.                         24.4             0.3             24            0.1         1.005          23.1
                      Placopecten mage(Lanicus                  13.3             0.1               -              -              -        23.1
                      Urophycis regia                           11.8             0.1             62            0.2         0.190          15.4
                      Busycon spp.                               8.8             0.1               -              -                        7.7
                      Urojohycis,spp.                            8.6             0.1                                                      15.4
                      Acfoenser oxyrhynchus                      5.6             0.1               -              -              -         7.7
                      Prionotus carolinus                        4.6             0.1             23            0.1         0.195           7.7
                      Homarus americginus                        2.2           <0.1                -              -              -        23.1
                      Cynoscion regalis                          0.9           <0.1                1          <0.1         1.425          38.5
                      GlyptocephaLus cynoglossus                 0.3           <0.1                1          <0.1         0.667          15.4
                      Atosa sapidissima                          0.2           <0.1                -              -                        7.7
                      Sarda sarda                                0.1           <0.1              <1           <0.1         0.900           7.7


                      observed species


                      Cancer irroratus                 Ophidiidae                        Tautoga onitis
                      mustetus canis                   Prionotus scituLus                Sphoeroides maculatus
                      Raia eqlanteria                  Bellator militaris







                       lable K. Size composition of scup IStenotomys clrysops, capt@,ed by North Carolina winter trawlers during
                                   1988-91 fishing seasons partitioned by season (A), and scrap (8); n=number of individuals measured.

                                                                                     Percent freciuency/size class (FL, mm)
                                                                                 151-           201-              251-           301-
                       A.  SEASON                  n             <150            200            250               300            350           >350
                           1982-83               3,613             0.2           41.3           40.9              13.2           3.8             0.6
                           1983-84               6,349             0.7           42.4           41.1              11.9           3.2             0.7
                           1984-85               1,525             4.6           76.6           15.9              2.6            0.2             0.1
                           1985-86               4,090             1.1           27.1           44.8              14.6           6.2             1.2
                           1986-87               2,962           16.0            15.6           36.5              23.2           7.6             0.8
                           1987-B8               2,371           16.8            16.8           48.5              6.7            3.6             1.6
                           1988-89               1,549             6.7           71.9           19.8              1.3            0.3           <0.1
                           1989-90               4,648           14.6            25.1           51.7              7.4            1.0             0.2
                           1990-91               7,591             2.4           50.5           42.9              3.9            0.2           <0.1

                       8:  SCRAP
                           1988-89                 117           84.8            15.2
                           1989-90                   55          95.0              5.0
                           1990-91                 293           10.4            89.6














                       APPENDIX L.     Size composition of btack sea bass (Centropristis striata) captured by North Carolina winter
                                        trawters October 1988 through April 1991 partitioned by gear (A), season (8), and scrap samples
                                        CQ; n = number of individuals measured.

                                                                                        Percent frequency/size    class (TL, mm)
                                                                                 2C11-     251-        301-       351-      401-      451-
                       A.  GEAR                             n          <200      250       300         350        400       450       Soo      >500
                           Deepwater       1988-89       2,790         5.0       42.1      31.4        14.6       4.8       1.3       0.6        0.2
                           Flounder                         270        1.2       35.2      44.2          9.8      3.0       4.2       1.5        0.9

                           Deepwater       1889-90       7,097         5.4       47.7      31.1        11.5       2.9       0.9       0.4        0.2
                           Flounder                            3                                                                      33.3     66.7

                           Deepwater       1990-91          396        0.1       23.2      40.5        23.5       12.2      0.2                  0.3
                           Flounder                      1,026         15.4      54.0      22.5          6.1      1.6       0.4

                       B.  SEASON
                           1982-83                       1,328         3.1       45.3      32.7        12.9       3.9       1.4       0.4        0.2
                           1983-84                       4,573         2.2       36.3      37.1        18.3       5.0       0.9       0.2        0.1
                           1984-85                       5,078         8.9       32.2      28.3        18.8       8.3       2.7       0.7        0.2
                           1985-86                       6,170         10.9      42.7      22.8          8.3      6.5       4.7       2.8        1.3
                           1986-87                       2,982         3.9       48.2      29.4        11.2       5.1       1.6       0.5        0.1
                           1987-88                       4,243         9.5       5O.D      21.7        11.9       3.9       2.0       0.7        0.2
                           1988-89                       3,260         4.8       41.8      32.0        14.4       4.8       1.4       0.7        0.2
                           1989-90                       7,100         5.4       47.7      31.1        11.5       2.9       0.9       0.4        0.2
                           1990-91                       1,422         10.2      43.5      28.7        12.1       5.2       0.3                  0.1
                       C. SCRAP            1988-a9           62        74.8      25.2
                                           1989-90            6        100.0
                                           1990-91            3        100.0






                                                                                      112



                      APPENDIX M.       Overall species composition and mean catch/trip of 38 fLynet catches sampled from October 1988
                                        through April 1989.

                                                                                                                                  Mean
                                                                                                                                  fish           %
                                                                    Weight (kq)                         Number                  weight          freq.
                      Species                                   Mean           Percent          Mean           Percent            (kq)         occur.

                      Cynoscion regaLis                       3,999.4             39.4          15,355           22.3           0.260           94.7
                      Micropogonias undulatus                 2,738.4             27.0          19,230           27.9           0.142           71.1
                      Leiostomus xanthurus                     1,325.5            13.1          21,449           31.1           0.062           65.8
                      Pomatomus saLtatrix                       878.6              8.7            743             1.1           1.183           76.3
                      Pepritus triacanthus                      250.5              2.5          4,705             6.8           0.053           71.1
                      Lagod     rhomboides                      187.3              1.9          1,260             1.8           0.149
                      Menticirrhus americanus                   115.2              1.1            501             0.7           0.228           60.6
                      Stenotomus spp.                           109.2              1.1          2,753             4.0           0.040            7   -9
                      LoLigo pealii                              73.8              0.7              16            0.0           4.479           39. 5
                      Pogonias cromis                            63.9              0.6                                                          10.5
                      Carcharhinus sp.                           48.8              0.5                                                          21.1
                      ParaLichthys dentatus                      40.3              0.4              84            0.1           0.478           47.4
                      Menticirrhus saxatiLis                     40.4              0.4            262             0.4           0.152           31.6
                      BairdieLta chrysoura                       36.4              0.4            530             0.8           0.069           31.6
                      Brevoortia tyrannus                        33.1              0.3            241             0.4           0.137           28.9
                      Orthopristis chrysoptera                   25.0              0.3            643             0.9           0.039           23.7
                      Archosar-gus, probatocephaLus              18.4              0.2                4          <0.1           4.369           15.8
                      Stenotomus chrysops                        18.2              0.2            499             0.7           0.037            7.9
                      Galeocerdo cuvieri                         17.9              0.2                                                           2.6
                      Centropristis striata                      12.5              0.1              59            0.1           0.212           21.1
                      Cephatopoda                                12.3              0.1              28           <0.1           0.388            7.9
                      Rachycentron canadum                        9.2              0.1                1          <0.1          16.586            5.3
                      Scomberomorus cavaLLa                       8.5              0.1                2          <0.1           3.750           15.8
                      Odontaspis taurus                           7.2              0.1                                                           2.6
                      Urophycis regia                             7.1              0.1              71            0.1           0.100           28.9
                      ACipenser oxyrhynchus                       5.7              0.1              <1           <0.1          54.100           10.5
                      Synodus foetens                             5.5              0.1              45            0.1           0.124           15.8
                      Sphoeroides macutatus                       4.6              0.1              53            0.1           0.088           28.9
                      Sphyraena borealis                          4.6              0.1              51            0.1           0.090            2.6
                      ParaLichthys spp.                           4.5             <0.1                3          <0.1           1.485           10.5
                      Lophius americanus                          4.0             <0.1              <1           <0.1          10.073           21.1
                      Sciaenops oceRatus                          3.9             <0.1              <1           <0.1          13.379            5.3
                      Cynoscion nebulosus                         3.8             <0.1              12           <0.1           0.313           15.8
                      Scomberomorus macuLatus                     3.6             <0.1                9          <0.1           0.404           15.8
                      SerioLa spp.                                3.6             <0.1                                                           2.6
                      Scomber scombrus                            3.6             <0.1                4           0.1           0.958            5.3
                      SerioLa dumerRi                             3.2             <0.1              <1           <0.1                            7.9
                      PepriLus alepidotus                         2.7             <0.1              84            0.1           0.032            2.6
                      Scytiorhinus retifer                        2.6             <0.1                                                           2.6
                      Chaetodipterus faber                        2.4             <0.1              14           <0.1           0.168            5.3
                      Prionotus evotans                           1.8             -CO.1             30           <0.1           0.059           13.2
                      ALosa aestivaLis                            1.6             <0.1                9           0.1           0.173            7.9
                      Loltiguncula brevis                         1.6             -CO. 1            21           <0.1           0.075            2.6
                      Larimus fasciatus                           1.6             <0.1              19           <0.1           0.084            7.9
                      Argentina striata                           1.1             <0.1              71            0.1           0.016            2.6
                      Prionotus scitutus                          1.0             <0.1              24           <0.1           0.043            7.9








                                                                                        113



                        APPENDIX M. (Continued).


                                                                                                                                      Mean
                                                                                                                                      fish           %
                                                                        Weight (kq)                         Nuaber                  weight          freq.
                        Species                                     Mean           Percent           Mean          Percent            (kq)         occur.

                        Scopht halmus aquosus                        0.8             IC0.1             10            <0.1           0.081            10.5
                        Paratichthys Lethostigma                     0.7             <0.1                1           <0.1           0.973            2.6
                        Anchoa hepsetus                              0.5             <0.1              41              0.1          0.013            5.3
                        Diplodus hoLbrooki                           0.5             <0.1              18            <0.1           0.028            2.6
                        Prionotus spp.                               0.3             <0.1                1           <0.1           0.184            10.5
                        Libinia dubia                                0.2             <0.1              <1            <0.1           1.000            2.6
                        Sarda sarda                                  0.2             <0.1              <1            <0.1           1.360            2.6
                        Mustelus canis                               0.2             <0.1              <1            <0.1           0.656            13.2
                        Tautoga onitis                               0.1             <0.1              <1            <0.1           1.733            5.3
                        ALosa sapidissima                            0.1             <0.1              <1            <0.1           0.683            2.6
                        Euthynnus alletteratus                       0.1             <0.1              <1            <0.1           3.200            2.6
                        Arenaeus cribarius                           0.1             <0.1                I           <0.1           0.086            2.6
                        CaLLinectes sapidus                          0.1             <0.1                1           <0.1           0.116            5.3
                        Penaeus duorarum                            <0.1             <0.1                5           <0.1           0.011            2.6
                        Monacanthus hispidus                        <0.1             <0.1                2           <0.1           0.020            2.6
                        Ovatipes stephensoni                        <0  ,1           <0.1                1           <0.1           0.043            2.6
                        squiUa neglecta                             <0.1             <0.1                I           <0.1           0.052            2.6
                        Citharichthys macrops                       <0.1             <0.1                I           <0.1           0.022            2.6
                        Centropristig phiLadeLphica                 <0.1             <0.1              <1            <0.1           0.167            5.3
                        Persephona sp.                              <0.1             <0.1              <1            40.1           0.036            2.6
                        Ptacopecten mageLlanicus                    <0.1             C0.1                                                            2.6




                        observed species


                        Sicyonia sp.                              Mertuccius bilinearis                  MusteLus sp.
                        Persephona ptinctata                      RissoLa marginat                       ScluaLus acanthias
                        Libinia sp.                               Prionotus caroLinus                    Squatina dumerili
                        Cancer borealis                           Priacanthus sp.                        Raia sp.
                        Portunus sp.                              MuLlus auratus                         Raja eqLanteria
                        Ovalipes ocettatus                        Trichiurus Lepturus                    Dasyatis sp.
                        Alosa sp.                                 Synogyrys spp.                         Mytiobatis freminvilLei
                        Clupea harengus                           Chilomycterus schoepfi                 Rhinoptera bonasus







                                                                                                          114




                            APPENDIX N.           OveraLL species composition and mean catch/trip of 42 fLynet catches sampled during October 1989
                                                  through April 1990.

                                                                                                                                                                Mean
                                                                                                                                                                fish              %
                                                                                     Weight (kq)                                 Number                       weight             freq
                            Species                                            Mean               Percent              Mean              Percent                (kq)             occur.

                            Cynoscion regaLis                                4,502.7                 35.8              16,397               22.3              0.275              81.0
                            Scomber scombrus                                 2,652.5                 21.1              9,131                12.4              0.290              19.0
                            Micropogonias unduLatus                          2,602.8                 20.7              19,514               26.5              0.133              47.6
                            Pomatomus sattatrix                                971.6                  7.7              1,069                 1.5              0.909              81.0
                            Leiostomus xanthurus                               927.1                  7.4              12,994               17.6              0.071              541.8
                            Pepritus triacanthus                               189.7                  1.5              3,529                 4.8              0.054              59.5
                            Stenotomus caprinus                                  89.1                 0.7              2,393                 3.3              0.037              16.7
                            BairdielLa chrysoura                                 78.2                 0.6              1,77B                 2.4              0.0"               31.0
                            Loligo peaHi                                         69.2                 0.6                 118                0.2              0.588              59.5
                            Urophycis regia                                      65.8                 0.5                 71B                1.0              0.092              38.1
                            Lagodon rhomboides                                   51.7                 0.4              1,278                 1.7              0.040              28. 6
                            Brevoortia tyrannus                                  38.8                 0.3                 175                0.2              0.222              26.2
                            Carcharhinus sp.                                     36.2                 0.3                                                                         7.1
                            Menticirrhus saxatilis                               32.0                 0.3                 268                0.4              0.119              23.8
                            Menticirrhus americanus                              30.4                 0.2                 308                0.4              0.099              31.0
                            Orthopristis chrysoptera                             29.5                 0.2                 564                0.8              0.052              11.9
                            Scomberomorus maculatus                              1B.6                 0.2                  35                0.1              0.529              16.7
                            Prionotus evoLans                                    15.6                 0.1                 296                0.4              0.053              19.0
                            PepriLus atepidotus                                  15.5                 0.1                 330                0.5              0.047               7.1
                            Stenotomus chrysops                                  14.2                 0.1                 308                0.4              0.046               9.5
                            Scomber spp.                                         13.5                 0.1                                                                         2 4
                            Scomberomorus cavatla                                12.7                 0.1                     5             <0.1              2.645              111:9
                            Centropristis striata                                11.7                 0.1                 108                0.2              0.109              19.0
                            Sphoeroides macuLatus                                11.5                 0.1                 265                0.4              0.043              21.4
                            Synodus foetens                                       9.6                 0.1                 170                0.2              0.056              11.9
                            Prionotus scitutus                                    8.9                 0.1                 268                0.4              0.033              11.9
                            Carcharhinus spp.                                     8.8                 0.1                                                                         2.4
                            Anchoa hepsetus                                       8.0                 0.1                 765                1.0              0.010               7.1
                            Callinectes marginatus                                7.9                 0.1                 197                0.3              0.040               2.4
                            Archosargus probatocephaLus                           6.9                 0.1                                                                        14.3
                            Mustelus canis                                        6.8                 0.1                     2             <0.1              4.3"               14.3
                            Prionotus tribuLus                                    6.2                 0.1                 138                0.2              0.045               4.8
                            Menticirrhus spp.                                     4.6                <0.1                     4             <0.1              1.219              14.3
                            Prionotus carotinus                                   4.6                <0.1                                                                        19.0
                            SerioLa dumeriLi                                      4.3                <0.1                                                                         4.8
                            Squatus acanthias                                     3.9                <0.1                 138                0.2              0.033              23.8
                            Paralichthys dentatus                                 2.4                <0.1                     6             <0.1              0.401              28.6
                            Urophycis spp.                                        2.2                <0.1                                                                         4 8
                            Portunus spp.                                         2.0                <0.1                 197                0.3              0.010               4:8
                            Cynoscion nebulosus                                   1.8                <0.1                     4             <0.1              0.467              19.0
                            Monacanthus hispidus                                  1.7                <0.1                  55                0.1              0.031               7.1
                            Rachycentron canadum                                  1.6                <0.1                  <1               -0. 1            22.200              11.9
                            Acipenser oxyrhynchus                                 1.4                <0.1                  <1               <0.1             60.300               4.8
                            Atopias vuLpinus                                      1.4                <0.1                  <1               <0.1             57.200               4.8
                            Clupea harengus                                       0.9                <0.1                     6             <0.1              0.143               4.8
                            Sicyonia brevirostris                                 0.8                <0.1                  28               4.1               0.030               7.1
                            Euthynnus alletteratus                                0.8                <0.1                  <1               -CO.1             6."0                2.4







                                                                                                              115.


                              APPENDIX N. (Continued).



                                                                                                                                                                     Mean
                                                                                                                                                                     fish            %
                                                                                         Weight (kq)                                 Number                       weight            freq.
                              Species                                              Mean               Percent               Mean             Percent                 (kq)           occur.


                              Priacanthus arenatus                                   0.8                 <0.1                  12                -cO.l            0.062                 4.8
                              ALosa aestivaLis                                       0.8                 <0.1                     7              -cO.l            0.102                 7.1
                              Lophius americanus                                     0.7                 <0.1                                                                           7.1
                              Carcharhinus Leucas                                    0.6                 <0.1                  <1                cO.l             27.200                L4
                              Portumis spinimanus                                    0.6                 <0.1                  18                -cO.l            0.032                 4.8
                              CautoLatiLus microps                                   0.5                 <0.1                                                                           2.4
                              Seriola spp.                                           0.5                 <0.1                                                                           2.4
                              Chaetodipterus faber                                   0.4                 <0.1                     9              -cO.l            0.050                 2.4
                              Penaeus duorarurn                                      0.3                 <0.1                  32                @co.l            0.010                11.9
                              Sciaenops oceltatus                                    0.3                 <0.1                                                                           2.4
                              Conger oceanicus                                       0.3                 <0.1                                                                           2.4
                              Atosa pseudoharengus                                   0.2                 <0.1                     I              -CO. 1           0.300                 2.4
                              Alosa sapidissima                                      0.2                 <0.1                                                                           4.8
                              Etrurneus teres                                        0.2                 <0.1                     8              <0.1             0.020                 4.8
                              MerLuccius biLinearis                                  0.1                 <0.1                                                                          14.3
                              Larimus fasciatus                                      0.1                 <0.1                     9              <0.1             0.013                 4.8
                              Sicyonia brevirostris                                  0.1                 <0.1                  11                4. 1             0.010                 4.8
                              Centropristis philadeLphica                            0.1                 <0.1                     9              4.1              0.010                 2.4
                              Anchoa mitchitti                                      <0.1                 <0.1                  14                cO.l             0.002                 2.4
                              ALectis ciLiaris                                      <0.1                 <0.1                  <1                <0.1             0.157                 2.4
                              BaListes capriscus                                    <0.1                 <0.1                  <1                <0.1             0.900                 2.4
                              Argentina striata                                     <0.1                 <0.1                  <1                <0.1             0.018                 2.4




                              observed species


                              Limutus PoLyphemus                        Macrorhamphosus scotopax                         Tautoga onitis
                              Penaeus aztecus                           Prionotus spp.                                   Trichiurus Lepturus
                              Cancer boreaLis                           DipLectr         fonmosurn                       Scophthatmus aquosus
                              CalLinectes; sapidus                      Uraspis secuncla                                 Symphurus plagiusa
                              Ovalipes spp.                             Haemuton aurotineat                              Odontaspis taurus:
                              Ovatipes oceLLatus,                       CaLamus Leucosteus                               Squatina dumeriti
                              SquiLLa empus                             Equetus lanceolatus                              Raia eqLanteria
                              Porichthys PLectrodon                     Muttus auratus                                   Dasyatis spp.
                                                                                                                         Rhinoptera bonasus





                                                                                      116



                      APPENDIX 0.      Overall species conposition and mean catch/trip of 40 fLynet catches sampled during October 1990
                                       through April 1991.

                                                                                                                                  Mean
                                                                                                                                  fish          %
                                                                     Weight (kq)                        Nunber                  weight         freq.
                      Species                                   Mean           Percent          Mean           Percent            (kg)        occur.

                      Cynoscion regaLis                       6,412.1             56.6          42,238           39.0           0.152          95.0
                      Leiostomus xanthurus                    1,088.7              9.6          19,825           18.3           0.055          90.0
                      Micropogonias undutatus                  1,068.2             9.4          11,269           10.4           0.095
                      Pomatomus sattatrix                       605.0              5.3          1,545             1.4           0.392          90.0
                      Pepritus triacenthus                      490.0              4.3          8,361             7.7           0.059          92  '5
                      Brevoortia tyrannus                       338.5              3.0          2,498             2.3           0.136          62.5
                      Lagodon rhomboides                        285.4              2.5          8,797             8.1           0.032          72.5
                      Scomber sconbrus                          187.9              1.7            00              0.4           0.399           2.5
                      Menticirrhus saxatiLis;                   151.4              1.3          1,052             1.0           0.144          601.0
                      Menticirrhus americanus                    94.1              0.8            529             0.5           0.178          75.o
                      Scomberomorus macuLatus                    84.3              0.7            410             0.4           0.206          37.5
                      Peprilus alepidotus                        82.6              0.7          1,894             1.7           0.044          42.5
                      Stenotomus caprinus                        82.4              0.7          1,645             1.5           0.050          12.5
                      Anchoa hepsetus                            43.5              0.4          3,133             2.9           0.014          50.0
                      Unidentified scrapfish                     40.9              0.4                                                          7 5
                      Sphoeroid2s macutatus                      39.1              0.3              81            0.1           0.482          45:0
                      Bairdiella chrysoura                       37.3              0.3            761             0.7           0.049          45.0
                      Menticirrhus spp.                          22.8              0.2               2           -C0.1          9.621          10.0
                      Orthopristis chrysootera                   21.2              0.2            493             0.5           0.043          37.5
                      CLupea harengus                            20.9              0.1          1,960             1.8           0.011           2.5
                      Lophius, americanus                        18.7              0.1              12           <0.1           1.551           7.5
                      Loligo peatii                              12.0              0.1              45           -C0.1          0.267          45.0
                      Prionotus evotans                          11.6              0.1            152             0.1           0.076          20.0
                      Merluccius biLinearis                      10.1              0.1              48            0.1           0.210           2.5
                      Archosargus ProbatocephaLus                 9.0              0.1               2           <0.1           4.500          25.0
                      Chaetodipterus faber                        8.8              0.1            153             0.1           0.058           7.5
                      Synodus foetens
                                                                  8.7              0.1              93            0.1           0.094          27.5
                      Carcharhinidae                              7.2              0.1               0           @COJ          57.600           7.5
                      Opisthonema ogLin                           6.6              0.1            266             0.2           0.025           5.0
                      Urophycis; reqia                            6.0              0.1              86            0.1           0.070          22.5
                      ALosa mediocris                             5.7              0.1              23           <0.1           0.246          10.0
                      Scomberanorus cavatta                       4.7             <0.1               2           <0.1           2.195          12.5
                      Rachycentron canadum                        3.3             <0.1               0           <0.1           8.860          10.0
                      Paralichthys dentatus                       3.3             <0.1              12           <0.1           0.275          35.0
                      Alosa aestivatis                            3.3             <0.1              52           <0.1           0.062          32.5
                      Cynoscion nebuLosus                         2.3             <0.1              14           <0.1           0.164          10
                      Centropri tis striata                       2.3             <0.1              17           <0.1           0.134          22.5
                                                                                                                                                   .0


                      CaLLinectes sapidus                         1.6             <0.1              31           <0.1           0.051          10.0
                      LoLLigunc!Ata brevis                        1.4             <0.1              49           <0.1           0.029           7.5
                      Acipenser oxyrhynchus                       1.2             <0.1                                                          2.5
                      SerioLa zonata                              1.1             <0.1               6           <0.1           1.188           2.5
                      Prionotus, scitutus                         1.0             <0.1              25           <0.1           0.039          12.5
                      OvaLipes                                    0.9             <0.1              18           <0.1           0.050           2.5
                      Centropristis PhitadeLphica                 0.9             <0.1              14           <0.1           0.060           2.5
                      Pogonias cromis                             0.6             <0.1               0           <0.1          24.900           2.5
                      Trichiurus Lepturus                         0.5             <0.1              14           <0.1           0.035          12.5






                                                                                        117




                        APPENDIX 0.     (Continued).


                                                                                                                                     Mean
                                                                                                                                     fish            %
                                                                        Weight (kq)                        Number                  weight          freq.
                        Species                                    Mean           Percent           Mean          Percent            (kq)         occur,

                        Theuthidida myonsida                        0.3              <0.1                                                            2.5
                        Prionotus  spp.                             0.3              <0.1                7           <0.1          0.050             2.5
                        -Caranx crysos;                             0.3              <0.1                6           <0.1          0.050             2.5
                        Urophycil spp.                              0.3              <0.1                                                            2.5
                        Portumis spp.                               0.2              <0.1               12           <0.1          0.020             15.0
                        Urophycis eartH                             0.2              <0.1               14           <0.1          0.012             2.5
                        Larimus fasciatus                           0.1              <0.1                7           <0.1          0.020             5.0
                        Pepritus spp.                               0.1              <0.1                3           <0.1          0.040             2.5
                        Prionotus tributus                          0.1              <0.1                2           <0.1          0.040             2.5
                        Monacanthus hispidus                        0.1              <0.1                6           <0.1          0.010             2.5
                        Sarda sarda                                 0.1              <0.1                0           <0.1          2.300             2.5
                        Selene vomer                                0.1              <0.1                6           <0.1          0.010             2.5
                        Prionotus carotinus                         0.0              <0.1                1           <0.1          0.026             5.0
                        Paralichthys Lethostigma                    0.0              <0.1                0           <0.1          0.550             2.5


                        Observed species


                        Ilex illecebrosus                       Rhizoprionodon terraenovae                   MyLiobatis freminvittei
                        Limulus p2typhemus                      Mustetus canis                               Rhinoptera bonasus
                        Penaeus aztecus                         Carcharhinus Leucas                          Ophichthus ocetLatus
                        Penaeus duorarurn                       Carcharhinus Plumbeus                        ALosa sapidissima
                        Penaeus setiferus                       Negaprion brevirostris                       MutLus auratus
                        Sicyonia brevirostris                   Squalus acanthias                            Euthynnus atletteratus
                        Portunus spinimanus                     Raja egianteria
                        SquilLa empusa                          Dasyatis sayi






                                                                                  118

                      APPENDIX P.       Size composition of weakfish (Cynoscion regaLi        captured by North Carolina winter trawlers during
                                        1988-91 fishing seasons partitioned by gear (A), area (B), season (C), and scrap (D); n=number of
                                        individuals measured.


                                                          Percent                       Percent frequency/size class (TL, mm)
                                                         of scrap             201-      251-    301-     351-     401-      501-     601-
                                                    n    (<220 mm) <200       250       300     350      400      500       600      700     >700


                      A.  GEAR
                          Flynet    1988-89       6,363     30.5      20.7    24.2      28.3    13.8      5.0      5.1      2.7      0.2     <0.1
                          Deepwater                   12      0.0                       8.3     17.3     16.7     50.0      8.3
                          Flounder                  138       0.0               0.5     20.8    17.0     20.1     32.2      8.5      0.4      0.5

                          Flynet    1989-90       6,494     47.3      28.4    42.0      22.6     2.0      2.0      0.8      0.3      1.2      0.7
                          Deepwater                 269         0               0.2     16.0    34.6     21.3      7.2      9.5     10.7      0.5
                          Flounder                  777       2.3     1.7       8.9     33.1    28.4     15.4     10.8      0.7      0.6      0.3

                          FLynet    1990-91       12,418    31.3      19.2    43.3      31.9     5.4      0.2     <0.1
                          Deepwater                   3     25.0              25.0                                25.0              50.0
                          Flounder                  284       0.0               3.1     54.1    38.3      4.0      0.6


                      B.  AREA
                          Northern  1988-89       3,663     21.1      16.0    16.4      23.6    16.9      7.8     12.1      6.8      0.4     -0. 1
                          Central                 1,890     33.2      18.9    28.9      28.7    15.1      5.7      2.1      0.6     <0.1
                          Southern                  963     38.7      27.1    28.9      33.3     9.4      1.2      0.1      <0.1


                          Northern  1989-90       3,969       3.6     1.8     23.1      48.4     5.5      8.3      3.7      1.4      5.2      2.7
                          Central                 2,637     64.4      29.9    46.1      12.7     1.1      0.1     <0.1
                          Southern                  934     21.8      2.7     61.8      33.5     1.9      0.1     <0.1


                          Northern  1990-91       8,234     12.6      7.1     34.4      42.1    15.8      0.6     <0.1              <0.1
                          Central                 2,742     36.5      22.7    45.0      28.8     3.4      0.2
                          Southern                1,729     33.6      20.2    47.6      31.8     0.4



                      C.  SEASON
                          1982-83                 6,816     16.0      9.4     34.0      36.7     8.4      6.3      2.9      0.2      0.8      1.3
                          1983-84                 7,956     12.0      6.7     32.3      34.6    18.2      5.7      2.0      0.4     <0.1      0.1
                          1984-85                 9,613     16.0      4.4     35.9      42.7    13.9      2.0      0.7      0.2      0.1      0.1
                          1985-86                 9,608     31.9      17.2    32.5      32.7     7.8      1.4      2.0      1.2      0.2
                          1986-87                 14,103    32.8      24.3    31.8      28.2     9.8      4.3      1.5      0.1     <0.1     <0.1
                          1987-88                 9,358     31.2      16.5    40.0      34.1     7.0      1.8      0.4      0.2     <0.1     <0.1
                          1988-89                 6,513     30.5      20.6    24.2      28.4    13.8      4.9      5.2      2.7      0.2     <0.1
                          1989-90                 7,540     47.0      28.2    41.8      22.7     2.2      2.1      0.9      0.3      1.2      0.6
                          1990-91                 12,705    31.2      19.1    43.2      32.0     5.4      0.2     <0.1              <0.1

                      D. SCRAP
                                    1988-89         676               53.5    46.5
                                    1989-90         960               52.4    45.1      2.5
                                    1990-91       3,086               45.8    47.3      6.9







                      APPENDIX 0.       Age composition of weakfish (Cynoscion regaLis) captured by North Carolina winter trawls, 1982-88.

                                                                                             Age
                      Year          0         1         2         3           4         5        6         7          8        9        10        11

                      1982-83      4.20     72.29     14.38       1.67     0.60       0.78      0.57      0.22      0.14     0.11      0.04    0.01
                      1983-84      3.81     71.84     22.65       1.47     0.15       0.04      0.03      0.01      0.01     0.01    <0.01    <0.01

                      1984-85      4.34     72.94     21.53       0.94     0.11       0.05      0.03      0.02      0.02     0.02      0.01   <0.01
                      1985-86      4.87     75.07     18.64       1.07     0.30       0.03      0.02      0.01      0.01    <0.01    <0.01    <0.01

                      1986-87     27.05     53.35     16.97       2.48     0.14       0.01      <0.01    <0.01
                      1987-88     17.43     58.51     21.85       2.09     0.10       0.01      -0.01    <0.01     <0.01    <0.01    <0.01

                      1988-89     28.10     42.25     20.79       7.92     0.79       0.15      <0.01    <0.01     <0.01
                      1989-90     49.01     39.42      8.03       2.09     0.62       0.23      0.16      0.17      0.14     0.07      0.03    0.04

                      1990-91     31.29     56.15     11.22       1.33     0.01






                                                                                    119

                        APPENDIX R*      Size composition of Atlantic croaker IMicropogdnias undulatusl captured by North Carolina winter
                                         trawlers during 1988-91 partitioned by gear (A), area (8), season (C), and scrap (D) samples;
                                         n=number of individuals measured.


                                                                                        Percent frequency/size class (TL, mm)
                                                                                   151-      176-     201-     226-     251-      276-     301
                        A. GEAR               Season           n         <150      175       200      225      250      275       300      325     -625
                           FLynets            1988-89       4,375        2.5       6.6       8.3      22.4     33.1     20.3      5.3      1.1       0.4
                           Flounder                            188                                    16.9     52.0     29.7      1.1      0.3

                           FLynet             1989-90       4,429        0.4       5.3       12.9     38.6     27.5     13.5      1.6      0.1     <0.1
                           Flounder                            359                 1.4       6.5      42.8     34.6     11.2      2.9      0.5     <0.1

                           FLynet             1990-91       3,153        9.6      11.6       20.5     39.6     15.9      2.5      0.2     <0.1     <0.1

                        B. AREA
                           Northern           1988-89       3,217        0.1       3.1       19.0     40.6     27.6      7.6      1.6      0.4
                           Central                             373       35.7     42.8       7.0       4.5      5.5      3.1      1.1                0.3
                           Southern                            973       1.3      13.1       19.3     32.4     23.1      8.8      1.3      0.2       0.5

                           Northern           1989-90       2,918                  1.0       7.8      41.5     31.2     16.2      2.0      0.1     <0.1
                           Central                             976       2.3      20.3       30.6     29.7     13.0      3.8      0.3     <0.1     <0.1
                           Southern                            892                 9.3       17.1     33.7     28.5      9.9      1.3      0.2

                           Northern           1990-91       1,427                  5.7       30.4     48.1     14.8      0.6      0.4     <0.1     <0.1
                           Central                          1,565        15.1     13.9       14.9     35.4     16.9      3.7      0.1
                           Southern                            161       18.9     55.8       12.1     10.4      2.7      0.1


                        C. SEASON
                           1982-83                          2,985        0.1       1.1       10.3     13.6     29.0     31.2      11.7     2.3       0.7
                           1983-84                          3,458        0.4       1.8       16.9     45.1     27.9      6.8      1.0      0.1
                           1984-85                          10,935       0.6       5.2       13.9     38.9     33.3      7.1      0.9      0.1
                           1985-86                          9,097        2.2       8.2       17.9     31.8     25.8      9.6      1.3      0.3       0.2
                           1986-87                          8,470        1.8       8.1       16.8     26.7     36.0      7.6      2.3      0.5       0.2
                           1987-88                          3,607        0.2       8.1       14.6     29.6     34.1     10.2      2.5      0.6       0.1
                           1988-89                          4,563        2.5       6.6       8.3      22.4     33.1     20.3      5.3      1.1       0.4
                           1989-90                          4,788        0.4       5.2       12.7     38J      27.6     13.4      1.7      0.1     <0.1
                           1990-91                          3,153        9.6      11.6       20.5     39.6     15.9      2.5      0.2     <0.1     <0.1

                        D. SCRAP
                                              1988-89          783       5.3      14.3       17.8     40.2     21.7      0.7
                                              1989-90          a4l       M        10.1       23.6     50.7     14.1      0.7
                                              1990-91          839       12.9     14.3       26.5     41.6      4.5      0.2








                        APPENDIX S.      Age composition of croaker, (Micropogonias unduLatus), captured by North Carolina winter trawlers,
                                         1982-1991.


                                                                                     Percent frequency/age class
                        Season                   0                   1                    2                   3                   4                  5


                        1982-83                                    28.43                59."                11.70               0.43               <0.01

                        1983-84                                    60.11                38.83               1.06

                        1984-85                  0.11              59.45                39.40               1.04                  0.1

                        1985-86                                    58.85                39.19               1.86               10.07               0.03

                        1986-87                 5.70               64.12                26.53               3.38                0.27               0.01

                        1987-88                                    69.93                27.01               2.56                0.43               <0.01

                        1988-89                                    76.00                19.02               3.94                1.02               0.02

                        1989-90                                    81.74                15.47               2.04                o.76               <0.01

                        1990-91                                    95.98                 3.81               0.15                0.06






                                                                                            120

                        APPENDIX T.        Size composition of btuefish (Pomatomus saLtateix) captured by North Carotina winter trawters
                                           during 1988-91 fishing seasons partitioned by gear (A), area (6), season (C), and scrap (D);
                                           rr-number of individuals measured.


                                                                                              Percent frequency/size      ctass (FL, w)
                                                                           loi-        201-        301-        401-       501-     601-       701
                                              Season            n          200         300         400         500        600      700        800        >800


                        A.  GEAR
                            FLynet            1988-89         1,001        10.2        45.6        14.3        5.0        2.4      20.5        2.0
                            Hounder                               23                                                      2.3      33.4       59.4
                            Deepwater                             31                               81.1        4.7        1.1       6.6        5.4        1.1

                            FLynet            1989-90         1,164        31.3        36.0         6.6        1.9        7.8      13.0        2.6        0.1
                            FLounder                              82                   26.0        47.4       21.9                  1.0        3.6
                            Deepwater                            147                               25.0       71.1        1.1       2.1        0.6        0.1

                            Ftynet            1990-91         1,335        30.4        51.7        12.5        1.8                  2.1        1.4        0.1
                            Ftounder                             117                     4.3       28.3       23.7                 12.1       31.7
                            Deepwater                               4                              99.5        0.1                             0.4

                        B.  AREA
                            Northern          1988-89            930        9.2        25.1        21.7        7.3        3.5      30.0        3.2       <0.1
                            CentraL                               39        6.8        93.0         0.1                             0.1        0.1
                            Southern                              97       22.2        77.0         0.7                                        0.1

                            Northern          1989-90         1,217         3.6        49.6        11.9        5.6        9.4      15.9        3.8        0.2
                            Centrat,                             139       60.8        18.0         1.3        0.3        7.0      11.4        1.1
                            Southern                              37       92.7          7.3

                            Northern          1990-91            477       15.4        55.8        12.0        0.4                  9.3        6.6        0.4
                            Centrat.                             973       35.2        48.0        14.4        2.3                            <0.1       <0.1
                            Southern                                6      12.4        87.6


                        C.  SEASON
                            1982-83                           3,506         2.2        49.7        32.5        3.0        3.9       4.0        4.7
                            1983-84                           1,274        31.8        20.5        26.9       11.3        1.5       5.3        2.7
                            1984-85                           1,594         8.9        45.3         6.0        1.2        7.9       8.0       22.7
                            1985-86                           1,B89        45.5        26.7        25.1        1.9        0.2       0.3        0.3
                            1986-87                           1,134        31.7        42.1        16.2        7.3        0.2       0.9        1.6
                            1987-88                           1,382         9.3        23.9         6.1       10.2        24.9     18.7        6.9
                            1988-89                           1,055        10.1        45.1        14.9        4.9        2.4      20.4        2.2       <0.1
                            1989-90                           1,393        30.2        25.7         7.6        3.5        7.6      12.6        2.6        0.1
                            1990-91                           1,456        29.9        51.0        13.4        1.8                  2.1        1.6        0.1

                        D. SCRAP
                                              1988-89             31       20.8        79.2
                                              1989-90             75       50.6        49.4
                                              1990-91            232       38.0        62.0







                        APPENDIX U.        Age composition of bLuefish (Pomatomus sattatrix) captured by North CaroLina winter trawLers,
                                           1982-1991.


                                                                                 Percent frequency/age cLass
                        Season         0          1           2         3         4          5          6           7         8         9      10        11


                        1982-83      58.12      29.32       3.90       1.46      3.19       2.48        1.13        0.32      0.08
                        1983-84      53.91      33.58       3.82       2.32      3.31       1.52        0.89        0.34      0.20      0.06             0.06
                        1984-85      55.68        4.66      4.46       5.93      4.26       13.36       5.66        4.69      0.66      0.15   0.34      0.15
                        1985-86      79.67      19.66       0.07       0.13      0.13       0.11        0.14        0.07      0.02      0.01

                        1986-87      75.23      20.97       1.14       0.25      0.34       0.93        0.61        0.37      0.14      0.04

                        1987-88      33.77      12.32       10.26     21.61      11.14      3.71        5.46        0.60      0.38      0.74

                        1988-09      56.21    - 17.82       2.81       3.55      11.35      6.22        1.61        0.37      0.02      0.02

                        1989-90      64.36        9.14      5.75       7.64      3.03       7.89        0.99        0.90      0.28      0.03

                        1990-91      81.69      14.47       0.17       1.03      0.37       1.15        0.60        0.39      0.10      0.04







                                                                                      121 -

                       APPENDIX V.      Size composition of spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) captured by North Carolina winter trawlers during
                                        1988-91 partitioned by gear (A), area (8), season (C), and scrap (D) samples; n              number of
                                         individuals measured.



                                                                                            Percent frequencylsize class
                                                                            121-    136-        151-     166-      181-        196-     211-
                                       Season          n        021         M       150         165      ISO       195         210      225     >225


                       A.  GEAR
                           FLynet      1988-89       2,029       0.9        8.8     16.9        30.7     28.1      12.9        1.4      0.2       0.1
                           Flounder                       4                                     25.0               75.0

                           Ftynet      1989-90       2,378       0.8        6.1     15.6        21.6     40.1      15.1        0.6     <0.1      @Co.l
                           Flounder                    131                  0.8       5.3       32.8     53.4       7.6

                           FLynet      1990-91       4,451       6.7        14.8    21.3        26.2     22.3       7.2        1.3      0.1      <0.1
                           Flounder                      41                                                         9.8       43.9     41.5       4.9


                       B.  AREA
                           Northern    1988-89       1,156       0.4        4.5     12.5        28.0     36.2      16.3        1.7      0.3       0.1
                           Central                     425      10.8        7.6     27.4        35.1     12.7       5.2        1.1      0.1
                           Southern                    452                  16.6    22.3        35.6     16.7       8.3        1.1     <0.1      <0.1

                           Northern    1989-90         808                            1.9       7.6      57.3      31.6        1.5      0.2      <0.1
                           Central                     984       0.8        7.5     20.7        28.7     34.0       8.2        0.2     <0.1
                           Southern                    717       2.2        12.8    22.5        24.9     30.5       6.5        0.6

                           Northern    1990-91       1,139       0.2        4.1     10.3        21.1     30.9      26.7        6.2      0.6      4.1
                           CentraL                   2,612       9.2        18.8    22.8        26.0     19.9       2.9        0.4
                           Southern                    741       0.8        5.9     28.5        35.3     24.5       4.9        0.1


                       C.  SEASON
                           1982-83                     942                  1.7     11.5        39.5     34.8      11.5        0.7      0.2       0.1
                           1983-84                   1,306       0.1        0.2       4.3       22.6     42.6      27.1        2.8      0.3
                           1984-85                   3,635       1.1        2.2     10.7        29.5     38.3      16.4        1.5      0.1
                           1985-86                   2,005       3.4        5.3       7.4       21.2     39.6      20.5        2.4      0.1       0.2
                           1986-87                   2,228       0.5        2.8     13.7        29.2     36.7      14.6        2.1      0.3       0.1
                           1987-88                   1,057       0.1        5.2     11.5        13.6     32.4      32.0        5.0      0.2      <0.1
                           1988-89                   2,033       0*9        8,8     16,9        30,7     28A       12*9        1*4      0,2       0A
                           1989-90                   2,509       0.8        6.0     15.4        21.9     40.4      14.9        0.6     <0.1      <0.1
                           1990-91                   4,492       6.7        14.8    21.3        26.2     22.3       7.2        1.3      0.1      <0.1

                       D.  scRAP,
                                       1988-89       1,357       0.9        8.9     17.0        30.8     28.2      12.8        1.3      0.1
                                       1989-90       1,292       0.8        6.1     15.8        22.4     41.0      13.7        0.2
                                       1990-91       2,074       8.0        17.0    22,1        26.6     10.6       5.2        0.5










                                      APPENDIX W.      Age composition of spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) captured by North
                                                       Carolina winter trawlers, 1982-1991.

                                                                             Percent frequency/age class
                                      Season                0               1               2                3             4


                                      1982-83             25.33             62.39         12.17            0.10
                                      1983-84             21.78             63.07         15.02            0.14

                                      1984-85             22.14             63.69         13.57            0.58            0.01
                                      1985-86             26.85             61.24         11.29            0.62           <0.01

                                      1986-87             18.82             67.29         13.48            0.40            0.01

                                      1987-W              25.54             64.60         10.98            0.87            0.01

                                      1988-89             56.51             40.13           3.31           0.06

                                      1989-90             34.40             59.71           5.81           0.09           <0.01

                                      1990-91             24.17             69.12           6.61           0.10






















                          ASSESSMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES

                                  Completion Report for Project 2-IJ-16

                                                May 1992





                                                 JOB 4

                                 SINK NET FISHERY ASSESSMENT


                                                   By


                                             Jeffrey L. Ross











                                                    ABSTRACT

                     The ocean gill net fishery produced 19-24% of the marketable finfish landed
              in North Carolina from Fall 1987 through Spring 1991. The fishery is composed
              of two principal gears.    The most productive gear and extensive fishery was the
              Outer Banks sink net fishery.        Sink nets are tended gill nets fished and
              retrieved the same day. They are principal ocean gill net used from Oregon Inlet
              to Beaufort Inlet, and dominate weakfish and bluefish landings. Anchored gill
              nets are left overnight and fished daily between Bogue Inlet and Carolina beach
              and dominated croaker landings in recent years.

                     Weakfish and bluefish dominated sink net catches and landings north of Cape
              Lookout during 1987-91, with the relative abundance of      weakfish declining and
              bluefish increasing through the period. Fishing effort gradually shifted from
              waters between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout to waters     north of Cape Hatteras
              for the Outer Banks fleet.     Croaker, weakfish and spot dominated catches and
              landings of sink nets west of Cape Lookout.       Weakfish, croaker, king whiting
              (kingfishes) and bluefish were the primary components of anchored gill net
              catches between Bogue Inlet and Carolina Beach.

                     Sink net landings and CPUEs of weakfish declined sharply during the period
              north of Cape Lookout.     The size composition of the catches shifted towards
              smaller fish which were primarily age I and 2. Large weakfish age 4 and older
              became increasingly rare in the catches.        Growth overfishing was clearly a
              factor.

                     Sink net landings and CPUEs of bluefish were comparatively high during the
              1988-91 seasons as they became increasingly targeted due to declining weakfish
              catches. Landings during the period and since 1982-83 have fluctuated with no
              clear trend.    The size and age composition of bluefish catches encompassed a
              broad range of sizes and ages (0-9) with no evidence of reduced availability due
              to overfishing.

                     Sink net catches and landings of Atlantic croaker were greatly reduced
              during the 1989-91 seasons.     The size and age composition of the catches was
              compressed towards smaller and younger fish, with age I dominating the catches,
              and age 3+ fish becoming increasingly rare, suggesting growth overfishing has
              occurred.

                     The Outer Banks si'nk net fishery continued to dominate ocean gill net
              landings, although the dominance has declined in recent seasons due to declining
              weakfish catches. The decline in weakfish catches necessitated a gradual shift
              in effort to bluefish which remained regionally abundant.          Due to moderate
              winters and shifting concentrations of weakfish and bluefish, fishing effort the
              Outer Banks fleet was increasingly concentrated north, rather than south of Cape
              Hatteras.











                                                TABLE OF CONTENTS




               ABSTRACT   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        ii

               TABLE OF CONTENTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

               INTRODUCTION   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

               METHODS AND MATERIALS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        2

               RESULTS AND DISCUSSION    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        4
                     Overall Seasonal Catch Composition     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       4
                     Trends in Overall Seasonal Catch Composition      . . . . . . . . . . .      5
                     Sink Net Catches by Area Fished    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       6
                     Comparisons of Sink Net Catches by Area Fished between Seasons        . .    6
                     Spatial-Temporal Patterns in Sink Net Catches     . . . . . . . . . . .      7
                     Weakfish CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Composition        . . . . . . . .     9
                     Bluefish CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Composition      . . . . . . . . .    11
                     Atlantic Croaker CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Composition      . . . . .    12
                     Anchored Gill Net Catches South of Bogue Inlet to Cape Fear      . . . .    13

               SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         14

               MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     17

               ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS   . . . . . . . .   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      19

               LITERATURE CITED   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        20

               TABLES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         22

               FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         35










                                                 INTRODUCTION
                    The sink (or drop) net fishery is a multispecies gill net fishery that
              harvests fish off North Carolina from November through April.         The primary
              species targeted by this fishery are weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), bluefish
              (Pomatomus saltatrix) and Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus). Fishing
              grounds extend from the Virginia/North Carolina line to Beaufort Inlet (Figure
              1).   Most of the weakfish and croaker are caught in 5-20 fathoms, whereas
              bluefish are caught from the beach out to 40 fathoms.


                    Gill nets fished in the ocean produced 16-24% of the edible finfish (3,547-
              6,691 mt) landed in North Carolina during the 1987-91 fishing season.          This
              included 30-50% of the weakfish, 48-68% of the bluefish, and 12-36% of the
              Atlantic croaker landed annually in the state. Anchored gill nets fished in the
              ocean are included with sink net landings in the category ocean fished gill nets.
              In recent years, sink nets have produced more finfish, particularly weakfish and
              bluefish, than anchored gill nets.


                    Sink net catches are landed in ports from Wanchese to Morehead City-
              Beaufort.   Most of the vessels fish from the villages of Wanchese, Hatteras,
              Harkers Island and Beaufort and depart out of Oregon, Hatteras, Bardens and
              Beaufort Inlets respectively. Anchored gill net fishing occurs in ports west of
              Morehead City to Cape Fear and thus landings can be roughly separated by the
              respective counties.


                    Fishing grounds utilized by the sink net fleet ranged from north of Oregon
              Inlet to off Bogue Inlet. Vessels fishing out of Oregon Inlet targeted weakfish
              and croaker primarily around Avon Rocks, secondarily around Wimble Shoals, and
              in depths ranging from 5-27 meters. Vessels looking for bluefish covered a much
              broader area, including from just off Hatteras Island beaches to Wimble Shoals,
              up to 18 miles offshore of Oregon Inlet, and as far north and offshore as the
              Cigar, covering depths from 2 to 75 meters. Vessels out of Hatteras Inlet fished
              for weakfish, bluefish and croaker in depths of 3-27 meters primarily in the
              Hatteras Bight, but frequently as far north as Avon Rocks and south to Ocracoke
              Inlet. Vessels from Bardens and Beaufort Inlets fished for weakfish, croaker and
              spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) from Drum Inlet south to Cape Lookout shoals and west
              to Bogue Inlet in depths of 7-16 meters.









                                                     2

                   A review of the history of the sink net fleet, vessel and gear types and
             a description of day to day fishing operations were discussed by Ross (1989).
             These aspects have not changed significantly through the spring of 1991.


                   The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) initiated a statewide
             sampling program covering the dominant commercial finfisheries in 1982.         The
             objective was to obtain biological and fisheries data on economically important
             fishes for use in reaching management decisions. The objectives of this report
             are to present the species composition, relative abundance, distribution         '
             seasonality of 1987-91 sink net catches Catch-per-unit-effort, age/size
             composition of the catches, and landings data are presented and compared with
             species and fishery specific data from the 1982-87 fishing seasons.


                                           METHODS AND MATERIALS
                   Sink net fishery catches were sampled monthly and analyzed on a seasonal
             basis (December through April) from 1987 through 1991. Anchored gill net catches
             were sampled from September through April. Samples were taken at fish packing
             houses while the catches were being offloaded. For all gear types, captain or
             crew members were interviewed, when available, to obtain information including:
             area and depth fished, days at sea, and gear(s) used including mesh size and
             length of gill nets. Two or more sink net catches were sampled each week when
             available.


                   To insure adequate coverage of all sizes and species in the catches,
             stratified random samples of culled catches were taken. This process involved
             randomly sampling one or more 50 lb (22.7 kg) cartons of each species' market
             category or grade (small, medium, large, jumbo, etc.).       More cartons of the
             larger grades were sampled since they contained fewer fish.       Each sample was
             weighed to the nearest 0.1 kg, individual fish measured to the nearest millimeter
             (FL or TQ, and the total number of fish recorded.        If the individuals in a
             carton were too numerous to measure, at least 30 were measured, and the remainder
             counted. The total catch weight of each market category for each species was
             obtained from the fish dealer's records.










                                                        3

                     In cases where the weight of a particular species' market grades were
              included on the trip ticket, but were not sampled, an estimate of the number of
              fish landed for the grade was made using mean   wei ght/i ndi vi dual. from a sample of
              that species and grade from another recent catch from the same area.


                     Total length-frequencies for each catch were derived by expanding the
              sample length-frequencies for each market category (grade) by an expansion factor
              to represent the species market grade weight. Species market grade weight was
              obtained from trip tickets and species length-frequencies were a combination of
              those expanded for the respective species market grades.          Species numerical
              abundance/catch was calculated similarly by determining the number of
              individuals/market grade and then summing all market grades/species.


                     Sink net catches were analyzed by "fishing seasons," that is, December
              1987-April 1988 (1988-89), December 1988-April 1989 (1989-90), December 1989-
              April 1990 (1989-90) and December 1990-April 1991 (1990-91).


                     Average catches and landings were determined for trend analysis. Average
              catch(kg)/trip (CPUE) was defined as the total catch/ spec i es/one day trip; a trip
              may consist of one or more gill net sets.       CPUE trend analyses were based on
              catches north of Cape Lookout, since sampling of catches west of Lookout was
              inconsistent and the sample size small. This followed analyses for the 1982-87
              fishing seasons (Ross 1989). Landings refer to commercial landings (kg) derived
              from the North Carolina General Canvas Data File compiled through the DMF and the
              National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) cooperative data collection program.


                     To better define trends in CPUE for weakfish, bluefish, and croaker, CPUE
              analyses were partitioned by mesh size used by the commercial fishermen. 'Big
              mesh'. refers to sink nets of 5.0-6.0 inch stretched mesh, which were used for
              large bluefish and weakfish (sow trout). 'Small mesh' refers to sink nets of
              <=4.0 inch stretched mesh, which were used for weakfish, croaker and small and
              medium bluefish.


                     Scale samples from weakfish, Atlantic croaker, and bluefish (30-60
              individual s/species) were taken monthly when available and represented the entire








                                                         4

              size range of individuals captured. Both length (mm, FL or TQ and weight (kg)
              data were taken for each fish sampled.         Aging was done using criteria for
              determining annuli given by Wilk (1977) for bluefish, Ross (1988) for croaker,
              and Massman (1963), Merriner (1973) and Hawkins (1988) for weakfish. Species-
              specific semi-annual or quarterly age-length keys were developed      and merged with
              expanded length-frequency data to produce the overall annual age composition.


                     Weakfish age-length data from January 1982 to December 1983 were pooled and
              integrated into 1982-86 seasonal length frequency data. Weakfish aging data for
              September 1988-April 1991 were pooled and merged with 1988-91 seasonal length
              frequency data.    Aging data from the two periods (1982-83 and 1988-91) were
              pooled and merged with 1986-88 seasonal length frequency data. The age-length
              keys were partitioned for winter (October through March) and summer (April
              through September).


                     Bluefish seasonal age-length keys were developed by pooling all fish aged
              from oceanic waters/fisheries dur i ng' September through April , and merged with the
              respective season's length frequency data.


                     Atlantic croaker age-length data for 1979-82 were pooled and integrated
              into 1982-86 seasonal length frequency data. Age-length data for 1988-91 were
              integrated into 1988-91 seasonal length frequency data. Aging data from the two
              periods (1979-82 and 1988-91) were pooled and integrated into 1986-88 seasonal
              length frequency data.     Quarterly keys were used with t'he monthly groupings:
              December-March, April-June, July-September, and October-November (Ross 1988).


                                            RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
              Overall Seasonal Catch Composition
                     A total of 81 sink net catches was 'sampled between December 1987 and April
              1988, of which 65% (n=53) were from Cape Lookout to Cape Hatteras (Table 1).
              Catches ranged from 92 to 7,000 kg and averaged 1,657 kg/trip.          We akfish and
              bluefish accounted for 91% of the weight, and weakfish and croaker for 90% of the
              number, of fish in the catches sampled (Table 2a).










                                                       5

                    A total of 107 sink net catches was sampled October 1988 to April 1989, of
              which 43% were from north of    Cape Hatteras and 33% from west of Cape Lookout
              (Table 1).    Catches ranged from 15 to 5,946 kg and averaged 1,420 kg/trip.
              Weakfish and bluefish accounted for 87% of the weight, and weakfish and croaker
              for 86% of the number, of fish in the catches sampled (Table 2b).


                    A total of 71 sink net catches was sampled from October 1989 to April 1990,
              of which 86% were from catches north of Cape Hatteras (Table 1). Catches ranged
              from 33 to 7,544 kg and averaged 1,784 kg/trip. Bluefish and weakfish accounted
              for 98% of the weight, and 93% of the number, of fish in the catches sampled
              (Table 2c).


                    A total of 103 sink net catches was sampled from December 1990 through
              April 1991, of which 49% were catches from north of Cape Hatteras (Table 1).
              Catches ranged from 14 to 6,078 kg and averaged 948 kg/trip.          Bluefish and
              weakfish accounted for 89% of the weight, and 82% of the number, of fish in the
              catches sampled (Table 2d.)


              Trends in Overall Seasonal Catch Composition
                    Weakfish was the dominant species in sink net catches during the 1987-89
              seasons as they were during 1983-87 (Ross 1989). However, bluefish became the
              dominant species in catches sampled during the 1989-91 seasons and in overall
              fisheries landings during 1990-91 (Appendix A). Reductions in availability of
              weakfish, evidenced by reduced CPUEs, forced the sink net fleet fishing north of
              Cape Lookout to increase effort on large bluefish. Nevertheless, bluefish and
              weakfish were the dominant species by weight (86-99% seasonally) throughout the
              nine seasons the fishery has been sampled. Croaker was the next most important
              species by weight (0.1-8%) during most seasons, and in seven of nine seasons were
              the second or third most numerous species in the catches sampled.               Spot
              (Lejostomus xanthurus), little tunny (Euthynnus alleteratus), butterfish
              (Peorilus   triacanthus),   menhaden    (Brevoortia tyrannus)      and   kingfishes
              (Menticirrhus spp.) have remained common incidental species throughout, but
              always accounted for less than 2% of the weight.










              Sink Net Catches by Area Fished
                    Catches north of Cape Hatteras during the 1987-91 seasons were
              predominantly (86-99% seasonally) weakfish and -bluefish although notable changes
              in relative abundance occurred (Table 3). Weakfish dominated (62%) and croaker
              were an important component during the 1987-88.    During the next three seasons,
              the relative abundance of bluefish increased due primarily to reduced catches of
              weakfish, while croaker virtually disappeared from sink net catches. Seasonally,
              total catch weights north of Cape Hatteras averaged 1,293 kg/trip (1990-91) to
              2, 319 kg/trip (1988-89) and ranged from 10 to 7,544 kg (Table 1).


                    Catches between Cape Hatteras and Lookout during the 1987-91 fishing
              seasons were predominantly (75-99% seasonally) of weakfish and bluefish but
              changes  in relative abundance occurred in these waters as well (Table 3).
              Weakfish declined from 58% (1987-88) to only 10% (1990-91) of the catches while
              bluefish increased from 32-36% (1987-89) to 83-87% (1989-91).     Reduced CPUEs of
              weakfish drove this trend (Table 3).     The relative abundance of croaker also
              declined due to reduced CPUEs.      Seasonally, individual catches between Cape
              Hatteras and Cape Lookout averaged 883 kg/trip (1990-91) to 2,388 kg/trip (1989-
              90) and ranged from 15 to 7,000 kg


                    Catches from west of Cape Lookout were sampled with some regularity during
              1987-88 and 1990-91 (Table 3). Croaker, weakfish, spot, and menhaden accounted
              for 88% and 85% of the catches during the respective seasons.            Seasonally,
              individual catches averaged 390-464 kg/trip and ranged from 14 to 3,840 kg.


              Comparisons of Sink Net Catches by Area Fished between Seasons
                    Sink net catches north of Hatteras and between Hatteras and Lookout were
              very similar during the 1987-91 fishing seasons (Table 3).     Weakfish during the
              1987-89 seasons and bluefish during the 1989-91 seasons dominated catches in both
              areas.  Catch/trip for weakfish declined precipitously in both areas. Croaker
              catches declined in both areas, and little tunny was the dominant incidental
              species by weight in the overall catches. Seasonal mean total catch weights were
              similar, with catches north of Hatteras averaging 1,293-2,319 kg/trip and catches
              between Hatteras and Lookout averaging 883-2,388 kg/trip.










                                                       7

                    Fishing effort has gradually shifted in waters north of Cape Hatteras
              during the last eight fishing seasons. Sampling since 1983 approximated sink net
              fishing effort in waters north of Cape Lookout (Table 1).     Based on the percent
              of catches sampled seasonally during 1983-90 (7% to 13% to 17% to 22% to 34% to
              35% to 64% to 87%), effort north of Cape Hatteras increased, and remained high
              (66%) in 1990-91.    There may be some sampling bias, but the trend was real,
              corresponded with personal observations,       and related to several       factors.
              Fishermen attributed milder winters and more moderate water temperatures to
              weakfish remaining in waters north of Cape Hatteras rather than migrating into
              the Hatteras Bight.    The reduced abundance of weakfish may also be a factor;
              during 1990-91 the only fishable concentration remained around the shelter of
              Avon Rocks.   Whereas during 1983-87 most of the fleet spent January to March
              fishing out of Hatteras Inlet on weakfish wintering in the Hatteras Bight,
              recently more have fished out of Oregon Inlet, or from Hatteras Inlet but
              crossing  Diamond Shoals to fish Avon Rocks. Reduced weakfish CPUEs led to
              increased effort on bluefish north of Cape Hatteras. Bluefish concentrations
              have also  shifted further offshore and to more northern waters in recent years,
              with good  catches occurring throughout the winter as far north as the Cigar.


                    Although infrequently sampled, sink net catches west of Cape Lookout were
              different in terms of relative abundance of dominant species and overall catch
              size (Tables I and 3). As in northern waters, weakfish was the dominant species
              (30-40%).    However, croaker (26-37%) replaced bluefish (1-3%) as the other
              dominant species and spot was more prevalent in southern catches. Menhaden was
              prevalent in southern catches; they regularly occurred in catches north of Cape
              Lookout, but were typically discarded at sea.       Total catch weights were much
              smaller west (390-465 kg/trip) than in either area north of Cape Lookout.


              Snatial-Temporal Patterns in Sink Net Catches
                    Sink net catches north of Cape Hatteras during 1987-91 showed no recurring
              temporal pattern between seasons in species catch composition or CPUEs (Table 4).
              Weakfish and bluefish were relatively abundant in catches during each particular
              month at least two or three of the four seasons and the dominant species during
              each month (except January for bluefish) during at least two of the seasons.
              CPUEs for both species exhibited no consistent monthly pattern over the four










                                                         8

              seasons, with species specific peak CPUEs occurring during virtually every month
              through the four seasons. The relative abundance of croaker was greatest during
              March and April but they never dominated catches.


                     Sink net catch  es between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout during 1987-91
              seasons also showed no clear pattern between seasons in species catch composition
              or CPUEs (Table 4). Weakfish and bluefish were the dominant species, and croaker
              were relatively abundant in the catches sampled during each month (December-
              March) at least one of the four seasons. CPUEs of weakfish were relatively large
              during December through April during the 1987-88 season, after which largest mean
              CPUEs/month occurred either in January or February but were progressively smaller
              during succeeding years. Large catches of bluefish occurred during December-
              February and Apri 1 , whi 1 e croaker catches were 1 argest duri ng December and March,
              and much smaller during the last two seasons.


                     Whereas spatial -temporal patterns in sink net fishing seemed in a state of
              flux during 1987-91, patterns in fishing activity and catches were predictable
              and recurrent seasonally during 1982-87 (Ross 1989). Most fishing effort was
              concentrated south of Cape Hatteras from December through March. Weakfish were
              initially harvested south of Cape Hatteras during December although in later
              years (1985-87) they were also harvested north of Hatteras through early January.
              The fleet most often targeted weakfish, which were more dominant in small mesh
              gill net catches, and CPUEs largest south of Hatteras from January through March
              or April.    Effort shifted north of Hatteras following migrating weakfish in
              April.   Sink netting for bluefish occurred from Oregon Inlet to Cape Hatteras
              during December, south of Hatteras from December through March, and north of
              Hatteras again in March and April.


                     During the last four fishing seasons, the species composition of sink net
              catches has not changed, but bluefish became increasingly dominant both north and
              south of Cape Hatteras. Fishing effort has gradually shifted from south to north
              of Cape Hatteras compared to the 1982-87 seasons. Paralleling annual species
              catch composition, monthly catches in both areas remained dominated by weakfish
              or bluefish, with sizable catches of Atlantic croaker during the beginning or end
              of several seasons. These generalizations characterized the fishery from 1982-87










                                                      9

              as well , which would be expected since they were the targeted species, and
              croaker a common incidental component occasionally were targeted when
              concentrations were located.

                    West of Cape Lookout, catches were sampled to infrequent'ly to discern any
              temporal trends. Spot were relatively abundant in October catches, croaker were
              relatively abundant in November, weakfish catches were largest during December
              and January, then croaker catches increased in January and February (Table 4).


                    Catch per unit effort data from north of Cape Lookout were the basis for
              the succeeding discussion on seasonal trends in abundance for weakfish, croaker
              and bluefish.


              Weakfish CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Comgosition
                    Sink net catches of weakfish during 1989-91 reversed a seven season trend
              of increasing catches. Mean CPUEs north of Cape Lookout during 1989-91 (331 and
              319 kg/trip/season) were only 33% of the CPUEs for 1982-89 seasons (Table 5,
              Figure 2).   CPUEs both north and south of Cape Hatteras during the 1989-91
              seasons were dramatically lower than the 1987-89 seasons (Table 3) as well as
              from 1982-87 (Ross 1989).     Monthly catches were also smaller than previous
              seasons (Table 4; Ross 1989). Catches south of Cape Hatteras during 1989-91 were
              smaller than north of Cape Hatteras, reflecting both reduced abundance and the
              more northern distribution of wintering weakfish. CPUEs west of Cape Lookout
              were less than north of Lookout, except during 1990-91 when they exceeded catches
              south of Cape Hatteras but were still less than half those north of Cape Hatteras
              (Table 6). Weakfish accounted for 47-63% of all sink net catches sampled north
              of Cape Lookout from 1983-89 but only 18-28% during 1989-91 (Table 5).


                    Weakfish CPUEs have declined dramatically in both large and small mesh sink
              nets employed by the fleet. In small mesh nets (2 1/2-4" stretched; the standard
              weakfish nets), CPUEs increased from 1982-83 through 1986-87, remained high
              through 1989-90 and then declined sharply (Tables 5 and 6; Figure 2). Catches
              in large mesh (5-6" stretched) sink nets, used only when targeting large weakfish
              (sow trout) and bluefish, were highest during 1982-84, fluctuated at reduced
              levels the next four seasons, and were non-existent in 1988-91 catches. CPUEs







                                                     10

             of weakfish in small mesh gill net north of Cape Lookout were much larger than
             west of Cape Lookout (Table 6).


                   Landings of weakfish by ocean gill nets in North Carolina, and particularly
             Dare County, declined sharply during the last three seasons (Figure 2 and 3,
             Appendix A).   Ocean gill net landings had increased since 1982-83, peaked in
             1987-88 (3,252 mt), and subsequently steadily declined. Landings during 1990-91
             were only 45% of the 9-season mean and 26% of 1987-88 landings. Dare County sink
             net landings paralleled and essentially drove state ocean gill net landings of
             weakfish throughout the period (Figure 3). Dare County sink net landings during
             1990-91 were only 27% of the 9-season mean and 14% of peak landings (1987-88).
             Carteret County sink net landings declined, but not as sharply as Dare County,
             while anchored gill net landings south of Bogue Inlet were higher during 1988-91
             than the previous six seasons.     Dare County sink nets produced 69-83% of the
             ocean gill net landings of weakfish from 1982-83 through 1988-89, but only 44%
             during 1990-91.


                   The size composition of weakfish in overall sink net catches was greatly
             compressed during 1990-91 compared with previous seasons. During 1987-90, the
             mean size of weakfish/season fell from 430 to 410 mm TL.      Fish 350-550 mm TL
             (market grade=medium) made up 68-90% of the catches, fish >550 mm TL (market
             grade=large) made up 1.4-2.6%, and the largest fish/season was 762-865 mm TL
             (Figure 4, Appendix Q. During 1990-91, the average length of weakfish was only
             317 mm; fish '350-550 mm made up only 10% of the catch, fish >550 mm TL made up
             <0.1%, and the largest fish was 709 mm TL.     Catches from 1983 to 1987 seasons
             were similar to 1987-90, with 59-73% of the fish 350-550 mm TL, mean fish
             length/season between 364-430 mm TL, and the largest fish/season 819-930 mm TL.
             Most dramatic was the fact that weakfish 201-350 mm TL (pan trout) accounted for
             7-41% of the catches from 1982 to 1990 but 90% in 1990-91. These trends were
             particularly evident north of Cape Lookout (Appendix C).


                   The age composition of weakfish in sink net catches has become increasingly
             truncated towards smaller fish (Figure 5, Appendix F). The percent of age I fish
             in the catches increased from 7%-13% during 1987-88 to 40-49% during 1989-91.
             The relative abundance of age 3 and older fish concurrently declined from 39-44%











              to 18% and 11% during last four seasons. During the 1990-91 season, the percent
              of age I fish was the highest while age 4 and older fish the lowest, compared
              with the previous eight seasons. The 1990-91 season was also the first season
              in which no weakfish older than age 4 were represented in the sampled catches.


              Bluefish CPUEs, Landings and Size/Age Composition
                     Sink net catches of bluefish during 1988-91 were generally larger than
              previous seasons.    Overall mean CPUEs north of Cape Lookout ranged from 541
              kg/trip during 1987-88 to 1,448 kg/trip during 1989   -90. Mean CPUE/season from
              1988 to 1991 exceeded the 9-season mean, and 1989-90 CPUEs/season were the
              highest for the period (Table 5 and 6; Figure 6).   Seasonally from 1987 to 1991,
              CPUEs ranged from 328 to 1,357 kg/trip north of Cape Hatteras and 355-2,065
              kg/trip between Hatteras and Lookout (Table 3).       Bluefish catches were much
              smaller (4-12 kg/trip) south of Cape Lookout (Table 3 and 6).


                     Catches of bluefish in small and large mesh sink nets north of Cape Lookout
              were high during 1990-91 (Table 5, Figure 6). CPUEs in small mesh nets since
              1982-83 ranged from 48 to 325 kg/trip/season with no trend evident.     Catches in
              large mesh nets during 1987-91 (2,820-3,424 kg/tri p/season) consistently exceeded
              the 9-season mean. Catches during 1990-91 for both small and large mesh sink
              nets were the largest for the period, and reflected increased emphasis on
              bluefish as weakfish catches declined.


                     Landings of bluefish by ocean gill nets since 1982-83 have fluctuated with
              no trend evident.    Overall landings ranged from 683 to 1,357 mt from 1987 to
              1991, and three of the four seasons exceeded the nine season mean (953 mt)
              (Figure 7; Appendix B). Dare County sink net landings have accounted for 78-89%
              of the bluefish caught by ocean gill nets since 1982-83, thus driving trends in
              overall landings.     Carteret County landings ranged from 27 to 118 mt and
              fluctuated with no trend, while landings south of Bogue Inlet increased from 17-
              40 mt/season during 1982-89 to 72-94 mt during 1989-91.


                     A broad size range of bluefish continued to be captured in sink nets north
              of Cape Lookout (Figure 8). Large fish were relatively more abundant in catches
              during 1987-90 than 1990-91, but seasonal differences may, in part, reflect








                                                     12

             sampling effort. Bluefish caught north of Cape Lookout during 1987-90 ranged
             from 197 to 856 mm FL and during 1990-91 from 175 to 828 mm FL. During 1987-90
             large bluefish (>600 mm TQ accounted for 81-84% of the catches seasonally but
             only 16.3% in 1990-91.    Bluefish 250-400 mm FL dominated (80%) catches during
             1990-91, reflecting, in part, increased effort on small bluefish in lieu of
             reduced weakfish catches.    Also, due to 'bans on biologists' by several fish
             houses in Wanchese, sampling effort was limited on catches of large bluefish,
             which occurred more frequently in waters north of Cape Hatteras by boats fishing
             out of Oregon Inlet. Overall, the size composition of bluefish caught north of
             Cape Lookout has generally remained consistent since 1982-83, with similar size
             range and modes throughout, and the greater percentage of large fish being
             captured north of Cape Hatteras (Appendix Q.


                   A full range of age classes continued to be represented in sink net catches
             of bluefish during the last four seasons (Figure 9, Appendix F). Bluefish ranged
             from 0 to 9 years old during each season.    Fish age 4-9 accounted for 77-83% of
             the 1987-90 catches, reflecting no decline in relative abundance compared with
             1982-87 catches (50-66%).    Ages 4-6 have been the dominant class of age 2-11
             bluefish since 1982-83. During 1990-91, age 1 fish accounted for 74% of the fish
             sampled.  This shift towards younger fish reflected by the increased catches of
             small bluefish south of Cape Hatteras and restricted sampling of catches of large
             bluefish (due to bans from sampling at Wanchese fish packing houses) and not
             reduced relative abundance of large bluefish.


             Atlantic Croaker CPUEs. Landings and Size/Age Composition
                   Atlantic croaker catches in sink nets north of Cape Lookout, though
             comparatively small on a seasonal basis, were markedly reduced during 1989-91.
             CPUEs fell from 120 kg/trip/season during 1986-88 to less than 4 kg/trip during
             1989-91 (Table 5, Figure 10). In small mesh gill nets, CPUEs during five of the
             six seasons from 1984 through 1990 exceeded 100 kg/trip, but were less than 4
             kg/trip during 1989-91. Sizable catches of croaker, which usually occurred early
             or late in the season (Ross 1989), were virtually non-existent during the 1989-91
             seasons (Table 4). Croaker were a more important component of catches west of
             Cape Lookout, where CPUEs ranged from 102 to 140 kg/trip in small mesh gill nets
             during 1988-89 and 1990-91 (Table 6).










                                                      13

                    Landings of croaker by ocean gill nets declined during the 1988-91 seasons
              (Figure 11, Appendix A). Landings were stable during 1984-88 but declined 70%
              in 1989-91.    Sink net crews fishing west of Cape Lookout (Carteret County)
              dominated ocean gill net landings from 1982 to 1988 but produced only 18-25% of
              their nine-season mean in 1989-91, and only 32-36% of the total. Dare County
              sink nets produced 9-27% of the landings (115-199 mt/season) from 1984 to 1989
              but only 4-6 mt/season during 1989-91 or less than 2% of the total. The only
              area where croaker landings were stable was south of Bogue Inlet.     During 1989-
              91, landings (241 and 199 mt) peaked for the 9-season period, and the area became
              the dominant (65-70%) producer of ocean gill net landings (Figure 11).


                    Coincident with reduced catches and landings, the size composition of
              croaker captured in sink nets during 1989-91 was compressed towards smaller size
              classes (Figure 12). Compared with 1987-89 catches, the size range of croaker
              fell from 216-395 mm TL to 191-310 mm, and the mean size/season from 287-290 mm
              TL to 240-248 mm TL. Whereas    88-91% were 251-325 mm TL during 1987-89, 96-97%
              were 201-275 mm TL during 1989-91. The larger croaker captured during 1987-89
              were comparable to the fish from 1982 to 1987 which ranged from 211 to 405 mm TL,
              averaged 270-302 mm TL seasonally, and except for one season, >90% were larger
              than 250 mm TL (Appendix G, Ross 1989).


                    The age composition of Atlantic croaker in sink net catches during 1989-91
              shifted towards younger fish compared with earlier seasons (Figure 13). Age 0
              and 1 fish accounted for 91-98% of 1989-91 catches whereas age 2 and 3 fish
              dominated catches during 1987-89 (80-84%).      The relative abundance of age 1
              croaker during 1989-91 was much higher (63-83%) than any of the previous seven
              seasons.  Age 3 croaker comprises 15-37% of the 1982-89 catches, but only 2-10%
              in 1989-91 fish. Age 4 and 5 croaker were not present in catches sampled during
              1990-91 as they had been through 1989 (Appendix H).


              Anchored Gill Net Catches South of Bogue Inlet to Cape Fear
                    Twenty anchored gill net catches were sampled from December 1986 through
              January 1990 from the months of December through May (Table 7). Fishing occurred
              off New River during 1986-88 seasons and between Masonboro Inlet and Carolina
              Beach during the 1989-91 seasons.   The nets were left overnight and fished once







                                                        14

              a day.   Crews used between 61 m (200 ft) and 1097 m (3600 ft) of 2.5-2.75 in
              stretched mesh gill nets and fished in 9-15 meters.


                    Unlike sink net catches north of Cape Lookout which were clearly dominated
              by weakfish and less frequently by bluefish, anchored gill nets between Bogue
              Inle t and Carolina beach produced a more even mix of species. Weakfish accounted
              for the largest component of the catches sampled each year, but except for 1987-
              88 when only 2 catches were sampled, made up only 24-28% of the catches (Table
              8).   During at least one of the seasons, bluefish, northern (Menticirrhus
              saxatilis) and southern kingfish (11. americanus,--sea mullet), croaker, and spot
              accounted for greater than 10% of the catches. Only during 1987-88 did any one
              species comprise greater than 30% of the catches.


                                                     SUMMARY
                    The Outer Banks sink net fishery has gone from a growth and boom phase
              during the late 1970s through the late 1980s to sharp declines in landings and
              participation during the 1989-91 fishing seasons. After ten years of increasing
              total landings of finfish by ocean gill nets, annual landings declined during
              1988-91 net and anchored gill net catches, the increased annual landings from
              1979 through 1988 were driven by sink net landings from Dare and secondarily
              Carteret counties (Appendix 1). Dare County landings increased from 3 mt in 1977
              to 4,023 mt in 1988 and from 3% to 65% of the state's ocean gill net landings.
              Annual landings have since declined nearly 50% to 2,100 mt (53% of the landings)
              in 1991. Carteret County ocean gill net landings, which were primarily from sink
              nets, were much higher from 1984 to 1988 (1,389-2,324 mt annually) than from 1989
              to 1991 (354-809 mt). Dare and Carteret counties together accounted for 89-100%
              of the reported ocean gill net landings in North Carolina from 1972 to 1988 but
              only 67-70% during 1990-91. Anchored gill net landings in ports south of Bogue
              Inlet have increased from 4 mt in 1979 to 1,200 mt in 1991 and produced 20-30%
              of the ocean gill net landings in 1989-91.


                    Although shifts in landings occurred recently, Dare County and the waters
              north of Cape Lookout remained the dominant producers of ocean-caught gill net
              fish in North Carolina (Figure 14, Appendix 1). The emphasis of sampling effort
              and ultimately comparative trends in species-specific CPUEs for the ocean gill










                                                     15

              net fisheries was thus on vessels fishing out of Oregon and Hatteras Inlets.
              This was due to their dominance in landings and the fact that the fleet fished
              every day, weather permitting, from December through mid-April.


                    Sink net landings of weakfish have declined and paralleled trends along the
              Atlantic coast (Figure 15). North Carolina ocean gill net landings and winter
              trawl landings in 1991 were the lowest since 1971 and 1969 respectively.
              Weakfish landings along the east coast during 1990 were the lowest since 1970.
              Nevertheless, the sink net fishery continued to be the primary producer of
              weakfish along the east coast, accounting for 12-20% from 1983 to 1985, 28-35%
              from 1986 to 1989, and 23% in 1990.    The Hatteras/Oregon Inlet sink net fleet
              fishing north of Cape Lookout continued to dominate ocean gill net landings of
              weakfish but also suffered the greatest decline in landings during the 1989-91

              seasons.



                    Trends in CPUE and size/age composition of the catches indicated growth
              overfishing has occurred on the weakfish population. CPUEs of large weakfish
              were highest in 1982-84, intermediate from 1984 to 1988, and essentially non-
              existent from 1988 to 1991. CPUEs of weakfish in small mesh nets, after high
              catches from 1985 to 1989, declined dramatically during the 1989-91 seasons. The
              age and size composition of the catches since 1982 verify the disappearance of
              very old, large weakfish ("sow trout") in recent years, and the compression of
              the age and size composition of the catches to small, young weakfish ("pan
              trout") during 1990-91.


                    The recent ASMFC stock assessment of weakfish indicated the species was
              overfished (Vaughan et al. 1991). Trends in catches of weakfish by the sink net
              fishery, particularly reduced CPUEs and compressed size/age composition of the
              catches, confirm their findings for the east coast. To reduce current fishing
              mortality levels to facilitate the rebuilding of the stock, the ASMFC management
              plan calls for states to implement size limits and controls on fishing effort.


                    Sink net landings of bluefish have steadily increased since 1980 and were
              a large component of both North Carolina and the entire east coast's landings
              (Figure 16). Ocean gill net landings of bluefish, which were less than 80 mt




              during the 1960s and 1970s, have rang     16
                                                       ed from 881 to 1,455 mt from 1987 through
              1991.  Ocean gill nets produced 51-70% of the bluefish landed in North Carolina
              during those five years, with Dare County generally accounting for more than 80%
              and sink nets more than 90%. North Carolina ocean gill nets produced 16-21% of
              the east coast commercial landings of bluefish from 1987 to 1989 and 24% in 1990.


                    Recent stock assessment of bluefish found the stock to be fully exploited
              (MAFMC 1989, NEFC 1991). There was no evidence of declining stock size based on
              sink net catches in recent years. Trends in CPUEs and the size/age composition
              of bluefish catches by sink nets in North Carolina indicate the stock's
              population was comparatively stable.       CPUEs have shown no sign of persistent
              decline, even with recent increases in fishing effort.          Catches continued to
              contain the full range of sizes and ages of bluefish represented in catches since
              1982.


                    Nearly all major components of commercial landings of croaker have declined
              in recent years. Atlantic coast annual landings of croaker have been dominated
              by North Carolina landings since the early 1960s> Annual North Carolina landings
              in 1991 were the lowest since 1971 (Figure 17). Seasonal landings of Atlantic
              croaker by ocean gill nets, trawlers, and pound nets were all lower during the
              1990-91 season than any of the previous nine fishing seasons, although long haul
              landings increased during 1989 and 1990 (Appendix A).


                    Ocean gill net landings of croaker fell from the highest to the lowest
              seasonal totals between 1987-88 and 1990-91 since the 1982-83 season (Appendix
              A, Figure 11). Croaker had dominated Carteret County sink net catches which had
              been the greatest producer of croaker; the decline there was most dramatic.
              Croaker became virtually insignificant in Dare County landings. Only in anchored
              gill net catches west of Bogue Inlet did landings increase during the last four

              seasons.



                    Croaker have been growth overfished and may be showing signs of failure as
              well.   CPUEs in sink net as well as winter trawl (Ross 1992) catches have
              declined and size frequency distributions of catches were compressed towards
              smaller, younger fish noted in sink net catches were also observed in trawl










                                                     17

             occurring since juvenile croaker CPUEs having declined since 1987, and 1991 CPUEs
             were the lowest recorded for the 1979-91 sampling period. However, since croaker
             are short-lived species with historical fluctuations in abundance,r educed
             recruitment indices could be due to natural causes or cyclical fluctuation in
             abundance.



                               MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
                   Declining catches and compressed size composition of weakfish and Atlantic
             croaker evidenced in sink net catches corresponded with trends observed in North
             Carolina as well as other east coast fisheries (Vaughan et al. 1991; Mercer
             1989). Growth overfishing was clearly evidenced and management regulations are
             needed to stabilize these two stocks and increase yield from all fisheries.


                   Management plans exist for bluefish, weakfish, and Atlantic croaker. The
             bluefish stock has been assessed to be fully exploited (MAFMC 1989).         Since
             commercial catches have been relatively stable, no restrictions on commercial
             fishing have been imposed. The croaker FMP recommended research needs and ways
             to increase yield per recruit and stock stability, but no regulations were
             required nor instituted by the Atlantic coast states (Mercer 1989).       Weakfish
             have been assessed to be overfished (Vaughan et al. 1991).     The FMP amendment
             recommended size limits to reduce the harvest of small weakfish, and reductions
             in effort to reduce the rate of fishing mortality on fully recruited ages.


                   The imposition of size limits on the entire weakfish fishery will be most
             effective on the sink net fleet in terms of escapement of undersized weakfish.
             Gill nets are implicitly a very size selective gear. Since all fish are handled,
             undersized fish are quickly released and generally in survivable shape (at least
             75% based on personal observation) due to the cold water temperatures and minimal
             damage to the fish. Less selective gears such as long hauls and trawls will have
             higher release mortalities.


                   Whereas mesh size restrictions or gear modifications may be necessary for
             some fisheries to ensure the escapement of undersized weakfish before they are
             boated, they may not be necessary for the sink net fishery. With specified size
             limits, the sink net fleet will select mesh sizes that exclude undersized








                                                       18

              weakfish to reduce excessive work picking fish that cannot be marketed. The sink
              net fleet has historically produced virtually no marketable-size weakfish that
              were discarded or sold as crab bait compared with other North Carolina fisheries
              (Ross and Moye 1989).    However, since the sink net fleet also targets other
              species when the opportunity arises, management regulations must allow the
              fishermen some flexibility to harvest sea mullet (Menticirrhus spp.), spot,
              bluefish, dogfish (Squalus acanthias), croaker, and others when available.


                    Management options currently being considered include periodic closures to
              limit fishing effort. However, this may have already been accomplished by the
              fleet.  An enumeration of ocean gill netters participating in the weakfish,
              dogfish, and bluefish fisheries was done by Captains Jeff Oden and Rom Whitaker,
              Hatteras, North Carolina, in May 1992 (Pers. commun.). Whereas 74-75 Hatteras
              vessels fished for weakfish during the 1988-89 and 1989-90 seasons, only 55 and
              27 vessels fished for weakfish during the 1990-91 and 1991-92 seasons. Due to
              the declining weakfish catches, crews left the fishery to fish for bluefish, king
              mackerel, tuna, or dogfish.    During the 1991-92 season, a number of sink net
              crews made commitments to harvest dogfish off the Outer Banks. Since this market
              has been established, it should insure the fisheries continuation in the near
              future. In turn, this will ensure that fishing effort directed at weakfish will
              be reduced from the levels found during the late 1980s.


                    The ASMFC FMP objective to reduce sink net fishing effort on weakfish
              stocks has already been accomplished by the shifting of a large percentage of
              vessels into alternative fisheries.       As long as this shift to alternative
              fisheries persists, with its accompanying reduction in fishing effort, no further
              regulation, such as temporal closures, should be necessary. However, the level
              of participation in these fisheries should be monitored to determine if future
              shifting back into.the weakfish fishery occurs.


                    Before imposing temporal closures on sink net and other fishing fleets,
              gear modification/selectivity work should be completed for less selective gears
              such as trawls, long hauls, and pound nets. Reduction in the catch of undersized
              fish through modification in the non-selective fisheries offers significant
              opportunity for increased escapement of fish to maturity, will increase yield per










                                                     19

              recruit of marketably more valuable fish, and may be sufficient to stabilize and
              rebuild the weakfish stock. The impacts and contribution to the spawning stock
              should be assessed after several years of implementation and effective
              enforcement of regulations for gear modifications.


                    There will also be secondary effects on other species as a result of
              reduced weakfish catches and recently imposed management regulations.     Due to
              declining catches of weakfish, which was the mainstay of the 100 vessel Dare
              County sink net fleet during the late 1980s, there has been and will continue to
              be increased effort on bluefish.     However, due to the market's inability to
              handle continuous large volumes of bluefish, it is unlikely that landings will
              increase dramatically.     Atlantic croaker should benefit by the weakfish
              regulations, since fishermen targeting legal sized weakfish will employ larger
              mesh nets to reduce excessive picking of small weakfish, and thus reduce the
              number of small croaker captured incidentally.


                                              ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
                    This report would,not have been possible without the field and technical
              assistance of Beth Burns, John Zuaboni, Tonya Stevens, Lele Judy, Rick Monaghan,
              Jack Guthrie, Jim Francesconi, John Schoolfield, Otto Rutten, and Joe Andrews.
              Paul Phalen, Mike Tangedal, Diana Tootle, and Lisa Boddie provided invaluable
              help with computer processing and data retrieval.      Meg Foward expeditiously
              drafted many of the figures.    I am, as always, appreciative of Dee Willis for
              typing and compilation of the manuscript. Finally, I am especially grateful to
              the commercial fishermen, fish dealers, and fish processors who continue to allow
              us to sample their catches.









                                                         20


                                                 LITERATURE CITED
              Hawkins, J.H.
                     1988. Age, growth, and mortality of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, in North
                     Carolina, with a discussion of population dynamics.         M.S. thesis.     East
                     Carolina Univ., Greenville, NC, 86 p.

              MAFMC (Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council).
                     1989. Fishery Management plan for the bluefish fishery, 76 p.

              Massman, W.H.
                     1963. Age and size composition of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, from pound
                     net's in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia 1954-58. Chesapeake Sci.4:43-51.

              Mercer, L.P.
                     1989.    Fishery management plan for Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias
                     undulatus).    N.C. Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar.
                     Fish., Spec. Sci. Rep. No. 48, 90 p.

              Merriner, J.V.
                     1973. Assessment of the weakfish resource, a management plan, and aspects
                     of life history in North Carolina.         Ph.D. Diss. North Carolina State
                     Univ., Raleigh, 201 p.

              Ross,  J.R.
                     1989.   Assessment of the sink net fishery along North Carolina's Outer
                     Banks, Fall 1982 through Spring 1987, with notes on other coastal gill net
                     fisheries.    N.C. Dept. Environ., Health., and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar.
                     Fish. SSR No. 50.

                     1990. Assessment of the North Carolina winter trawl fishery, September
                     1982-April 1985. N.C. Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar.
                     Fish.  SSR No. 53, 97 p.

                     1991. Assessment of North Carolina winter trawl fishery September 1985-
                     April  1988.   N.C. Dept. Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar.
                     Fish.  SSR No. 54, 80 p.

                     1992. Assessment of North Carolina winter trawl fishery September 1988-
                     April  1991. N.C. Div. Mar. Fish. Compl. Rep. Proi. 2-IJ-16.

              Ross,  J.L.,  and D.W. Moye '
                     1989.    Assessment of North Carolina finfisheries:            1985-87 fishing
                     seasons. N.C. Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish.
                     Compl. Rep. Proj. 2-419-R, 292 p.

              Ross,  S.W.
                     1988. Age, growth, and mortality of Atlantic croaker North Carolina with
                     comments on population dynamics. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 117:461-473.










                                                         21

               Tangedal, M.
                      1992.   Juvenile abundance indices for spot, Atlantic croaker,, weakfish,
                      southern flounder, blue crab, and brown shrimp from 1979-1991. NC Dept.
                      Environ., Health, and Nat. Resour., Div. Mar. Fish., unpub. manuscript.

               Vaughan, D.S., R.T. Seagraves, and K. West.
                      1991.   Assessment of status of the Atlantic weakfish stock, 1982-1988.
                      ASMFC Spec. Sci. Rept. No. 21, 29 p.

               Wilk,  S.J.
                      1977.   Biological and fisheries data on bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix
                      (Linneaus). U.S. Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv. Tech. Ser. Rep. No. 11, 56 p.





                                                                          22



                     TabLe 1. MonthLy summary of sampLing of sink nets during December 1987 through Aprit 1991, by area fished
                                (N = north of Cape Hatteras; C Ecentra(3       Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout; S [south) = west of Cape
                                Lookout; n    number of catches sampLed).               catch weight (kq)                  SampLe weight (kq)
                     Season           Month           Area           n            Mean                  Range             Mean             Range

                     1987-88            Dec              N             8          1,969.3            1,326-2,730          139.0          94-184
                                                         C           10           1,140.7              92-2,807            98.8          19-208


                                        Jan              N             2            693.3             354-1,033           102.0          91-113
                                                         C             9          2,110.1             272-4,639           156.0          68-224


                                        Feb              N             5          1,899.0             158-3,288           209.8         170-249
                                                         C             9          2,823.0            1,155-7,000          212.2         136-


                                        Mar              N             5            661.1             356-1,136           166.8          68-298
                                                         C           21           1,470.1             301-4,129           135.1          42-239


                                        Apr              N             8            956.6             313-3,298            94.9          47-182
                                                         C             4          2,491.4             766-5,906           162.2          91-322


                     Totat                               N           28           1,342.6             158-3,288
                                                         C           53           1,823.5              92-7,000
                                                   OveraLl           81           1,657.3              92-7,000





                     1988-89            Oct              S             7            376.9             167-1,096            78.9          66-106


                                        Nov              S             4            268.1             133- 366             58.3          57- 59


                                        Dec              N           11           2,086.5             182-5,460           177.7          51-454
                                                         C             2            529.3             302- 756             60.8            0-121
                                                         S             7            203.3              82- 429             69.8          54- 99


                                        Jan              N           15           1,899.7             370-4,642           133.9          45-223
                                                         C             4          2,029.0             812-3,299           159.5          68-230
                                                         S           12             807.9              59-3,840                -           -


                                        Feb              N           11           2,699.8             665-5,946           251.0         124-378
                                                         C           13           1,101.3             288-2,024           105.1          38-260
                                                         S             5            286.1              15- 674             42.1          15- 75


                                        Mar              N             6          2,378.5             717-4,239           178.2         181-275
                                                         C             7            782.6             106-1,250           102.2          52-212


                                        Apr              N             3          3,760.3            2,222-4,699          356.9         181-275


                     TotaL                               N           46           2,319.4             182-5,946
                                                         C           26           1,114.2             106-3,299
                                                         S           35             464.5              15-3,840
                                                  Overatt            107          1,419.8              15-5,946







                                                                              23




                       TabLe 1. (Continued).


                                                                                           Catch weight (kq)                  SaryLe weight (kq)
                       Season            Month           Area                         Mean                  Range            Mean             Range


                       1989-90            Oct               s             1             411.4                                 68.2


                                          Nov               N             2           1,830.7           1,548-2,113          120.7            0-241


                                          Dec               N             3           4,007.4             682-7,5"           369.1           147-554
                                                            C             7           2,905.9             723-5,481          232.1            0-555


                                          Jan               N           22              827.2             130-2,998          128.2            0-323
                                                            C             1             465.4                                 83.1


                                          Feb               N           13            1,678.8              14-5,029          104.0            0-414


                                          Mar               N           17            2,399.6              33-5,779          181.8            0-454
                                                            C             1             685.4                -                95.7             -


                                          Apr               N             4           2,073.5             625-5,264          230.5           181-272


                       TotaL                                N           61            1,717.9              33-7,5"
                                                            C             9           2,388.0             465-51481
                                                            s             1             411.4                      -
                                                     OveraLL            71            1,784.4              33-7,5"



                       1990-91            Dec               N             9           2,906.0             114-61078          302.4           32-544
                                                            C             6             856.8             124-2,860           55.4           23- 71
                                                            s           11              263.9              18- T74            84.6           45-192


                                          Jan               N           12              420.3              10-1,546           54.0            9-101
                                                            C             4           3,056.6             589-4,813           84.2           68-100
                                                            s           17              471.3              14-1,116           60.7            3-186


                                          Feb               N           10              692.0             238-1,094           T7.9           41- 98
                                                            C           10              211.3              15- 446            54.9           15- 68


                                          Mar               N           14            1,613.5             502-5,532          123.7           45-466
                                                            C             5             519.1             207- 830            71.0           59- 85


                                          Apr               N             5             788.7              65-1,470           54.1           43- 62


                       Totat                                N           50            1,293.0              10-6,078
                                                            C           25              883.1              15-4,813
                                                            s           28              389.8              14-1,116
                                                     OveraLl            103             948.0              10-6,078






                                                                                                   24



                             TabLe 2. Species composition of sink net catches sampted from December 1987 through ApriL 1991; mnumber of catches
                                           sampLed; Obs            species observed in catches but not occurring in sampLes.

                                                                                                                                                                     Mean
                                                                                                                                                                     fish              Percent
                                                                                          Weight (kQ)                                 Number                       weight                freq.
                             Species                                                Mean               Percent              Mean               Percent               (kQ)                occur


                             a) 1987-88 (n=81)

                             Cynoscion regalis                                     976.2                  58.88             1,207                65.94               0.809               92.6
                             Pomatomus saltatrix                                   540.9                  32.62               156                 8.51               3.471               70.4
                             Micropogonias undulatus                               119.8                  7.23                "6                 24.35               0.269               64.2
                             Euthynnus altetteratus                                 16.0                  0.97                    3               0.18               4.779               40.7
                             PepriLus triacanthus                                     1.4                 0.09                    14              0.77               0.100               5z,:3
                                                                                                                                                                                            , 5
                             Carcharhinus spp.                                        0.6                 0.03                                                                              2
                             Leiostomus xanthurus                                     0.5                 0.03                    3               0.15               0.185               21.0
                             ALopias vuLpinus                                         0.4                 0.02                    <1             <0.01             15.400                   2.5
                             Isurus oxyrinchus                                        0.3                 0.02                    <1             <0.01             27.200                   1 2
                             Cynoscion nebutosus                                      0.3                 0.02                    <1              0.01               1.252                  9:9
                             Menticirrhus americanus                                  0.3                 0.02                    1               0.03               0.480               21.0
                             Scomberomorus cavalla                                    0.2                 0.01                                                                              1.2
                             Mustetus canis                                           0.2                 0.01                                                                              6.2
                             ALosa sapidissima                                        0.2                 0.01                    <1             @CO.01              2.112               V
                             Menticirrhus spp.                                        0.2                 0.01                    <1              0.01               0.493               ll@:,'
                             ALosa mediocris                                          0.1                 0.01                    <1              0.02               3.025               12.3
                             Sphyrnidae                                               0.1                 0.01                    <1             <0.01             11.800                   1.2
                             Lophius aaericanus                                       0.1                 0.01                    <1             <0.01               1.233                  4.9
                             Acipenser oxyrhynchus                                    0.1                 <0.01                   <1             <0.01               5.000                  1.2
                             Urophycis LMjj                                         <0.1                  <0.01                   <1             -CO.01              0.232                  2.5
                             Alosa spp-                                             <0.1                  <0.01                                                                             2.5
                             Paratichthy dentatus;                                  <0.1                  <0.01                   <1             <0.01               0.333                  2.5
                             Centropristis striata                                  <0.1                  <0.01                                                                             :::2
                             Alosa aestivatis                                       <0.1                  <0.01                   <1             <0.01               0.167                    2
                             Urophycis spp.                                         <0.1                  <0.01                   <1             <0.01               0.500                  1.2
                             Pogonia cromis                                         <0.1                  C0.01                   <1             @CO.01              0.500                  1.2
                             Paratichthys spp.                                      <0.1                  <0.01                   <1             <0.01               0.250                  1.2
                             Brevoortia tyrannus                                      Obs




                             b) 1988-89 (n=107)
                             Cynoscion regalis                                     719.7                  50.82               921                56.79               0.781               719.0
                             Pomatomus saLtatrix                                   518.5                  36.62               153                 9."                3.381               49.0
                             Micropogonias undulatus                               116.1                  8.20                466                28.73               0.249               54.0
                             Brevoortia tyrannus                                    20.3                  1.43                                                                           20 0
                             Euthynnus aHetteratus                                  12.2                  0.86                    3               0.19               3.651               33:0
                             Leiostomus xanthurus                                   10.4                  0.73                    51              3.27               0.195               13.0
                             CLupeidae                                                4.1                 0.29                                                                              1.0
                             Carcharhinidae                                           3.8                 0.27                    <1              0.01             55.843                   4.0
                             Scorriberomorus macutatus                                2.7                 0.19                    4               0.25               0.594                  4,
                             Menticirrhus spp.                                        2.2                 0.15                    4               0.25               0.547               17:00
                             PepriLus triacanthus                                     1.8                 0.13                    14              0.87               0.128               34.0
                             Menticirrhus americanus                                  1.4                 0.10                    3               0.19               0.414                  8.0
                             Unidentified fish                                        1.3                 0.09                                                                              3.0
                             Cynoscion nebuLosus                                      0.7                 0.05                    1               0.07               0.818               21.0
                             Scomberomorus cavaL La                                   0.2                 0.02                    <1              0.01               3.850                  2.0
                             Atosa sapidissima                                        0.1                 0.01                    <1              0.01               1.067                  4.0
                             Lophius antericanus                                      0.1                 0.01                    <1              0.01               6.800                  3.0
                             EMIU cephaLus,                                           0.1                 0.01                    <1              0.01               0.922                  1.0
                             Centropristis striata,                                   0.1                 0.01                    <1              0.01               0.513                  3.0
                             Menticirrhus littoratis                                  0.1                 <0.01                   <1              0.01               0.376                  2.0
                             Menticirrhus saxatilis                                   0.1                 <0.01                   <1              0.01               0.432                  6.0
                             Sciaenops ocellatus;                                   <0.1                  <0.01                   <1              0.01               0.607                  1 0
                             Orthopristis chrysoptera                               <0.1                  <0.01                   <1              0.01               0.190                  2: 0
                             Urophycis spp.                                         <0.1                  <0.01                   <1              0.01               0.900                  1.0
                             Atosa mediocris                                        <0.1                  <0.01                   <1              0.01               0.700                  1.0
                             ParaLichthys spp.                                      <0.1                  <0.01                   <1              0.01               0.500                  2.0
                             PoLtachius virens                                      <0.1                  <0.01                   <1              0.01               0.900                  2.0
                             Caranx hipms                                           <0.1                  <0.01                   <1              0.01               0.500                  1.0
                             Tautoga onitis                                         <0.1                  <0.01                   <1              0.01               0.500                  1.0
                             Pepritus atepidotus                                    <0.1                  <0.01                   <1             <0.01               0.057                  1.0
                             Mustetus canis                                         <0.1                  <0.01                   <1             <0.01             <0.001                   3.0
                             Prionotus evoLans;                                     <0.1                  <0.01                   <1             <0.01             <0.001                   1.0







                                                                              25



                       TabLe 2. (Continued).


                                                                                                                                  Mean
                                                                                                                                  fish          Percent
                                                                       Weight NO                          Number                 weight          freq.
                       Species                                    Mean           Percent          Mean          Percent           (kQ)           occur

                       c) 1989-90 (n=71)

                       Pomatomus saLtatrix                      1,428.1            80.04           393            41.76           3.636          76.1
                       Cynoscion regaLis                          326.9            18.32           486            51.67           0.673          54.9
                       Euthymus aLLetteratus                        8.1            0.45               2            0.22           3.836          18.3
                       Sgualus acanthias                            5.1            0.28                                                           8.5
                       Leiostomus xanthurus                         3.7            0.21             19             2.03           0.194           2.8
                       SquaLiformes                                 3.4            0.29                                                           7.0
                       ALosa mediocris                              2.2            0.12               5            0.49           0.473           4.2
                       Micropogonias undulatus                      1.9            0.11             13             1.33           0.155           7.0
                       Brevoorti tyrannus                           1.5            0.08               8            0.89           0.177           8.5
                       Pepritus triacanthus                         1.4            0.08             13             1.40           0.103          23.9
                       Bairdie(La chrysoura                         0.7            0.04             <1             0.01           7.722           1.4
                       Menticirrhus spp.                            0.5            0.03             <1             0.03           1.655           4.2
                       Scoffberonorus cavalla                       0.1            0.01             <1            <0.01           3.167           1.4
                       Cynoscion nebulosus                          0.1            0.01             'Cl            0.01           0.856           4.2
                       Menticirrhus americanus                      0.1            0.01             <1             0.03           0.382           5.6
                       Atopias vulpinus                             0.1            0.01                                                           1.4
                       ALosa sapidissima                            0.1            <0.01            <1             0.01           0.857           7.0
                       Orthopristis chrysoptera                     0.1            <0.01            <1             0.01           1.080           1.4
                       Menticirrhus saxatiLis                       0.1            <0.01            <1             0.01           0.460           2.8
                       Rhizoprionodon terraenovae                   0.1            <0.01            <1             0.01           0.760           1.4
                       Synodus foetens                              0.1            <0.01            <1             0.01           0.740           1.4
                       Lophius americanus                           0.1            <0.01            <1            <0.01           1.800           1.4
                       Scomber scombrus                           <0.1             <0.01            <1             0.01           0.700           2.8
                       Tautoga onitis                             <0.1             <0.01                                                          1.4
                       Urophyci.a regia                           <0.1             <0.01            <1             0.01           0.207           4.2
                       Centropristis striata                      <0.1             <0.01            <1             0.01           o.233           1.4
                       Lagodon rhomboicles                        <0.1             <0.01            <1             0.01           0.098           2.8
                       Prionotus carolinus                        <0.1             <0.01            <1             0.01           0.180           1.4
                       Arenaeus cribarius                         <0.1             <0.01            <1             0.01           0.100           1.4
                       Callinectes sapiclus                       <0.1             <0.01            <1             0.01           0.120           1.4
                       Peprilus alepidotus                        <0.1             <0.01            <1                            0.050           1.4



                       cl) 1990-91 (n=103)
                       Pomatomus saltatrix                        568.8            60.03           453            27.87           1,255          69.0
                       Cynoscion regaLis                          274.1            28.93           884            53.75           0.310          84.0
                       Micropogonias unclulatus                   29.8             3.15            171             5.73           0.174          48.0
                       Brevoortia tyramus                         16.9             1.78             76             4.47           0.222          22.0
                       Euthynnus aLLetteratus                     16.7             1.76               3            0.22           5.059          36.0
                        niclentified fish                           7.0            0.74                                                           7.0
                       Carcharhiniclae                              6.1            0.65                                                           5.0
                       ULeiostomus xanthurus                        5.5            0.58             53             3.28           0.103          32.0
                       Menticirrhus americanus                      5.5            0.58             19             1.25           0.282          37.0
                       Peprilus triacanthus                         4.4            0.46             50             2.67           0.088          67.0
                       Squalus acanthias                            4.1            0.43                                                           8.0
                       Mustetus canis                               2.7            0.29             <1            <0.01          <0.001           6.0
                       Menticirrhus spp.                            1.9            0.20               4            0.25           0.556          24.0
                       Menticirrhus saxatilis                       0.8            0.08               2            0.13           0.375          17.0
                       Alosa mediocris                              0.5            0.05             <1            <0.01           1.468          27.0
                       Oclontaspis taurus                           0.4            0.04             <1             0.01          20.650           2.0
                       Centropristis striata                        0.2            0.02               1            0.05           0.251          16.0
                       Evorthodus lyricus                           0.2            0.02                                                           1.0
                       Lophius americanus                           0.2            0.02             <1            <0.01           9.800           6.0
                       Atosa spp.                                   0.2            0.02             <1             0.02           0.616           7.0
                       Urophyci.j regia                             0.1            0.01             <1             0.02           0.394          12.0
                       Saircliella chrysoura                        0.1            0.01             <1             0.03           0.211           6.0
                       OrthopriTtis chrysoptera                     0.1            0.01             <1             0.01           0.302          11.0
                       ALosa sapidissima                            0.1            0.01             <1            <0.01           1.100           4.0
                       Urophycis spp.                               0.1            0.01             <1             0.01           0.680           9.0
                       Cynoscion nebulosus                        <0.1             0.01             <1            <0.01           0.248           5.0
                       Tautoga onitis                             <0.1             0.01             <1            <0.01           0.660           6.0





                                                                           r- U




                     Table 2. (Continued).


                                                                                                                               Mean
                                                                                                                               fish         Percent
                                                                    Weight (kq)                        Nur*er                  weight          freq.
                     Species                                    Mean          Percent         Mean            Percent          (kq)           occur

                     Sconteromorus macuLatus                    <0.1             0.01                                                           3.0
                     Gadidae                                    <0.1             0.01            <1            <0.01           1.400            3.0
                     Clupeidae                                  <0.1             0.01            <1            <0.01           1.400            1.0
                     Clupea harengus                            <0.1             0.01            <1            <0.01           0.500            2.0
                     Prionotus spp.                             <0.1             0.01                                                           2 0
                     Pepritus spp.                              <0.1             0.01                                                           1:0
                     Caranx spp.                                <0.1             0.01                                                           1.0
                     Paralichthys spp.                          <0.1             0.01                                                           1.0
                     Pepritus atepidotus                        <0.1             0.01            <1            <0.01           0.023            3.0
                     Prionotus evoLans                            Obs








             Table 3. Species composition, mean weight (kg) and mean number of fish per trip of the top 99% (by weight) of the sink net catches, partitioned by area fished, from
                        December 1987 through April 1991; n = number of catches sampled.

                                                                   Mean                                                                Mean                                                             Mean
                                                           Mean    fish                                                       Mean     fish                                                    Mean     fish
                                                           no.     weight                                                     no.      weight                                                  no.     weight
             Species                       Mean      %     fish    (kq)     Species                         Mean       %      fish     (kg)     Species                        Mean      %     fish     (kg)

                                           NORTH  OF CAPE  HATTERAS                                       CAPE HATTERAS TO    CAPE LOOKOUT                                       WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT
             1987-88 (rr-28)                                                0=53)

             cynoscio regatis              832.2    61.9   1,016   0.819    Cynoscio regalis                1,052.3   57.7    1,038    0.805
             Pomatomus sattatrix           328.8    24.5      96   3.427    Pomatomus sattatrix              652.9    35.8       187   3.483
             Micropogonias undulatus       162.9    12.1     657   0.248    Micropogonias undutatus           97.0     5.3       334   0.291
             Eutymus alletteratus           14.6     1.1        3  4.795    Euthynnus attetteratus            16.8     0.9         4   4.772

             1988-89 (n=46)                                                 0=26)                                                               0=35)

             Cynoscio regatis             1,296.2   56.1   1,570   0.825    Cynoscion regatis                480.6    43.1       835   0.575    Micropogonias undutatus        173.8    37.4        815 0.213
             Pomatomus sattatrix           994.7    43.0     264   3.769    Pomatomus sattatrix              355.3    31.9       139   2.555    Cynoscion regatis              139.7    30.1        293 0.476
             Euthynnus at tetteratus        11.3     0.5        9  0.279    Micropogonias undutatus           26.2     2.3         8   3.171    Brevoortia tyrannu              61.9    13.3                -
             Micropogonias undutatus         2.5     0.1        2  4.617    Euthynnus alletteratus           239.4    21.5       888   0.270    Leiostomus xanthurus            31.7     6.8        163 0.195
                                                                                                                                                Fo-matomus saltatrix            14.0     3.0        22  0.630
                                                                                                                                                Atosa spp.                      12.4     2.7        -       -
                                                                                                                                                Scomberomorus maculatus          8.1     1.7        14  G.579
                                                                                                                                                Menticirrhus sp.                 6.0     1.3        9   0.640 ra
                                                                                                                                                Pepritus triacanthus             3.9     0.8        34  0.113 -4
                                                                                                                                                Menticirrhus americanus          3.9     0.8        10  0.406

             1989-90 0=61)                                                  (n=9)                                                               0=1)
             Pomatomus saltatrix          1,357.3   79.1     374 3.632      Pomatomus saLtatrix            2,065.5    86.5       561   3.679    Leiostomus xanthurus           246.5    59.9   1,288    0.191
             Cynoscio regalis              336.9    17.6     468 0.719      Cynoscion regatis                294.7    12.3       658   0.448    Pepritus triacanthus            55.0    13.4        588 0.094
             Euthynnus atletteratus          9.3     0.5        2  3.828    Micropogonias undulatus;          11.5     0.5       87    0.131    Brevoortia tyrannus             38.6     9.4        1a8 0.205
             Squatus acanthias               5.9     0.3        -                                                                               Menticirrhus americanus         27.7     6.7        -
                                                                                                                                                Pomatomus saltatrix             12.3     3.0        38  0.322
                                                                                                                                                Micropogonias undulatus          8.6     2.1        41  0.210
                                                                                                                                                Cynoscio regatis                 6.7     1.6        14  0.479

             1990-91 0=50)                                                  0=25)                                                               0=28)

             Pomatomus saltatrix           803.8    62.2     270   2.981    Pomatomus sattatrix              731.8    83.1    1,230    0.595    Cynoscion regatis              155.0    39.8        562 0.276
             Cynoscion regatis             432.1    33.4   1,357   0.319    Cynos       regalis               91.5    10.4       261   0.351    Micropogonias undulatus        101.6    26.1        584 0.174
             Euthynnus atletteratus         19.0     1.5        4  4.433    Euthynnus  attetteratus           19.0     2.2         4   4.394    Brevoortia tyrannus             55.0    14.1        256 0.215
             Carcharhinus spp.              16.2     1.0      <1        -   Micropogonias unduLatus            8.4     8.0       43    0.194    Un-identified fish              25.9     6.7        -       -
             Squalus acanthias               6.5     0.5        -       -   Menticirrhus americanus            7.0     0.8       24    0.295    Leiostomus xanthurus            19.1     4.9        185 0.103
             Menticirrhus americanus         4.9     0.4      18   0.275    i-revoortia tyrannus               6.1     0.7         -        -   Euthynnus atleteratus           10.2     2.6        -
             Mustetus canis                  4.0     0.3      <1        -   Pepritus triacanthus               5.1     0.6       61    0.084    Pepritus triacanthus             6.7     1.7        77  0.087
                                                                                                                                                Menticirrhus americanus          5.2     1.3        19  0.280
                                                                                                                                                Pomatomus saLtatrix              3.6     0.9        11  0.314





                                                                              28
                      Table 4. Monthly comparison of dominant species (top 997. by @eight) and mean catch/trip, partitioned by area for sinki
                                  nets from December 1987 through April 1991; n = number of catches sampled, % wt = percent of total catch
                                  weight.


                                                       Percent                                       Percent                                      Percent
                      Species                CPUE       weight     Species                CPUE        weight     Species                CPUE       weight


                                NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS                 CAPE HATTERAS TO CAPE LOOKOUT                        WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT

                      Dec 1987 (n=8)                               (n=10)
                      2. regatis             1,547.8     78.4      C. regatis            1,016.3        89.1
                      P. saltatrix            396.9      20.1      P. sattatrix              84.7       7.4
                          alletteratus         22.6       1.2      M. undulatus              22.4       2.0



                      Jan 1988 (rr-2)                              (rr-9)
                      q. regalis              689.1      99.4      P. saltatrix          1,209.6        57.3
                      P. sattatrix               3.4      0.5      C. regatis              891.5        42.2


                      Feb 1988 (n=5)                               (n=9)
                      q. regaLis              920.0      48.4      P. saLtatrix          1,882.3        66.7
                      P. saltatrix            908.5      47.8      C. regalis              879.1        31.1
                      i. undutatus             39.1       2.1         altetteratus           61.2       2.2
                      E. alLetteratus          27.2       1.4

                      Mar 1988 Crr-5)                              (rr-21)
                      P. sattatrix            229.2      34.7      C. regatis            1,226.9        83.4
                          undutatus           216.4      32.7      M. unduLatus            228.8        15.4
                          regatis             202.9      30.7      E. aLtetteratus             9.9      0.7

                      Apr 1988 (n=8)                               (n=4)
                      C. regatis              490.7      51.3      P. saLtatrix          1,474.2        59.2
                      M. undutatus            407.3      42.7      @. @eqatis              97.5         39.2
                          sattatrix            42.1       4.4      M. undulatus              27.4       1.1



                                                                                                                 Oct 1988 Cn=7)
                                                                                                                 !I. xanthurus            157.1      41.7
                                                                                                                 M. undulatus             136.2      36.2
                                                                                                                 a. macuattus              40.4      10.7
                                                                                                                 P. saltatrix              27.4       7.3
                                                                                                                 M. americanus              6.4       1.7
                                                                                                                 E. triacanthus             2.8       0.8
                                                                                                                 Menticirrhus spp.          1.2       0.3

                                                                                                                 Nov 1988 (n=4)
                                                                                                                 M. unduLatus             182.7      68.2
                                                                                                                 a. tyrannus               45.4      16.9
                                                                                                                 Unidentified   fish       28.3      10.6
                                                                                                                 @. regalis                 7.9       2.9
                                                                                                                 L. xanthurus               1.8       0.7


                      Dec 1988 0=11)                               (n=2)                                         (n=7)
                      g. regatis             1,086.3     53.0      C. regalis              274.7        51.9     C. regatis               132.0      64.9
                      P. saltatrix            941.3      45.9      R. undutatus            207.1        39.1     R. 'UnduLatus             21.6      10.6
                          undutatus            10.5       0.5      P. saltatrix              32.4       6.1      Menticirrhus   spp.       18.7       9.2
                                                                   Renticirrhus  sp.           7.5      1.4      E. triacanthus            11.9       5.8
                                                                   M. americanus               3.5      0.7      M. americanus             11.8       5.8
                                                                                                                 Unidentified fish          3.2       1.6
                                                                                                                 C. nebulosus               2.3       1.1



                      Jan 1989 (n=15)                              (n=4)                                         (n=12)
                          regalis            1,890.9     99.5      P. saLtatrix          1,927.8        95.0     C. regalis               320.0      39.6
                                                                   Ear-charhinus spp.        51.3       2.5      @. undutatus             258.1      31.9
                                                                   E. altetteratus           40.0       2.0      B. tyrannus              153.3      19.0
                                                                                                                 ilosa sp.                 36.3       4.5
                                                                                                                 a. sattatrix              24.6       3.0
                                                                                                                 E. attetteratus            7.9       1.0






                                                                                 29

                        Table 4, lConlinuedl.


                                                         Percent                                        Percent                                        Percent
                        Species                 CPUE       weight     Species                 CPUE       weight      Species                CPUE        weight


                                   NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS                  CAPE HATTERAS TO   CAPE LOOKOUT                      WEST OF CAPE LOOKOUT


                        Feb 1989 (n=11)                               (n=13)                                         (m5)                              I
                        P. saltatrix          1,759.2      65.2       C. reqatis               888.6      80.7       M. unduLatus              230.4     80.5
                        E. regatis              909.1      33.7       W. 7ndulatus             176.8      16.1       i. tyrannus               29.4      10.3
                        E. alletteratus          30.3        1.1      E. alletteratus           31.1       2.8       Z. regatis                17.6       6.2
                                                                                                                     P. triacanthus              6.4      2.2
                        Mar 1989 (n=6)                                (n=7)
                        2. regaLis            1,551.6      65.2       M. undutatus             501.7      64.1
                        P. saLtatrix            795.7      33.5       P. saltatrix             206.6      26.4
                        Carcharhinus spp.        30.2        1.3      C. reqatis                55.6       7.1
                                                                      E. alLetteratus           16.1       2.1

                        Apr 1989 (n=3)
                        P. sattatrix          3,757.3      99.9




                                                                                                                     Oct 1989 (n=1)
                                                                                                                     L. xanthurus              246.5     59.9
                                                                                                                     P. triacanthus            55.0      13.4
                                                                                                                     i. tryannus               38.6       9.4
                                                                                                                     Menticirrhys spp.         27.7       6.7
                                                                                                                     P. saLtatrix              12.3       3.0
                                                                                                                     M. undulatus                8.6      2.1
                                                                                                                        regaLis                  6.7      1.6

                        Nov 1989 (n=2)
                            regaLis             919.8      50.2
                        P. saltatrix            895.8      48.9




                        Dec 1989 (n=3)                                (n=7)
                        P.. saitatrix         3,922.0      97.9       P. sattatrix           2,558.5      88.0
                                ocris            50.2        1.3      C. regaLis               345.0      11.9
                        'Jan 1990 (n=22)                              Cn=l)
                            regalis             567.8      68.8       C. regalis               237.2      50.9
                        P. saltatrix            237.5      28.7       M. undutatus              96.5      20.7
                        S. acanthias             13.5        1.6      B. tyrannus               66.5      14.3
                                                                      B. chrysoura              46.3       9.9
                                                                      L. xanthurus              16.3       3.5
                        Feb 1990 In=13)
                        P. saLtatrix          1,217.0      72.5
                        @. regatis              "9.0       26.7

                        Mar 1990 (n=17)                               (n--1)
                        P. saltatrix          2,349.1      97.9       P. saLtatrix             680.4      99.3
                        C. atletteratus          19.5        0.8
                        E. regalis               16.8        0.7

                        Apr 1990 (r,=4)
                        P. sattatrix          2,064.5      99.6




                       Table 4. (Continued).                                     30

                                                         Percent                                         Percent                                        Percent
                       Species                CPUE        weight      Species                 CPUE        weight      Species                 CPUE        weiqht


                                 NORTH OF CAPE HATTERAS                    CAPE HATTERAS TO   CAPE LOOKOUT                       WEST OF CAPE   LOOKOUT


                       Dec 1990 (n=9)                                 (n=6)                                           0=11)
                       P. saLtatrix           2,857.3      98.3       P. sattatrix             783.0       91.4       M. undulatus              93.8       35.6
                          regaLis                35.0       1.2       C. regatis                 57.4       6.7          tyrannus               70.9       26.9
                                                                         aLLetteratus            12.0       1.4          regaLis                27.6       10.5
                                                                                                                      E. aLLetteratus           15.5        5.9
                                                                                                                      L. xanthurus              13.8        5.2
                                                                                                                      M. americanus             11.4        4.3
                                                                                                                      P. triacanthus              7.4       2.8
                                                                                                                      P. saLtatrix                6.2       2.3
                                                                                                                      M. saxatilus                5.8       2.2



                       Jan 1991 (n=12)                                (rr-4)                                          Jan 1991 0=17)
                       g. regatis                387.8     92.4       P. saltatrix            2,818.4      92.2       C. regalis                237.4      50.4
                       E. alletteratus           12.5       3.0          @e-qaLis              101.2        3.3       M. undulatus              106.6      22.6
                       S. acanthias               8.1       1.9          alLetteratus            92.8       3.0       B. tyrannus               44.6        9.5
                          triacanthus             3.6       0.9       M. americanus              29.3       1.0       Unidentified   fish       42.7        9.1
                       A. mediocris               2.1       0.5                                                       L. xanthurus              22.6        4.8
                       P. saLtatrix               1.7       0.4                                                       E. alletteratus             6.8       1.4
                       M. americanus              1.7       0.4                                                       P. triacanthus              6.2       1.3


                       Feb 1991 (ry.--10)                             (nx-10)
                       2. regalis                569.5     82.3       C. regatis               152.9       72.3
                       E. aLletteratus           59.5       8.6       R. undutatus               19.5       9.2
                       P. saltatrix              19.0       2.7       B. tyrannus                15.2       7.2
                       Menticirrhus spp.         12.3       1.8       i. acanthias               9.0        4.2
                       S. acanthias              11.3       1.6       Menticirrhus   spp.        4.3        2.0
                       Farcharhinus   spp.       10.4       1.5       P. triacanthus             3.1        1.5
                       M. canis                   2.5       0.4       L. xanthurus               2.4        1.1
                       F. Tr-iacanthus            2.4       0.3

                       Mar 1991 0=14)                                 (rr-5)
                       P. saltatrix           1,018.7      63.1       P. saitatrix             463.2       91.2
                       g. regaLis                508.7     31.5       M. canis                   16.1       3.2
                       Carcharhinus spp.         36.3       2.3       P. triacanthus             13.3       2.6
                       M. canis                  12.6       0.8       M. americanus              9.8        1.9
                       M. americanus              9.7       0.6
                       E. aLketteratus            8.3       0.5


                       Apr 1991 Cn=5)
                       g. regaLis                764.1     96.9
                       M. americanus             14.0       1.8
                       P. triacanthus             4.5













                  Table 5. Mean catch/trip (CPUE, kg) and percent of catches sampled M for sink net catches from north of Cape Lookout, partitioned by small (-<411 stretched),
                              and large (5-611 stretched) mesh gilt nets, and all catches combined. Ocean gilt net landings for Dare County during the period September through
                             April are included, together with the percent of total state ocean gilt net landings they accounted for during the 1982-1991 fishing seasons.

                                                                                                                 Fishing season
                                                                1982-       1983-        1984-        1985-        1986-         1987-          1988-        1989-          1990-            9 season
                                                                1983        1984         1985         1986         1987          1988           1989         1990           1991               mean-

                  Weakfish         CPUE - Overall               558.3       716.5        730.5      1,003.7     1,094.4          976.2        1,001.7        331.5          318.6              747.9
                                   M                            (39.4)      (62.2)       (46.9)       (61.2)       (63.4)        (58.9)         (53.3)       (18.4)         (27.6)

                                   CPUE - Big mesh              750.0       673.9        295.6         73.8        140.2         351.7             0.0           81           0.0              327.6
                                   M                            (27.5)      (41.8)       (11.2)        (3.6)        (6.0)        (10.9)          (0.0)        (0.3)          (0.0)

                                   CPUE - Small mesh            444.5       745.6        896.2      1,289.8     1,352.3        1,095.6        1,265.3        654.8          373.3              901.9
                                   M                            (68.8)      (88.8)       (78.6)       (84.7)       (86.6)        (80.7)         (81.7)       (87.0)         (49.7)

                                   Landings - Dare (mt)         673.9      1,159.3     1,138.6      1,830.2     1,871.0        2,692.1        1,813.4        681.2          373.5            1,359.2
                                   (% of state)                 (79.6)      (74.5)       (72.8)       (69.0)       (82.2)        (82.8)         (74.3)       (56.7)         (44.3)


                  Bluefish         CPUE - Overall               848.4       399.7        726.2        539.6        479.0         540.9          763.8      1,448.4          779.8              725.1
                                   M                            (59.8)      (34.7)       (46.8)       (32.9)       (27.7)        (32.6)         (40.6)       (80.3)         (67.5)

                                   CPUE - Big mesh            1,979.1       914.5      2,346.8      1,914.2     2,148.7        2,874.3        3,119.7      2,819.8        3,424.5            2,393.5
                                   M                            (72.5)      (56.8)       (88.7)       (94.5)       (92.0)        (88.9)         (99.5)       (98.8)         (97.6)

                                   CPUE - Small mesh            183.3        48.0        108.9        116.6         27.7           94.8         143.8         77.0          325.2              125.0
                                   M                            (28.3)       (5.7)         (9.5)       (7.7)        (1.8)          (7.0)         (9.3)       (10.2)         (43.3)

                                   Landings - Dare (mt)         845.9       550.4        493.7        577.8        876.1       1,206.9          564.4        940.0        1,079.7              792.8
                                   (% of state)                 (87.2)      (86.4)       (87.9)       (77.6)       (89.5)        (88.9)         (82.6)       (78.8)         (83.5)


                  Croaker          CPUE - Overall                  0.2       11.6          84.3        37.4        120.7         119.8           88.1           1.8           3.5                51.9
                                   M                            (<0.1)       0.0)          (5.4)       (2.3)        (7.0)          (7.2)         (4.7)        (0.1)          (0.3)

                                   CPUE - Small mesh               0.3       19.4        115.9         48.5        151.6         142.7          111.2           3.7           3.5                66.3
                                   M                            (<O.I)       (2.3)       (10.2)        (3.2)        (9.7)        (10.5)          (7.2)        (0.5)          (0.5)

                                   Landings - Dare (mt)            8.8       35.7        199.3        114.9        161.0         340.8          108.8           4.5           5.6              109.19
                                   (% of state)                   (2.3)      (6.6)       (16.4)        (9.2)       (13.4)        (26.6)         (18.7)        (1.2)          0.9)









                          Table 6. Mean catch/trip (CPUE, kg), percentage of the total catch (% wt), mean number of f ish/trip and mean f ish weight of weakf ish, bLuef ish, and Atlantic
                                       croaker in sink net catches, partitioned by season, area,,and mesh size of sink nets.

                                                                                                    1982-83        1983-84       1984-85        1985-86          1986-87          1987-88          1988-89        1989-90       1990-91

                          SMALL MESH (-4.0" STRETCHED)           CATCHES NORTH OF CAPE LOOKO(JT
                                                                                                      0=17)         (n=41)         (n=42)        (n=52)           (n=74)           (n--68)           (n=57)       (n=35)         (n=64)

                          Cynoscion regalis                      CP(JE                                 444.5         745.6         896.2        1,289.8          1,352.3          1,095.6          1,265.3         654.8          373.3
                                                                 % wt                                  68.8           88.8          78.6           84.7              86.6            80.7             81.7           87.0          49.7
                                                                 Num/trip                                968         1,189         1,607         2,186            2,678              1,366           1,608             954        1,178
                                                                 Mean fish wt.                         0.460         0.627         0.558         0.590            0.505              0.802           0.787         0.6a6          0.317

                          Micropogonias undutatus                CPUE                                    0.3          19.4         115.9           48.5           151.6              142.7           111.2             3.7          3.5
                                                                 % wt                                  <0.1            2.3          10.2            3.2              9.7             10.5              7.2             0.5          0.5
                                                                 Num/trip                                   1            85           04            212              576              525              412             24              19
                                                                 Mean fish wt.                         0.354         0.229         0.240         0.229            0.263              0.272           0.270         0.152          0.186

                          Pomatomus sattatrix                    CPUE                                  183.3          48.0         108.9         116.6               27.7            94.8            143.8           77.0         325.2
                                                                 % wt                                  28.3            5.7            9.5           7.7              1.8              7.0              9.3           10.2          43.3
                                                                 Num/trip                                304             76           149           112                26               49                68           58           549
                                                                 Mean fish wt.                         0.603         0.629         0.730         1.038            1.070              1.942           2.117         1.317          0.592
                                                                 % of total catch weight              (97.1)        (96.8)         (98.3)        (95.6)           (98.1)           (97.2)            (98.2)       (97.5)         (93.5)

                          SMALL MESH (-4.0" STRETCHED)           CATCHES SOUTH OF CAPE LOOKOUT
                                                                                              0=0           (n=O)          (n=D)          (n=O)              WO)               0=0)              (n=35)           (n=l)          (n=28)    Lj
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           N)
                          Cynoscion regatis                      CPUE                                                                                                                                173.8             6.7        155.0
                                                                 % wt                                                                                                                                 37.4             1.6         39.8
                                                                 Num/trip                                                                                                                              365             14           562
                                                                 Mean fish wt.                                                                                                                       0.476         0.479          0.276

                          Micropogonias unduLatus                CPUE                                                                                                                                139.7             8.6        101.6
                                                                 % wt                                                                                                                                 30.1             2.1         26.1
                                                                 Num/trip                                                                                                                              656             27           584
                                                                 Mean fish wt.                                                                                                                       0.213         0.322          0.174

                          Leiostomus xanthurus                   CPUE                                                                                                                                 31.7         246.5           19.1
                                                                 % wt                                                                                                                                  6.8           59.9           4.9
                                                                 Num/trip                                                                                                                              163         1.291            185
                                                                 Mean fish wt.                                                                                                                       0.195         0.191          0.103
                                                                 % of total catch weight                                                                                                             (4.3)         (3.6)          (0.8)

                          LARGE MESH (<=4.011 STRETCHED)         CATCHES NORTH OF CAPE LOOKOUT
                                                                                         Or-10)           (n--28)       (rr-16)        (n=16)              (rr-20)            (rr-13)           (rv=15)         (n--35)        (rv-11)

                          Pomatomus saltatrix                    CPUE                               1,979.1          914.5       2,346.8        1,914.2          2,148.7          2,874.3          3,119.7       2,819.8        3,424.5
                                                                 % wt                                  72.5           56.8          88.7           94.5             92.0             88.9             99.5           98.8          97.6
                                                                 Num/trip                                500           232            568           474              640              709              798             744          789
                                                                 Mean fish wt.                         3.958         3.946         4.130         4.043            3.358              4.053           3.910         3.790          4.340

                          Cynoscion regatis                      CPUE                                  750.0         673.9         295.6           73.8           140.2              351.7                             8.1
                                                                 % wt                                  27.5           41.8          11.2            3.6              6.0             10.9                              0.3
                                                                 Num/trip                                788           259            140             70             227              387                                 2
                                                                 Mean fish wt                          0.940         2.602         2.106         1.059            0.616              0.909                         4.734
                                                                 % of total catch weight            (100.0)         (98.6)         (99.9)        (98.1)           (98.0)           (99.8)            (99.5)       (91.2)         (97.6)







                                                                                  33






                         Table 7. Monthly summary of sampling of anchored gill nets fished between Bogue Intet and Carolina Beach from
                                    December 1986 through January 1991; n = number of catches sampled.

                                                                                   Catch weight (kq)                             Sample wei,ght (kqI
                         Season              Month                                                     Range               Kean,                    Range


                         1986-87              Dec                 2            258.2                   211-305             134.5                   131-138

                                              Jan                 2            294.7                   231-358             119.T                   116-121

                                              Apr                 2            410.5                   361-459             11881.1                 128-248

                                              May                 2            587.0                   442-732             219.8                   21:1-228

                         Total                                    9            387.6                   211-732



                         1987-88              Dec                 2            133.3                   110-156              99.3                    93-105


                         Total                                                 133.3                   110-156




                         1989-90              Dec                 3            343.7                   150-485             148.6                   104-219


                                              Feb                 1            231.9                                        46.2

                         Total                                    z            315.8                   150-485



                         1990-91              Dec                 4            448.7                   311-575              60.4                    43- 79


                                              Jan                 2            239.2                   131-347              35.3                    32- 38


                         Total                                                 378.9                   131-575













                           TabLe B. Species cmiposition, mean weight (ka) and mean ruTber of fish/trip of the top 99% (by weight) of the anchored gill net catches from west of
                                      Bogue Inlet to Cape Fear sanpled from 1986-1991; n = nud)er of catches saupled.
                                                                                                             Mean                                                                                         Kean
                                                                                                             fish                                                                                         fish
                                                                    Weight (kg)                Mean         weight                                                 weight (kq)               Mean        weight
                           Species                               Mean        Percent         number          (kq)           Species                           Mean        Percent          maber          (kg)-
                           1986-87 0=8)                                                                                     1989-90 0=0
                           Cy"Osci    regalis                    74.3            24.4           218          0.341          Cynoscion regatis                 83.4            28.3           289          0,288
                           Pomatmus sattatrix                    72.1            23.7           197          0.365          Leiostomus xanthurus              83.4            28.3           728          0.115
                           Menticirrhus americanus               69.7            22.9           316          0.222          Unidentified fish                 40.3            13.7
                           hiURR222aW undulatus                  51.1            16.8           347          0.147          Micropogonias undutatus           38.9            IL2            320          0.122
                           Henticirrhu saxatitus                 29.0            9.5            109          0.267          Menticirrhu americanus            15,9            5.4             57          0.281
                           Scomberamorus macutatus                3.7            1.2             16          0.235          Pomatomus sa(tatrix               13.7            4.7             57          0.242
                           Acipenser 2uthr-chus                   1.4            0.5               1         1.683          Brevoortia tyrannus               11.2            .3.8
                           Centropristis Itriata                  1.4            0.5             11          0.133          Peprilus triacanthus                 7.5          2.5            Ila          0.068          4@-

                           1987-88 (nz2)                                                                                    1990-91 (n=6)
                           @@cion re5alis                        59.8            58.5           160          0.375          Cynosci      regalis              96.3            25.4           340          0.283
                           Meqticirrhus saxatilus                11.7            11.4            34          0.349          Leiostomus xanthurus              70.3            1B.6           657          0.107
                           tenticirrhus americanus               11.0            10.8            39          0.286          Micropoganias undulatus           47.2            12.5           314          0.150
                           tjSERRq22njRs undulat                 11.0            10.8            87          0.126          Menticirrhus americanus           44.3            11.7           168          0.265
                           _Leiostomus xanthurus                  2.6            2.5             22          0.121          Brevoortia tyrannus               42.0            11.1           353          0.119
                            @cion nebulosus                       2.3            2.2               8         0.281          Unidentified fish                 36.1            9.5
                                            striata               1.8            1.8               9         0.206          Pomatomus sattatrix               20.7            5.5             38          0.545
                           AEjpenses oxyrhynchus                  1.1            1.1               1         2.300          Yr-thopristis chrysopteria           8.6          2.3             34          0.250
                                                                                                                            Menticirrhus saxatitus               8.1          2.1             to          0.270







                                                                          35




                                                                     Chesapeake
                                                                                 Say





                                                                                                    J.,


                                               VA
                            37*
                                                NC


                                                                                                    oiolla

                                                                                                    .t


                                                                              Albem3r e S10un


                                                                                           Wanchese
                                                                                                                 regonlet
                                                                                                               le Shoals
                                                                                Englehard,
                            36*

                                                                                            01-%              von Rocks
                                                                                                    Hatteras.

                                                                                    Hatteras Inlet


                                                                          Ocracoke  Inlet
                                                                                          ..30



                                               Morehead City/Beaufort


                                                                                                 lip
                                                           Bague
                                                            Inlet..
                             35                                       ape  L  okout                       a
                                                                                                       ,'1P13
                                                       '77                              7:6                                75*


                       Figure 1.          Sink    ne t fishing grounds off             the    Outer Banks of North Carolina.












                                 6 CPUE-small mesh                      CPUE-overall

                                      CPUE-large mesh                   Commerciai iandings




                        1400-                                                                          3000

                        1200-                                                                        -2500       L
                                                                                                                 A
                        1000-                                                                                    N
                  C                                                                                    20010
                                                                                                                 D
                  P
                  U      800 -
                                       ........ - -----                                                1500      N
                  E                                                                                              G
                         600-                                                                                    S
                  9      400-                                                                        -1000
                                                                                         Ft- ----a               M
                                                                                                     -500        t
                         200-


                            0                                                                          0
                                82-83          84-85          86-87          88-89            90-91
                                                 FISHING SEASONS (19--)

                 Figure 2.    Commercial landings and mean CPUE of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) from 1982-1991
                              sink net fishery in waters north of Cape Lookout.












                                             overall                     Dare county                 Carteret county
                                             S. of Booue Inlet           Other counties




                              3500-


                              3000-
                           L
                           A  2500-
                           N
                           D  2000-
                           1
                           N
                           G  1500-


                              1000-
                           M

                                 500-
                                                                                         A.
                                                                                   ...........
                                                                       ,A . ................... ...
                                                      . .........                                             . .............
                                                             A.,
                                   0-1 -             I        I                                             =7= - T
                                        82-83             84-85              86-87              88-89              90-91
                                                                    SEASON (19--)
                           Figure 3.   Commercial landings of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) from the sink net fishery during
                                       the 1982-1991-fishing seasons.
















                         is-                                                                              go-
                                                              M Northern   [M Con tral                                               Northern     Central M Southern
                         14-
                      p                                              im-se                            p
                      E                                                                               E                                              n-7,601
                                                                        n-7,710
                         19-                                                                          R   Is-
                                                                                                      C
                      E                                                                               E
                      N  10-                                                                          N
                                          41                                                          7
                      F   a -
                      R                       fl
                      E
                                                                                                      E
                                                It; it
                      E                                                                               E
                      N   4                                                                           N
                                                                                                      C
                                                                                                      Y
                      Y
                          9


                                                                                                                               W
                          0-4                                                                               0               1 1 .
                             201-     301-    401-      501-     601-     701-    801-                       201-    301-      401-     501-    601-       701-    Sol-
                             220      320     420       520       620      7ZO    820                        220      320      420      520      620        720     820

                                                                                                                                                                                                00






                         go-                                                                              so-
                                                              MNorthorn CDContral                                               =lNorthern Mconual Meouthern
                                                                     lose-DO                              so*                                   1090-91
                      p                                                                               p
                      E  Is                                            n-4.094                        E                                          n-8,,84l
                      R                                                                               R
                      C                                                                               C   25-
                      E                                                                               E
                      N                                                                               N
                      T                                                                               7   20-
                         10-                                                                          F
                      R                                                                               R
                      E                                                                               E   Is-


                                                                                                      E   ia-
                      N   6-                                                                          N
                      0               Eli                                                             C



                          o4
                             201-     301-    401-      501-     601-     701-     801-                      201-    301-      401-     501-     601-      701-   801-
                             220       320     420      520      620       720     820                       220      320      420      520      620        720    820

                                           TOTAL     LENGTH (mm)                                                          TOTAL LENGTH (mm)
                              Figure 4.         Length-frequency          distribution (20 mm size classes) of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis)
                         M          M        06 1%W99WWk "catiWW. M                                        M         M         M         M          M          M        M          M         M










                           50-                1982-83                      1985-86                       1988-89


                           30-


                            10
                              1           M                                                   PA
                      z                          Mr 92
                      w
                      D    50                 1983-84                      1986-87                       1989-90
                      a
                      w
                      Q'-  30-

                             10-
                      z
                      w                       T. or CP
                      0
                      W    50-                1984-85                      1987-88                       1990-91
                      w

                           30-


                             10-

                                 0 1 2 3 4 5 6+               0 1    2 3    4 5 6+         0 1 2 3 4 5 6+

                                                              AGE     CLASSES


                             Figure 5.     Age composition of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) in sink net catches
                                           during 1982-1991 fishing seasons.













                                                   CPUE-small mesh             --0- CPUE-overall

                                                   CPUE-large mesh                   Commercial landings



                                    4000-                                                                         -1400
                                    3500-                                                                   /* - 1200
                                                                                                                              L
                                    3000-                                               . ........ ..........       1000      A
                                                                                                                              N
                               C    2500-
                               P                                                                                              D
                                                                                                                  -800
                               U
                               E    2000-                                                                                     N
                                                                                                                    600       G
                               k    1500-                                                                                     S,
                               9
                                                                                                                  -400.
                                    1000-                                                                                     M
                                                                                                                              t
                                       500-            B                                                          -200
                                                A-
                                         0 1 1 !    --  1                                                           0
                                             82-83          84-85          86-87          88-89           90-91
                                                              FISHING SEASONS (19--)

                          Figure 6.   Commercial landings  and mean CPUE of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) from 1982-1991
                                      sink net fishery in waters north of Cape Lookout.



                        M             M M           M       M      M                           M              M              M











                                                                                                                                                                Overall                                                                                            Dare county                                                                   '-A                   Carteret county

                                                                                                                                                                S. of Bogue Inlet                                                                                  Other counties




                                                                                                             1400-


                                                                                                             1200-

                                                                                                 A          1000
                                                                                                 N
                                                                                                 D               800 -
                                                                                                 I
                                                                                                 N
                                                                                                 G               600-
                                                                                                 S
                                                                                                 M               400-
                                                                                                 t
                                                                                                                 200-

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  .....................
                                                                                                                                                        A     .. ...................   ...A    .. .................                                                                         -A    .. ....................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             -A 7z                                                                     t
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         =.==-7 r                                                    L-=        ......         t  . . ...
                                                                                                                              0-                          T-i-
                                                                                                                                             82-83                                                             84-86                                                             86-87                                                              88-89                                                               90-91
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     FISHING SEASON (19--)
                                                                                                 Figure 7.                                     Commercial landings of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) from the sink net fishery
                                                                                                                                              during the 1982-1991 fishing seasons.














                                  go-                                                                            go-
                                                       C-INOrthern       CenlrW                                                 MNOrtMrs          Centrd       Southern
                              p
                                                             n-1.069                                           p
                              E                                                                                E
                              R                                                                                R 15-
                                                                                                               C
                              E                                                                                E
                              N                                                                                N
                                                                                                               T
                              F   10-                                                                                                                               7-1
                                                                                                                 10
                                                                                                               R
                              E
                                                                                                               E
                                                                                                               Q
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                              E
                                                                                                               E
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                              0
                                                                                                               C
                              Y
                                                                                                               Y



                                    0                                                                             0
                                     201- 301-        401-      501-     601-      701-      801-                    201- 301-        401-      501-       801-    701-       801-
                                      220 320          420      520      620       720       820                     220     320       420      520        620      720       820



                               96-                                                                               30-
                                      r-INarthwo CMCentrW MBouthern                                                             MNOrtherm Mcontrai             8outhern
                            p             1089-90                                                              P 25.                         1990-01
                            E  go-                                                                             E
                            R               n-2.998                                                            R                                n-6.017
                                                                                                               C
                            E                                                                                  E 20
                            N                                                                                  N
                                                                                                               T

                                                                                                               F
                                                                                                               R
                            E  10-                                                                             E
                            U                                                                                  U io-
                            E                                                                                  E
                                                                                      7                        N
                                                                                                               C
                            Y
                                                                                                               Y



                                0 -
                                    201-     301-    401-     501-     601-      701-     801-                      201-     301-     401-      5@1'      601-     701-      Sol-
                                    220       320     420      520      620       720      820                      220      320       420      520        620     720        no
                                    LA                                                                               LT@I              ,







                                                 FORK LENGTH         (MM)                                                         FORK LENGTH           (M M)

                                    Figure 8.        Length-frequency distribution (20 mm size classes) of bluefish (Pomatom                                         us saltatrix)
                                                     in 1987-1991 sink net catches.

                                                         m m = m mm = m = m mm MIM








                    40-             1982-83                    1985-86                  1988-89


                    20-


                z
                w    0
                w   40-             1983-84                    1986-87                  1989-90
                W
                LL -

                    20-
                z
                LIJ
                C)
                                                                  MAN,      rAc= M
                     0                                            1  1       1    -1                           w
                w                                                       75-
                cL  40-             1984-85                    1987-88    -             1990-91


                    20-



                                VA V1,j VA          U.                                  rM
                     0       am
                        0                  T,     0 1  2 3 4 5 6 7.,        0 1 2 3         6 7+
                                                 AGE CLASSES
                          Figure 9. Age composition of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) in sink net
                                    catches during 1982-1991 fishing seasons.













                                         CPUE-small mesh                      CPUE-overall

                                          Commercial landings




                             160-                                                                             400

                             140-                                                                           -350
                             120-                                       ------ Q                            -300      L
                                                                                                                      A
                        C                                                                                             N
                        P    100-                                                                             250     D
                        U
                        E     80-                                                                           -200      N
                                                                                                                      G
                        k     60-                                                                           -150      S
                        9
                              40-                                                                             100     M
                                                                                                                      t
                              20-                                                                           -60

                                 0-                                                                           0
                                   82-83           84-85           86-87           88-89            90-91
                                                      FISHING SEASONS (19--)

                                                                                 c            r
                    Figure 10.   Commercial landings and mean CPUE of Atlantic-   roaker  (Mic opogonias undulatus) from
                                 1982-1991 sink net fishery in waters north of Cape Lookout.












                           Overall          Dare county      Carteret county

                           S. of Bogue Inlet Other counties




                   1400-


                   1200-
                L
                A  1000-                  A. ................... ..A.
                N                                                               Ln
                D  800-
                N
                G  600-


                   400-
                M
                t
                   200-
                                                        7         .. ....................

                                                                       Ag
                     0    T                     T                      'T
                        82-83      84-85      86-87      88-89       90-91
                                       FISHING SEASON (19--)

                Figure 11. Commercial landings of croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) from the sink net fishery
                        during the 1982-1991 fishing seasons.














                                     10-                                                                                    12-
                                               Northern M Central                                                                  Northern      Control      Southern
                                  p                                                                                   p     10-        iesli-ao
                                  E     8-                                                                            E
                                  R                  n-9,068                                                          R                 n-3,084
                                  C
                                                                                                                      C
                                  E
                                                                                                                      E     S-
                                  N                                                                                   N
                                        41-


                                  IF
                                  R
                                                                                                                      R
                                  E     4-
                                                                                                                      E
                                                                                                                      0
                                                                  A                                                         4-
                                                                                                                      U
                                  E                                                                                   E
                                  N
                                                                                                                      N
                                                                                                                      C
                                  Y                                                                                         2
                                                                                                                      Y
                                  0     9.



                                        0                                                ... ......                         0
                                                                                                                                                                              ...... ITVT+
                                        161         20          261         301          351         401                    161        201          261         M           361          401
                                        -156        -206        -266         -306        -366       -406                    -166       -206        -266         -305        -355        -406

                                                                                                                                                                                                      4@b
                                                                                                                                                                                                      M





                                     20-                                                                                    14-
                                                                           M Central M southern                                                                           M Northern
                                  p                                                                                   p     12-
                                                                                 1989-90
                                  E                                                                                                                                       M central
                                                                                                                      E
                                  R  16-                                          n-133                               R                                                   W Southern
                                  C
                                                                                                                      C     10-
                                  E                                                                                                                                           1990-91
                                                                                                                      E
                                  N                                                                                   N                                                         n-2,316
                                                                                                                      T
                                  IF 10-                                                                              IF
                                  R                                                                                   R
                                  E                                                                                   E     41-

                                                                                                                      U
                                  E
                                  N                                                                                   E     4-
                                  C
                                  Y
                                                                                                                      Y     L
                                        161         901         261         801          361        401                     161        201         251          301         361         401
                                        -166        -206        _2"        -306         _14156      -406                    -156       -206        -266         -306        -366        -406
                                                    TOTAL  LENGTH (6 MM SIZE       CLASSES)                                             TOTAL LENGTH    (5  MM  SIZE  CLASSES)
                                 Figure     12.     Length-frequency distribution                  (5 mm size classes) of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias
                                                    undulatus) in 1987-1991 sink net catches.
     mv m m = m m m = m m = m m M.                                                                                                                       = m m = m @









                       so-
                                       1982-83                   1985-86                  1988-89
                       60-

                       40-

                       20-
                         0.  1 EP I                                                              T-
                    z                                 I Mir
                    W  80
                    S                  1983-84                   1986-87                  1989-90
                    w 60
                    cc
                       40-

                       20-
                    z
                    W 0.
                    U                                            I  I =
                    W  80
                    w                  1984-85                   1987-88                  1990-91
                       60

                       40-
                       20  1                                   M@
                         01                                        "Ta-Morn-
                                1  2 3 4 5            0 1 2      3 4 5         0 1    2 5 4 5

                                                      AGE CLASSES
                             r-T--                  Li


                           Figure 13. Age composition of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) in sink
                                       net catches during 1982-1991 fishing seaso-ns.









                                ED Dare County               Carteret County         % Dare+Carteret
                                     W. of Bogue In.         Misc. Landings



                             7-       X- X X                                                           -100


                          L                                                                            -80
                          A  5-                                                                                               4@b
                          N                                                                                     P
                          D                                                                            -60      E
                          1  4-                                                                                 R
                          N                                                                                     C
                          rm 3-                                                                                 E
                          S                                                                            -40      N
                             2-                                                                                 T
                          M                                                                            -20
                             1

                             0                                                                           0
                                70   72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92
                                                         YEAR (19--)

                             Figure 14. Total commercial landings of marketable finfish by the ocean gill
                                        net fisheries from 1972 through 1991, including the percent of the
                                        landings produced by Dare and Carteret counties.












                               20-

                                   0
                          M           -0- AtI. Coast Com'l
                          E
                          T                 NC Commercial
                          R     15-         Ocean gill nets


                          T
                          0
                          N     10-
                          N
                          E






                          0
                          0


                                                 .1                          SL
                                                                                 f I T IT' I
                                0                                         T T ? T
                                  45       50       55        60       65       70       75       80        85       90
                                                                       YEAR (19--)
                                        Figure 15.  Annual commercial landings of weakfish from 1945-1991.













               8-

            M       AtI. Coast Com'l
            E       NC Commercial
            T
            R  6-   Ocean Gill Nets
             I
            C

            T
            0
               4-                                              Ln
            N
            E




               2

                                                  (A-6-0,
            0
            0




                   -0,  Ir
               0-IIIIITrIIIIIIVVTYYTYYTY

               50   55   60   65   70    75   80  85    90
                                YEAR (19--)

                  Figure 16. Annual commercial landings of bluefish from 1950-1991.



 I
 I
 I
 I
 I
 I
 I
                             A P P E N D I X
 I
 I
 I
 I
 I
 I
.I
 I
 I
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 I











                                14-

                          M                 AtI. Coast Com'l
                          E     12-         NC Commercial
                          T
                          R                 Ocean Gill Nets
                          1     10-
                          C
                                                                                             Ar
                          T
                          0      8-
                          N
                          N
                          E      6-


                                 4-


                          0
                          0      2                    'is
                          0


                                                                                           . . .... . ....
                                 0                                             T 1 T 1

                                  60         55        60        65        70         75        80        85        90
                                                                       YEAR (19--)


                                  Figure 17.      Annual commercial landings of Atlantic croaker from 1950-1991.







        APPENDIX A. Seasonal conmrciat tandings of sciaenid pound net           1,  tong haul  2, ocean gilt net (gilt net)     3, and winter trawler 4  fisheries in North Carolina for 1982-1990
                      fishing seasons (season = May-Aprit), including total landings/species (mt), total value of state landings (value in 1000s of dollars) and relative contribution
                      of the three fisheries/species (percent).


                               May 82-Apr 83        May 83-Apr 84       May 84-Apr 85        May 85-Apr 86      May 86-Apr 87        May 87-Apr 88        May 88-Apr 89   -  May 89-Apr 90      May 90-Apr 91
                              Land-    Value/      Land-    Value/     Land-    Value/      Land-    Value/     Land-    Value/     Land-    Value/      Land-    Value/    Land-   Value/     Land-    Value/
        Species               ings     percent     ings     percent    ings     percent     ings     percent    ings     percent    ings     percent     ings     percent   ings    percent    ings     percent

        Atlantic croaker      4,475    $3,572      3,697    $3,099     4,707    $3,278      4,211    $3,204     3,757     $2,909    3,552    $3,133      3,164    $3,036    2,787   $3,201     2,550    $2,749
          Pound net              863      19.3       292       7.9       443        9.4       567      13.5       234       6.2        579      16.3       451       14.2      244      8.8      218      8.5
          Long haul           2,064       46.1     1,883       50.9    1,339       28.4     1,114      26.4     1,392      37.0        679      19.1     1,177       37.2   1,427      51.2    1,769     69.4
          Trawler                547      12.2       478       12.9    1,359       28.9     1,069      25.4       721      19.2        761      21.4       653       20.7      436     15.7      154      6.1
          Gilt net               385       8.6       540       13.3    1,219       25.9     1,252      29.7     1,204      32.1     1,283       36.1       636       20.1      385     13.9      304     11.9

        Weakfish              5,163    $4,695      5,486    $3,936     4,728    $3,874      6,626    $4,458     5,276     $4,152    6,561    $4,717      5,298    $5,041    2,854   $3,320     2,759    $2,803
          Pound net              126       2.5        73       1.3       167        3.5       192       2.9          88     1.7        199       3.0       232        4.4         58    2.0         74    2.7
          Long haul              737      14.3       704       12.8      762       16.1       508       7.7       586      11.1        412       6.3       608       11.5      240      8.4      481     17.4
          Trawler             3,054       59.5     2,740       49.9    1,760       37.2     2,570      38.8     1,971      37.4     2,364       36.0     1,590       30.0   1,168      41.1    1,220     44.4
          Gilt net               846      16.4     1,555       28.4    1,565       33.1     2,654      40.1     2,2T7      43.2     3,253       49.6     2,440       46.1   1,202      42.2      842     30.5

        Bluefish              3,470       $914     1,618       $565    1,344       $509     1,734      $513     1,712      $732     2,603       $755     1,417       $538   1,761      $678    2,150    $ 740
          Pound net               89       2.6        31       1.9           38     2.9        51       3.0          30     1.8           41     1.6           35     2.5         14    0.8         14    0.7
          Long haul              194       5.6       153       9.5       ill       11.7       216      12.5       212      12.4        214       8.2       164       11.6      136      7.7      139      6.5
          Trawler             1,776       51.2       465       28.7      359       26.7       353      20.3       185      10.8        564      21.7       234       16.5      206     11.7      124      5.6
          Gilt net               970      28.0       637       39.4      561       41.8       744      42.9       979      57.2     1,357       52.1       683       48.2   1,193      67.8    1,293     60.1  Cn

        Spot                  2,214    $1,063      1,388       $699    1,562       $809     1,843      $900     1,473      $742     1,296       $663     1,378       $666   1,464      $785    1,590    $ 805
          Pound net              150       6.8        30       2.1           89     5.7        56       3.1          22     1.5           51     3.9           33     2.4         33    0.2         19    1.2
          Long haul           1,556       70.3       885       62.3      938       60.1     1,126      61.1       865      58.8        529      40.8       896       65.0      903     61.7    1,104     69.4
          Trawler                 36       1.6        69       5.0           50     3.2        75       4.1          38     2.6           37     2.8           37     2.7         63    4.3         33    2.1
          Gilt net                37       1.7        65       4.7       131        8.4       150       8.2       213      14.5        268      20.7       142       10.3      232     15.9      113    , 7.1

        Flounders             3,970    $5,486      6,027    $7,293     6,403    $10,132     4,231    $9,304     3,256     $7,993    4,571    $10,957     3,927    $9,649    2,637   $9,685     3,003    $9,554
          Pound net               55       1.4        34       0.6           53     0.8        34       0.8          99     3.0        163       3.6       257        6.5      150      5.7         76    2.5
          Long haul               28       0.7        36       0.6           27     0.4        29       0.7          43     1.3           12     0.3           38     1.0         32    1.2         19    0.6
          Trawler             2,888       72.8     4,769       79.1    5,185       81.0     2,891      68.3     1,825      56.1     3,219       70.4     2,326       59.2   1,105      41.9    1,686     56.2
          Gilt net               0.2      <0.1          6      <0.1          9      0.2          6      0.1          6      0.2           4      0.1           2      0.1         6     0.3      <0.1    <0.1

        Striped bass             110      $451       185       $356      211       $365       101      $170       135       297           54    $119           43     $96         77   $212         50  $ 156
          Pound net                           -         -         -          -                   -         -      0.2       0.2           -         -          -          -       -        -        0        0
          Long haul              0.1      <0.1          -                                                            -          -                                                 -        -        0        0
          Trawler                   2      1.5          6      3.3                                                                                                        -       10   <0.1         3     6.0
          Gilt net                22      20.3       0.3       0.2           -         -         -         -         -                              -          -          -       34    0.1         0        0
        Butterfish  5            135       $76        53       $43           80     $64        63       $47          79     $72           62     $53           26     $28      104      $67      122    S   97
          Pound net               11       8.1          1      2.7           7      8.6        14      22.2          10    12.6           5      7.3           7     26.9      0.9      0.9         15    1.2
          Long haul                 4      2.7          4      8.4           2      2.9       0.2       0.3          13    16.3        0.6       1.0           1      5.4      0.5      5.3         21   17.2
          Trawler                 74      55.0        38       71.7          52    64.6        34      53.6          39    49.3           32    51.6           10    38.5         71   69.3         41   33.6
          Gilt net                38      28.4          6      10.6          13    15.7          9     14.4          11    14.1           ll    18.2           3     11.5         16   15.5         12    9.8











             APPENDIX A. (Continued).


                                     May 82-Apr 83       May 83-Apr 84       May 84-Apr 85        May 85-Apr 86       May 86-Apr 87        May 87-Apr 88       May 88-Apr 89       May 89-Apr 90     May 90-Apr 9
                                    Land-     Value/    Land-     Value/    Land-     Value/     Land-     Value/     Land-    Value/     Land-     Value/    Land-     Value/    Land-   Value/    Land-    Value/
             Species                ings     percent    ings     percent    in2s     percent     ings     percent     ings    Percent     ings     percent    ings     percent    ings    percent   ings     percen

             Harvestfish 5            199      $123       101       $60        110       $97       186      $200        137      $167       115      $158        114      $164         100  $129        98    $135
               Pound net               34      17.2         17     16.8         32      28.9        86      46.5         34      24.6        38      32.7         34      29.8         18   18.0        24    24.5
               Long haul               41      20.6         20     19.4         21      19.5        16       8.8         33      23.9        33      28.5         16      14.3         6     6.2          9    9.2
               Trawler                 34      17.2           7     7.1           5      4.7        43      23.0           7      4.s          6      4.8           a      7.1         22   22.0        13    13.3
               Gilt net                42      21.1           6     6.0           5      4.7        18       9.5         11       8.3        13      11.0           5      4.4         13   13.3        16    16.3

             Spanish mackerel          86       $61         19      $15         58       $42        79       $67        105       $81       229      $145        199      $141         268  $215      380     $318
               Pound net                 3      3.6           3    14.2           6     10.9        10      12.4         16      15.2        81      35.6         75      37.7         71   26.5        22     5.8
               Long haul              0.9       1.1           1     7.9           3      4.5          5      6.3         13      12.4        is       6.4         18       8.9         33   12.3        12     3.2
               Trawler                0.4       0.4           -         -                   -      0.3       0.4        0.3       0.3       0.1      '(0.1       0.2       0.1         3     1.1      0.7      0.2
               Gilt net                30      34.7           4    20.3         14      24.4        27      34.1         41      38.9        50      21.9         43      21.6         114  42.5      143     37.6
             Florida pompano           14       $33           2       $4          4      $11        11       $32         17       $41          9      $24           3        $9        9     $28        14     $24
               Pound net                 3     23.5       0.1       3.1        0.4       8.9          1      9.0           3     16.3          2     24.4        0.4      13.3         5    55.6      0.5      3.6
               Long haul                 6     38.9       0.4      18.7           2     56.6          5     48.4           4     24.3          2     19.7        0.7      18.9         2    18.6          1    7.2
               Trawler                   -                    -         -         -         -         -          -                   -         -          -         -         -     .002    <0.1
               Gilt net               0.7       4.7           -         -      0.6      13.7       0.1       1.4           2     11.2       0.5       5.5        0.3      10.0                        <0.1    <0.1

             Spotted seatrout          42       $72         72     $120         68      $123        65      $171         85      $157       156      $277        167      $326         161  $345      110     $219
               Pound net                 5     11.6           5     6.8           4      6.0       0.2       0.4        0.3       0.3          2      1.5        0.2       0.1         -        -     0.3      0.3
               Long haul               15      35.6         19     25.6         15      22.3          9     14.9         10      11.8        36      23.2         35      21.1         31   19.0        21    19.1
               Trawler                0.4       1.0       0.3       0.4        0.4       0.6          2      2.8           6      6.7          2      1.4        0.7       0.4         8     4.8      <0.1    <0.1
               Gilt net                  2      5.4           4     5.8           4      6.1        16      24.4        .10      11.5        17      11.0         22      13.2         10    6.3        10     9.1

             Red drum                  22       $11       146       $81         91       $60        77      $113        104      $109       115      $149         99      $124         118  $164        82    $105
               Pound net              0.3       1.5           2     1.1        0.8       0.9       0.4       0.5        0.5       0.5        19      16.4           4      4.0         5     4.2          1    1.2
               Long haul                 5     20.4           9     6.5           7      7.7          2      2.8         32      30.9        16      13.8         11      11.1         25   21.6          8    9.8
               Trawler                   6     27.7         13      9.0           6      7.1          2      2.1           2      1.5          1      1.3           2      1.9         1     1.1      0.2      0.3
               Gilt net                  5     24.0         37     25.1         21      22.8        19      24.4           9      8.4        11       9.6           9      9.1         12   10.4          5    6.1
             Stack sea bass           213      $343       446      $619        544      $976       503     $1,002       267      $519       495      $979        452    $1,118         509 $1,384     285    $1,042
               Trawler                 71      33.5       266      59.7        363      71.4       296      58.9         95      35.7       315      63.6        206      45.7         205  40.3        60    21.1

             Scup or porgies          658      $840       835      $997        505      $759       188,     $212        ill      $186        61       $65         15       $11         47      82       71     $60
               Trawler                304      46.2       477      57.2        267      52.9       171      90.8        ill      99.7        58      94.3         15     100.0         47 ' 99.6        71    100.0
             Bait                   4,302      $354     4,430      $376     4,695       $381     3,437      $230      2,836      $201     4,084      $300     2,596       $168    2,167     $159    2,566     $177
               Pound net              349       8.1       201       4.5        421       9.0       549      16.0        123       4.3       329       8.1        271      10.4         306  14.1      341     13.3
               Long haul            1,879      43.7     1,901      42.9     1,884       40.1     1,148      33.4      1,386      48.9     1,474      36.1     1,078       41.5    1,112     51.8    1,635     63.7
               Trawler              1,364      31.7     1,613      36.4     1,728       36.7     1,620      47.1        905      31.9     2,109      51.1        794      30.6         195   9.0        78     3.0
               Gilt net                62       1.5         44      1.0        100       2.1        13       0.4         23       0.8          7      0.2        127       4.9         6     0.3          1











         APPENDIX A. (Continued).

                                May 82-Apr 83       May 83-Apr 84       May 84-Apr 85        May 85-Apr 86       May 86-Apr 87        May 87-Apr 88        May 88-Apr 89       May 89-Apr 90     May 90-Apr 91
                               Land-     Value/    Land-     VaLue/     Land-     Value/     Land-     Value/    Land-     VaLue/     Land-     Value/     Land-     Value/    Land- Value/      Land- Value/
         Species               ings     percent    ings     percent     ings     percent     ings     percent    ings     percent     ings     percent     ings     percent    ings percent      ings percent

         Total finfish
         (w/out menhaden) 31,767        $23,406   32,776    $23,639    37,030    $28,220    32,319    $27,182    25,462   $25,399     31,772   $30,301     25,225   $29,622   20,905   $41,836   24,812  $28,731
          Pound net            1,699       5.4        706        2.2    1,285         3.5    1,553        4.8       684        2.7    1,558         4.9    1,432         5.7      935      4.5       827      3.3
          Long haut            6,579      20.7     5,649       17.2     5,175       14.0     4,250      13.2     4,714       18.5     3,353       10.6     4,308       17.1    4,112     19.7    5,299      21.4
          Trawler             10,367      32.6    11,779       35.9    11,899       32.1     9,850      30.5     6,493       25.5     10,256      32.3     6,099       24.2    4,481     21.5    4,081      16.4
          Gilt net             2,671       8.4     3,071         9.4    3,825       10.3     5,157      16.0     5,067       19.9     6,698       21.1     4,430       17.6    3,555     17.0    3,548      14.3

         Total marketable
          (w/out menhaden) 27,465       $23,092   28,346    $18,994    32,336    $23,263    28,882    $26,952    22,626   $25,197     27,688   $29,884     22,629   $29,454   18,738  $41,677    22,246  $28,554
          Pound net            1,350       4.9        505        1.8       864        2.7    1,003        3.5       561        2.5    1,229         4.4    1,161         5.1      630      3.3       468      2.1
          Long haut            4,700      17.1     3,748       13.2     3,291       10.2     3,102      10.7     3,328       14.7     2,074         7.5    3,230       14.3    2,991     16.0    3,665      16.5
          Trawler              9,003      32.8    10,166       35.9    10,177       31.5     8,230      28.5     5,588       24.7     8,147       29.4     5,304       23.4    4,285     22.9    4,056      18.2
          Gilt net             2,613       9.5     3,028       10.7     3,725       11.5     5,144      17.8     5,043       22.3     6,691       24.2     4,303       19.0    3,549     18.9    3,547      15.9


         1Pound net Landings include Dare County (annual timeframe).
         2Long haut landings: Long haut landings include April through December             from Dare,  Hyde, Carteret, Craven, Pamlico      and  Beaufort counties    (annual timeframe).
         3Winter trawl landings include: Dare, Hyde, Pamlico, Beaufort, Craven,             Carteret, Brunswick and Onslow counties.
         4Ocean gilt net landings include all state landings September through April.                                                                                                                              Ln
         5Worth Carolina commercial landings combined harvestfish and butterfish landings in 1985 are harvestfish; for the purpose of this presentation, we extrapolated out butterfishLn
          landings based on monthly relative proportions of the two species in our samples.









                           APPENDIX 8. Seasonal comm     'ercial landings (weight; kg) in North Carolina from gitt nets fished in the ocean for 1987-91 (season = September-Aprit) for
                                          North Carolina, Dare County, Carteret county, and other areas combined, including the total value of the landings and relative contribution
                                          of each area grouping (percent).

                                                          September 1987-Aprit 1988               September 1938-Aprit 1989          September  1989-Aprit 1990            September 1990-April 1991
                                                        Weight          Value/percent             Weight       Vatue/percent         Weight        Vatue/percent           Weight         Value/percent

                           Bluefish                     1,357,166         S 342,466               683,399       S 300,439            1,192,829        S 456,168            1,292,845        S 455,159
                              Dare                      1,206,901                88.9             564,459              82.6            940,049               78.8          1,079,702                83.5
                              Carteret                     83,888                 6.2              58,098               8.5             77,039                6.5             95,298                 7.4
                              others                       66,377                 4.9              60,842               8.9            175,751               14.7            117,845                 9.1
                           Weakfish                     3,252,545         $2,472,318            2,440,237       $2,287,497           1,201,856        $1,559,978             842,277        $1,108,307
                              Dare                      2,692,175                82.8           1,813,420              74.3            681,210               56.7            373,507                44.3
                              Carteret                    376,600                11.6             415,454              17.0            123,329               10.3            164,305                19.5
                              others                      183,770                 5.6             211,363               8.7            397,317               33.1            304,465                36.2

                           Atlantic croaker             1,283,319         $1,202,406              636,080       $ 632,897              385,153        $ 467,414              304,071        $ 322,766
                              Dare                        340,791                26.6             118,822              18.7              4,510                1.2              5,671                 1.9
                              Carteret                    796,482                62.1             359,211              56.5            138,87                36.1             98,978                32.5
                              Others                      146,046                11.3             158,047              24.8            241,766               62.8            199,422                65.6

                           Red drum                        11,058         S   14,521                9,347       $    10,390             12,192        $    16,618              4,919        S      5,881
                              Dare                             216                2.0                 871               9.3              3,632               29.8                  90                1.8
                              Carteret                      8,260                74.7               5,721              61.2              7,289               59.8              2,568                52.2
                              Others                        2,582                23.3               2,755              29.5              1,271               10.4              2,261                46.0        Ln
                                                                                                                                                                                                                M
                           King mackerel                   15,338         S   29,023               33,355       S    86,227              5,400         $ 13,566               13,514        $    23 068
                              Dare                         11,658                76.0              33,098              99.2              5,183               96.0             12,928                45.7
                              Carteret                      1,911                12.5                   67              0.2                  82               1.5                206                 1.5
                              Others                        1,769                11.5                 190               0.6                  135              2.5                380                 2.8

                           King whiting                   201,381         S 201,830                91,068       $ 102,716              183,317        $ 262,372              217,392        $ 274,026
                              Dare                          3,675                 1.8                 829               9.1              2,985                1.6             15,161                 7.0
                              Carteret                    108,008                53.6              41,299              45.3             19,434               10.6             18,164                 8.3
                              Others                       89,698                44.6              48,940              53.7            160,898               87.8            184,067                84.7

                           BUtterfish                      11,306         $     8,927               2,999       $      2,708            15,913        $    11,969             12,173        $    11,049
                              Dare                          5,190                45.9               2,312              77.1              5,755               36.2              9,270                76.2
                              Carteret                      1,178                10.4                                                    2,640               16.6                430                 3.5
                              Others                        4,938                43.7                 687              22.9              7,518               47.2              2,473                20.3

                           Spotted seatrout                17,081         S   29,421               21,701       $    45,246             10,029         S 20,501               10,712        $    19,600
                              Dare                          1,035                 6.1              15,623              72.0                 836               8.3              1,388                13.0
                              Carteret                     12,701                74.4               3,367              15.5              5,745               57.3              7,457                69.6
                              others                        3,345                19.6               2,711              12.5              3,448               34.4              1,867                17.4

                           Spanish mackerel                50,095         $   36,566               42,795       $    31,916            113,649        S 108,879              143,104        $ 120,860
                              Dare                          7,293                14.6              16,653              38.9             78,470               69.0             77,948                54.5
                              Carteret                     37,418                74.7              17,719              41.4             12,211               10.8             29,718                20.8
                              Others                        5,384                10.7               8,423              19.7             22,958               20.2             35,438                24.8

                           Spot                           267,993         S 152,840               142,308       $    77,860            232,305        $ 136,654              113,468        S    53,447
                              Dare                          4,910                 1.8               6,959               4.9             35,071               15.1              4,609                 4.1
                              Carteret                    153,755                57.4              65,OT7              43.6             79,148               34.1             24,442                21.5
                              Others                      109,328                40.8              70,272              49.4            118,086               50.8             84,417                74.4











                    APPENDIX B. (Contimied)

                                                  September 1987-Aprit 1988             September 1988-Aprit 1989         September  1989-April 1990            September 1990-Aprit 1991
                                                Weight          Value/percent           Weight       Vatue/percent        Weight        Vatue/perceni          Weight         Vatue/percent

                    Dogfish                                                                                                   17,167       S     3,144           364,989        S     65,930
                      Dare                                                                                                    16,955              98.8           355,852               97.5
                      Carteret                                                                                                    212               1.2             5,080               1.4

                    Bait                             6,775       $        653           126,627       S     10,170             6,293        S      635              1,191       S       113
                      Dare                           6,775              100.0              7,528               5.9                  -                 -             1,191              100.0
                      Carteret                           -                  -           119,138              94.1                   -                 -                  -              0.0
                      Others                                                                   39            <0.1              6,293             100.0                   0              0.0

                    Marketabte  finfish         6,691,159         $4,614,240          4,302,981        $3,766,229         3,549,152         $3,271,541         3,547,210        $2,567,978
                      Dare                      4,344,559               64.9          2,635,142              61.2         1,826,043               51.4         2,039,497               57.5
                      Carteret                  1,658,635               24.8          1,000,794              23.3            524,011              14.8           490,066               13.8
                      Others                       687,965              10.3            667,045              15.5         1,199,198               33.8         1,017,747               28.7

                    Totat finfish               6,697,934         $4,614,893          4,429,608        $3,776,399         3,555,545         $3,270,906         3,548,401        $2,568,091
                      Dare                      4,351,334               65.0          2,642,670              59.7         1,826,043               51.4         2,040,688               57.5
                      Carteret                  1,658,635               24.8          1,119,932              25.3            524,011              14.7           490,066               13.8
                      Others                       687,965              10.2            667,006              15.0         1,205,491               33.9         1,017,647               28.7


                                                                                                                                                                                                     Ln
                                                                                                                                                                                                     -4





               APPENDIX C.      Size composition of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) captured in sink nets by season (1982-91) and area (1987-91);
                                 n  number of fish measured.                    Percent frequency/size class (TL. on)
                                         201-       251-     301-      351-     401-      451-     501-    551-       601-     651-      701-    751-
               SEASON         n          250        300      350       400      450       500      550     600        650      700       750     800      >800

               1982-83      2,243        0.4        7.1      40.3      41.8     5.2       0.7      0.2     <0.1       0.3      1.3       1.5       0.8      0.3
               1983-84      6,"9                    0.9      14.0      39.4     24.7      8.9      2.9      1.3       0.3      1.2       3.7       2.4      0.4
               1984-85      4,902        0.4        3.4      27.3      37.7     20.2      8.5      1.2      0.2       <0.1     0.2       0.7       M      <0.1
               1985-86      5,522        0.4        6.6      28.4      31.0     21.9      9.5      1.8      0.3       0.1      <0.1      <0.1    <0.1     <0.1
               1986-87      6,652        0.1        3.1      37.5      " .2     12.6      2.0      0.4     <0.1       <0.1               <0.1    <0.1     4. 1
               1987-88      7,719       <0.1        0.5       9.7      31.1     31.8      17.8     7.4      1.4       1.2      <0.1      <0.1
               1988-89      7,601       <0.1        0.2       7.3      35.8     34.0      14.6     5.8      2.1       0.2      <0.1      <0.1
               1989-90      4,094       <0.1        3.3      26.7      36.1     15.3      12.2     4.9      1.2       0.2      KO.1      <0.1    <0.1     <0.1
               1990-91      8,841        2.3      35.0       52.6      9.1      0.8       0.1      <0.1    <0.1

               AREA


               1987  88
               Northern     1,913       <0.1        0.7      11.1      29.3     34.0      16.8     6.5      1.3       0.3
               Central      5,806       <0.1        0.4       9.3      31.7     31.1      18.2     7.7      1.5       0.2      <0.1      <0.1

               1988-89
               Northern     5,507                 <0.1        4.2      31.7     36.6      17.1     7.3      2.7       0.3      <0.1              <0.1
               Central      1,554       <0.1        0.5      15.4      49.9     26.8      6.6      0.7     <0.1
               Southern       540        0.1        3.6      42.8      44.7     5.7       2.4      0.8


               1989-90
               Northern     3,408                   0.6      20.2      37.7     18.1      15.3     6.1      1.5       0.3      <0.1      <0.1    <0.1     <0.1
               Central        672        0.2      13.7       52.5      29.7     4.0
               Southern          14                          57.1      42.9


               1990-91
               Northern     5,481        1.0      33.9       54.2      9.9      0.9       0.1      <0.1    <0.1
               Central      1,435        2.1      20.7       56.7      18.9     1.6
               Southern     1,925        9.4      46.5       42.9      1.2      <0.1                       <0.1












               APPENDIX D. Age composition of weakfish (Cynoscion regatis) captured by North Carolina sink nets, 1982-91.


                                                                                Percent   frequency/age class
               Seasons                                  2          3            4            5        6           7            8         9           10
               1982-83        0.04        ".36       ".99          6.07       0.62        1.70        0.92        0.52      0.30         0.41        0.07
               1983-84        0.00        24.29      46.89       16.81        4.35        2.69        1.84        1.36      0.84         0.75        0.17      0.03
               1984-85        0.04        36.52      49.47       11.21        1.61        0.38        0.32        0.24      0.10         0.10        0.01
               1985-86        0.02        36.78      50.02       11.44        1.69        0.03        0.01      <0.01       <0.01        <0.01     <0.01
               1986-87        0.01        28.73      48.31       20.38        2.31        0.27       0.001      0.001       0.00         0.001
               1987-88        0.00        13.12      47.58       34.21        4.56        0.52       @CO.01     <0.01
               1988-89        0.00          7.32     49.03       39.67        3.59        0.40       <0.01                  <0.01
               1989-90        0.06        40.03      41.77       16.80        1.17        0.13        0.01      <0.01       0.02         0.01      <0.01      <0
               1990-91        0.05        48.62      40.40       10.34        0.58
























                              - ---------







                                                                                    59


                 APPENDIX E.       Size composition of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) captured in sink nets by season (1982-91) and area
                                   (1987-91); n      number of fish measured.

                                                                                    Percent frequency/size class (FL. mm)
                                            201-        251-    301-      351-      401-      451-     501-     551-      601-     651-     701-     751-
                                            250         300     350       400       450       500      550      600       650      700      750      800       >800-


                 SEASON

                 1982-83        1,319       1.4       28.6      16.3       1.0      <0.1               0.4       2.4      8.0      11.2     20.0     10.0       0.6
                 1983-84        1,553       0.4         6.0       5.5     20.2      3.3       0.2      0.3       0.1      4.2      18.9     28.3     11.2       1.2
                 1984-85        2,086       0.3       25.6      12.5       0.4      <0.1      <0.1     0.1       1.2      2.5      14.3     32.2     10.3       0.5
                 1985-86        1,374       1.7       34.3      10.3       1.5      0.2                          0.1      7.2      17.8     17.6      8.3       1.0
                 1986-87        1,202       <0.1        2.2       1.2      4.0      2.1       2.3      6.9      12.6     11.3      22.9     20.3     13.2       1.1
                 1987-88        1,052       <0.1        0.3       2.6     12.3      0.8                0.1       3.2     12.3      24.7     36.1      7.5       o.2
                 1988-89        1,348                   0.7       2.0      9.5      2.5       0.1     <0.1       0.3     17.1      40.0     23.0      4.4       0.4
                 1989-90        2,228       0.1         3.2       0.8      1.1      0.2       <0.1     1.5       3.1      5.8      40.1     35.8      7.7       0.5
                 1990-91        5,017       0.2         2.7     42.4      34.3      4.2                                  <0.1      2.3      11.1      2.8       0.1

                 AREA


                 1987-811
                 .Northern       416                    0.8       4.7     10.4      1.8                0.1       4.2     26.2      20.9     25.8      5.0       0.1
                 Central         636        <0.1        0.1       2.1     12.8      0.6                0.1       3.0      8.4      25.7     38.8      8.2       0.2


                 1988-89
                 Northern        877                    0.2       0.4      0.8      0.1                          0.4     22.2      47.2     24.1      4.3      4.1
                 Central         399                              3.1     34.6      9.9       0.3     <0.1                3.7      21.7     21.4      4.9       0.4
                 Southern          72                 35.4      54.6      10.1


                 1989-90
                 Northern       1,797                   0.1       0.2      1.3      0.2       <0.1     1.9       4.0      7.3      40.9     35.4      8.0       0.6
                 Central         410                  14.7        3.0      0.2                                            0.3      37.7     37.3      6.6       0.2
                 Southern          21       27.3      48.7      21.4       2.7


                 1990-91
                 Northern       3,473       <0.1        2.7     18.5      19.1      3.4                                   0.2      8.0      38.4      9.6       0.2
                 Central        2,301       <0.1        2.1     52.4      40.8      4.5                                                       0.1    <0.1
                 Southern        243        20.9      66.4      12.3       0.4











                 APPENDIX F.       Age composition of bluefish (Pomatomus sattatrix) captured by North Carolina sink nets, 1982-91.

                                                                                     Percent frequency/age cLass
                 Season          0           1            2          3          4             5         6           7           8          9         10         11


                 1982-83        36.98       10.43       2.73         6.79     16.67       15.42        8.59        2.01        0.38
                 1983-84        9.71        25.02       1.24         5.22     20.47       22.24       10.87        3.46        1.20      0.44                  0.13
                 1984-85        37.73       1.17        0.61         3.35       9.15      32.65        8.72        5.89        0.57      0.03       0.11       0.03
                 1985-86        311,36      9*74        0,02         1,51     15*55       15,30       12,49        5,49        1*10      0,41
                 1986-87        4.80        6.78        3.93       17.98      14.06       27.91       15.44        6.78        1.80      0.58
                 1987-88        1.64        14.42       0.84         5.93     18.36       14.70       33.72        4.24        1.84      4.31
                 1988-89        1.65        12.55       0.77         7.26     28.97       24.29       13.32        10.26       0.65      0.28
                 1989-90        3.87        1.55        2.22         8.28     11.90       45.46       11.81        11.51       2.11      1.29
                 1990-91        9.47        73.66       0.68         0.21       1.48        4.93       5.62        3.56        0.06      0.33








                                                                               60



                       APPENDIX G.      Size composition of AtLantic croaker (Micropogonias unclutatus) captured in sink nets by season
                                        (1982-91) and area (1987-91); n        number of fish measured.

                                                                                          Percent frequency/size c(ass
                                                        150-           176-       201-       226-         251-        276-       301-         326-
                                            n           175            200        225        250          275         300        325          350        >350


                       SEASON


                       1982-83                12                                                          16.0        40.0       16.0         8.0        20.0
                       1983-84              723                        0.1        2.0         7.9         41.8        38.7        8.1         1.2        0.2
                       1984-85            1,568                                   0.4         7.8         40.4        41.0       10.0         0.4        <0.1
                       1985-86            1,593                                   0.7        21.4         49.2        23.8        4.5         o.3        0.1
                       1986-87            2,000                                   0.1         6.5         32.4        36.1       18.7         5.3        0.9
                       1987-88            2,656                                   0.1         5.6         31.8        36.0       20.6         4.9        0.9
                       1988-89            3,084                                   0.1         5.0         36.2        38.5       15.5         3.6        1.0
                       1989-90              198                        0.8       34.1        56.1           6.8        2.1
                       1990-91            2,315         <0.1           0.5       11.3        47.2         37.3         3.4        0.3


                       AREA


                       1987-88
                       Northern             946                                  <0.1         7.1         41.4        36.4       12.8         2.0        0.3
                       Centrat            1,710                                   0.1         4.4         24.4        35.8       26.6         7.2        1.3
                       1988-89                                                                                                                           0.2
                       Northern             101                                               6.8         25.1        35.2       32.7
                       Centrat            1,401                                               2.6         29.3        41.7       19.9         5.1        1.5
                       Southern           1,582                                   0.4        10.7         52.8        31.2        4.8         0.2


                       1989-90
                       CentraL                98                       0.8       36.1        57.6           4.1        1.4
                       Southern               37                                             29.7         54.1        16.2


                       1990-91
                       Northern               62          1.3        23.8        49.7        22.7           2.6
                       CentraL                56                       1.5       17.5        48.1         26.3         6.6
                       Southern           2,197         -CO. 1         0.5       11.1        47.2         37.5         3.4        0.3







                                      APPENDIX H.      Age composition of AtLantic croaker (Micropoganias undutatus) by North
                                                       CaroLina sink nets,     1982-91.

                                                                               Percent frequency/age    ctass
                                      Season            0          1             2           3            4           5           6


                                      1982-83                    10.27         47.61      34.73         4.93        2.46
                                      1983-84                      3.97        60.88      35.02         0.07        0.06         0.04
                                      1984-85                      2.02        61.37      36.60         0.01        <0.01
                                      1985-86                      3.79        73.55      22.58         0.06        0.02
                                      1986-87                    33.48         49.98      14.96         1.57        0.02
                                      1987-88                    14.26         51.96      31.56         2.03        0.20
                                      1988-89                    19.41         54.34      25.67         0.55        0.02         0.01
                                      1989-90                    82.66         15.37        1.96        0.01
                                      1990-91                    63.41         28.08        8.51








                                                                               61







                        APPENDIX 1.      Total Landings of marketable finfish landings by ocean gitL nets in North Carolina; counties west
                                         of Bogue Inlet     OnsLow, Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick.

                                                                     Ocean gill net Landings (mt)
                                                                                  Counties                                                     Percent
                                                                                    west of                  Other           Total,           Dare and
                        Year                  Dare           Carteret            Bogue Inlet             counties            state            Carteret


                        1972                                    599.1                 11.4                                   610.5               98.1
                        1973                                    "1.0                    6.5                                  447.9               98.5
                        1974                                    237.8                   2.9                                  240.7               98.8
                        1975                   5.6              149.3                 10.2                                   165.0               93.8
                        1976                                     48.5                                                          48.5              100.0
                        1977                  12.7              376.0                 <0.1                   4.6             393.3               98.8
                        1978                  35.2              503.4                 21.8                   1.9             562.3               95.8
                        1979                174.4               630.9                 34.5                   0.9             840.7               95.8
                        1980                413.6            1,740.3                 329.6                   29.6          2,513.1               85.7
                        1981                964.5               748.4                162.4                   .2.9          1,878.2               91.2
                        1982                985.9               787.0                193.8                   15.6          1,982.3               89.4
                        1983              1,686.5               641.8                197.2                   11.7          2,537.2               91.8
                        1984              2,046.6            1,516.8                 305.0                   14.2          3,882.6               91.8
                        1985              1,876.5            1,389.2                 356.0                   33.6          3,655.3               89.4
                        1986              2,666.1            2,324.0                 495.1                115.9            5,601.1               89.1
                        1987              3,448.1            1,601.8                 478.3                133.7            5,661.9               89.2
                        1988              4,123"6            1,573,1                 439,6                176*4            6,212*7               90"1
                        1989              2,733.1               809.5                784.6                168.5            4,495.7               78.8
                        1990              2,008.6               354.1              1,049.0                   55.5          3,545.2               66.6
                        1991              2,100.5               651.4              1,111.8                   88.8          3,952.5               69.6





















                           ASSESSMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES

                                  Completion Report for Project 2-IJ-16

                                                 May 1992





                                                 JOB 5


                                 REEF FISH AND COASTAL PELAGIC


                                       FISHERIES ASSESSMENT


                                                    By



                                               Fred C. Rohde
                                                    and
                                           James J. Francesconi










                                                   ABSTRACT

                    Commercial vessels from the North Carolina reef fish fishery were sampled
              monthly to determine species composition, size distribution, and related trip
              information ' such as catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE). Approximately 50-60 vessels
              fished on a full-time basis in North Carolina. One hundred fifty-nine trips were
              sampled in Year 1 (July 1988-June 1989); 147 in Year 2 (July 1989- June 1990);
              and 191 in Year 3 (July 1990-June 1991).         Three types of gear were used:
              handlines (hydraulic or electric "bandit" reels), longlines, and fish traps.
              Handlines were also fished near the surface for coastal pelagic fishes.          The
              number of reef fish handline reels per boat ranged from 2 to 6 (mean 3.5);
              longline lengths ranged from 1600 to 9656 m; number of hooks ranged from 250 to
              1200; and number of sets per trip ranged from 43 to 105. The CPUEs for handline
              vessels were higher for those vessels landing in Morehead City/Beaufort than for
              those landing in Southport.    The CPUEs for wreckfish boats fluctuated between
              months and years, but were much higher than those for handline vessels. Longline
              CPUEs were lowest in Year 1 and almost doubled the two subsequent years. Catches
              for sea bass traps varied with Year 2, having the highest average. Sea basses
              (Serranidae) were generally the dominant reef fish family in the landings,
              followed    by    snappers    (Lutjanidae),    porgies    (Sparidae),     wreckfish
              (Percichthyidae), and tilefishes (Malacanthidae).      Ninety-eight species in 28
              reef fish families were caught. Black sea bass and     vermilion snapper were the
              two most abundant species in both numbers and weight. Some 19 pelagic and shark
              species were also landed and sold. Over the three year study period, annual mean
              lengths decreased for some fishes (black sea bass, speckled hind, silk snapper,
              red porgy, knobbed porgy, gray triggerfish, white snapper, tilefish, wreckfish).
              In some fishes, the annual mean length remained constant (gag, scamp, vermilion
              snapper) while in the blueline tilefish and red grouper, it fluctuated among the
              years.

                    Most of the coastal pelagic species landings were from the area near Cape
              Hatteras (Manteo, Wanchese, etc). Statewide, the landings increased each year.
              King mackerel dominated the landings followed by yellowfin tuna and dolphin.
              Annual mean length of king mackerel decreased during the three'years, which is
              partially attributable to sampling effort.












                                                      TABLE OF CONTENTS
                  ABSTRACT  . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              ii

                  TABLE OF CONTENTS     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .         iii

                  INTRODUCTION   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            1

                  METHODS AND MATERIALS      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          1

                  RESULTS AND DISCUSSION     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           3
                       Serranidae     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            6
                       Lutjanidae     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            9
                       Sparidae       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           10
                       Malacanthiae   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          11
                       Balistidae     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          11
                       Haemulidae     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          12
                       Percichthyidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          12
                       Coastal Pelagic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          12

                  LITERATURE CITED    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          17

                  TABLES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            18

                  FIGURES   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            46
 









                                                INTRODUCTION
                    The reef fish communities of the outer continental shelf of the
              southeastern United States consist of demersal tropical and subtropical species
              of snappers (Lutianidae), sea basses and groupers (Serranidae), porgies
              (Sparidae),  tilefishes   (Malacanthidae), grunts    (Haemulidae),   triggerfishes
              (Balistidae), wrasses (Labridae), and jacks (Carangidae).      These communities,
              inhabit the sparse and patchily distributed, nearshore sponge-coral ("live
              bottom") habitats or the offshore rocky outcrop habitats. Fish populations of
              these types of habitats are difficult to inventory because of obstructions to
              trawli'ng and the secretive behavior of the fish. Recent descriptions of these
              communities have been based on analyses of headboat catch records, exploratory
              hook and line, trawl, and trap fishing, and underwater television, diver, and
              submersible observations (Struhsaker 1969; Miller and Richards 1980; Powles and
              Barans 1980; Grimes et al. 1982; Wenner 1983; Barans and Henry 1984; Chester et
              al. 1984; Sedberry and Van Dolah 1984; Parker and Ross 1986). This rich fauna
              supports a thriving recreational headboat fishery and a commercial fishery off
              North Carolina.


                    In addition to the reef fishes, there are several species of recreationally
              and commercially important coastal pelagic fishes, including Spanish mackerel
              (Scomberomorus maculatus), king mackerel (S. cavalla), dolphin (Coryphaena
              hippurus), and cobia (Rachycentron canadum) which occur seasonally along the
              North Carolina coast.


                    The purpose of this project was to collect biological and fisheries data
              from the commercial fisheries for reef fishes and coastal pelagic species for use
              in rea ching management decisions.


                                            METHODS AND MATERIALS
                    Reef fish catches were sampled monthly and analyzed by "fiscal seasons":
              July 1988 - June 1989 (Year 1), July 1989 - June 1990 (Year 2), and July 1990
              June 1991 (Year 3).


                    Sampling was conducted at fish houses while the catches were being
              unloaded. Most samples were obtained in Southport and Morehead City-Beaufort;
              some catches landed at Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Wanchese were also








                                                       2

             examined.   Captains were interviewed to obtain information on general fishing
             location, type and quantity of gear, number of days out and days fished and other
             miscellaneous information.     For each year of the study, personnel sampled at
             least 40 of the commercial trips. Sampling effort was distributed throughout
             each month and the actual number of trips sampled was dependent on availability
             of fish, weather conditions, and the cooperation of fishermen and seafood
             dealers.


                    All species in an individual trip were identified.          For each market
             category, as many random samples (22.7 or 45.4 kg fish boxes) as possible were
             obtained from each market size category, e.g. small, medium, large.               The
             individual fish packed in a fish box were identified to species and the total
             number of individuals by species was counted.     The total weight for each market
             category was obtained from the trip ticket supplied by the fisherman or fish
             house dealer. In addition, as time and fish house packing procedures allowed,
             a random sample of individuals by species was measured for lengths (mm TL for all
             species   except   scamp   (Mycteroperca   phenax),  gray   triggerfish    (Balistes
             capriscus), hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) and coastal pelagic species - mm FL).
             Weight (whole or gutted in kg) and sex were also recorded if the data were
             available and time permitted. The number of fish measured was spread out over
             the study period. In cases where only partial data sets-were obtained, estimates
             based on means calculated from recent catches were used to fill in missing values
             if deemed statistically and biologically reasonable.


                    Species numerical abundance/catch was calculated by first calculating the
             number of fish per grade by simple proportions and then summing the various
             grades/species.


                    Length-frequencies were derived by expanding the sample length-frequencies
             for each market category by an expansion factor to represent the species market
             grade weight.


                    Monthly species-specific commercial land     ings were obtained by first
             determining the percent composition of each species in the monthly samples by
             district and landings category such as groupers, snappers, porgies and










                                                       3

              multiplying each species' percentage by the total reported monthly commercial
              landings of the appropriate category and district. When no bioprofile sample was
              taken for a particular sampling cell (district, category, month), the market
              category reported in the commercial landings statistics was used.


                    Average catch/trip (CPUE in kg) for handlines was defined as the total
              catch/number of days fished x number of fishermen. CPUE for longlines was total
              catch/total number of hooks fished and CPUE for fish traps (including sea bass)
              was total catch/number of traps set.


                                            RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
                    There are six primary North Carolina ports where reef fishes are landed:
              Southport, Carolina Beach,    and Wrightsville Beach in the southern district;
              Beaufort and Morehead City in the central district, and Hatteras in the northern
              district (Figure 1). The central and southern districts together accounted for
              >92% of the reef fish landings in all 3 years (Table 1).


                    There have been 122 vessels identified as commercially landing reef fishes
              at North Carolina ports from July 1983 through June 1991. Approximately 50-60
              vessels fished on a full-time basis in North Carolina waters; the others fished
              only part-time or often landed at South Carolina or Florida ports, depending on
              weather and market prices. One-hundred fifty-nine trips were sampled in Year 1
              (1988-89), 147 in Year 2 (1989-90), and 191 in Year 3 (1990-91).


                    Three types of gear were used: handlines, (hydraulic or electric "bandit"
              reels), long lines, and fish traps. Most fish were caught on handlines (Table
              1). This gear type also includes the heavy duty, hydraul     -ic reels 'used in the
              wreckfish fishery. Handlines were usually fished near the bottom with two hooks
              per line, but occasionally a rally or "pinky" rig with up to five smaller hooks
              was used to target vermilion snapper and red porgy. Wreckfish reels used up to
              eight hooks per line. Handlines were also fished near the surface for coastal
              pelagic species such as king mackerel, dolphin, bluefish, wahoo, cobia, and tunas
              (Thunnus spp.). The number of reels per boat ranged from 2 to 6 with an average
              of 3.5. Bottom longlines were also used over the offshore "live bottom" habitat,
              particularly in the deeper waters (>183m) for snowy grouper (Epinephelus









                                                    4

             niveatus) and tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps). Most of these catches
             were landed at Southport.   Yearly mean longline lengths ranged from 4305.0 to
             6269.1 m with an average of 612.5-662.6 hooks per set (Table 2). Duration of the
             set ranged from 30 minutes up to several hours. Mean number of sets per trip
             ranged from 22.0 to 27.1. Bait used for both handlines and longlines included
             round scad or cigar minnows (Decapterus punctatus), Atlantic or Boston mackerel
             (Scomber scombrus), and squid.     Some of the smaller or economically less
             important fishes caught were also used for bait.


                   While the other gears are used year-round, the sea bass trap fishery
             operates predominantly from November through March.      Participating in this
             fishery are persons who are otherwise in the snapper/grouper, shrimp, or
             charterboat fisheries during April through October. Several reasons account for
             this switching fishery interest. Primarily, the winter weather allows only short
             trips and only one day is needed to pull and reset traps. The shrimp fishery is
             non-existent during this period and fishing boat charters are low due to a
             decrease in tourism during the winter. The sea bass grounds are 16 to 48 km
             offshore, with bass moving offshore as the season progresses.     The number of
             traps set ranged from 43 to 105 (Table 2).      In addition to sea bass traps,
             several fishermen (approximately four boats) experimented with the larger fish
             traps such as those used off Florida to catch snappers and groupers. The number
             of larger traps used ranged from 7 to 13.


                   Four depth strata were typically fished by reef fish vessels landing in
             North Carolina:  <55 m, 73-101 m, 119-146 m and >165 m.     Vessels fishing for
             wreckfish (Polyprion americanus) fished on the Blake Plateau in depths ranging
             from 450 to 600 m. Vessels in the southern district (Southport, Wrightsville
             Beach) were generally large, 13-15 m, fished in the shallow waters (<66 m) of
             Long Bay and southern Onslow Bay, and usually fished an average of five days per
             trip (Table 3). Vessels in the central district (Morehead City-Beaufort) were
             smaller, 9-13 m, and fished in the deeper waters in Onslow and Raleigh bays an
             average of two days per trip. Fishing in the northern district was exclusively
             in deep water, particularly in Raleigh Bay and trips were usually for one to
             three days.










                                                         5

                     Catches by handline vessels (n=463) reflected the trip duration (Table 3).
               Vessels In the southern district landed over twice as many kilograms of fish per
               trip than did vessels in the central district but the days fished in the southern
               district were also twice as much.          To some degree, CPUEs reflect these
               differences. Annual mean CPUEs in the central district was higher each year than
               those in the southern district (Table 3), but there were wide monthly variations
               (Figure 2).    Annual CPUEs have risen in the past three years in the central
               district while those in the southern district have fluctuated.


                     Wreckfish catches (n=33) were high, ranging from 388.2 to 8219.7 kg/trip
               (Table 4).    Fishing effort in Year 3 was cut short by a fishing moratorium
               imposed in August when the South Atlantic quota of 908,000 kg was reached. Catch
               per unit effort fluctuated between the months and years but were much higher than
               those of regular handline vessels.


                     Longline catches (n=41) generally averaged higher than the handline
               catches. Mean catches were low in Year I (mean 1947.6 kg/trip) while those in
               Years 2 and 3 were 1.6 times greater (3145.8 kg/trip and 3145.9 kg/trip,
               respectively) (Table 2). The CPUEs also reflected the higher catch - 0.12 vs.
               0.34 and 0.33.   Length of the longlines, number of hook sets, and number of sets
               per trip were relatively consistent between the years.


                     Catches with the sea bass traps (n=14) varied with Year 2 having the
               highest average (Table 2). Similarly, CPUE was high in Year 2.       Four fish traps'
               were sampled in Year 3. Catches were high (736.4-1333.4 kg/trip) and so was the
               CPUE, compared to sea bass traps.


                     The sea basses (Serranidae) were generally the dominant reef fish family
               in all three years, both overall and within each district, followed by snappers
               (Lutjanidae), porgies (Sparidae), wreckfish (Percichthyidae), and tilefishes
               (Malacanthidae) (Table 5).       Numerous other reef and non-reef families are
               generally of minor importance in the reef fish catches. Ninety-eight species in
               28 reef fish families were caught during the three years. Some 19 species of
               coastal pelagic fishes and sharks were also landed.









                                                       6

                    In the northern district, sea basses (mainly black sea bass, Centropristis
             striata) dominated the landings, followed by tilefishes (blueline tilefish,
             Caulolatilus microgs), snappers (vermilion snapper, Rhomboplites aurorubens) and
             porgies (red porgy, Pagrus Pagrus) (Tables 6-8).        Rankings in the other two
             districts varied each year, but generally sea basses, snappers, porgies and
             grunts were the important families.       Large catches of sharks in the central
             district in Years I and 2 boosted this group up to third place in Year 1 and
             first in Year 2.   Large landings of wreckfish in the southern district in Years
             2 and 3 raised their places up to first and third, respectively.


                    Southern district catches were most diverse (often up to 18 species) and
             consisted primarily of red porgy, vermilion snapper, black sea bass, gag
             (Mycteroperca microlepis), scamp, snowy grouper, other groupers, and white grunt
             (Haemulon Plumieri). Central district catches were less diverse (usually 6 to
             10 species) and consisted primarily of red porgy, vermilion snapper, snowy
             grouper, gag, scamp, and gray triggerfish.


                    Several species, including black sea bass, vermilion snapper, red snapper
             (Lutianus campechanus), red porgy, tilefish, and groupers were marketed by size
             grades (Table 9).                    Serranidae
                    Four species of sea basses, black sea bass, gag, snowy grouper and scamp,
             accounted for the majority of the serranid biomass landed (Table 5).           Winter
             landings were dominated by black sea bass while landings of the other three
             species showed no definite patterns. Black sea bass accounted for 76-96%      of the
             serranid catches in the northern district in the three years (Tables 6-8). Snowy
             grouper, specked hind (Evinephelus drummondhayi) and yellowedge grouper (f.
             flavolimbatus) were of minor importance. Highest landings of serranids in the
             northern district occurred in the summer.       Central district serranid catches
             during the three years were composed primarily of black sea bass (7-38% of the
             yearly total), gag (13-50%), snowy grouper (23-27%) and scamp (5-12%) with
             additional 11-15 species accounting for <16% of the catch (Tables 6-8). Although
             catches were high in most months, they were generally higher in the winter and
             spring. Twenty-four species of serranids were marketed in the southern district
             but only four species, black sea bass (35-40%), gag (19-23%), snowy grouper (10-










                                                       7

              17%) and scamp (13-16%) dominated the landings (Tables 6-8).    Southern district
              landings were highest in winter, reflecting the abundance of black sea bass. By
              Year 3 as catches of some fishes declined, fish traditionally not marketed were
              being landed and sold. These include bank sea bass (Centropristis ocvurus), sand
              perch (Diplectrum formosum) and tattler (Serranus phoebe).


              Centropristis striata
                     Black sea bass were seasonally important in all three districts but most
              were landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8).      Highest landings occurred
              from November through March in the central and southern districts and in the
              summer in the northern  district. Highest yearly landings occurred in Year 2 when
              the species accounted   for 44% of serranid landings (Table 5). Black sea bass
              ranged in length from   165 to 515 mm TL (Figure 5.3). Yearly mean size declined
              from 317.9 mm in Year   1 to 306.3 mm in Year 3. State and federal minimum size
              limit is 8 in (203 mm   TL); 25 of the 2054 fish measured (1.2%) were under this
              minimum size.



              Epinephelus niveatus
                     Snowy grouper landings were highest in Year 2 but were not substantially
              greater than those in the other two years (Table 5). Each year, landings were
              highest in the southern district but overall snowy grouper contributed more to
              the central district landings (approximately 23% of the serranid biomass) than
              it did to the southern district (12-17%) (Tables 6-8).       Catches were spread
              fairly evenly throughout the year with some higher landings occurring in April
              of each year. Snowy grouper ranged in length from 210 to 1130 mm TL with most
              between 300-700 mm TL (Figure 4).     The smaller fish were typically caught in
              shallowerwaters by handline fishermen while larger specimens were usually caught
              in waters greater than 165 m, either by handline or longline. Annual mean size
              increased from 478.1 mm in Year I to 541.9 mm in Year 3.        This may reflect
              increased effort by deep water fishermen.


              Evinephelus drummondhayi
                    Speckled hind landings declined substantially from Year I to Year 3 (18,587
              kg to 5758 kg)(Table 5). Most were landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8).
              Speckled hind ranged in size from 200 to 940 mm TL with most between 300 and 600









                                                    8

            mm TL (Figure 5). Mean annual size decreased from 449.0 mm in Year I to 427.4
            mm in Year 3.


            Epinephelus morio
                   Red grouper landings have increased in each of the three years in both
            weight and percent composition (Table 5). Most red grouper were landed in the
            southern district (Table 6).   Sizes ranged from 230 to 890 mm TL with most fish
            between 450 and 650 mm (Figure 6) A substantial number of fish larger than 650
            mm were also caught. Ten of the 1395 fish measured (0.7%) were under the state
            and federal size limit of 12 in (305 mm).     Effective I Jan 1992, the federal
            minimum size will be 20 in (508 mm TL); 377 of 1395 fish measured (27.0%) would
            have been under this minimum size.


            Mycteroperca microlepis
                   Gag ranked first in grouper landings in the first two years but it ranked
            second behind snowy grouper in Year 3 when gag landings were 50% lower (Table
            5). Yearly landings of gag were always greater in the southern district than in
            the central district (Tables 6-8).    Gag made up 19-27% of the yearly serranid
            landings in the southern district while in the central district they comprised
            50% of the landings in Year 1 and declined to only 13% in Year 3 when
            substantially fewer fish were landed. Gag ranged in size from 210 to 1240 mm TL
            (Figure 7). Although catches declined, annual mean size remained constant. A
            minimum size of 20 in (508 mm) was established by the Division of Marine
            Fisheries in January 1991.    Ten of the 221 fish (4.5%) measured in 1991 were
            under this minimum size. Effective I Jan 1992 the federal minimum size will also

            be 20 in.


            Mycteronerca Rhenax
                  Scamp landings remained relatively steady in the three years and accounted
            for 10-13% of the serranid landings (Table 5). Most scamp (84.2% of the total)
            were landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8). Scamp ranged in length from
            210 to 850 mm FL (Figure 8). Yearly mean size was constant between Years 1 and
            2 and increased in Year 3. Effective I Jan 1992, the federal minimum size for
            scamp will be 20 in (508 mm TQ.    If this is converted to 475 mm FL, 2257 of the
            5132 scamp measured (44.0%) in this study would be under the limit.










                                                        9

                                                   Lutjanidae
                     As a family, snappers were second in importance to the sea basses
               (Serranidae), particularly in the central and southern districts (Table 5-8).
               A single species, vermilion snapper accounted for >86% of the snapper catch in
               all three years.    In Year 3, it accounted for about 96% of the catch.           Red
               snapper and silk snapper (Lut.ianus vivanus) also contributed significantly to
               snapper landings with seven other species of minor importance (Table 5). Records
               of the  Carribean red snapper (I. purpureus) in the North Carolina commercial
               catches were the first records of this species from United States waters.
               Snapper landings were highest in the summer in the southern district and in the
               winter in the central district (Tables 6-8). Most species were graded by size
               (Table 9) and fishermen were paid more for the larger grades.         The vermilion
               snapper (beeliner) was targeted by the fishermen because of its high price and
               abundance.


               Lutianus campechanus
                     Red snapper landings were  high in Year 2 and dropped significantly by Year
               3 (Table 5).   Most red snapper   (73% of the total) were landed in the southern
               district (Tables 6-8). Red snapper ranged in size from 235 to 995 mm TL (Figure
               9). Annual mean size increased from Year I to Year 3 with a slight drop in Year
               2. Nine of the 1193 fish measured (0.8%) were under the federal size limit of
               12 in.   Effective I Jan 1992, the federal minimum size limit will be 20 in.
               Based on this size, 508 (42.6%) would have been under the minimum.


               Lutianus vivanus
                     Silk snapper landings have declined drastically during the last three years
               from a high in Year 1 of 15,727 kg to 3,286 kg in Year 3 (Table 5).       In Year 1,
               they comprised 6.4% of the snapper landings while in Year 3 it was only 1.1%.
               Most silk snapper (68%) of the total) were landed in the central district (Tables
               6-8).   Sizes ranged from 220 to 940 mm TL (Figure 10).           Annual mean size
               decreased from 417.8 mm in Year 2 to 384.0 mm in Year 3. One major reason for
               the decrease in size was there were no fish larger than 580 mm caught in Year 3.
               Effective 1 Jan 1992, the federal minimum size limit will be 20 in; 72 of the
               1113 fish measured (6.5%) would have been under this limit. Silk snapper          are







                                                      10

             usually captured when fishing for vermilion snapper and are referred to by
             fishermen as "yelloweye red snapper".


             Rhomboplites aurorubens
                   Vermilion. snapper are the most abundant fish caught by handlines (Table 5).
             They are landed in all three districts but highest landings occur in the central
             and southern districts (Tables 6-8); over 67% of the catch is landed in the
             southern district. Fish are sorted in five size categories (Table 9). Vermilion
             snapper ranged in length from 180 to 610 mm TL (Figure 11). Annual mean sizes
             were approximately the same in all three years.        Effective 1 Jan 1992, the
             federal minimum size limit will be 12 in; 1,218 of the 6,332 fish measured
             (19.2%) would have been under this limit.


                                                  Sparidae
                   Although nine species of sparids or porgies are landed, only two are of
             importance - red porgy and knobbed porgy (Calamus nodosus). With the exception
             of the red porgy, these species do not command a high price and are considered
             a "trash" fish. Red porgy is marketed as "pink snapper" and is graded into size
             categories similar to those of the vermilion snapper (Table 9).


             Pagrus pagrus
                   Red porgy landings were relatively constant during the three years and they
             were important components of the total reef fish landings with rankings from
             third to fifth (Table 5). Although red porgy landings were important in both the
             central and southern districts, over 75% were landed in the southern district
             (Tables 6-8).   Red porgy ranged in length from 205 to 690 mm TL (Figure 12).
             Annual mean size decreased from 386.7 mm in Year I to 358.1 mm in Year 3.
             Effective I Jan 1992, the federal minimum size limit for red porgy will be 12 in;
             857 of the 4617 fish measured (18.6%) would have been under this minimum size.


             Calamus nodosus
                   Knobbed porgy landings ranged from 22,700 to 27,248 kg and comprised from
             12.6 to 16.8% of the sparid landings (Table 5). Most (89.5%) were landed in the
             southern district (Tables 6-8). The market name is "jolthead" or "margate."









              Knobbed porgy ranged in size from 235 to 580 mm TL; annual mean size decreased
              from a high of 379.5 mm in Year I to 365.7 mm in Year 3 (Figure 13).


                                                 Malacanthidae
                     Two species of tilefish were major components of the reef fish landings
              blueline tilefish and tilefish. Three other species were of minor importance.
              Malacanthids were second in importance to serranids in the northern district
              (Tables 6-8). Blueline tilefish, along with blackline tilefish (11. cyanops) and
              goldface tilefish (L. chrysops), are marketed as "gray tile". Lopholatilus is
              sold as "gold tile" while the sand tilefish (Malacanthus plumieri) is sold as
              "rainbow tile".


              Caulolatilus microps
                     Blueline tilefish landings increased each year from 9241 kg in Year 1 to
              28,746 kg in Year 3 (Table 5). Most (58.6%) were landed in the northern district
              with 31.3% landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8). Highest landings were
              in the late spring and summer. Fish ranged in size from 275 to 875 mm TL (Figure
              14); annual mean size fluctuated between 544.5 mm in Year I to 502.6 mm in Year
              2 and back to 518.0 mm in Year 3.



              Loyholatilus chamaeleonticeps
                     Tilefish were almost exclusively landed in the southern district (Tables
              6-8) and all were taken on bottom longlines sets made primarily in Long Bay off
              South Carolina (Figure 1).    Landings increased each year (Table 5).      Landings
              fluctuated with the fishing effort of those vessels targeting this species.
              Vessels would switch back and  forth between this fishery and that for wreckfish.
              Some of the largest monthly    landings occurred when the wreckfish fishery was
              closed in September and October 1990 (Table 8). Tilefish were separated into
              three market or size categories (Table 9). Fish ranged in size from 290 to 1150
              mm TL (Figure 15). Annual mean size increased from 594.1 mm in Year I to 691.6
              mm in Year 3.



                                                  Balistidae
                     Although five species of triggerfish were landed, only the gray triggerfish
              was of importance (Table 5). Landings of this species rose sharply from 19,000








                                                      12

             kg in Years 1 and 2 to over 46,000 kg in Year 3. Landings of gray triggerfish
             were relatively equal between the central district (41.4% of the total) and the
             southern district (54.0%) (Tables 6-8). Gray triggerfish ranged in size from 240
             to 590 mm FL (Figure 16); annual mean size declined gradually from 416.7 mm in
             Year I to 397.0 mm in Year 3.



                                                  Haemulidae
                   Three species of grunt were landed, but only the white grunt was of
             importance and accounted for over 95% of the grunt landings (Table 5).           Most
             white grunt (92.8%) were landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8). They are
             considered a "trash" fish and fishermen do not receive a high price for them.
             Fish ranged in size from 195 to 595 mm TL (Figure 17).            Annual mean size
             decreased from 380.7 mm in Year I to 342.1 mm in Year 3.


                                                   Perci chthyidae
                   Wreckfish landings, which were nonexistent prior to Year 1, rose from
             16,011 kg in Year I to over 242,000 kg by Year 3 (Table 5).        All but 7,969 kg
             were landed in the southern district (Tables 6-8). Landings were high in most
             months but were particularly high in June and July 1990. The fishery was shut
             down mid-August 1990 when the 1990 quota of 908,000 kg was reached. The fishery
             reopened 16 April 1991 after the mandatory spawning closure. Wreckfish ranged
             in size from 680 to 1400 mm TL (Figure 18).       Annual mean size increased from
             967.6 mm in Year I to 983.3 mm in Year 3.



                            COASTAL PELAGIC COMPONENT OF THE REEF FISH FISHERY
                   The major coastal pelagic species caught in the reef fish and directed
           'pelagics species fishery are king mackerel, yellowfin tuna, dolphin, and
             bluefish. Additional coastal pelagic species caught but of lesser importance are
             wahoo, cobia, and bigeye and blackfin tunas.


                   Coastal pelagic species are taken in a directed effort or incidentally
             while bottom fishing. The directed effort targets king mackerel and tunas during
             the fall and spring, by trolling artificial baits, drifting natural baits, and
             with surface longlines.      Incidental catches of all coastal pelagic species
             mentioned above are taken by surface handlines, one or two per boat, baited with










                                                          13

               squid, Spanish sardine (Sardinella aurita) or round. scad! (Re-capterus punctatus),
                cigar minnow" while bottom fishing over reef structures., Sometimes a speci!al
               "king rig" will be used on the bandit reel for king mackerel and dol-ph4n, where
               aggregations of these species occur around the boat. Pellaglic species other than
               tuna are also taken while bottom fishing with bandit reels for snappers and
               groupers.     Bottom longlining for snapper and grouper, wAlIl: often produce,
               considerable catches of cobia; however, federal and state regulations now
               prohibit more than two cobia per person per trip or day.


                      The I argest porti on of the pel agi c 1 andi ngs was frm the northern di strict
               (Table 10). Fifty-nine percent in Year 1, 77% in Year 2,, and 69% in Year 3 of
               the state's landings occurred in the northern district. The southern district
               landed the next largest amount of coastal pelagics with 27% in Year 1, 14%, int
               Year 2, and 19% in Year 3 of the state's overall landingis..,


                      The statewide landings increased each year.         From Year 1 to, Year 2,, the
               increase was 49.8%; however, landings increased only 1.4%, from, Year 2' to Year 3.
               The yearly landings by district fluctuated with Year 2 being highest for the
               northern district and the lowest for the central and southern, district.


                      King mackerel ranked first for each year and district.           Ye:l,lowfin tun:a
               ranked second each year and,landings were highest in the, northern district.
               Dolphin was third in rank by year and district except, for the central and
               southern districts in Year 1. Wahoo, cobia, blackfin and bigeye tuna occurred
               intermittently during the study without any pattern on gear, type or year.


                      Length frequencies of king mackerel, dolphin, bluefish, Wahoo and coHa are
               presented in Figures 19-23. Table 10 presents total landings for pelagic species
               by year, district, and gear for the period July 1988 throug@h, June 1991..


               Scomberomorus cavalla
                      King mackerel landings were highest in Year 3 by 41% over Year I and 13%
               over Year 2. The northern district had the highest landinqs of 56.3% in Year 1,
               75.4% in Year 2, and 66.3% in 3.        The lowest Tandings were from the central
               di stri ct wi th 10. 2% i n Year 1, 10. 0% i n Year 2, and 9.6 X in Year 3 (Tabl e 10) .









                                                        14

              Length ranges were 325-1525 mm for all years with an annual mean length of 806
              mm in Year 1, 787 mm in Year 2, and 737 mm in Year 3 (Figure 19). This decrease
              in length is partly or completely due to increased sampling in the northern
              district.   The northern district king mackerel fishery is almost entirely a
              trolling effort, which has a tendency to take fish that are smaller than those
              caught by lightlining while bottom fishing for snappers and groupers.


              Coryphaena hippurus
                     Dolphin landings were highest in Year 3 by 30% over Year I and         59% over
              Year 2.  For each year the northern district had the highest landings.         Northern
              district landings were 53.3% in Year 1, 49.5% in Year 2, and 43.3% in Year 3 of
              the state's landings. The central district had the lowest landings of 18.0% in
              Year 1, 14.3% in Year 2, and 25.4% in Year 3 (Table 10) .          Dolphin ranged in
              length from 250 to 1300 mm with mean lengths of 639 mm in Year 1, 651 mm in Year
              2, and 634 mm in Year 3 (Figure 20).


              Pomatomus saltatrix
                     Bluefish landings were highest in Year 1 by 104% over Year 2 and by 24%
              over Year 3. The central district had the highest landings of 66.4% in Year 1
              and 46.9% in Year 3. The northern district had the highest landings in Year 2
              with 40.3% of the landings (Table 10). Bluefish landings were highest in Year
              1 due to high troll year catches in the central and southern districts.            Each
              district had its turn at having the lowest landings. Landings were lowest for
              the northern district in Year 1, the central district in Year 2, and the southern
              district in Year 3.   Bluefish is the only species in the study that was sampled
              from both gill net and hook-and-line catches. Length ranges are 225-475 mm for
              gill net caught fish and 525-900 mm for hook-and-line caught fish.           Gill net
              caught fish mean lengths are 375 mm in Year 1, 385 mm in Year 2, and 292 mm in
              Year 3. Mean lengths for hook-and-line caught fish are 743 mm in Year 1, 703 mm
              in Year 2, and 775 mm in Year 3.          The two gears account for the bimodal
              distribution of length frequencies (Figure 21).


              Acanthocybium solanderi
                     Wahoo landings were highest in Year 3 by 22% over Year I and by 53 % over
              Year 2. The southern district had the highest landings with 52.6% in Year 2 and









                                                     15

              45.7% in Year 3.  The central district had the highest landings for Year 1 with
              51.1 % of the state's landings. The lowest landings occurred in the northern
              district each year of the study accounting for 22.1% in Year 1, 0.0% in Year 2,
              and 16.3% in Year 3 (Table 10). The length range for wahoo was 400-1825 mm with
              a mean length of 1318 mm, 1348 mm and 1133 mm for Years 1, 2, and 3 (Figure 22).


              Rachycentron canadum
                    Cobia landings were highest in Year 3 by 92 % over Year 1 and 9 % over Year
              2. The southern district had the highest landings with 49.6% in Year 1 and 55.8%
              in Year 2. The central district had the highest landings during Year 3 with 51.9
              % of the state's landings.  The lowest landings were from the northern district
              for each year of the study with landings accounting for 12.8% in Year 1, 3.4% in
              Year 2, and 0.8 % in Year 3 (Table 10). The range of lengths was 325-1350 mm
              with mean lengths of 945 mm in Year 1, 991 mm in Year 2, and 989 mm in Year 3
              (Figure 23). The southern and central district produced the highest and nearly
              equal amounts of cobia during the study period.      The landings indicate that
              trolling was the predominant gear with handline adding    to the landings in the
              central district and bottom longline in the southern (Table 10).


              Thunnus albacares
                    Yellowfin tuna landings were highest in Year 2 of the study by 180 % over
              Year I and 42% over Year 3.  The northern district had the highest landings for
              each year with 96.3% in Year 1, 94.4% in Year 2, and 97.4% in Year 3.          The
              central district did not have any reported yellowfin tuna landings for the 3-year
              study period (Table 10). This zero landing is in part due to dealers' preference
              to place yellowfin tuna in an unclassified market category and nonspecific
              reporting by dealers to port agents. This accounts for the relatively high (to
              other districts) unclassified tuna landing weight. The length range was 425-1275
              mm with a mean of 923 mm in Year 1, 996 mm Year 2, and 700 mm in Year 3. The
              yellowfin tuna sample size was small (n=20) due to the infrequent occurrence of
              specimens in the snapper/grouper fishery where sampling takes place and also that
              often only cores (carcasses with heads removed) are landed.





             Thunnus atlanticus                      16
                    Blackfin tuna landings were highest in Year 3 by 138% over Year I and 128%
             over Year 2 (Table 10). The southern district had the highest reported landings
             with 57.0% in Year I and 100.0% in Year 2. The northern district had the highest
             reported landings for Year 3 with 78.5% of the landings (Table 10).     There were
             not any reported landings for the central district for Years 1, 2, and 3 nor any
             landings in the northern district for Year 2. Blackfin tuna had a length range
             of 400-1450 mm (n=20) with mean lengths of 788 mm in Year 1, 690 mm in Year 2,
             and 767 mm in Year 3.



             Thunnus obesus
                    Bigeye tuna landings were highest in Year 2 by 65% over Year 1 and 107%
             over Year 3.   The northern district had the highest landings with 99.9% in Year
             1, 95.2% in Year 2, and 85.7% in Year 3.       The central district reported no
             landings for Year 1, 2.5% of the landings for Year 2, snf 22.8% of the landings
             for Year 3 (Table 10). The southern district did not have any reported landings
             of bigeye tuna during the study period.      The length for bigeye tuna sampled
             ranged between 750 and 1,250 mm (n=5).


             Thunnus spo. unclassified
                   Tuna in the unclassified category had the highest landings in Year 3 by 56%
             over Year 1 and 22% over Year 2.      The highest landings were in the central
             district with 96.6% in Year 1, 65.5% in Year 2, and 95.4% in Year 3. The lowest
             landings occurred in the northern district with 0.2% in Year 1, 2.5% in Year 2,
             and 0.0% in Year 3 (Table 10).      The highest percentage of unclassified tuna
             occurring in the central district landings is due to dealers' disinterest in
             classifying tuna with proper names.










                                                          17


                                                  LITERATURE CITED


               Bar ans, C.A. and V. J. Henry, Jr.
                      1984.    A description of the shelf edge groundfish habitat along the
                      southeastern United States. Northeast Gulf Sci. 7(l):77-97.

               Chester, A. J., G. R. Huntsman, P. A. Tester, and C. S. Manooch III.
                      1984.   South Atlantic Bight reef fish communities as represented in hook-
                      and-line catches. Bull. Mar. Sci. 34(2):267-279.

               Grimes, C. B., C. S. Manooch, and G. R. Huntsman.
                      1982. Reef and rock outcropping fishes of the outer continental shelf of
                      North Carolina and South Carolina, and ecological notes on the red porgy
                      and vermilion snapper. Bull. Mar. Sci. 32(l):277-289.

               Miller, G. C. and W. J. Richards.
                      1980.    Reef fish habitat, faunal assemblages and factors determining
                      distributions in the South Atlantic Bight. Proc. Gulf Caribb. Fish. Inst.
                      32:114-130.

               Parker, R.O., Jr. and S. W. Ross.
                      1986.    Observing reef fishes from submersibles off North Carolina.
                      Northeast gulf Sci. 8(l):31-49.

               Powles, H. and C. A. Barans.
                      1980. Groundfish monitoring in sponge-coral areas off the southeastern
                      United States. U.S. Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Mar. Fish. Rev. 42(5):21-35.

               Sedberry, G. R. and R. F. Van Dolah.
                      1984.   Demersal fish assemblages associated with hard bottom in the South
                      Atlantic Bight of the U.S.A. Environ. Biol. Fish. 11(4):241-258.

               Struhsaker, P.
                      1969. Demersal fish resources: composition, distribution and commercial
                      potential of the continental shelf stocks off the southeastern United
                      States. Fish. Ind. Res. 4:261-300.

               Wenner, C. A.
                      1983.    Species associations and day-night variability of trawl-caught
                      fishes from the inshore sponge-coral habitat, South Atlantic Bight. U.S.
                      Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv. Fish. Bull. 81:532-552.





                                                                                18








                        Table 1.        North Carolina commercial reef fish landings in kilograms by district and method of capture.

                                                                          Bottom             Bottom                   Fish
                        Year                      District               handlines           longlines                traps                 Total


                      7/88-6/89                   Northern                  81,130                                    4,882                  86,012
                        (Year 1)                  Central                 276,672                47,933               1,631               326,236
                                                  Southern                609,626              116,851              172,953               899,429


                                                  Total                   967,428              164,784              179,466             1,311,677


                        7/90-6/90                 Northern                  71.196                                   4,252                 75,447
                        (Year 2)                  Central                 322,829              189,910                52,987              671,726
                                                  Southern                915,363                78,081             184,313             1,177,756


                                                  Total                  1,309,388             367,991              247,552             1,924,929


                        7/90-6/91                 Northern                111,081                                       564              111,645
                        (Year 3)                  Central                 256,689                 3,568               38,263              298 520
                                                  Southern                744,996               137,155              151,652             1,033,804

                                                  Total                  1,112,766             140,723              190,479             1,443,969
 







                                                                             19



                      Tabie 2.    SLvmry of reef fish catches by Longtines and sea bass traps.

                                                                                    Jut 88-                       Jut 89-                    Jut 90-
                                                                                    Jun 89                        Jun 90                     Jun 91
                                                                                   (Year 1)                     _(Year 2)                   (Year 3)


                      LONG LINES


                         No. of sanpLes                                                 18                          12                         15


                         Catch                             - mean                       1947.6                      3145.8                     3145.9
                                                             range                77.6-3656.0                1681.6-5056.6                556.3-4809.1


                         CPUE                              - mean                         0.12                        0.34                        0.33
                                                             range                  0.05-0.21                     0.12-1.35                  0.12-1.01


                         Length                            - mean                      5285.1                       5980.0                     4170.0
                                                             range                  3219-9656                     2784-8047                  1600-5633


                         Hooks                             - mean                       662.6                         612.5                      650.0
                                                             range                   500-1000                      400-1000                   250-1200


                         Sets                              - mean                         27.1                        23.4                        22.0
                      SEA BASS TRAPS                         range                      10-44                         5-42                        6-42

                         No. of sanples                                                      1                             9                          4


                         Catch                             - mean                       162.5                         274.9                       177.0
                                                             range                                             113.0-401.0                  84.4-286.5


                         CPUE                              - mean                          5.8                          3.7                         2.3
                                                             rarge                                                  1.4-6.1                    0.5-6.4


                         No. pots                          - mean                            14                       67.5                        89-5
                                                             rarge                           -                      43-100                     45-105


                      FISH TRAPS


                         No. of samptes                                                      0                             0                          4


                         Catch                             - mean                                                                              1068.4
                                                             range                           -                             -             736.4-1333.4


                         Days fished                       , mean                                                                                  3.6
                                                           - range                                                                               1.5-7


                         No. traps                         - mean                                                                                    10
                                                             range                                                                                7-13







                                                                                 20



                       Table 3. Summary of reef fish catches per trip, days fished, catch per unit effort (CPUE) and number of boats
                                  samipted by district (excluding sea bass trap, Longiine, and wreckfish catches).

                                                                                                                                             Number
                                                    Catches                        Days fished                         CPUE                   boats
                                                                               @ean          Range           Mean             Range         sampled
                                          Mean               Ra;'ge

                                                                                   CENTRAL
                       Jul  19a8          490.3           45.6-1144.5          2.6          1.0-7.0          43.8         15.2- 63.4              7
                       Aug                272.7                                1.0                           90.9                    -            1
                       Sep                481.7                                3.0                           53.5                                 1
                       act                504.8           146.7- 880.7         1.9          1.0-3.0          78.9         46.6-107.7              7
                       Nov                288.7           94.6- 964.4          1.4          0.1-3.0          91.1         24.6-270.0              10
                       Dec                326.2           31.3- 81a.a          1.9          0.5-3.0          42.4         25.2- 68.2              4

                       Jan  1989          379.4           13.6- 862.3          1.8          0.5-3.0          67.9           6.8-137.7             6
                       Feb                472.1           142.0- 850.2         2.9          2.5-3.0          46.4         2B..4- 70.8             4
                       Mar                542.2           273.5- 928.8         1.5          1.0-2.0          165.6        59.3-305.3              4
                       Apr                497.7           201.3- 762.5         1.4          0.5-2.5          164.2        67.1-379.5              6
                       148Y               388.6           126.5-1145.3         1.6          0.3-4.0          91.8         .46.7-131.1             5
                       Jun                755.5           348.8-1340.3         2.5          2.0-3.0          80.5         43.6-117.2              7
                       Total              459.1           13.6-1340.3          1.9          0.1-7.0          86-.2          6.8-379.5             62


                                                                                   SOUTHERN
                       JUL  1988         1144.4           115.6-2821.9         4.2          1.0-6.0          63.8         23.0-141.1              a
                       Aug               1044.2           335.8-2051.7         5.8          2.5-9.0          56.8         33.6- 68.9              7
                       Sep               1110.3           205.0-1783.7         4.2          3.0-7.0          65.7         14.6-108.6              8
                       Oct               1298.5           229.6-2787.5         4.0          1.0-7.0          91.4         48.6-130.9              6
                       Nov               1109.0           696.8-2115.3         4.9          2.5-8.0          66.2         50.8- 76.9              5
                       Dec               1346.0           367.8-2171.6         4.8          2.0-7.0          72.6         59.2- 99.5              6

                       Jan  1989         1093.2           261.1-2317.1         4.1          2.0-7.0          65.7         36.3- 92.7              9
                       Feb                755.6           209.4-1258.1         5.5          3.0-8.0          54.0         44.9- 61.0              4
                       Mar               1402.6           340.2-3250.4         4.5          2.0-7.0          82.1         49.4-130.0              12
                       Apr               1267.7           517.9-2017.1         5.1          2.0-7.0          64.8         51.4- 81.0              12
                       May               1471.8           208.4-1979.8         5.4          3.0-7.0          62.4         34.7- 78.0              7
                       Jun               1074.0           275.5-2271.8         4.8          3.0-7.0          65.0         29.2- 90.9              11
                       Total             1197.7           115.6-3250.4         4.7          1.0-9.0          68.1         14.6-141.1              95


                                                                                   CENTRAL


                       Jul  1989          280.0           212.7- 347.3         1.5          1.0-2.0          64.4         57.9- 70.9              2
                       Aug               1151.8           660.4-1845.4         3.9          3.5-4.0          76.9         55.0- 92.3              4
                       Sep                406.4           45.4- 830.1          2.2          0.2-3.0          165.3        23.7-567.5              5
                       Oct                822.9                      -         3.0                           68.6                                 1
                       Nov                700.2           479.8- a85.5         1.8          1.5-2.0          94.3         67.2-143.8              5
                       Dec                302.1                                1.5                           50.4                                 1

                       Jan  1990          537.6           106.5-1138.1         1.9          0.3-3.5          86.6         46.2-161.4              13
                       Feb                328.2           132.1- 714.1         1.5          1.0-2.0          58.8         40.2- 81.3              5
                       Mar                611.6           233.7-1301.9         2.4          1.5-5.0          71.9         39.0-130.2              8
                       Apr                705.4           257.2-1464.1         2.4          0.6-4.0          a4.1         48.3-107.2              6
                       May                631.7           434.2-1105.9         2.1          0.4-2.5          126.5        57.9-398.8              6
                       Jun                769.0           233.a-1341.8         2.6          1.5-3.5          82.3         35.8-136.1              9
                       Total              619.9           45.4-1845.4          2.2          0.2-5.0          90.0         23.7-567.5              65


                                                                                   SOUTHERN
                       Jul  1989          952.9           172.0-1861.6         3.4          1.5-6.0          75.6         43.0-138.5              9
                       Aug               1756.6           186.6-6285.2         6.0          1.0-a.0          70.6         19.5-196.4              11
                       Sep               1343.8           747.3-2108.7         4.6          1.5-7.0          80.6         63.1-100.3              4
                       Oct               1244.8           524.4-2453.8         3.9          3.0-6.0          84.9         58.3-109.0              6
                       NOV               1216.7           303.3-2386.1         5.4          3.0-9.0          74.9         43.9-130.1              7
                       Dec               1398.7                                3.5                           79.9                                 1


                                                                                   SOUTHERN
                       Jan  1990         2603.1           456.3-8083.9         5.1          2.0-7.0          109.7        45.6-336.8              7
                       Feb               1508.1           102.2-1808.4         5.4          1.0-8.0          47.6         25.6- 75.4              5
                       Mar               1236.5           5".2-2604.0          5.2          3.0-7.5          54.3         33.8- 79.8              7
                       Apr      -        1318.5           172.0-2635.0         5.7          1.5-8.0          61.4         35.0-114.7              8
                       may               1496.7         1000.1-2546.2          5.1          4.0-6.5          83.3         62.5-115.9              5
                       Aun               1263.0           350.5-2297.5         5.3          2.0-8.0          65-6         39.7-117.3              12
                       TotaL             1442.2           102.2-8083.9         5.0          1.0-9.0          72.8         19.5-336.8              82







                                                                                    21




                         Table 3. (Continued).


                                                                                                                                                 Nunber
                                                      Catches                         Days fished                           CPUE                  boats
                                            Mean               Range              Mean           Range           Mean            Range          sampled



                                                                                      NORTHERN
                         Aug  1990          306.9                                 2.0                 -          76.7                                  1

                                                                                      CENTRAL
                         JuL  1990                                                    -                                                                -
                         Aug                568.6          250.8-1268.5           2.6         1.5- 6.0           69.8          31.6-137.1              7
                         Sep                551.9          237.5- 885.8           2.7         2.0- 3.0           63.2          19.8-110.7              3
                         Oct                382.7           57.5- 620.9           1.5         0.3- 2.0           80.4          43.6-129.9            10
                         Nov               1184.0          549.5-1815.0           3.0         0.4- 7.0          222.4          51.9-529.2              4
                         Dec                221.3           45.4- 486.6           0.5         0.2- 0.8          142.3          28.1-389.3              5

                         Jan  1991          403.0          120-9- 599.2           0.8         0.5- 1.0          148.2          67.4-278.0              8
                         Feb                624.0          203.6- 908.1           1.6         0.5- 2.5          111.0          84.8-139.3              6
                         Mar                344.0          105.7- 865.5           1.5         0.5- 7.0           94.8          5.0-193.4             13
                         Apr                268.2          202.6- 333.7           1.1         1.0- 1.2           58.7          50.6- 66.7              2
                         May                418.0           94.3- 567.5           1.6         0.4- 2.0           89.7          65.7-117.9              4
                         Jun                506.0          266.6-1004.3           4.2         2.0- 7.0           41.6          27.9- 52.2              4
                         Total              469.4           45.4-1815.0           1.8         0.3- 7.0          103.2          5.0-529.2             66


                                                                                      SOUTHERN
                         Jul  1990          896.4          409.8-1756.5           5.0         3.0- 7.0           56.5          22.8-108.0            14
                         Aug               1471.6          802.2-1979.3           5.3         3.5- 7.0           76.1          50.7-96.2               5
                         Sep               2095.5                                 5.0                 -          83.8                                  1
                         Oct               1437.2          507.5-2886.4           5.2         2.0-10.0           75.0          25.4-115.4            11
                         Nov               1400.0          217.3-2615.4           4.8         2.0- 7.0           69.8          36.2-127.5            10
                         Dec               1056.9          359.2-2404.9           4.5         1.5- 7.0           60.7          5.8-129.7               8

                         Jan  1991         1092.8          225.6-3014.5           5.1         3.0- 9.0           52.0          32.3- 86.1              8
                         Feb                976.4          347.3-2070.2           5.2         4.0- 7.0           45.9          12.4- 82.8              4
                         Mar                720.7           93.5-1563.9           4.8         1.0- 8.0           41.5          31.2- 52.1              6
                         Apr               1097.5          269.7-1830.6           5.6         2.0- 8.0           65.1          37.7-114.0            10
                         May               1023.4          338.7-1943.6           4.4         2.0- 6.0           59.1          37.6- 77.0            10
                         Jun                641.2          451.1- 787.6           4.3         3.0- 6.0           57.3          46.1- 65.6              3
                         Total             1115.2           93.5-3014.5           4.8         1.0-10.0           61.4          5.8-129.7             90


                                                                                      NORTHERN
                         Aug 1990           306.9                                 2.0                            76.7                                  1

                         Feb 1991           241.4                       -         1.5                 -          40.2                    -             I

                         Total              274.2          241.4- 306.9           1.8         1.5- 2.0           58.4          40.2- 76.7              2







                                                                                   22



                         Table 4.         Sumiary of wreckfish catches per trip, days fished, catch per unit effort (VUE) and nunber
                                          of boats sampled.

                                                                                                                                                   Munber
                                                    Catches                           Days fished                           CPUE                    boats
                                            Mean              Ra;ge                Mean          Range           Mean             Range           swVted

                         Apr 1989            849.0                                    1                          424.5                                  1


                         Jun               3342.3                                     8                          208.9                                  1


                         Total             2095.6           849.0-3342.3           4.5           1    8          316.7         208.9-424.5



                         Aug 1989          6285.2                                     8                          392.8                                  1


                         Jan 1990          8083.9                                     6                          673.6                                  1


                         Apr               1725.2                                     3                          287.5                                  1


                         May               2807.8         1372.0-4243.5            4.5           4   -5          333.8         137.2-530.4              2


                         Jun               5292.7         2415.7-8099.8            6.9           6   -8          388.1         201.3-623.1              4



                         Total             4764.5         1725.2-8099.8            5.9           3   -8          397.1         201.3-673.6              9


                         JUL 1990          6506.6         3761.4-8219.7            8.3           7   -10         415.5         188.1-587.1              3


                         Aug               5547.8         4578.1-6517.6            5.5           5   - 6         500.4         457.8-543.1              2



                         Apr  1991         2944.7           388.2-4513.7           4.4           1   - 8         315.8         49.6-564.2               8


                         May               2989.3         1657.9-4537.7            4.8           2.5- 7          302.2         132.6-560.0              6
                         Jun               3839.6         2994.6-4496.9            4.2           3 - 6           274.4         166.4-335.6              3


                         Total             3801.2           388.2-8219.7           5.1           1 -10           336.8              132.6-587.1        22











                           Table 5. Summary of species conposition for the North Carolina coffnerciat reef fish by year. Year 1                                                         July 1988-june 1989. Year 2 = July 1989-june
                                           1990. Year 3 = July 1990-June 1991.

                                                                                                 Year 1                                                             Year 2                                                           Year 3
                                                                                Kilograms                          % cow.                         Kilogram                           % Cory.                        Kilograms                -       % comp.
                            Serranidae                                            611,262                             100.0                         695,934                             100.0                         511,174                             100.0
                              Centropristis ocyurus                                                                         -                                 -                               -                             348                           0.1
                              Centropristfs striata                               224,707                             37.6                          301,474                             44.2                          208,671                             41.8
                              Diplectruin formos                                                                            -                                 -                                                             364                           0.1
                              EpinephetUs        adscensionis                        4,537                             0.8                             5,696                             0.8                             9,384                            1.9
                              Epinephelus        afer                                                                                                         6                         4. 1                                  13                          <0.1
                              Epinephetus        cruentatus                              84                           <0.1                                 197                          <0.1                                217                           <0.1
                              Epinephelia        drLimmdhayi                       18,587                              3.1                             9,193                             1.3                             5,758                            1.2
                              1pinenhetus        ftavolimbatus                       4,414                             0.7                             2,137                             0.3                             2,072                            0.4
                              Epinepbelus        futvus                                 697                            0.1                             1,229                             0.2                             1,173                            0.2
                              EpineoelAs         guttatus                            4,149                             0.7                             7,225                             1.1                             5,598                            1.1
                              Epinephetus        inermis                                197                           <0.1                                 60                           <0.1                                    -                              -
                              Epinephelus        morio                             15,748                              2.8                           21,962                              3.2                           31,813                             6.4
                              Epinephel          mystacinus                              18                           <0.1                                    5                         @Co. 1                                18                          '(0.1
                              Epinephet          nigri us                            2,310                             0.4                                 673                           0.1                                458                           0.1
                              Epinephet          niveatus                          76,899                             12.9                          AQQ,QG3                             14.6                           84,954                             17.0
                              Epinephetus        striata                                    -                               -                                 6                         <0.1                                    -                              -
                              Epinephetim        spp.                                   162                           <0.1                                    -                               -                                 -                              -
                              GonioRtectrus hispanus                                        -                               -                                 -                               -                                 5                         <0.1
                              Hemanthial leptus                                          49                           <0.1                                 16                           <0.1
                              Mycteroperca       bonaci                                  40                           <0.1                                 220                          <0.1                                  43                          <0.1
                              Mycteroperce       Interstitiatis                      4,503                             0.8                             4,050                             0.6                             1,948                            0.4
                              Mycteropecc-a-     microle is                       158,625                             26.6                          158,552                             23.2                           78,896                             15.8
                              KycteCoperca       phenax                            78,398                             13.1                           68,791                             10.1                           66,694                             M3
                              MycteropeLca       venenosa                               527                            0.1                             2,079                             0.3                                939                           0.2
                              Parenthfas furcifer                                    1,433                             0.2                                 828                           0.1                                336                           0.1
                              Rypticus     saponicus                                        -                               -                                 -                               -                               28                          <0.1
                              Serranu      Phoebe                                           -                               -                                 -                               -                               36                          <0.1

                           Lutjanidae                                             250,720                             100.0                         271,796                             100.0                         291,039                             100.0
                              Lutianus     analis                                    2,101                             0.8                             2,294                             0.8                                664                           0.2
                              L ut I anus  buccanetta,                                  364                            Q.1                                 263                           OA                                 2`15                          0.1
                              LutiarMl     canvechanus                             13,565                              5.5                           18,782                              7.0                             7,639                            2.6
                              Lutlanys     cyanopterus                               2,321                             0.9                                 447                           0.2                                  92                          CO. 1
                              LutiarMl     arfseus                                      107                           <0.1                                 76                           <0.1                                149                           50.1
                              Lutianus     jocy                                          18                           <0.1
                              LutianMs     jUrpureus                                     14                           -CO. 1                               34                           <0.1                                    -
                              LutlarMs     vivanus                                 15,727                              6.4                           11,039                              4.1                             3,286                            1.1
                              Ocyurus chrysurus                                             7                         <0.1                                    5                         <0.1                                    2                         0. 1
                              RhontmLites aurorubens                              212,605                             86.1                          237,017                             Bi.a                          276,233                             95.8














                   Table 5. (Continued).

                                                                         Year I                                               Year 2                                             Year 3
                                                             Kilograms                 % corrP.                  Kilograms                 % cony.                  Kilograms                 % cwp.


                   Sparidike                                   164,925                   100.0                    211,768                    100.0                    184,326                   100.0
                     Catanm   baionad                                  -                       -                                                                            11                   <0.1
                     Calaus   calamus                                  4                   <0.1
                     Catenm   teucosteus                        2,031                      1.2                         936                     0.4                        561                     0.3
                     Calans   nodosus                          27,248                      16.8                    26,177                     12.6                     22,750                    12.6
                     Cataow   proridens                             11                     <0.1                                                                               4                  <0.1
                     pintockAs hotbrooki                            854                    0.5                      1,255                      0.6                      1,301                     0.7
                     Lagodon rhonboides                                                        -                       35                     <0.1                            3                  <0.1
                     Pagrus pï¿½grus                             131,876                     81.4                   179,328                     86.3                    155,686                    86.3
                     Stenotomus caprinus/chrysops                   45                     <0.1                        29                     <0.1                          36                   <0.1

                   malacanthidae                               50,005                    100.0                     62,207                    100.0                     96,775                   100.0
                     cautotatitus chrysops                          471                    1.3                      1,338                      2.7                        661                     1.0
                     Cautolatituï¿½ cyanops                           257                    0.7                            4                   <0.1                        340                     0.5
                     Cautolatilus microps                       9,241                      25.8                    14,969                     29.8                     28,746                    41.5
                     Lopholatitus chmaeleonticeps              25,847                      72.2                    33,826                     67.4                     39,263                    56.6
                     Matecanthus plumieri                              -                       -                       40                      0.1                        317                     0.4

                   Batistidw                                   23,085                    100.0                     20,947                   100.00                     49,586                   100.0
                     Aluterus monocenos                                                                                                            -                        10                   <0.1          -p-
                     Batiste    capriscus                      19,737                      95.7                    19,732                     97.6                     46,642                    98.5
                     Balistes   vetula                              888                    4.3                         465                     2.3                        627                     1.3
                     Canthidermis sufftamen                                                    -                          -                                                 46                   C0.1       I
                     Monocanthus hispidus                              -                       -                       15                      0.1                          10                   <0.1

                   Haemitidae                                  74,539                    100.0                     81,177                    100.0                     82,234                   100.0
                     Hoerauto aurotineat                        2,008                      2.7                      3,925                      4.8                      2,503                     3.2
                     Haemulo ptumieri                          72,157                      97.3                    77,252                     95.2                     75,292                    96.8
                     Orthopristis chrysoptera                          -                       -                                                                              5
                   Percichthyidae                              16,011                    100.00                   242,072                    100.0                    118,587                   100.0
                     Polypri     americanus                    16,011                    100.00                   242,072                    100.0                    118,587                   100.0
                   Scorpoenidae                                     354                  100.0                      3,437                    100.0                      8,414                   100.0
                     Peticolenus dactytopterus                      354                  100.0                      3,437                    100.0                      8,407                    99.9
                     Neomerinthe herningwayi                           -                       -                                                                              7                   0.1

                   Scosibridme                                  6,844                    100.0                      5,000                    100.0                      4,064                   100.0
                     Acanthocybium sotanderi                        621                    14.3                        767                    15.21                       638                    16.2
                     EuthynnA atteteratus                              I                   <0.1                                                    -                        26                    0.6
                     scwberawrus cavalla                        2,976                      6B.6                     3,098                     62.0                      2,735                    69.4
                     Scorrberomrus macutatus                           4                   0.1                            -                        -                        17                    0.4
                     Thumus p(bacares                               544                    12.5                        191                     3.8                        244                     6.2














                   Tabie 5. (Continued).

                                                                         Year I                                              Year 2                                            Year 3
                                                            Kitograms                  % coop.                 Ki tog raw                 % cony.                 Kitograms                 % comp.



                     Thumus attanticus                             127                    2.9                         50                     1.0                         142                   3.6
                     Thunnus obesus                                                           -                       85                     1.7                            -
                     Thumus spp.                                   63                     1.4                        809                    16.2                         141                   3.6

                   Carangidw                                   16,928                   100.0                     12,226                   100.0                     33,152                  100.0
                     Alectis ciliaris                                                                                                            -                       385                   1.2
                     Caranx crysos                                   -                                                17                     0.2                         39                    0.1
                     SerfoLa dLmriLi                            4,984                    41.9                     4,489                     44.0                     13,604                   43.0
                     Serlola fasciat                               95                     0.8                         13                     0.1                            1                 <0.1
                     Seriota rivotiana                          6,801                    57.2                     4,586                     44.9                     11,507                   36.4
                     Serlota zonata                                  I                   <0.1                        697                     6.8                         682                   2.2
                     Serlota spp.                                    -                        -                      401                     3.9                      5,420                   17.1

                   Caryphaenidae                                1,234                   100.0                     2,291                    100.0                      4,320                 100.0
                     Coryphaen hippurus                         1,234                   100.0                     2,291                    100.0                      4,320                 100.0

                   Rachycentridae                                  606                  100.0                     2,551                    100.0                      2,796                  100.0
                     Rachycentron canaclum                         606                  100.0                     2,551                    100.0                      2,796                  100.0
                                                                                                                                                                                                           rlj
                   Pomatowidae                                  1,448                   100.0                     3,409                    100.0                         140                 100.0
                     -Pomatomus  saitatrix                      1,448                   100.0                     3,409                    100.0                         140                 100.0

                   Labridme                                     3,974                   100.0                     5,245                    100.0                     12,185                  100.0
                     Bodianus putchettus                             7                    0.2                           5                    0.1                         172                   1.4
                     Lachnotaimus Paximus                       3,967                    99.8                     5,211                     99.9                     11,982                   98.4
                     Hatichoeres garnoti                             -                        -                         -                                                   a                 <0.1
                     Hatichoeres cyanacephatus                       -                        -                         -                                                20                    0.2

                   PrIacanthidw                                    31                   100.0                        107                   100.0                         483                 100.0
                     Cookeotus boops                                 -                        -                         1                   '0.1                         14                    4.9
                     Priacanthus arenatus                          30                    96.8                        100                    93.4                         237                  82.9
                     Pristigenys alta                                1                    3.2                           6                    5.6                         35                   I'La

                   sciamidw                                        15                   100.0                         14                   10010                            5                100to
                     Equetus iwamotoi                              13                    86.7                         14                   100.0                            6                 85.7
                     Eciuetus unbrosus                               2                   13.3                                                                               1                 14.3
                   Sphyramidne                                     41                   100.0                         16                   100.0                         76                  100,0
                     Sphyraene barracuda                           41                   100.0                         16                   100.0                         .76                 100.0

                   Gadidae                                         11                   100.0                        127                   100.0                         44                  100.0














                      Table S. (Continued).

                                                                           Year 1                                            Year 2                                           Year 3
                                                                 togram                    corrp.               i1tograms                 % CORP.                Kilograms                 % cmv.


                      St.    teidw                                   53                   100.0                        644                 100.0                      5,355                 100.0
                         Hyperoginh perciformis                      53                   100.0                        644                 100.0                      5,355                 100.0

                      Congridae                                      71                   100.0                        996                 100.0                      1,688                 100.0

                      Nuraenidw                                        -                       -                         -                      -                         11                100.0


                      Tetroodontidme                                 926                  100.0                         84                 100.0                       438                  100.0


                      Posecanthidae                                    -                       -                         -                      -                      536                  100.0


                      Holocentridw                                                                                       -                      -                        46                 100.0
                         Holocentrus  ascensionis                      -                       -                         -                      -                          5                100.0

                      Xilphiidae                                     44                   100.0                          -                      -                      223                  100.0
                         Xiphias gtadjus                             44                   100.0                          -                      -                      223                  100.0

                      Istiophoridae                                  19                   100.0                          -                                                 -                     -
                         Istiophorus elatypterus                     19                   100.0                          -                      -                          -                     -

                      Squaliformes                              100,562                   100.0                   324,229                  100.0                     37,144                 100.0

                      not tusca                                   16,436                  100.0                     7,370                  100.0                     li,803                 100.0









                     Table 6.         Species composition in kilograms for the North Carolina commercial reef fish landings by district, based on catches for the fishery, July 1988-June
                                      1989. n      number of boats sampled.

                                                                                                                                                                                                             Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                               species
                                                                                                            NORTHERN DISTRICT                                                                                composition
                                                                                                                                                                                                               within
                                                                Jut        Aug       Sep         Oct        Nov       Dec       Jan        Feb        Mar        Apr        May         Jun       Total         major
                     species                                    n=O         n=O        n=O       n=O        n=O        n=O        n=O        n=O        n=O       n=O        n=O        n=O         n=O      categories

                     Serranidae                              14,008      9,915      7,435      2,022        164                 1,467        912        913     11,665      9,220       940       58,661          100.0
                       Centropristis striata                 13,748      8,647      5,695      1,897        159                 1,446        890        774     7,805       3,422                 44,483           75.8

                     Lutianidae                                  28         176        196     1,481            6                                       892       222        766        124       3,891           100.0

                     Sparidae                                   445         346        331       468            5                                        98       439        565        163       2,B60           100.0

                     Hatacianthidae                             928      1,259         591         20                               19        89          24      971       7,258     1,720       12,879          100.0

                     Batiatidne                                 118           58       173       171            11                  22                    35      198        266        100       1,152           100.0

                     Scoffibridae                                14             6                           870                                                                                     890           100.0

                     Carangidae                                 586         187        425       225            97                                      463       304        472           14     3,663           100.0

                     Coryphaenfdae                              182                                                                                                                                 182           100.0

                     Squatifonnes                                                                110                                                                                       48       158           100.0


                                                                                                                                                                                                                           -4


                                                                                                                                                                                                              Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                sppcies
                                                                                                            CENTRAL DISTRICT                                                                                 composition
                                                                                                                                                                                                                within
                                                                Jut         Aug        Sep       Oct        Nov        Dec        Jan        Feb        Mar       Apr        May        Jun       Total          major
                     Species                                    n=7         n=1        n=1       n=7        n=10       n=4        n=6        n=4        n=4       n=7        n=5        n=7       n=63        categories

                     Serranidae                              8,212       19,996     7,340      11,430    20,054     11,042     11,469      5,320      4,581     10,462      9,304     7,305    126,515            100.0
                       Centrooristis striata                 1,207          555        273     1,264        306        506        311      1,988        112     1,010        201        849       8,582              6.8
                       Evinephelus   adscensionis               172                                  2                                        42                    21          9          6        252              0.2
                       EtAnephelus   drummondhayi               334                 1,246          91       361        594        384        218        442         98                  192       3,960              3.1
                       Epilneghelus  fLay_oLimbatus                2                                                   153          79                                          24         10       268              0.2
                       E[Aneyhelus   futvus                      14                                                                             5                               8          4         31            %0.1
                       EsAne091MI    gottatus                   106                                                                             5                     6         20         3        140              0.1
                       EptneebAlm    1mrmis                                                                     35                            30                                                     65            <0.1
                       Epineyholus   Wrio                       247                                71           30       81       199        286        152          33         80      452       1,631              1.3
                       EMneftlyA     mystacinul                                                                                                                                            4           4           Q. 1
                       Eplnephslw-   n 19 dj@Ls                                                  114                   408        419                   283                                95     1,319              1.0
                       Epf nephplus  niveatus                   490                 2,356        982       6,354      4,919     6,928      1,936      1,073     4,456       1,801     2,326       33,621           26.6
                       Myctepo- -                                                                                                                                                                 2,111
                               KnCcj interstitiatis              34                 1,976                                66                   16                                           19                        1,7
                       MycteropercA microtepts               4,300       17.307                7,687      12,529      3.153     2,374        397      1,709     3,667       6,939     2.926       62,988           49.8
                       NYC !eroKEU Phenax                    1,296       2,134      1,489      1,213        425       1,096       775        397        810     1,171        204        387       11,397             9.0
                       Par Whias fUrcifer                        10                                  6          14       66                                                     18         32       146              0.1









                         Table 6. (Continued).


                                                                                                                                                                                                             Percent ol
                                                                                                                                                                                                               species
                                                                                                              CENTRAL DISTRICT                                                                              compositioi
                                                                                                                                                                                                               within
                                                                   Jut        Aug        Sep       Oct        Nov       Dec        Jan       Feb        Mar       Apr        May        Jun     Total           major
                         species                                   n=7        n=1        n--1      n=7       n=10       n=4        n=6       n=4        n=4       n=7        rr-5       n=7       n=63      categories

                         Lutianidae                             5,155       4,636     2,050      4,066     6,280      11,934    9,957      5,806     4,401      7,363     6,388      6,845     74,881            100.0
                           Lutianus  buccanetta                      4                                                              28         81         a           1                    3      125              0.2
                           Lut Jamis caffoechanus                  307        800                    10       165         72       409       248        252       482        498        199     3,442              4.6
                           Lutianu   cyanopterus                                                               70                   71                                                            141              0.2
                           Lut lanus v i vanus                     268                1,954          41       156     1,136        119     3,054         46       623     2,102         795    10.294             13.7
                           Phomb2ptites aurorubens              4,576       3,836         96     4,015     5,889      10,726    9,330      2,423     4,095      6,247     3,788      5,848     60,879             81.3

                         $perjdae                               3,470       1,363     1,674      3,094     5,577      2,435     3,064      2,068     1,642      2,574     3,110      3,017     33,088            100.0
                           Catamus calamus                                       4                                                                                                                    4           CO. I
                           Calamus  leucosteus                       33                            165         79         21        15                    3         79         92          8      495              1.5
                           Calamus  nodosus                        224          20       752       298        703       365         43         79                   50       266          22    2,822              8.5
                           Diplodus holbrooki                        81         25        83         24        39         79                             14       184        147        142       818              2.5
                           Pagrus Pagrus                        3,132       1,318        835     2,607     4,747      1,970     3,006      1,989     1,625      2,239     2,605      2,845     28,918             87.4
                           Stenotomus caprinus                                                                   9                                                                                    9           @(O. I
                           Stenotomus chrysops                                                                                                                      22                             22              0.1

                         Hatacanthidae                             972        561        347     1,103        788       225        644          6         6         81       112        261     5,106            100.0
                           Cautotatilus chrysops                   184                                                             112                    2         70          6          7      381             10.0
                           Cautotatitus cyanops                                                                                     34                    4                                        38              1.0
                           Cautolatilus microps                    788                           1,103        788       225        498          6                   11       106        254     3,379             89.0

                         Balistidibe                            1,366         591        717     1,160     2,122      1,343        549     1,037        592       462        563     1,019     11,521            100.0
                           Batiste   capriscus                  1,272                            1,160     2,122      1,343        549     1,037        592       462        563     1,019     10,119             99.1
                           Batistes  vetula                          94                                                                                                                            94              0.9

                         Haemutidae                                742        384     1,393      1,180     3,056      1,221     1,481        283        300       432        676        580    11,728            100.0
                           Haemuion  aurotineatum                    2                             168        123       290        953                  267       191                      7    2,001             17.6
                           Haemuto   plumieri                      750                1,393      1,012     2,933        931        528       283         33       241        676        573     9,353             82.4

                         Scosbridae                                398        544         65       343        553     1,618         96         80                 205        201        126     4,229            100.0
                           Acanthocybi     solanderi                 91       168         30                                                                                   53                 342             13.1
                           Scomberomorus cavatta                   307        376         35       144        472                   33         37                 134        128        126     1,792             68.6
                           Sconberomorus macutatus                                                                                                                    2                               2            0.1
                           Thunnus atbacares                                                       199         81                              33                   69         20                 402             15.4
                           Thunnus attanticus                                                                                                  10                                                  10              0.4
                           Thurnus spp.                                                                                             63                                                             63              2.4

                         Carangidae                                377        395        945       493     6,196      1,237        348       130        121       300        517        416    11,475            100.0
                           Seriola dumeriti                        216                             253     2,168        429        248         40        58         87       228        136     3,863             37.9
                           Serfola fasciata                                                                                         19          8                   64                             91              0.9
                           Serlota rivotiana                       207                             240     4,033        809         81         82        63       149        289        280     6,233             61.2

                         CoiMitmmidae                              225        115                                                     8                             51       108        144       651           100.0
                           Corypheena hippurus                     225        115                                                                                   51       108        U4        651           100.0

                         Rachyr.entridoe                             16                                        11                                        27         40                  107       201            100.0
                           Rachycentr      canadum                   16                                        11                                        27         40                  107       201            100.0










                     Tabie 6. (Continued).


                                                                                                                                                                                                           Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                             species
                                                                                                           CENTRAL DISTRICT                                                                               corriposition
                                                                                                                                                                                                             within
                                                               Jut         Aug        Sep       Oct        Nov       Dec        Jan        Feb        Mar       Apr        May        Jun     Totat            major
                     Species                                   n=7         n=l        n=l       n=7        n=10      n=4        n=6        n=4        rr-4      n=7        n=5        n=7       n=63      categories

                     Pomatomidae                                                                                   1,069                                 5      156         10                1,240            100.0
                       Pomatomus sattatrix                                                                         1,069                                 5      156         10                1,240            100.0

                     Labridae                                   23                                                                                               40                      5        68           100.0
                       Lachnotaimus maximus                     23                                                                                               40                      5        68           100.0

                     Priacanthidae                                                                                                                                  1                               1          100.0
                       Priacanthus arenatus                                                                                                                         1                               1          100.0

                     soyraenidae                                41                                                                                     12                     4          a        65           100.0
                       Sphyraena barracuda                      41                                                                                     12                     4          a        65           100.0

                     Congridae                                                                                                     1                   16           5         3          6        31           100.0

                     Squalifo                                  589         690     1,564      8,861     4,397      3,711      5,304     9,686      4,436      21,299               5,848     66,385            100.0

                     Nottusca                                                                                                                                       3       11           5        19           100.0



                                                                                                                                                                                                           Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                             species
                                                                                                           SOUTHERN DISTRICT                                                                              composition
                                                                                                                                                                                                             within
                                                               Jut         Aug        Sep       Oct        Nov       Dec        Jan        Feb        Mar.      Apr        May        Jun     Totat            major
                     Species                                   n=8         n=7        n=8       n=6        n=5       n=6        n=9        n=5       n=12       n=12       n=7       n=11       n=96      categories

                     Serranid3e                             40,114      28,118     30,706     22,244    24,157     70,973    61,870     35,466     32,912    25,847     33,361     20,318   426,086            100.0
                       Centropristis striata                 5,230      1,136      1,010      1,802     6,205      55,810    46,543     20,924     9,748      8,714     10,186     4,334     171,642            40.3
                       Epinephetus   adscensionis               76         187        200       486        680       480        437        246        464       328        537        164     4,285              1.0
                       Epinephetus   cruentatus                               3        10          5          2        13                                9       16         21           5        84            <0.1
                       Epinephetus   drumTxwKhayi            1,650         708     3,519      1,154        628       571      1,207        605     2,002        675      1,572        336    14,627              3.4
                       Eninephelus   ftavotimbatus           1,450      2,050          29        20         93       112           a       124         39        56        152         13     4,146              1.0
                       Epinephelus   fulvus                     32            8        20        40         61         95       124         22        102        59         77         26       666              0.2
                       Epinephetus   guttatus                   11          96         70       499        637       257      1,495        165        253       220        250         56     4,009              0.9
                       Epinephelus   Inermis                                  9                             50         26        34                    13                                       132             <0.1
                       Epinephelus   morio                   1,323         813     4,529      2,083        747       467         69         32     2,089        614      1,765        586    15,117              3.5
                       EpInephetus   mystacinus                                                                                                                  13                      1        14            <0.1
                       Epinephetus   nigritus                   37          54         58                  460                              52                             301         29       991              0.2
                       Eplnephetus   niveatus                8,420      7,571      7,104      1,711     1,170      1,992      1,364     2,943      3,015      4,004      2,537     1,447     43,278             10.2
                       Epinephelus   spp.                                                                                       117         45                                                  162             <0.1
                       Hemanthias teptus                        14          24                                                                                                         11         49            <0.1
                       Mycteroorca bonaci                                                                     3                             37                                                    40            <0.1
                       Mycte[operca interstitiatis              69          58        343        41        522       182        584         32        215       135        194         17     2,392              0.6
                       Mycteroperca microlevis               13,520     9,253      8,620      7,239     8,121      6,596      5,193     6,738      5,337      6,743      9.286     8,991     95,637             22.4
                       Mycteroperca Phenax                   8,204      6,138      5,058      6,411     4,556      4,227      4,570     3,433      9,585      4,153      6,385     4,281     67,001             15.7
                       Mycterope-rca venenosa                                                    10        204       117         91         14         24        64                      3      527              0.1
                       Paranthlas furcifer                      78          10        136       743         18       318         54         17         53        98         18     1,287        0.3









                         Table 6. (Continued).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        species
                                                                                                                  SOUTHERN DISTRICT                                                                                  cm"si t ion
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       within
                                                                     Jut         Aug        Sep        Oct        Nov        Dec        Jan        Feb        Mar        Apr         May        Jun     Total           maj or
                         Species                                     n=8         n=7        n=8        n=6        n=5        n=6        n=9        n=5        n=12       n=12        n=7       n=11       n=96       categories

                         Lutjanidae                               22,037       19,245    18,962      20,742     11,817     11,740     14,720     7,285      8,265      12,268    14,012      10,855   171,948             100.0
                            Lutianus   anatis                          13        390            65        64      385        368        401        128          39         86           a       154     2,101               1.2
                            Lutianus   buccanella                      14                       10        10        15           5        14           7        34         20        110                    239             0.1
                            Lutianu    camechanus                    457         581        341        416        650        576      1,146      1.449      1,104        843      1,649         911    10,123               5.9
                            Lutianus   cyanopterus                     65          16       616        831          45         49       112        333          15         52         46                2,180               1.3
                            Lutianu    griseus                                                  16                  30           5        17         13           5                     9        12         107             0.1
                            Lutlanus   locu                                                                                                                     18                                          18              (0.1
                            Lut ianus  purpureus                                                                                            8                                                      6        14              <0.1
                            Lutlanu    vivanus                       992         156        442        479        561        794        354        104        601        692          95        163     5,433               3.2
                            Ocyurus chryourus                            2                                                                             5                                                      7             <0.1
                            Rhomboolites aurorubens               20,494       18,102    17,472      18,942     10,131     9,943      12,668     5,246      6,449      10,575    12,095      9,609    151,726               88.2

                         Sparidae                                  10,614      10,556    16,299      9,173      7,574      8,040      9,302      6,820      12,507     12,548    13,363      12,181   128,977             100.0
                            Calamus leucosteus                         32          65           60     358        188        226          76       101        315          23         61         31     1,536               1.2
                            Calamus nodosus                        1,806       2,335      3,873      2,818      1,039      1,852      2,034      1,946      2,305      2,579         940        896    24,423               18.9
                            Catamus proridens                                                                                                                               4           4          3        11              <0.1
                            Diptocki holbrooki                                                                                 21                                          14                               36              <0.1
                            Pagrus pagrus                          8,776       8,156     12,366      5,997      6,347      5,941      7,192      4,773      9,887      9,924     12,348      11,251   102,958               79.8
                            Stenotomus caprinus                                                                                                                             4         10                    14              <0.1

                         Hatacarithidae                            1,640       1,850      5,292      3,874      2,842      3,651      3,817        811        367        953      1,646      5,277     32,020             100.0
                            Caulotatitus chrysops                                               85                                                                          2                      3        90              0.3
                            Calolatilus cyanops                                      1                                                  209                                 7                      2        219             0.7
                            Caulotatitus microps                     942       1,125        276        241        376        402        796        131        319        340         829         85     5,862               18.3
                            Lophotatitu chamaeteonticeps             698         724      4,931      3,633      2,466      3,249      2,812        680          48       602         817     5,187     25,847               80.7

                         Batistid3e                                  813         785      1,557      1,730        985        724        927        482        828        622         535        424    10,412             100.0
                            Balistes   capriscus                     813         785      1,543      1,717        590        557        781        456        828        589         535        424     9,618               92.4
                            Balistes   vetula                                                   14        13      395        167        146          26                    33                               794             7.6

                         Haemut idae                               6,993       5,170      5,544      5,335      4,612      4,174      5,134      2,973      4,128      5,126      7,938      5,684     62,811             100.0
                            Haenuto    aurotineatun                                                                                                                         7                                 7             <0.1
                            Haermito   plunjer!                    6,993       5,170      5,544      5,335      4,612      4,174      5,134      2,973      4,128      5,119      7,938      5,684     62,804               99.9

                         Percichthyidee                                                                                                                                2,907      8.934      4,170     16,011             100.0
                            Polyprion americanus                                                                                                                       2,907      8,934      4,170     16,0`11            100.0

                         Scorpeenidee                                            116                                                                            14                   2`13        11         354           100.0
                            Heikolems dactylopterus                              116                                                                            14                   213         11         354           100.0

                         Scambridme                                  104           69           82         5      178        189        145          16         45         16        451        425     1,725             100.0
                            Acanthocybjun sotanderi                      4           3                              52         15         13         16         14                    6`1       101         279             16.2
                            Euthyng atleteratus                                      1                                                                                                                        1             0.1
                            ScodwromorMl cavai to                      90          56           80         4        99       115        103                                16        299        322     1,184               68.6
                            Sconbera2rue macutatus                                                                                                                                                 2          2             0.1
                            Thunma albacares                           10            9          2                     9                                         22                    82                    142             8.2
                            Thurim atlantIcus                                                              1        is         59         21                      9                     9                   117             6.8










                   Tabte 6. (Continued).


                                                                                                                                                                                                           Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                             species
                                                                                                          SOUTH9RN DISTRICT                                                                                     oltion
                                                                                                                                                                                                          c7l 'th in
                                                             Jut          Aug       Sep        Oct        Nov        Dec       Jan        Feb        Mar        Apr        May        Jun     Totat           major
                   Species                                   n=8          n=7       n=8        n=6        n=5        n=6       n=9        n=5       n=12       n=12        n=7       n=11       n=96      categories

                   Carangidwe                                155          127       101         96        286        102       579        258         30         15                    41     1,790             100.0
                     Seriota clumerit!                       155           26        88                   261         98       348        129           6          1                     9    1,121             66.2
                     Serlota fasciata                                                                                                                   1          2                     1          4            0.2
                     Serlota   rivotlana                                  101        13                    25          4       231        129         22         12                    31       568             33.5
                     Serioia   zonata                                                                                                                   I                                           1            0.1

                   CorvVhamidBe                                64          15        28         67         12          15          9       29           4       106         27         25       401            100.0
                     Coryphaen hippurus                        64          15        28         67         i2          15          9       29           4       106         27         25       401            100.0

                   Rachycentrildw                              87          44        35         11         24          4         12        97         10         32         31         18       405             100.0
                     Rachycentron canadum                      87          44        35         11         24          4         12        97         10         32         31         18       405             100.0

                   Poeiatmidae                                                                                                            194           9          5                            208             100.0
                     Pomatomus   sattatrix                                                                                                194           9          5                            208             100.0


                   Labridae                                  209          107       383        445        715        556       308        259        306        276        184        158     3,906             100.0
                     Bodianu putchettus                                                                                                                            1                     6          7            0.2
                     Lachnotaimus maximus                    209          107       383        445        715        556       308        259        306        275        184        152     3,899             99.8

                   Pria  canthidae                                                      1       12                               14                                          3                    30            100.0  w
                     Pristinenys atta                                                                                              1                                                                1            3.3
                     Priecanthus    arenatus                                            1       12                               13                                          3                    29            96.7

                   Sciaerilldee                                              1                    2                    3           2                    1          1         5                    15            100.0
                     Eauetus iwamotoi                                        1                    1                    3           1                    1          1         5                    13            86.7
                     Eauetus uffbrosus                                                            1                                1                                                                2           13.3
                   Gadidw                                                  10                                                                           1                                         11            100.0

                   Strcoateid3e                                            22                                                              17                                          14         53            100.0
                     Hyperoglyphe Perciformis                              22                                                              17                                          14         53            100.0

                   Conaridibe                                                                                                                4          5        31                               40            100.0

                   Tetraodontidae,                                                                         35        162       642         87                                                   926             100.0

                   SqLat 1 forses                           1,568       1,129      1,028      1,928     1,676      6,143      4,616       986       1,935     5,257      5,653      2,100     34,019            100.0

                   Xiphiidee                                               44                                                                                                                     44            100.0
                     Xiphlas gladius                                       44                                                                                                                     44            100.0

                   Istiophoridee                                           19                                                                                                                     19            100.0
                     Istionhorus Ptatypterus                               19                                                                                                                     19            100.0

                   Nottusca                                    78                               24        512      5,802      7,484      1,765       655         98         54         42     16,436            100.0








                          Table 7. Species composition in kilograms for the North Carolina commercial reef fish landings by district, based on catches for the fishery, July 1989-June 1990.
                                       n = number of boats sampled.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         species
                                                                                                                    NORTHERN DISTRICT                                                                                   composition
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         within
                                                                      Jut          Aug        Sep        Oct        Nov        Dec         Jan        Feb        Mar        Apr         May         Jun     Total           major
                          Species                                      n=O         n=O        n=O        n=O        n=O        n=O         n=O        n=O        n=O        n=O         n=O         n=O       n=O      categorie

                          Serranicise                               8,948        9,897      6,866      2,861        889           69    5,594      1,258       2,826      4,475      8,354      1,762      53,799            100.0
                             Centropristis striata                  5,357        9,238      6,756      2,832        875           69    5,575      1,244       2,761      4,309      3,558          193    42,767              79.5

                          Lutjanidae                                   144         141        422        442            6          7          1                   11        161         467         17      1,819            100.0

                          Sprf doe                                     245       1,570      1,309        781          38           8                                            5       296         26      4,278            100.0

                          Natecanthidae                             1,447        1,977      1,416                     19                   156        421        128        600      3,873      1,978      12,015            100.0

                          Batlatidne                                      26        41         69        256          28           4          4                      8      182          58         59        735            100.0

                          carovid3e                                       85       425                     32           7                                                               252        51         852            100.0

                          Labridae                                                                                                                                29                      2                    29            100.0

                          Corgridae                                                                                                           7       212         33                      2                   254            100.0

                          Gadidae                                                                                                           13           a        25                      2                    48            100.0


                          Nottusca                                                               2                                                                                                                2          100.0


                                                                                                                                                                                                                       :Fe--rcent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         species
                                                                                                                    CENTRAL DISTRICT                                                                                    composition
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         within
                                                                       Jut         Aug        Sep        Oct        Nov        Dec         Jan        Feb        Mar        Apr         May         Jun     Total         fla i cj r
                          Specis                                       n=3         n=4        n=5        n=l        n=5        n=1        n=13        n=5        n=B        n=6         n=6         n=9       n=66      categories

                          Serranidae                                8,453       11,252      7,674     12, 733     11,280     11,839     15,424     19,488     28,032      9,498      19,799     20,314    175,786            100.0
                             Centr2Rristis striata                  1,073          429           5       213      1,092      2.448      7,084      10,218     22,844      4,595      12,085     3,197      65,283              37.1
                             Epinephelus    adscensionis                  11       158        161        102          97                    14                    45          32          7         64        691                0.4
                             Epinephetus    cruentatus                              14                                it                                                                                       25              <0.1
                             Et)inephetus   drummondhayi                  33       ill        203           26      368                    338        508        315        106          12         260     2,280                1.3
                             foinephetus    ftavotimbatus                 44          6                                                     14                                40                    16        120                0.1
                             Wnephelus      futvus                                  14         68                     21                    11                                  3                   16        133                0.1
                             Epinephelus    guttatus                               113        209                     98                      a                   15          20                    243       706                0.4
                             Epinephetus    Inermis                                                                                                               18                                           18              @(O. I
                             EpIneghltus    modo                          68       701        554          42       714                    147                   460          66         80         735     3,567                2.0
                             Epinephetus    mystacinus                                                                                                                                    5                       5            <0.1
                             EtAnepholus    nfgritus                                                                                        13                   119          13                              145                0.1
                             Epinepholus    niveatu                 5,429        4,351      1,617      4,701      1,420      1,432      3,027      2,441       1,963      3,640      6.929      4,995      41,945              23.9
                             Epinephetus    striata                                                                                                                                                   6           6            <0.1
                             Mycteroperca bonaci                                                                                                                  95                                28        123                0.1
                             Mycteroperc     interstitiatis                         90                                58                    43                    30          57                    183       461                0.3
                             Mycterop-e-rc   microtepfs             1,721        4,214      4,151      6,543      6,08       6,000      .4,144     5,853       1,185        681         515     9,709      50,854              28.9
                             Mycterop-erc    t)henax                      68       886        618      1,106      1,176      1,959         581        468        937        205         156         676     8,836                5.0
                             Mycteroperc     venenosa                               36         32                                                                             20                    184       272                0.2
                             Paranthias furcifer                          6        129         56                     87                                             6        20         10           2       316                0.2









                  Tabte 7. (Continued).


                                                                                                                                                                                                         Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                           species
                                                                                                         CENTRAL DISTRICT                                                                               composition
                                                                                                                                                                                                            within
                                                             Jut         Aug        Sep        Oct       Noy        Dec        Jan        Feb        Mar       Apr        May        Jun      Totat          major
                  Species                                    n=3         n=4        n=5        n=I       n=5        n=l        n=13       n=5        n=8       n=6        n=6        n=9       n=66      categories

                  LutJanidae                               9,106       12,337    11,871     14,518     17,603    3,491      13,456     4,478      5,197      5,818      3,568      7,464    108,907             100.0
                     Lutianus  anatis                        939                    108                   60                                          23                             391      1,521               1.4
                     Lutlanus  buccanella                                    8                            82                      6         12                     a        3        105         224              0.2
                     Lutlanus  campechanus                   548         ill        169         73       311                  1,917       117        675       284        203        443      4,851               4.4
                     Lutlanu   cyanonterus                                                                                                                                           275         275              0.3
                     Lutlanus  vivanus                       564         309      1,144                4,149        384        240        255        100       108        184      1,323      8,760               8.0
                     RhogbopLites aurorubens               7,055       11,909    10,450     14,445     13,001    3,107      11,293     4,094      4,399      5,418      3,178      4,927    93,276              85.7

                  Sperldae,                                3,394       4,491      2,884     3,562      4,679     2,390       2,868     2,174      1,034      1,558      4,293     18,317    51,644              100.0
                     Caiamus  leucosteus                      14                     38         14                              15                                                     12        93               0.2
                     Calamus  nodosus                         28         331        311        567       858        182        167           a          5        29        14      1,160      3.660               7.1
                     Diptodus holbrooki                                              13                   65                      2                              10                    45        135              0.3
                     Lagod    rhomboides                                                                                          8                                                                a            -CO. 1
                     Pagrus pagrus                         3,352       4,160      2,522     2,981      3,756     2,208       2,676     2,166      1,029      1,519      4,279     17,100    47,748              92.4

                  Halacanthidae                              203         421         53         52        69        138        279        157        242       3T7        335        786      3,112             100.0
                     Cautolatitus chrysops                    13          27                      3       27        138           6         32        53         24        32                    355            11.4
                     Cautolatilus microps                    190         394         53         49        42                   262        125        169       353        296        786      2,719             87.4
                     Malacanthus ptumieri                                                                    2                  11                    20                    7                    40               1.2
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      W
                  Baltisticlae                               305         413        626        913       880        288        500        494        598       321        945      1,100      7.383             100.0 W
                     Batistes  capriscus                     305         371        626        913       880        288        477        494        571       316        936      1,100      7,277             98.6
                     Batistes  vetuta                                     42                                                    23                    27           5        9                    106              1.4

                  Naetmitidae                                678         677      1,650     1,629      2,089        295        901        662        273       656        360        346    10,216              100.0
                     Haemuton  aurolineatum                  678                     75     1,629        720                   282                      5        71       360                 3,820             37.4
                     Haemuto   pLumieri                                  677      1,575                1,369        295        619        662        268       585                   346      6,396             62.6

                  Percichthyidae                                                                                                                                        1,895      3,464      5,359             100.0
                     Potyprion americanus                                                                                                                               1,895      3,464      5,359             100.0

                  Scanbridae                                     6       263         15         60           2                 324        206        538         90         4      1,101      2,609             100.0
                     Acanthocybjum sotanderl                                         12                                                               48                             427         487            18.7
                     Scomberomorus cavalta                       6       178           3        60           2                 146        206        426         74         4        122      1,227             47.0
                     Thunnus albacares                                                                                            1                                                                1            <0.1
                     Thunnur, obesus                                      85                                                                                                                     85               3.2
                     Thurrm spp.                                                                                               177                    64         16                  552         809            31.0

                  Caranoldae                                  44         267        999     1,429        358        300       1,089    1,244      1,117        770        659      1,262      9,538             100.0
                     Caranx grysos                                                                                              17                                                               17               0.2
                     Seriole dumeriti                                     87                              60        154        256        875        582       468        211        868      3,561             42.2
                     Seriols fasciata                            2                                                                                                                                 2            <0.1
                     Serlote rivotlana                        42         148        634        339       265        146        682        336        456       302        448        394      4,192             49.6
                     Serlote zonat                                        32        365                   33                    28          33        79                                         570              6.7
                     Serlota spp.                                                                                              106                                                               106              1.2

                  CavOwenid3e                                 63          41                    31                                                               15        92        786      1,030             100.0
                     Corynhaena hippurus                      63          41           2        31                                                               15        92        786      1.030             100.0









                  Tabte 7. (Continued).

                                                                                                                                                                                             Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                              species
                                                                                                    CENTRAL DISTRICT                                                                        composition
                                                                                                                                                                                               within
                                                          Jut        Aug        Sep       Oct       Nov       Dec       Jan       Feb       Mar       Apr       May       Jun     Totat         major
                  Species                                 n=3        n=4        n=5       n=l       n=5       n=l      n=13       n=5       rr-8      n=6       n=6       n--9      n=66     categories

                  Rachycentridee                            54         20       179        64        27                    4       33        34                 366        89       870           100.0
                     Rachycentron canadum                   54         20       179        64        27                    4       33        34                 366 -      89       B70           100.0

                  Pomtmfdae                                                                                                                 386      1,067      504               2,827           100.0
                     Pomatomus saitatrix                                                                                                    386      1,067      504               2,827           100.0

                  Labridae                                             31                  71       116                                                                      9      227           100.0
                     Lachnotaimus maximus                              31                  71       116                                                                      9      227           100.0

                  sphyrners                                              3                                                                                                 16        19           100.0
                     Sphyreena barracuda                                 3                                                                                                 16        19           100.0

                  Priacmthfdae                                                                       16        6                     2         9         1       10          4       48           100.0
                     Priacanthus  arenatus                                                           16        6                     2                             9         3       45            94.0
                     Pristinenys  atta                                                                                                                             1         1         3             6.0

                  Sciaenid3e                                                                           1                   6                                                           7          100.0
                     Equetus iwamotoi                                                                  1                   6                                                           7          100.0

                  Strowteidae                                                                                                                                    14                  14           100.0
                     Hyperogtyph Perciformis                                                                                                                     14                  14           100.0

                  Congridae                                 13           1                             2       45        70       421        62         26       53        10       703           100.0

                  Tetraodontidae                                                                               8                                                                       8          100.0

                  Squatiformes                                      1,565    19,134   44,209 166,247       52,161     5.315     5,332     1,757       763     5,454     3,810 305,747             100.0

                  Nottusca                                   5                                         5       2           1                                                         13           100.0



                                                                                                                                                                                              Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                species
                                                                                                    SOUTHERN DISTRICT                                                                        composition
                                                                                                                                                                                               within
                                                          Jut        Aug        Sep       Oct       Nov       Dec       Jan       Feb       Mar       Apr       May       Jun     Totat         major
                  Species                                 n=9        n=ll       n=4       n=6       n=7       n=l       n--6      n=5       n=7       n=8       n=5       n=12      n=81     categories

                  Serranidee                            25,783     29,494    19,406    30,882    46,143    63,657    92,263    42,069    29,933    32,903    31,004     22,812  466,349           100.0
                     Centropristis striata               4,547      2,398     2,516     7,267    20.503    51,661    58,331    20,197     8,387      7,359    5,118      5jI40   193,424           41.5
                     Epinephetus  adscensionis            492        350        156       305     1,259       112       462        65       346       127       898       433     5,005              1.1
                     Epinephetus  afer                                                                                                                             6                   6           <@O. 1
                     Epinephetus  cruentatu                  9           2       32        20          9                                       5         8       33        54       172            @0.1
                     EpInephelus  drumnondhayi            669        273        760       603       280       216       750     1,046       all       266       497       742     6,913              1.5
                     Epinephetus  flavotiffbatus          266        548        172                           235         59      463        95       179                         2,017              0.4
                     Epinephetus  fuivus                  110          18          5       32       121                  41        18       164         12      435       140     1,096              0.2
                     Epinephetto  guttatus                432        418        465       245     2,861       196       503        32       302          2    1,335       528     7,019              1.5
                     Epinephetus  Inermis                                         21                   4                                     13                              4       42            <0.1
                     Epinephetus  morlo                  1,698      1,805     1,731     3,319     2,155       245     1,019       147      1,146      534     2,639      1,957    18,395             3.9









                 Tabie 7. (Continued).


                                                                                                                                                                                                Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                 species
                                                                                                    SOUTHERN DISTRICT                                                                         Composition
                                                                                                                                                                                                 within
                                                          Jul        Aug        Sep        Oct      Nov       Dec        Jan       Feb       Mar       Apr        May       Jun     Totat         rmior
                 Species                                  n=9        n=ll       n=4        n=6      n=7       n=l        n=6       n=5       n=7       n=8        n=5       n=12      n=81     categories

                   EgAnephetus nigritu                                                               33                  118         73      232         17        55                  528             0.1
                   Epinerhelus niveatus                 2,929      6,521      1,955     1,717     1,790     2,623      8,321     8,476     7,506    10,255      4,905     1,060    58,058             12.4
                   Hemanthlas teptus                                     8                                                                                 8                            16            <0.1
                   Mycterop-erca  bonaci                                                               4                                                           93                   97            <0.1
                   Mycterop2rca   interstitiatis          351          23                  38       340                  214                 150         26     2,374        73     3 589              0.8
                   Mycteroperca   microtepis            8,850      10,772     9,258   12,498      9,866     4,735    16,353      6,386     5,767     8,749      8,098     6,366   107:698             23.1
                   ftycteroperca  phenax                5,354      6,341      2,519     4,786     6,273     3,634      5,944     5,160     4,702     5,324      3,698     6,220    59,955             12.8
                   Mycteroperca   venenosa                  76         16                  13       597                   91          6      179           9      757        63     1,807              0.4
                   Paranthfas furcifer                                   1      116        39        48                   57                 128         28        63        32        512             0.1
                 Lutjanidme                            13,663      19,812   12,908     17,027    15,936     7,165    13,367      5,840    12,753    14,784    13,600     14,215   161,070             100.0
                   Lutlanus   anatis                        63         41       107        65        96         11        20          4       19         35       295        17        m               0.5
                   tutlamis   buccant-tia                    1                                                            13                  15         27                    3        59            -0.1
                   Lutlami    canpechamis                 690        720        280     1,285     1,099     1,399      3,417     1,418     1,452     1,078        480       613    13,931              8.6
                   Lutlanu    cyanopterus                                5                           25                64                     29                             49        172             0.1
                   Lut lamis  ariseus                                  10         11                 11          6        10         17                                      11         76            <0.1
                   Lutlanus   purpureus                                22                                                                                          12                   34            <0.1
                   Lut iamis  vivamis                     786            8      182        78       165         12       465         44       71       224         64       180     2,279              1.4
                   Ocyurus chrysurus                                                                                                                                 5                    5           <0.1
                   Rhomboolites aurorubens             12, 23      19,006   12,328     15,599    14,540     5,737      9,378     4,357    11,167    13,420    12,744     13,342   143,741             89.2  Li
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Ln
                 Sparidae                              12,980      14,468     6,248     8,090     8,510     9,492    27,215     15,324    14,804    11,940    10,977     15,798   155,846             100.0
                   Cataims teucosteus                       64       121                   45        35         29       135       326        46                             42        843             0.5
                   Calaim nodosus                       1,867        795      1,649     1,351     2,360     1,225      4,040     1,013     2,709     1,515      2,594     1,129    22,517             14.4
                   Writodus hotbrook!                                                                                    296       136       101       251        140       196     1,120              0.7
                   Lagod     Chookbolde                                                                                                                  27                             27            <0.1
                   Pagrus Pagrus                       11,049      13,552     4,599     6,694     6,115     8,238    22,744     13,849    11,944    10,122      8,243    14,431   131,580             84.4
                   Stenotomu caprinus                                                                                                            3       25                             28            .<O.l
                   Stenomus chrusops                                                                                                             1                                        1           @O.l

                 Hatacanthidae                          2,866      3,575      9,434     4,110     4,707     2,332      4,268     2,128     3,866     2,539      1,188     6,067    47,080             100.0
                   Coulolatitus chrysops                                 3      863                                      116                               1                           983             2.1
                   Cautolatflus cyanops                                                                                                                    4                              4           'O'l
                   Cautolatitus microps                   666      2,844      4,717        74        49         66       362       204     1,009     1,804        424        31    12,250             26,0
                   Lopholatitus chamaeteonticeps        2,200        728      3,854     4,036     4,658     2,266      3,790     1,924     2,840       730        764     6,036    33,826             71.8

                 Balfutidme                               479        893        704     1,370     1,488       884      1,225       699     1,553       970      1,338     1,226    12,829             100.0
                   Ballstes capriscus                     471        893        624     1,357     1,432       884      1,184       691     1,553       930      1,218     1,218    12,455             97.1
                   Ballstes   y1tula                         8                    80       13        56                   41          a                  25       120          a       359             2.9
                   Monochnthus hispidus                                                                                                                  15                             15            <0.1

                 Haemtjdae                              6,742      8,054      5,236     7,259     7,079     3,164      5,686     3,831     4,982     4,621      6,339     7,968    70,961             100.0
                   Haemulo aurolineat                                                                                     10                             95                            105             0.1
                   Haeouto ptunieri                     6,742      8,054      5,236     7,259     7,079     3,164      5,676     3,831     4,9B2     4,526      6,339     7,965    70,856             99.9

                 Percichthyidme                         2,302      13,776   14,521     17,027    19,945     17,414   25,021     15,499    22,248    24,499    13,259     51,022   236,713             100.0
                   Poiyprlon americamis                 2,302      13,776   14,521     17,027    19,945     17,414   25,021     15,499    22,248    24,499    13,259     51,022   236,713             100.0










                   Table 7. (Continued).


                                                                                                                                                                                               Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                species
                                                                                                    SOUTHERN DISTRICT                                                                         composition
                                                                                                                                                                                                within
                                                           Jul        Aug       Sep       Oct       Nov        Dec       Jan       Feb       Mar       Apr        May       Jun     Total        major
                   Species                                 n=9        n=11      n=4       n=6       n=7        n=1       n=6       n=5       n=7       n=8        n=5      n=12       n=81     categories
                   Sc,rp@,id,e                             236        693        75                   45       279                 309                 160        468     1,172     3,437           100.0
                     Heticotenus dactylopterus             236        693        75                   45       279                 309                 160        468     1,172     3,437           100.0

                   Scambricbe                              116        720       110       114         53          4       91        58       232       344        120       429     2,391           100.0
                     Acanthocybium solanderi                67          36       22           3                           24        32        38         15       43        280       11.7
                     Scomberamorus cavatia                 116        653        74         48        41          4       35        26       167       249        72        386     1,871            78.2
                     Thunnus albacares                                                      26          7                 54                  22         48       33                  190             7.9
                     Thunnus attanticus                                                     18          2                   2         a       11         9                             50             2.1

                   Caramidee                               315        135        65       101         16          a      123       209       760         54          4       46     1,836           100.0
                     Serfola durneriti                                135                                                 36                 745                             12       928            50.5
                     Seriola fasciata                       11                                                                                                                         11             0.6
                     Seriota rivoliana                     293                              20                    1       57                  15                               8      394            21.4
                     Serfota zonata                         11                              81                    7       26                                                   2      127             6.9
                     Seriota spp.                                                                                           4      209                   54          4       24       295            16.1

                   Coryphamidae                            427        129        40           8         4         1         2                            8        312       330     1,261         100.0
                     Coryphaena himurus                    427        129        40           8         4         1         2                            B        312       330     1,261         100.0

                   Rachycentridae                                                60         88          6              1,149        12        15       345                     6    1,681           100.0
                     Rachycentron canadum                                        60         88          6              1,149        12        15       345                     6    1,681           100.0

                   Powtooldae                                                                                            268                 274         40                           582           100.0
                     Pomatomus saitatrix                                                                                 268                 274         40                           582           100.0

                   Labridae                                   5       712       198       622       691        227       680       308       184       158        420       7a4     4,989           100.0
                     Bodianu Putchellus                       1                                                                                          4                               5            0.1
                     Lachnotaimus maximus                     4       712       198       622       691        227       680       308       184       154        420       784     4,984            99.9

                   Priacanthidae                              6                    1          2                   1         2         1       22         23                    1       59           100.0
                     Cookeotus boops                          1                                                                                                                          1            1.7
                     Priacanthus atta                         2                               1                                                                                          3            5.1
                     Priscanthus arenatus                     3                    1          1                   1         2         1       22         23                    1       55            93.2

                   Sciamidee                                                                                                1                   6                                        7          100.0
                     Eauetus iwamotoi                                                                                       1                   6                                        7          100.0

                   Gadidne                                                                                       10       15        40        12         2                             79           100.0

                   stromateldne                                         47                                                                               47                 536       630           100.0
                     Hyperogtyph perciformis                            47                                                                               47                 536       630           100.0

                   Corgridae                                                                          17         16                   6                                                39           100.0

                   Tetraoduntidae                                                                                44       19        10          3                                      76           100.0

                   SquaLiformes                           1,773       820       861      1,298     1,539     1,224     4,022      2,392     1,693.    1,874       624       362     18,482          100.0

                   NotLusca                                 45           7       25       137      1,077     3,319     1,187       866       369       154        84         85     7,355           100.0









                  Table B. Species composition in kilograms for the North Carolina commercial reef fish landings by district, based an catches for the fishery, July 1990-june
                               1991. n = number of boats sampled.

                                                                                                                                                                                               Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                species
                                                                                                    NORTHERN DISTRICT                                                                         composition
                                                                                                                                                                                                within
                                                          Jut          Aug      Sep       Oct       Nov        Dec       Jan       Feb       Mar       Apr        Kay       Jun     Total        major
                  Species                                 n=O          n=1      n=O       n=O       n=O        n=O       n=O       n=1       n=O       n=O        n=O       n=O       n=2     categorie

                  Serranidae                             4,178     12,885      2,279     1,435     1,324     2.272     2,951     9,956      5,211     9,827     5,056     4,640    62,014           100.0
                    CentroPristis striata                3,412     10,928      1,435     1,101     1,165     2,239     2,951     9,549      4,247     5,112     3,444       836    46,419             96.0
                    Centropristis ocyurus                              43                                                                                                               43            0.1
                    Epinenhetus drummondhay!                           332                                                                                                            332             0.7
                    EpInei3helus fulvus                                147                                                                                                            147             0.3
                    Epfnephetus niveatus                             1,435                                                                                                          1,435             2.9

                  Lutjonidae                              237          907      118       211       402           6        21        Is      110       339        975       327     3,666           100.0
                    Rhodmtites aurorubens                              907                                                                                                            907           100.0

                  Sparidne                                401          784      223       102       102                     2         7        30      158        290       542     2,641           100.0
                    Pagrus Pagrus                                      784                                                                                                            784           100.0

                  Wacanthid3e                            4,002     10,298       546       445       381        186       244     4,074      2,097     7,963     1,016     4,351    35,603           100.0
                    Cautolatitus microps                           10,298                                                                                                          10,298           100.0

                  Balistidne                                 22        80         34        96      300        344       151       .64         89      424        503       224     2,331           100.0
                    Patistes caprinus                                  80                                                                                                               80          100.0

                  Haemutidee                                                                                                                              4                              4          100.0

                  Scorpsenidae                                           I                                                                                                               1          100.0
                    NIMrinthe herningwayi                                I                                                                                                               1          100.0

                          Idee                                                                                                               104                              18      122           100.0

                  CarmVidne                               480       1,061       152       131         60       4                   159       176       606        110       280     2,158           100.0
                      Serlota rivotiana                             1,061                                                                                                           1,061           100.0

                  Coryphamidw                                                                                                                                              1,247    1,247           100.0

                  Rachycentridoe                                       29                                                                                                               29          100.0

                  P@tmjdae                                               4                                                                                                               4          100.0

                  Labridw                                                          3                                                                                                     3          100.0

                  Yetraodontidne                                                265                                                                                                   265           100.0

                  Squatifomes                               92                                               3,965                                                                  4,057

                  Nottusica                                              I                                                                                                               1          100.0









                         TabLe 8. (continued).

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                     species
                                                                                                          CENTRAL DISTRICT                                                                         compositio@
                                                                                                                                                                                                     within
                                                                 Jut        Aug       Sep       Oct       Nov       Dec       Jan       Feb        Mar       Apr       May      Jun      Totat        major
                         Species                                 n=O        n=7       n=4       n=9       rr-4      n=5       n=8       n=6       n=13       n=6       n=5       n=4       n=71    categorie


                         Serranidae                            11,385     6,550     4,547     4.301     7,879     7,481     13,737    11,341    10,636    14,121    6,730      10,612   109,320          100.0
                           Centropristis ocyurus
                           Centropristis striata                 526        633       336       692     2,581     3,873     10,348    7,383     6,808     7,134     1,220        596    42,130            38.5
                           Epinephelus    adscensionis                      248        90         21       43                 103                   27                                     532             0.5
                           Epinephetus    cruentatus                         50                     2                                       6                                               58            '0.1
                           EpinepheLus    drLmnondhayi                      149       141       103       152        27                 563        186       142       633        48     2,144             2.0
                           Epinephetus    flavollobatus                                                                           7                 13        52                            72             0.1
                           EpInephelus;   fuLvus                             69        39         16          5        5          3     298           4                  51                490             0.4
                           EpIneyholus    guttatus                          371       142         22          7                 25                  34                            62       663             0.6
                           EpfnepheLus    I nermis
                           Epinerhetus    morio                             556     1,189       335       408        36         56        78       308        34    1,923        845     5,768             5.3
                           EpinepheLus    mystacinus                                                                                        9                                                 9           <0.1
                           Epinephelus    n!qrItu                  34       101                                                                                                            135             0.1
                           EpInephetus    niveatus             6,550      1,683       335     1,926       202        41     1,744     2,040     1,131     6,581     2,416        540    25,189            23.0
                           Mycteroperc    bonaci                             16                                                   4                                               23        43            <0.1
                           Mycteroperc    interstitiatis                    784       131         22       83        45         27        25        18                            12     1,147             1.0
                           Myeteroperce   microtepis           1,445        449     1,304       780     1,963     2,504       922       343        268       123              4.133     14,234            13.0
                           Mycteroperc    phenax                          1,154       821       370     2,383       950       492       602     1,832         55       487    4,306     13,452            12.3
                           Mycteroperc    venenosa                          283        19           6                                                                             47       355             0.3
                           Paranthiss furcifer                                 4                    6      24                                         7                                     41            <0.1
                           Ryptfcus  saponicus                                                             28                                                                               28            <0.1

                         Luflanidae                            51813      11,112    7,026     7,593     13,578    3,899     4,744     4,811     6,161     5,158     10,651    6,655     87,201           100.0
                           Lutianus  anatis                                  59                                                                                                             59             0.1
                           Lut I anus buccanella                             14                   20       64                   24        22        28                                     172             0.2
                           L ut I anus campechanus                 65       150        93       143       268       247       293       268        216       285                 481     2,509             2.9
                           Lutlanu   vivanus                                921        36         92       91        58         46        10       160        50                         10464             1.7
                           Rhomboptites aurorubens             5,748      9,968     6,897     7,338     13,155    3,594     4,381     4,511     5,757     4,823     10,651    6,174     82,997            95.2

                         Speridae                              4,990      4,096     2,092     1,346     5,168     3,059     2,449     3,530     3,292     3,242     2,565     4,583     40,412           100.0
                           Calamus bajonad                                                                                      11                                                          11            <0.1
                           Calamus  leucosteus                                 6         8                    6        8        38        23                  16                  29       134             0.3
                           Catamus  nodosus                                  62        52       164       331        80       310         46       156                   28      257     1,486             3.9
                           Diptodus hotbrooki                                  8                    5      31       142         21        15                                     108       330             0.9
                           Pagrus Pagrus                       2,864      4,020     2,032     1,177     4,800     2,829     2,069     3,449     3,136     3,226     2,537     4,189     36,328            94.8
                           Stenotomus caprinus                                                                                              2         4                                       6           <0.1

                         Hatw.anthldae                           M        1,215       251       152       307       246     1,154       339        358    1,124        592       766     7,323           100.0
                           Caulotatitus chrysom                             195                     a                           94        32        30       102       150                 611            11.8
                           Cautotatilus cyanops                                                                               103                   25                                     128             2.5
                           Cautotatilus m1crops                           1,020                 1"                  246       957       307        284       904       442               4,304            83.1
                           Lopholatitus chamaeleonticeps                                                                                                     Ila                           118             2.2
                           Maiacanthus Plumieri                                                                                                     19                                      19             0.4

                         Balistidae,                           1,093      2,087     1,035       574     3,506       490       821       478        746    2,936     4,207     2,291     20,264           100.0
                           oatistes cooriscus                             1,869     1,035       568     3,487       490       808       478        746    2.936     4,207     2,225     19,942            98.3
                           Balletes  Vatuto                                 218                     6      19                   13                                                66       322             1.7










                 Tabte 8. (Continued).

                                                                                                                                                                                       Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                        species
                                                                                                CENTRAL DISTRICT                                                                       composition
                                                                                                                                                                                         within
                                                        Jut       Aug       Sep       Oct       Nov      Dec       Jan       Feb       Mar       Apr       May     Jun      Totat         major
                 Species                                n=O       n=7       n=4       n=9       n=4      n=5       n=8       n=6       n=13      n=6       n=5      n=4       n=71    categorie

                 Haemutidae                             395       66a       463       524       B41      169       856       230       285       396       481      692     6,000            100.0
                   Haemuto    aurotineat                              50     42          6         6         5     180          3         2      396       346        41    1,077            18.0
                   Uaemuto   Plunferi                             618       421       518       835      164       6@6       227       283                 135      651         493          82.0

                 Percichthyidae                                                                                                                2,610                        2,610            100.0
                   Potypri     americamis                                                                                                      2,610                        2,610            100.0

                 Scorpeenidae                                                                                                             8      122                            130          100.0
                   Hellcolenus dactylopterus                                                                                              6      122                            128          98.5
                   Neomerfnth herningwayi                                                                                                 2                                       2            1.5

                 Scolkirldw                                           35     38        99       149          6      16        14       159         44      160      112         832          100.0
                   Acanthocybiurn sotanderi                           9                          18                                                                             27             3.2
                   Euthynnus atteteratus                                                           3                                    22                                      25             3.0
                   Scomberomorus cavalia                              12     38        99        18          6      16        14       130         44      149      112         638          76.7
                   SComberomorus maculatus                            1                                                                   1                                       2            0.2
                   7humus spp.                                        14                        110                                       6                  11                 141          16.9

                 Carangiclae                            425       603       323      1,189     2,255    1,084      815      2,182     1'"0      1,597      978     2,572    15,463           100.0
                   Atectis citiaris                                   18                                                                                                        18             0.1 W
                   Serfola dumeriti                               305                 3110     1,469       38      490       644       489       663       556      871     5,905            39.3  @0
                   Serlota rivotiana                              280       323       809       738     1,046      285      1,465      941       862       422     1,678    8,849            58.8
                   Serfola zonat                                                                 48                           73          6        72                 23        222            1.5
                   Serloto spp.                                                                                     40                                                          40             0.3
                   Caranx crysos                                                         B                                                4                                     12             0.1
                 Coryphaenidae                                        52        6      67        12          1                          13       108       932      646     1,837            100.0
                   Coryphaen hlMyrus                                  52        6      67        12          1                          13       108       932      646     l,a37            100.0
                 Rachyemtridae                                               13        87        34          8      14                  38                   57     921     1.172            100.0
                   Rachycentron canadum                                      13        87        34          a      14                  38                   57     921     1,172            100.0
                 Pcmtomidoe                                                                                         13                    8                                     21           100.0
                   Pomatomus saltatrix                                                                              13                    8                                     21           100.0

                 Labridae                                             43                         75                                                                             118          100.0
                   Lachnolgimus maximus                               43                         75                                                                             118          100.0
                 Priacanthildee                                       28        1      24        50                    4      33        29                                      169          100.0
                   Priacanlhus arenatu                                26        1      24        50                    4      33        25                                      163          96.4
                   PrlstlagW    sit&                                  2                                                                   4                                       6            3.6
                 Sciaenidee                                                                                                     I                                                 1          100.0
                   Equetus iwamotoi                                                                                             I                                                 1          100.0
                 Sphyramildee                                         23        6        5       23                    8        3                                               76           100.0
                   Sphyraera barracuda                                23        6        5       23                    a        3         a                                     76           100.0









                      Table B. (Continued).


                                                                                                                                                                                                              Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                               species
                                                                                                             CENTRAL DISTRICT                                                                                composition
                                                                                                                                                                                                               within
                                                                 Jut         Aug        Sep        Oct       Nov        Dec        Jan        Feb        Mar         Apr      May        Jun      Total          major
                      Species                                    n=O         n=7        n=4        n=9       n=4        n=5        n=8        n=6       n=13         n=6      n=5        n=4        n=71     categories


                      Congridae                                                 5                     5          3         2       137         84        104         37                             377            100.0

                      SquaLiformes                                16         271        260        181     2,103        264        408        149        270                                      3,922            100.0

                      Not 1--                                                                                  23        11        345        158         40         68                             645            100.0



                                                                                                                                                                                                              Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                                               species
                                                                                                                                                                                                             compos i t i on
                                                                                                             SOUTHERN DISTRICT                                                                                 within
                                                                 Jut         Aug        Sep        Oct       Nov        Dec        Jan        Feb        Mar         Apr      May        Jun      Total          major
                      Species                                    n=18        n=7        n=2       n=13       n=10       n=9        n=9        n=7        n=8       n=17       n=15       n=3      n=118      categories

                      Serranidae                              20,927      29,317     31,063     21,725     31,651    36,126     53,849     28,427     13,202     29,013     21,462    23,078    339,840            100.0
                        Centropristis ocyurus                                                                                                               6        .73      226                   305              0.1
                        Centropristis striata                 3,163       5,265      4,071      3,459      12,092     19,851    36,352     11,629     5,919       7,747     7,943      2,631    120,122             35.3
                        Diplectrum formosum                                                                                                               26         180      109         49        364              0.1
                        Epinephelus    adscensionis              5T7         372        277        138       278        315        166        332        164         316      453        464      8,852              1.1   4-
                        EpInephelus    afer                                                                                                                                     13                   13             <0.1   C
                        Epf nerhet us  cruentatus                 28                     60           5                    2                              15         27         18         4        159             <0.1
                        Epinephelus    drLxmiondhayi             710         502        331         94         63       158        186         64        349         377      224        224      3,282              1.0
                        Epinephetus    flavotimbatus              54                    223        607         34        88           4       135         12         325                 518      2,000              0.6
                        Epinephelus    fuivus                     93                     67         37         50        39         37         46         66         13         61        27        536              0.2
                        Epineyhelus    guttatus                  283         904        947        112       290        226        439        301        588         284      168        393      4,935              1.4
                        Epinephetus    inermis.                                                                  3                                                     4                   5         12             <0.1
                        EpinephetM     morio                  1,521       2,992      3,911      2,234      2,028     2,748      4,838      2,052         411         476      907      1,927    26,045               7.7
                        Epinephelus    -nigritus                  40                     14                    35        64                                          64       106                   323              0.1
                        Epinephelus    niveatus               2,499       5,026      10,230     7,557      4,305     2,823      1,728      4,155         652     10,030     4,054      5,271    58,330              17.2
                        Gonioptectrus hispanus                                             5                                                                                                            5           <O.1
                        Hemanthfas teptus                                                                                                                                                 19         28             <0.1
                        Mycteroperca interstitialis              138          38         24         12       161           7        28         27        164         30       172                   801              0.2
                        Mvcterog)erca microtepis              5,712       8,217      4,997      3,572      8,045     6,401      5,997      5,769      2,507       5,275     3,658      4,422    64,572              19.0
                        Mycteroperca Phenax                   6,080       5,954      5,638      3,734      4,191     3,396      4,044      3,878      2,104       3,784     3,336      7,103    53,242              15.7
                        Mycteroperca venenosa                     15                    228        134                                         25        175                      7                 584              0.2
                        Paranthlas furcifer                       14          47         40         30         76                   30         14         20                      3       21        295              0.1
                        Serranus   Phoebe                                                                                                                 24           8          4       19         36             <0.1

                      Lutjanidae                              9,820       28,529     16,693     26,774     22,874     13,400    12,938     12,479     8,556      15,738     16,953    15,418    200,172            100.0
                        Lutianus   anatis                         26          25         67         22         71        46         58         23         44         56         52       115        605              0.3
                        Lutianus   buccanelta                       5                      5          2                             24                                 7                             43             <0.1
                        Lutianus   canpechanus                   471         706        203        407       484        414        300        589        461         371      230        494      5,130              2.6
                        Lutlanus   cyanopterus;                   W             5          6        20         13        23                                                       6                  92             <0.1
                        Lutlanu    arlseus                          5         26         14                              54         12           3                   10         19         6        149              0.1
                        Lutionue   vivanus                        55            7       794         24       287         45         87         T7         15           a        19       404      1,822              0.9
                        Ocyurus chrysurus                                                                                                        2                                                      2           <0.1









                Table B. (Continued).


                                                                                                                                                                                          Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                           species
                                                                                                 SOUTHERN DISTRICT                                                                        capposition
                                                                                                                                                                                            within
                                                        Jul        Aug       Sep       Oct       Nov       Dec       Jan       Feb        Mar      Apr       May       Jun          Total    major
                Species                                 n=18       n=7       n=2       n=13      n=10      n=9       n=9       n=7        n=8      n=17      n=15      n=3     n=118      categories

                  Rhomboplites aurorubens             9,239     27,760     15,604    26,299    22,019    12,818    12,457    11,785    8,036    15,286    16.627    14,399   192,329            96.1

                Speridae                             15,546     18,563     15,325    8,925     11,988    7,882     10,130    11,531    8,872    11,575    10,232    10,704   141,273           100.0
                  Catamus teucosteus                     13         64                   36        14         6       62        76        56       100                              427           0.3
                  Calamus nodosus                     2,523      1.445     2,168     2,041     2,372     1.699     1.634     1,817     1,139     1,414     1,361     1,651    21,264            15.0
                  DIPtodus hotbrooki                     21         69                              4       64       190       259        95        97       112        60          971           0.7
                  Pagrus Pagrus                      12,989     16,985     13,157    6,828     9,598     6,113     8,244     9,365     7,582     9,964     8,756     8,993   118,574            83.9
                  Catamus balonad
                  C4twm Proridens                                                                                                 4                                                 4           '0.1
                  stenotomus caprinus                                                    20                                     10                                                  30          <0.1
                  Lagodon rhomboides                                                                                                                            3                   3           '(0.1

                Malacanthidae                           ill      1,755     8,258     9,331     6,072     1,456     3,563       471     6,522     9,138     3,428     3,744    53,849           100.0
                  Cautolatitus chrysops                                                                                                             50                              50            0.1
                  Cautolatitus cyanops                             174                                                                                         38                   212           0.4
                  Cautolatitu microps                    75      1,319       896     3,111     1,738       974       104        51        30     3,207       951     1,688    14,144            26.3
                  Lopholatilu chamaeleonticeps           36        262     7,362     6,220     4,321       459     3,445       386     6,484     5.866     2,345     1,957    39,145            72.7
                  Halacanthus ptumieri                                                             13       23        14        32          8       15         94       99          298           0.6

                Batistidae                            1,423      2,056     3,78Z     2,713     4,528     1,801     1,263     2,001     1,114     1,618     2,174     2,518    26,991           100.0
                  Atuteru monocenos                                                                         10                                                                      10          <0. I -T--
                  Balistes   capriscus                1,423      2,056     3,736     2,700     4,528     1,781     1,196     2,001     1,050     1,608     2,161     2,380    26,620            98.6
                  Batistes  vetula                                                       13                 10        57                  64        10         13      138          305           1.1
                  Canthidermis sufftamen                                       46                                                                                                   46            0.2
                  14onocanthus hispidus,                                                                              10                                                            10          <Q.1

                Namutidime                            7,049     12,465     9,070     5,254     9,006     4,518     5,199     4,459     3.210     4,340     5.495     6,165    76,230           100.0
                  Haemuion aurolineat                                                     4                 23        14       304        265      300       413       103     1,426              1.9
                  Haemuto ptunierf                    7,049     12,465     9,070     5,250     9,006     4,495     5,180     4,155     2,945     4,040     5,082     6,062    74,799            98.1
                  Orthooristis chrysoptera                                                                              5                                                           5           <0.1

                Pemichthyidae                        37,046     14,194                                                                          23,979    19,158    21,600   115,977           100.0
                  Polyprfon americanus               37,046     14,194                                                                          23,979    19,158    21,600   115,977           100.0

                Scorpeenidae                               1        75       355       264       648       452       568          8       456    2,753     2,369       334     8,283           100.0
                  Helicolenus dactyiopterus                1        75       355       264       648       452       568          8       452    2,753     2,369       334     8,279            99.9
                  Neofferinthe hemingwayi                                                                                                   4                                       4             0.1

                Scombridne                              747        151         58      359       148        53       167       450        289      237       388        63     3,110           100.0
                  Acanthocybiun sotanderi                46                    15                           29                  66        63        94       242        56          611         19.6
                  Euthymus atieteratus                                                                        I                                                                     I           <0.1
                  Scomberomorus cavatt#                 643        151         26      353       140        23        25       288        M        103       146          7    2,097            67.4
                  Scomberomora macuiatus;                  9                              6                                                                                         15            o.5
                  Thumus albacares                       49                                                           88        96        11                                        244           7.8
                  Thunnus ottenticus                                           17                   8                 54                  23        40                              142           4.6
                  Thumus spp.










                 Tabie 8. (Continued).

                                                                                                                                                                                          Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                           species
                                                                                                  SOUTHERN DISTRICT                                                                      composition
                                                                                                                                                                                           within
                                                         Jul        Aug       Sep       Oct       Nov      Dec       Jan       Feb       Mar       Apr       May       Jun       Totat      major
                 Species                                n=18        n=7       n=2      n=13      n=10      n=9       n=9       n=7       n=8       n=17      n=15      n=3     n=118      categories
                 CaraVidne                               136        187       207        66       510     2,849     2,071     4,223     1,500     1,263     1,069     1,450    15,531          100.0
                   Atectis ciliaris                                   51       12        18       36          4      189                                      50          7      367             2.4
                   Caranx crysos;                                                                           15                  12                                                27             0.2
                   Serfola dumerili                                                      47                423       840      3,905     1,112                780       592     7,699            49.6
                   $eriota fasciata                                                        1                                                                                        1           <0.1
                   Seriole rivotlana                                                                       112                 140       381       327       213       424     1,597            10.3
                   Seriola zonat                                                                                                            7                 26       427       460             3.0
                   Serlota spp.                          136        136       195                 474     2,295     1,042      166                 936                         5,380            34.6
                 CorVphaenidae                           404          61       23        27       85        54        18                           340        32       192     1,236           100.0
                   Coryi*aena hippurus                   404          61       23        27       85        54        18                           340        32       192     1,236           100.0

                 Rachycentridae                                                                   60       608       540       112       134       109        10         22    1,595           100.0
                   Rachycentron canadum                                                           60       608       540       112       134       109        10         22    1,595           100.0

                 Pomatomidae                                                                                          54        31        30                                     115           100.0
                   Pomatomus sattatrix                                                                                54        31        30                                     115           100.0
                 Labridne                             1,290       1,776     3,068        714    1,039      498       297       229       298       645       908      1,302    12,064          100.0
                   Bodianus pyicheltus                    25                   94                             2         a         2         4         5       32                 172             1.4
                   Lachnotaimus maximus               1,257       1,776     2,974        714    1,039      496       289       227       294       640       856      1,302    11,864           98.3
                   Hatichoeres Aarnoti                      8                                                                                                                       8            0.1
                   Hatichoeres cyanocephalus                                                                                                                  20                  20             0.2

                 Priacanthidae                            26                   11        73       45        10        32        66        25         22         1         3      314           100.0
                   Cookeolus boops                        14                                                                                                                      14            12.0
                   Priacanthus arenatus                   12                   11          3                  5         7       16        13          3         1         3       74            63.2
                   Pristfgenys aita                                                                           1         1       13        12          2                           29            24.8

                 Sciaenidee                                                                                                       7         5                   1                 13           100.0
                   Equetus -umbrosus                                                                                                                            1                   1           16.7
                   Ecluetus lwamotol                                                                                                        5                                       5           83.3

                 GadId3e                                                                 12                 27                    5                                               44           100.0

                 strcmteldne                          3,429         514       150        73       167       53          9                 11       473        75       401     5,355           100.0
                   Hyperogtyphe Perciformis           3,429         514       150        73       167       53          9                 11       473        75       401     5,355           100.0

                 Congridae                                             5                          42          5      703       278       126         72       36                 1267          100.0

                 Huramidee                                                                                                                11                                      11           100.0

                 Tetraodontidee                                                                                       63       110                                               173           100.0

                 Pamw.anthidae                           218        318                                                                                                          536           100.0

                 Nolocentridae                                                                              41          5                                                         46           100.0
                   Notocentrus   ascensionis                                                                            5                                                           5          100.0










                Table S. (Continued).


                                                                                                                                                                                     Percent of
                                                                                                                                                                                       species
                                                                                              SOUTHERN DISTRICT                                                                     composition
                                                                                                                                                                                      within
                                                        Jut       Aug       Sep       Oct     Nov        Dec       Jan      Feb      Mar       Apr       May       Jun      Total      major
                Species                                n--18      n=7       n--2     n=13     n=10       n=9       n=9      n=7      n=8      n=17      n=15       n=3    n=118     categories

                Xiphildae                                                                                                            144         79                          223         100.0
                  Xiphias oladius                                                                                                    144         79                          223         100.0

                Squa t i formes                         827       514       422       553     852      1,123    9,563     1,69      1,348     1,344      495     3,665   29,165          100.0

                                                        198         46       86        95     718      1,850    6,319     1,252      327        147       88        31    11,157         100.0













                                                                                                                                                                                               4-





                                                                                 44








                        Table 9. Market size grades of black sea bass, vermilion snapper, red snapper, red porgy, and tiLefish by
                                   district.



                                                                                                           DISTRICT
                        Species                                                   Central                                           Southern

                        C. striata                                            <0.340 ks (3/4 Lb)                                 <0.227 kg (1,12 Lb)
                        Black sea bass                             0.340-0.681 kg (3/4-1-1/2Lb)                          0.227-0.454 kg (1/2-1 Lb)
                                                                     0.681-0.908 kg (1-1/2-2tb)                                    >0.454 kg (I Lb)
                                                                                 >0.908 kg (2 Lb)


                        R. aurorubens                                                                                              <0.340 (<3/4   1b)
                        Vermi L ion snapper                                      <0.454 kg 0 lb)                         0.340-0.454 kg (3/4-1    lb)


                        L. vivanus                                       0.454-0.908 kg (1-2 tb)                           0.454-0.908 kg (1-2    (b)
                        Silk snapper                                     0.908-1.816 kg (2-4 tb)                           0.908-1.816 kg (2-4    lb)
                                                                                 >1.816 kg (4 tb)                                  >1.816 kq (4   lb)


                           campechaiTus                                           0-362 kg (31b)                                   <1.816 k (4    Lb)
                                                                         1.362-2.724 kg (3-6 Lb)                                               -8 Lb)
                        Red snapper                                                                                        1.816-3.632 kg (4
                                                                                 >2.724 k9 (6  Lb)                                 >3.632 kg (8   Lb)


                           pagrus                                                <0.454 kg (1  Lb)                                 <0.454 kg (1   Lb)
                        Red porgy                                        0.454-0.908 kg (1-2   Lb)                         0.454-0.908 kg (1-2    Lb)
                                                                         0.908-1.816 kg (2-4   Lb)                         0.908-1.816 kg (2-4    Lb)
                                                                                 >1.816 kg (4  Lb)                                 >1.816 kg (4   Lb)


                        L. chamaeleonticeps                                                                                        0.816 kg (4    Lb)
                        Titefish                                                                                           1.816-3.632 kg (4-8    Lb)
                                                                                                                                   >3.632 kg (8   Lb)












        Table 10.    Pelagic species coffposition in kilograms for the North Carolina comerciat trips for the periods July 1988-june 1989, July 1989-june 1990, and July 1990-june
                     1991, by district, by gear, based on landings.

                                                Northern District                                  Central District                                  Southern District
                                               Hand-      Longtine                                 Hand-        Longtine                             Hand-          Longline
        Species                    Trott       line    Surface Bottom      Total      Troll        tine     Surface Bottom      Total      Trott      tine    Surface Bottom       Total         Totals

        July 1988 - June 1989

        Scomberomorus cavatta 192,877                       -        -    192,877     35,016          -                  -      35,016     114,625      50          -        -    114,675       342,568
        Coryphaene hippurus        15,496         -      234         -     15,730      5,222       108                   -       5,330      7,715       27      730          -      8,473        29,533
        Pomatomus saltatrix         1,114         -         -        -      1,144     21,539          -                  -      21,539      9,550       194                  5      9,749        32,432
        Acanthocybium sotanderi     1,374         -       25         -      1,399      3.222          -                  -       3,222      1,450               178        67       1,695         6,316
        Rachycentr    canad            508        -         -        -        508         639      852                   -       1,491      1,671      133          -     162       1,966         3,965
        Thunnmj allacares          85,109         -    4,019         -     89,128           -                                               2,376         -   1,048        40       3,464        92,592
        1. attanticus                  543        -       18                  561                                                              737        -         7        -        744         1,305
        T. obesus                   6,256         -    1,916         -      8,172                                                      -          9       -         -                    9        8,181
        Thunnui spp.                    21                  -        -           21   11,283                             -      11,283         357      14                            371        11,675

        Total                                                             309,540                                               77,881                                            141,146       528,567



        July 1989 - June 1990

        Scomberomorus cavatla 321,717                       -        -    321,717     42,862                             -      42,862     62,OT7         -         -        -     62,077       426,656
        Coryphaena hippurus        23,578                447         -     24,025      6,941          -                  -       6,941     13,210         -   4,046       337      17,593        48,559
        Pomatomus sattatrix         6,379                   -        -      6,379      2,470     1,570                   -       4,040      5,138         -         -     268       5,406        15,825
        Acanthocybi     sotarderi        -                                       -     2,328        48                   -       2,376      2,639         -         -        -      2,639         5,015
        Rachycentron canadum           241                  -        -        241         995    1,866                   -       2,861      2,248      148          -   1,525       3,921         7,023
        Thunnus atbacares        236,352          -    8,122         -    244,474           -         -                                -    3,182         -   11,428         -     14,610       259,084
        1. attanticus                    -     487          -        -        487           -                                                  846                28         -        875         1,362
        T. obesus                  12,372         -      501         -     12,873         601         -                             601          43       -         -        -          43       13,517
        Thunnus Spp.                     -        -      375         -        375      9,269       501                   -       9,770      4,766         -                  -      4.76         14,911

        Total                                                             610,571                                               69,451                                            111,930       791,952



        July 1990 - June 1991

        Scomberomorus cavatla 319,430            18         -        -    319,448     45,431       879          -        -      46,310     116,396        -         -        5    116,401       482,159
        Coryphaena hippurus        25,517    1,246     3,143         -     29,906     13,901     1,766      1,905        -      17,572     20,588         -     606       430      21,624        69,102
        Pomatomus saLtatrix         7,794         4         -        -      7,798     12,293        21                   -      12,314      6,111         -         -     30        6,141        26,253
        Acanthocybi    solanderi 1,120            -      131         -      1,251      2,761        74         91                2,926      3,256         -     227        36       3,519         7,696
        Rachycentron canadtin           30       29         -        -           59    2,851     1,112          -                3,963      2,029         -        78   1,501       3,608         7,630
        Thunnus atbacares        168,855               9,200         -    178,055           -         -                                -    1,305         -   3,426                 4,731       182,786
        T. atkanticus               2,394                 48         -      2,442           -         -                                        601        -       69                  670         3,112
        T.      sus                 1,413              4,189         -      5,602          59      105          -                   164           -       -     770                   770         6,536
        Thunnus spp.                     -                  -                    -    16,698        31        590               17,319         842                  -                 842        18,161
        Totals                                                            544,561                                               TOO,568                                           158,306       803,435






                                                                    46














                                                                                                                          370
                                                            Virginia





                                                 NORTHERN DISTRICT
                                                                                                                          369
                                                                                       wondese
                                           North
                                          Carolina

                                                  CENTRAL DISTRICT

                                                                                        ttem,                             350.
                   0       50
                      km                                                               RALEIGH BAY
                                                                             Wort
                                      SOUTHERN DISTRICT
                                                             nead3    Morehead City
                                                             Ferry
                                                       Wrightsville Beach
                                                                        0N.SL0,W SAY                                      340-
                    South                            Carolina Beach
                   Carolina
                                                    port

                                           LONG BAY





                                                                  "IT"                                       749



                            Figure 1.       North Carolina ports handling reef fish landings.










                  250

                                Southern
                             + Central

                                Total
                  200






                  150

              LU


              CL
              U
                  100

                                                                                   A



                   56'




                    01
                      7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1112 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5      6
                           88                   89                          90                    91

                                                       Month/Year
                         Figure 2.  Monthly mean CPUE, by district and total, of handline vessels in the
                                    reef fish fishery, July 1988-June 1991.











                        140

                                                                              El go-91     x   306.3,n  877
                                                                               089-90       x  303.7,n  573
                        120
                                                                               088-89      x   31 7.9,n 604


                        100



                   L)   80
                   C

                   D
                   Cr
                                                                                                                                         Go,
                   CD
                        60
                    LL



                        140




                        20
                          0                                                                     HP.M
                           150       200        250        300       350        400        450        500       550

                                                         Total length (mm)
                             Figure 3.    Length-frequency, mean size, and number      measured for black seabass
                                          (Centropristis striata) in North Carolina, July 19      '88-June 1991.











                  300



                                                            El 90-91 x   541.9,n  1070
                  250
                                                            089-90 x=500.7,n=1313
                                                            F-188-89 x=478.1,n=1063

                  200



               C
               (D
                  150
               Cr


               U_







                    50

                           77




                      200     300    4W      500     600     700     800     900     1000 1100

                                               Total length (mm)
                      Figure 4.   Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for snowy grouper
                                  (Eninephelus niveatus) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991.










                      160
                                                                           1190-91   x  427.5,n  298

                      140                                                    89-90   x  455.6,n  541
                                                                          D 88-89    x  449.0,n  750

                      120



                      100
                   >



                                                                                                                                Ln
                        80
                   Cr


                  LL
                        60



                        40



                        20



                          0
                             200  250 300 350 400 450 500       550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950
                                                     Total length (mm)
                    Figure 5.   Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for speckled hind (Eoinenhelus
                                drymmondha,    in North Carolina July 1988-June 199
                M       M     M      @ I"         M      M      ina    M      M      6M     M     M      M,    M      M      M











                    140
                                                                           El 90-91 x = 609.0,n = 543
                                                                           E189-90 x=565.1,n=478
                    120
                                                                           E188-89 x=574.6,n=374



                    100


                                                     .. .. ... ... ... ...



                                                      .. ... ... ... ...
                10  80
                                                                ... .. ... ..
                C

                D
                Cr                                                    . . ....
                                                                                                                         k-n
                CD
                    60
                U_



                    140




                    20




                       0
                                     9            a          LE
                       200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700                750   800  850 900

                                                  Total length (mm)
                       Figure 6.   Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for red grouper
                                   (Eginephelus mia) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991.










                 160

                                                      7r

                             E390-91 x=752.1,n=401
                 140
                             [189-90 x= 758.4,n= 606
                             088-89 x 751.3, n840
                 120



                 100
               >



               :3 80
               cr


              LL
                  60



                  40



                  20
                                                                            HMH c=A
                    0
                    200    300   400  500   600   700   800   900  1000 1100 1200

                                          Total length  (mm)
                Figure 7. Length-frequency,.mean size, and number measured for gag (MYcteroperca microlepis)
                          in North Carolina, July 1988-june 1991.











                      500
                                                                               E190-91      x= 510.1,n = 1603
                                                                               El 89-90     x = 498.7,n = 1572
                                                                               E188-89      x = 501.2,n = 1957
                      4W





                  >- 300

                  C


                  Cr
                  (D
                 LL   200






                      100






                        0-
                            200          3W           400         500          6W           700           800

                                                         Fork length (mm)
                         Figure 8.     Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for scamp (Mycteroperca
                                       phenax) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991.










                      180
                                                                         E190-91     x  587.9,n 202
                      160                                                089-90      x  524.0,n 549
                                                       ...               E188-89      x 535.4,n  442

                      140



                      120



                   C  100
                   (D

                   Cr                                                                                                        k-n
                       80

                  LL

                       60



                       140



                       20



                        0'
                          200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 1000
                                                    LLI


                                                     Total length (mm)
                            Figure 9.   Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for red snapper
                                        (Lutianus campechanus) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991.











                  160



                  140
                                                                 El 90-91 x  384.0,n  144
                                                                 089-90 x=417.8,n=319
                  120                                            088-89 x=404.7,n=650



                  100
               >



               :3  80
               Cr                                                                                              Ln


              LL
                   60



                   40



                   20



                    01 -
                        200      300       400       500      600       700       800       900
                                                 Total length (mm)
                        Figure 10. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for silk snapper
                                   (Lqljanus vivanus) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991.










                      6W
                                                                       E190-91    x=365.3,n=2419

                                                                         89-90    x  374.3,n 1776
                      500                                              E188-89     x 373.3,n 2137



                      400



                   C

                      300
                   Cr
                                                                                                                          i-n


                   Lm
                   LL

                      200





                      100



                         01  __R
                          160 190  220  250 280 310 340 370 400 430      460 490   520 550 580 610
                                                   Total Length (mm)
                         Figure 11. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for vermilion snapper
                                     (Rhomboglites aurorubens) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991.











                     500


                                                                    E190-91    x=358.1,n=1618
                                                                    1189-90    x = 371.5,n = 1421
                     4W                                             El 88-89   x= 386.7,n= 1578





                                          .. .. .. ... .
                 >- 300

                 C
                 (D

                 Cr

                U_ 2W






                     100
                        0                                                   HMMP9PqRF=iF==,_, -
                          210 255 300 345 390 435 480                      525    570    615 660 705
                                                    Total length (mm)
                        Figure 12. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for red porgy (Pagrus
                                    pagrus) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991.










                     120
                                                                         El 90-91    x=365.7,n=356
                                                                         089-90      x  378.0,n 259
                                                                         El 88-89    x=379.5,n=382
                     100





                      80

                 >                               ... . ...

                 C
                 (D
                                                            0,
                 :3   60
                 Cr
                                                         77
                                                                                                                         CO

                 U_





                                          X.


                      20





                       0
                        220 250     280   310   340   370   400 430 460       490 520L 550 580
                                                  Total length (mm)
                       Figure 13.  Length-frequency, mean size,'and number measured for knobbed porgy
                                   (Calamus nodosus) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991.











                100
                                                        El 90-91  x=518.0,n=296
                                                         089-90   x = 502.6,n = 349
                                                         1:188-89 x = 544.5,n = 159
                80





             >  60                 ... ...
             C.)
             C
                                          .. ... ... ...



             Cr
             CD
             LL 40



                               ...      ...        ... ...
                                        ...        .... ...





                20           . ......


                          77
                 0-                                           MRP9
                   250 300 350 400   450 500  550 600 650  700 750 800 850 900
                                       Total length (mm)
                    Figure 14. Length- frequency, mean size, and number measured for blueline tilefish
                             (Caulolatilus microps) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991.











                       100


                                                                      El 90-91     x = 691.6,n = 346
                       80                                                89-90     x = 623.9,n = 395
                                                                      El 88-89     x  594. 1,n 220



                   >   60
                                                "I...: P.:
                   C

                   M



                  LL   40






                       20






                          0
                              300     400      500     600     700      800     900     1000 1100 1200
                                                     Total Length (mm)
                           Figure 15. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for tilefish
                                        (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991.











                    160
                                                                           E190-91     x = 397.0,n = 625

                                                                              89-90    x = 412.2,n = 342
                    140
                                                                           E188-89     x=416.7,n=295

                    120



                    100

                                                        .. ... ... .... ...
                 U


                     80
                 Cr



                                                                 .... ... ...
                LL                                               . . . . ...... ... ...
                     60



                     40



                     20


                      01       F=9                                                                      1
                        220 250 280 310 340            370 400 430 460         490 520 550 5$0
                                                   Fork length (mm)
                         Figure 16. Length-frequency, mean size, and number   measured for gray triggerfish,
                                      (Balistes capriscus) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991.










                    140
                                                                         E190-91     x = 342. 1,n 472
                                                           77
                                                                         089-90      x  357.2,n 291
                   120                                                   E188-89     x  380.7,n 391


                    100



               C-)  80
               C
               a)

               Cr
               (2   60
                U_.



                    40




                    20


                                    MI

                     01
                       150 180 210 240 270      300 330 360 390 420 450 480 510 540 570 600

                                                 Total length (mm)
                        Figure 17. Length-frequency, mean size:, and number measured for white grunt
                                    (Haemulon plumieri) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991.











                     140
                                                                            E190-91   x = 983.3,n = 687
                     120                                                   089-90 x=981.6,n=325
                                                        77                 E188-89    x  967.6,n 79


                     100




                     80
                 C


                 Cr
                     60                                           ... ....
                U_



                     140




                     20



                                        LLL                                       r77M
                                                                                  F i: @; I
                                                                               1*iA
                      01                               LL_
                        650 700 750 800      850 900 950 100010501100115012001250130013501400
                                                     Total length (mm)
                            Figure 18. Length-frequency, mean size, and number measured for wreckfish
                                        (Polyprion americanus) in North Carolina, July 1988-June 1991.












                  400




                                                                          r7_1
                                                                          LJ90-91 x=737,n=1408

                                                                             89-90 x   787,n  996

                                                                             88-89 x   806,n  767
                  300









                  200
               Cr


               LL


                                          77.



                  100










                     0
                     300    400   500   600   700    800   900   1000  1100 1200 1300 1400 1500
                                                  Fork Length (mm)
                        Figure 19. Length-frequency of king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) sampled from the
                                   reef fish and coastal pelagic fisheries, July 19118-June 1991.












                    100


                                                                       E190-91 x=634,n=168
                    80                                                 E189-90 x=651,n=203
                                                                       E188-89 x=639,n=200



                >-  60

                C


                                                                                                                  Ln
                Cr


               U_   40







                    20


                                                                      '17

                      0 El.    E714-11                                                              1-7-1
                      200    300    400    500    600    700    800    900    1000   1100   1200   1300
                                                  Fork Length       (mm)
                   Figure 20. Length-frequency of dolphin (Coryphaena hippurus) sampled from the reef fish
                              and coastal pelagic fisheries, July 1988-June 1991.












                  7


                                                                          E190-91 x=305,n=74
                  60                                                      389-90 x=324,n=150
                                                                          EIBB-89 x=743,n=11



               >' 45
               U

               (D

               Cr               >1
               CD
               U_ 30          X







                  15






                    0                               r7771 rr-71 r__I                           r=
                     200        300        400         500        600         700        800         900
                                                   Fork Length (mm)
                  Figure 21. Length-frequency of bluefish (Pomatomus salta.trix) sampled from the reef fish
                              and coastal pelagic fisheries, July 1988-June 1991.












                  4



                           El 90-91   x  1 133,n 6
                           E189-90 x=1348,n=16
                  3        1:188-89 x=1318,n=15



               C.)


                  2
               Cr


               U_
                                                                                IT-















                  0
                   375 375 475 575      675 775 875 975 1075 1175 1275      1375 1475 1575 1675 1775
                                                  Fork length (mm)
                Figure 22. Length-frequency of wahoo (Acanthocybium solanderi) sampled from the reef fish
                           and coastal pelagic fisheries, July 1988-June 1991.











                        20



                                LJ90-91 x=989,n=33
                                1189-90 x=991,n=101
                                n88-89 x=945,n=40
                        15









                    a)
                        10                                                                                                   00
                    Cr
                    (D







                         5










                         o
                          300    400     500     600     700     800     900    1000    1100    1200    1300
                                                         Fork length (mm)

                        Figure 23. Length-frequency of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) sampled from the reef fish and
                                    c,a tal   lagic fisheries, Jul 1988-June 1991
                                       s 66 m m @W = =





















                           ASSESSMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMMERCIAL FINFISHERIES

                                   Completion Report for Project 2-IJ-16

                                                  May 1992



                                                  JOB 6


                                        FLOUNDER POUND NET


                                        FISHERY ASSESSMENT


                                                    By


                                          James P. Monaghan, Jr.










                                                  ABSTRACT

                    The North Carolina flounder.pound net fishery was sampled in 1989 and 1990.
              Southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) dominated the catches both years,
              representing 88% (1989) and 81% (1990) of the catch by weight. Summer flounder
              (E. dentatus) represented less than 1% of the sampled catches in 1989, but rose
              to 5% in 1990.     Other frequentl.y occurring species were Gulf flounder (P.
              albigutta), harvestfish (Peprilus alepidotus), butterfish (E. triacanthus), red
              drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), and striped
              mullet (MUgil cephalus).   The population of southern flounder sustaining this
              fishery is probably stable considering that landings are primarily comprised of
              three age classes (2, 3, and 4) and that this species is a maximum age of 6 or
              7 years old.








                                               TABLE OF CONTENTS




               ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       ii

               TABLE OF CONTENTS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

               INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

               METHODS AND MATERIALS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

               RESULTS AND DISCUSSION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       2

               LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        5

               TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        6

               FIGURES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       11


               APPENDIX










                                                 INTRODUCTION


                    The North Carolina flounder pound net fishery targets on paralichthine
              flounders during their fall emigration from sounds and rivers. This fishery is
              very effective, landing 1.7 million pounds in 1989 and 1.4 million pounds in 1990
              (NC DMF unpublished data). The pound net fishery is also very efficient in that
              only marketable fishes are killed and the unwanted bycatch is returned alive to
              the water.


                    The pound net fishery for flounder takes place in shallow waters (<2m)
              along the mainland and barrier island shorelines of sounds from Roanoke Island,
              in the north, south to Back Sound, near Cape Lookout (Figure 1).      A detailed
              description of the fishery is provided by Wolff (1977) and DeVries (1981).
              Anecdotal information indicates the number of flounder pound nets increased
              dramatically during the 1980's. An aerial survey in 1990 yielded an estimated
              704 flounder pounds in North Carolina.


                    The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) resumed sampling of
              the flounder pound net fishery in 1989. The Core Sound component of this fishery
              was sampled between 1979 and 1982 and was reported on by DeVries (1981). This
              report presents statewide coverage of the fishery and includes information on
              species composition, relative abundance, age and size distribution and sampling
              effort for the 1989 and 1990 fishing seasons.


                                           METHODS AND MATERIALS
                    Flounder pound net catches were sampled at fish houses during September
              through November (generally four or more samples/month).     Since most flounder
              pound net catches were culled at the fishing site, most samples taken were random
              stratified (graded) samples. For each species, as many random samples (22.7 kg)
              as possible were obtained from each size category (large, medium, small, etc.),
              with more samples for larger fish. Additional species were noted. Each sample
              was weighed to the nearest 0.1 kg, all individuals measured JL or FL; mm) and
              .the total number recorded. If the individuals in a fish box were too numerous
              to measure, at least 30 were measured, and the remainder counted.










                                                      2

                   Some unculled samples were taken. An unculled sample consisted of at least
             one (though usually more) random, unculled fish basket sample (22.7 kg) per pound
             net catch.  All fishes in the sample were identified and measured (fork length,
             FL or total length, TL; mm). Total weights for the sample, as well as individual
             species component weight, were taken.          The total weight of each size
             category/species was obtained from the trip tickets.


                   Total length frequencies for each catch were derived by expanding the
             sample length frequencies for each market category (grade) by a raising factor
             to represent the species market grade weight. Species market grade weight was
             obtained from trip tickets and species length frequencies were a combination of
             those expanded for the respective species market grades.         Species numerical
             abundance/catch was     calculated   similarly by determining      the number of
             individuals/market grade and then merging all market grades/species.


                   Sagit tal  otoliths   were   collected   monthly   from   southern   flounder
             (Paralichthys lethostigma) representing all sizes available in this fishery.
             Otoliths were removed, cleaned, and stored in 70% ethanol. They were read from
             an image on a high resolution RGB monitor. The monitor was coupled with a chip
             video camera mounted in a stereo microscope set at 23.7X magnification.          The
             otolith radius and distance to the annular mark were measured from whole sagittal
             otoliths as described by Wenner et al. (1990). These distances were calculated
             by a sonic digitizer coupled to a personal computer. The system was calibrated
             with an ocular micrometer before each reading session.       Age-length keys were
             developed for southern flounder iand age composition was calculated by resolving
             expanded length to age.


                   Fishing locations were partitioned into three areas:            1) Carteret,
             including Core Sound, Back Sound, and southeastern Pamlico Sound, 2) Ocracoke,
             including areas behind Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke Island; 3) Roanoke, including
             the waters around Roanoke Island (Figure I)..


                                           RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
                   In 1989 twenty-eight catches were sampled. Catch weights averaged 492 kg
             and ranged from 58 to 1,577 kg, while sample weights ranged from 23 to 140 kg










                                                       3

              (Table 1)    Sampled catches increased   to forty-nine in 1990 with a mean catch
              weight of 372 kg (range of 71-1,230 kg) and sample weights ranged from 23 to 178
              kg.  Southern flounder dominated catches in 1989 comprising 88,54 of the catches
              sampled in weight and 77% in number (Table 2). Southern flounder, harvestfish
              (Peprilus alepidotus.), Gulf flounder (Paralicht      hys albigutta), red drum
              (Sci aenops ocel 1 atus) , and butterf i sh (Pepri 1 us tri acanthus) represented over 95%
              of the sampled weight.    Southern flounder also dominated the catches in 1990,
              representing 81% of the catch by weight and 78% by number (Table 3).         Summer
              flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) represented 5% of the catch in 1.990 a tenfold
              increase from 1989. Southern flounder, summer flounder, red drum, Gulf flounder,
              Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), harvestfish, and striped mullet (agail
              cephalus) represented over 95%, by weight, of the catches sampled in 1990.


                    Southern flounder also dominated the ca  tches by area in both 1989 and 1990
              (Tables 4 and 5).       The Carteret and Ocracoke areas had similar species
              composition, although butterfish in the Carteret area were replaced in importance
              by red drum in the Ocracoke area. The relative increase of summer flounder in
              1990 was due to increased occurrence in the Carteret and Ocracoke areas.         An
              increase in the Roanoke area, an oligohaline environment, would not be expected
              due to the preference of summer flounder for salinities greater than 14%o (Powell
              1974).


                    Other mesohaline species present in the Ocracoke and Carteret areas were
              replaced by oligohaline and freshwater species such as gizzard shad (Dorosoma
              cepedianum), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), and redear sunfish (Lepomis
              microlophus) in the Roanoke area (Tables 4 and 5). Monthly species composition
              data are presented in the Appendix.


                    Although length frequencies are presented for southern, summer and Gulf
              flounders, harvestfish, butterfish, and red drum, sufficient data were only
              available to comment on harvestfish (Figure 2) and southern flounder (Figure 3).
              Harvestfish ranged from 110 to 210 mm FL in 1989 with a similar range in 1990
              (Figure 2). However, the distribution in 1989 had a mode between 160-190 mm FL
              while the dominant mode is 120 mm FL in 1990. These modes may represent dominant








                                                      4

             year classes passing through the fishery.      Southern flounder were relatively
             evenly distributed across the length classes between 350 mm TL and 450 mm TL in
             1989. These fish represent the 2 - 4 year old fish shown in Figure 4. However,
             in 1990, about 70% of the expanded lengths of southern flounder between 325 and
             375 mm TL.  This shift towards a smaller mode was probably due to a strong 1988
             year class moving through the fishery. Almost 70% of the fish sampled in 1990
             were age 2 fish (Figure 4).


                   Data from the two years of this study clearly show that southern flounder
             account for the bulk of the landings in the North Carolina pound net fishery for
             flounder.    The population of southern flounder sustaining this fishery is
             probably stable considering that landings are primarily comprised of three age
             classes (2, 3, and 4) and that this species probably reaches a maximum age of 6
             or 7 years old (Music and Pafford 1984; Wenner et al. 1991). However, the age
             composition of this species should be monitored annually to see if, in fact, an
             acceptable number of age classes      3) remain in the fishery.










                                                          5


                                                  LITERATURE CITED



               DeVries, D.A.
                      1981. Stock assessment of adult fishes in the Core Sound area. Compl.
                      Rep., Proj. 2-326-R, NC Dept. Nat. Resour. and Community Develop., Div.
                      Mar. Fish., 54 p.

               Music, J.L., Jr., and J.M. Pafford.
                      1984.    Population dynamics and life history aspects of major marine
                      sportfishes in Georgia'.s coastal waters.     Ga Dept. Nat. Resour., Contrib.
                      Ser. No. 38, 283.

               Powell, A. B.
                      1974. Biology of the summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, in Pamlico
                      Sound and adjacent waters, with comments on P. lethostigma, and P.
                      albigutta. M. S. Thesis, UNC, Chapel Hill, N.C., 145 p.

               Wenner, C.A., W.A. Roumillat, J.E. Moran, Jr., M.B. Maddox, L.B. Daniel, III, and
               J.W. Smith.
                      1990.   Investigations of the life history and population dynamics of
                      marine recreational fishes in South     Carolina: Part 1. Fin. Rep., Proi.
                      F-37, SC Wildl. Mar. Resour. Dept.,     Mar. Resour. Res. Inst., 180 p.

               Wolff, M.
                      1977.   Preliminary stock assessment, North Carolina:          hard blue crabs
                      (Callinctes. sapidus). Compl. Rep., Proj. 2-292-R, NC Dept. Nat. Resour.
                      and Community Develop., Div. Mar. Fish., 17 p.










                      TabLe 1. MonthLy summary of sampLing of the North Carotina fLounder pound         net fishery by area fished; n = number of catches sampLed.

                                                                                                                 Catch weight (kq)                                 SampLe weight (kg)
                      Year               Month              Area                          n             Mean                     Range                      Mean                    Range
                      1989                Sep               Carteret                      6             544.9                58.3  - 1,577.0                75.4                  42.1-100.4
                                                            Ocracoke                      3             513.5               350.2  -   662.2                91.0                 83.2- 95.5
                                                            Roanoke                       5             635.3               141.5  - 1,200.3                94.5                  69.1-140.2

                                                            ALL areas                   14              570.5                58.3  - 1,577.0                85.6                  42.1-140.2


                                          Oct               Carteret                      3             368.5               262.8  -   429.7                36.2                  29.7- 45.6
                                                            Ocracoke                      2             649.1               601.9  -   696.3                83.8                  63.2-104.4
                                                            Roanoke                       5             509.8               185.2  -   829.6                52.5                  26.1- 84.4

                                                            ALL areas                   10              495.3               185.2  -   829.6                53.9                  26.1-104.4


                                          Nov               Carteret                      I                -                       339.8                      -                      66.5
                                                            Ocracoke                      2             180.5               154.6  -   206.3                45.4                  22.7- 68.1
                                                            Roanoke                       1                -                       139.2                      -                      28.5

                                                            ALL areas                     4             210.0               139.2  -   339.6                46.4                  22.7- 68.1

                                          ALL months and areas                          28              492.1                58.3  - 1,577.0                68.6                  22.7-140.2



                      1990                Sep               Carteret                      4             273.2               110.4  -   584.3                83.4                  60.0-123.5
                                                            Ocracoke                      2             570.2               178.7  -   961.6                  -                      69.8

                                                            AL L areas                    6             372.2               110.4  -   961.6                80.7                  60.0-123.5


                                          Oct               Carteret                      a             532.5               137.9  - 1,063.7                110.2                 48.4-178.4
                                                            Ocracoke                    11              180.8                73.6  -   344.3                54.2                  22.5-100.2
                                                            Roanoke                       2             370.0               322.3  -   07.8                 47.8                  31.0- 63.9

                                                            ALL areas                   21              332.8                73.6  - 1,063.7                76.0                  22.5-178.4


                                          Nov               Carteret                      9             387.9               189.1  -   922.2                106.0                 55.3-168.8
                                                            Ocracoke                      3             259.5                70.8  -   371.9                56.4                  48.2- 60.9
                                                            Roanoke                       2             512.6               249.5  -   775.6                74.3                  68.2- 80.4

                                                            ALL areas                   14              378.2                70.8  -   922.2                90/8                  48.2-168.8


                                          Dec               Carteret                      a             "2. 0               193.0  - 1,229.6                78.7                  46.5-104.8

                                                            ALL areas                     a             "2. 0               193.0  - 1,229.6                78.7                  46.5-104.8


                                          ALL months and areas                          49              371.7                70.8  - 1,229.6                81.4                  22.5-178.4








                                                                                7

                      lable 1. Overall species composition and mean catclArip ol III North Carolina Rounder pound net catches sampled
                                 frcxn September through November 1989.                                                         Mean            %
                                                                   Weight @kq)                        Number                  weight           freq.
                      Species                                 Mean           Perrpnr           Mean         Percent             (kq)           occur

                      ParaLichthys Lethostigma                 432.0           88.12            543            77.3           0.783             100
                      Pepritus atepidotus                      10.6             2.16            53              7.5           0.201             29
                      ParaLichthys atbigutta                    9.8             1.99            12              1.6           0.834             39
                      Sciaenops oceitatus                       7.9             1.61              4             0.5           2.133             43
                      PepriLus triacanthus                      6.7             1.36            34              4.8           0.199              7
                      Trachinotus caroHnus                      4.5             0.92            18              2.5           0.255             29
                      Dorosoma cepedian                         3.0             0.62              7             1.1           0.408             29
                      Archosarqus Probatocephatus               2.8             0.56              2             0.2           1.676             29
                      Micropogonias undutatus                   2.3             0.47              4             0.6           0.582             39
                      Chaetodipterus faber                      2.3             0.47              2             0.3           1.146             14
                      Pomatomus saLtatrix                       2.2             0."               1             0.1           2.661             32
                      Muqit cephaLus                            1.5             0.30              0            <0.1           5.661             25
                      CaLLinectes sapidus                       1.3             0.27              9             1.3           0.1"              25
                      Atuterus schoepfi                         1.1             0.23              7             1.0           0.154             11
                      Scomberomorus macutatus                   0.6             0.12            <1             <0.1           1.767              7
                      Paratichthys dentatus                     0.5             0.10              1             0.2           0.318             29
                      Ictaturus punctatus                       0.3             0.07            <1              0.1           0.940              7
                      Sphoeroides macutatus                     0.3             0.05            <1              0.1           0.793             14
                      Cynoscion regatis                         0.2             0.04              1             0.1           0.292             14
                      Chitomycterus schoeyfi                    0.2             0.04            <1              0.1           0.350              4
                      Leiostomus xanthurus;                     0.1             0.03              1             0.2           0.102              4
                      Trachinotus fatcatus                      0.1             0.02              1             0.1           0.125              4
                      Brevoortia tyrannus                       0.1             0.01              1             0.1           0.110              4
                      Selene setapinnis                        <0.1             0.01              1             0.1           0.0"               7
                      Trinectes macuLatus                      <0.1            <0.01              1             0.1           0.040              4
                      Lagodon r1omboides                       <0.1            <0.01            <1             <0.1           0.070              4




                      Species observed


                      Pogonias cromis             Menticirrhus spp.
                      Cynoscion nebutosus         Lepomis microLophus
                      Mugit spp.                  Lobotes surinamensis





                                                                                      8


                       TabLe 3. Overatt species composition and mean catch/trip of 28 North Carotina fLounder pound net catches sampted
                                   from September through December 1990.

                                                                                                                                        Mean               %
                                                                      Weight (kq)                             Number                    weight           freq.
                       Species                                   Mean                 %              Mean              %                  (kq)           occur

                       Paratichthys tethostigma                  287.4                81.2            427              78.3             0.671              98
                       Paratichthys dentatus                       18.9               5.3             35               6.5              0.530              80
                       Sciaenops ocettatus                         9.7                2.7                2             0.4              3.943              53
                       ParaLichthys albigutta                      8.5                2.4             13               2.4              0.643              41
                       Brevoortia tyrannus                         5.6                1.6                1             0.1              0.067               6
                       Peprilus alepidotus                         5.5                1.5             36               6.6              0.119              41
                       Muqit cephaLus                              3.3                0.9                2             0.4              o.996              37
                       Chaetodipterus faber                        2.4                0.7                1             0.2              1.817              14
                       Archosargus Probatocenhalus                 1.9                0.5                2             0.4              0.853              27
                       Trachinotus caroLinus                       1.5                0.4                7             1.2              0.229              31
                       Pornatomus saitatrix                        1.5                0.4                1             0.2              1.025              39
                       PepriLus triacanthus                        1.7                0.4                8             1.4              0.180              16
                       Cynoscion regatis                           1.3                0.4                3             0.5              0.477              14
                       Scomberomorus macutatus                     0.7                0.2                0             0.1              1.647              12
                       Cynosci      nebuLosus                      0.6                0.2                0             0.1              1.163              31
                       Pogonias cromis                             0.6                0.2                0             0.0              8.500              10
                       Sphoeroides maculatus                       0.4                0.1                1             0.2              0.353              31
                       Orthopristis chryscotera                    0.3                0.1                1             0.1              0.315               6
                       Dorosoma cepedian                           0.2                0.1                1             0.1              0.371               4
                       Micropogonias undulatus                     0.2                0.1                1             0.1              0.316              24
                       IctaLurus Punctatus                         0.1                0.0             'Cl              C0.1             0.630               4
                       SeLene vomer                                0.1                <0.1               1             0.3              0.063              10
                       CalLinectes sapidus                         0.1                4.1             <1               0.1              0.191               6
                       Trichiurus tepturus                         <0.1               <0.1            <1               <0.1             0.380               2
                       Lagodon rhomboides                          <0.1               <0.1            <1               <0.1             0.305               2
                       Chitomycterus schoeofi                      <0.1               <0.1            <1               <0.1             0.350               2
                       Prionotus evolans                           <0.1               <0.1            <1               <0.1             0.240               2
                       ScophthaLmus aquosus                        <0.1               <0.1            <1               <0.1             0.200               4
                       Menticirrhus saxatitis                      <0.1               <0.1            <1               <0.1             0.500               2




                       Observed species


                       Sphyrna spp.                        Menticirrhus spp.
                       Ictaturus spp.                      Centropr stis striata
                       Morone americana                    Atosa aestivatis
                       Perca Ravescens                     Atosa mediocris
                       Leiostomus xanthurus;               Euthynnus aLletteratus
                       Atuterus schoepfi                   Morone saxatilis








                  Table 4. Species composition, by area, of North Carolina flounder pound net catches sampled for 1989,                 including mean catch/trip (kg) and mean number/trip.

                                                                          Carteret                                           Ocracoke                                                 Roanoke
                                                            Mean                                                Mean                                                    Mean
                                                           weight          Percent         Percent             weight          Percent         Percent                 weight          Percent      Percent
                  Species                                   (kq)            weight         number                (kg)           weight         number                    (kg)          weight        number

                  ParaLlchthy lethostfgma                   357.5             77.4          56.4                413.2             94.2           83.0                   511.8            96.0          91.8
                  PwriLus aLeg)fdotus                       28.3               6.0          19.2                  2.0              0.4            2.6                       0                0             0
                  Paratichthys aLbfgutta                    26.3               5.7           4.2                  1.4              0.3            0.5                       0                0             0
                  PevrfLus triacanthus                      18.7               4.0          13.0                     0                0              0                      0                0             0
                  Trachinotus caroHnus                      12.7               2.7           6.8                 @Co. 1           <0.1           <0.1                       0                0             0
                  Scleenope oceLLatus                         7.7              1.6          <0.1                  15.5             3.4            1.3                     3.3             0.6           0.7
                  Archosargus vrobatocephatus                 5.6              1.2          <0.1                  2.3              0.5            0.8                    <0.1             0.1           0.2
                  Mugu caphatus                               3.7              0.8          <0.1                  0.9              0.2            0.2                    <0.1             0.1             <1
                  Pomatomws saLtatrix                         2.9              0.6          <0.1                  1.0              0.3            0.7                       0                0             0
                  Scomberomorus macuLatus                     1.6              0.3           0.1                     0                0              0                      0                0             0
                  Mfcropogonias undutatus                     1.0              0.2          <0.1                  0.9              0.2            0.4                     4.3             0.8           1.1
                  Parotichthys dentatus                       0.8              0.2           0.3                  0.5              0.1            0.2                     0.2            <0.1           0.2
                  Pogonia cromis                              0.5              0.1          <0.1                     0                0              0                      0                0             0
                  Cynoscion regalls                           0.3              0.1          <0.1                  <0.1            <0.1           <0.1                     0.2            <0.1           0.2
                  Cynosci      nebutosus                      0.3              0.1          <0.1                     0                0              0                      0                0             0
                  Chactodfpterus faber                      <0.1              <0.1          <0.1                  9.1              2.0            1.7                       0                0             0
                  Atuterus schoeofi                              0                0              0                4.5              1.0            6.3                       0                0             0
                  Schoeroides macuLatus                          0                0              0                1.1              0.2            0.3                       0                0             0
                  Chitomycterus schoeofi                         0                0              0                0.7              0.1            0.4                       0                0             0
                  Trachfnotus fatcatus                           0                0              0                0.3              0.1            0.6                       0                0             0
                  Menticirrhus spp.                              0                0              0                0.2             <0.1           <0.1                       0                0             0
                  SeLen setatAnnis                               0                0              0                0.2             <0.1            0.8                       0                0             0
                  Dorosoma cet)edian                             0                0              0                   0                0              0                    7.7             1.4           2.3
                  Catifnectes, savidus                           0                0              0                   0                0              0                    3.3             0.6           2.7
                  IctaLurus punctatus                            0                0              0                   0                0              0                    0.8             0.2           0.1
                  Lefostomus xanthurus                           0                0              0                   0                0              0                    0.3             0.1           0.4
                  Brevoord tyrannus                              0                0              0                   0                0              0                    0.2            <0.1           0.2
                  Trinectes macuLatus                            0                0              0                   0                0              0                    0.1            <0.1           0.2
                  Looodon rhomboldes                             0                0              0                   0                0              0                    0.1            <0.1           0.1
                  Loomis microtophus                             0                0              0                   0                0              0                   <0.1            <0.1           <0.1




                  NA a not avalLabLe









                   Table 5. Species composition, by area, of North Carolina flounder pound net catches sampled for 1990,                including mean catch/trip (kg) and mean number/trip.

                                                                          Carteret                                           Ocracoke                                                 Roanoke
                                                            Mean                                                Mean                                                    Mean
                                                           weight          Percent         Percent             weight          Percent         Percent                 weight          Percent      Percent
                   Species                                  (k-q)           weight         number                (kq)           weight         number                     (kg)         weight        number

                   Paratichthys lethostfgma                 360.9             83.3          83.1                 120.9             65.5          48.5                   421.9            95.6          95.3
                   Paralfchthys dentatus;                    20.0              4.6            5.7                 21.2             11.5           13.6                    0.9             0.2           0.4
                   Peratfchthys stbigutta                    13.8              3.2            3.2                    0                0              0                       0               0             0
                   Brevoortl tyrannus                         9.4              2.2            NA*                    0                0              0                    0.5             0.1           1.0
                   Scjaenopj oceliatus                        5.8              1.3            0.3                 16.7             9.1            0.5                     9.7             2.2           1.1
                   ftWU cephatus                              5.1              1.2            0.5                    0                0              0                    3.5             0.8           0.3
                   Pecritus alepfdotus                        4.7              0.8            2.8                 6.7              3.6            26.3                       0               0             0
                   Archosaria probstocephatus                 3.2              0.7            0.6                    0                0              0                       0               0             0
                   Peoritus trfacanthus                       3.1              0.5            2.0                    0                0              0                       0               0             0
                   Pamatomus sattatrfx                        1.9              0.4            0.2                 1.0              0.5            0.4                        0               0             0
                   Trachinotus carotinus                      1.2              0.3            0.8                 2.5              1.4            3.a.                       0               0             0
                   Cynoscfon nebutosus                        1.0              0.2            0.1                 0.1              0.1            0.1                        0               0             0
                   Cynoscfon regalia                          1.0              0.2            0.5                 2.3              1.2            0.8                        0               0             0
                   Pogonfas cromis                            0.9              0.2          <0.1                  0.3              0.2              NA                       0               0             0
                   Orthopristis chrysoptera                   0.4              0.1            0.2                    0                0              0                       0               0             0
                   Moron saxatItis                            0.3              0.1          <0.1                     0                0              0                       0               0             0
                   Euthynnus ailetteratus                     0.2             <0.1          <0.1                     0                0              0                       0               o             0    0
                   Microoononlas undulatus                    0.2             <0.1          <0.1                  0.3              0.2            0.3                     0.1            <0.1           0.3
                   Sphoeroides maculatus                      0.1             <0.1          <0.1                  1.0              0.5            1.0                        0               0             0
                   Scomberamorus macutatus                   <0.1             <0.1          <0.1                  2.1              1.2            0.4                        0               0             0
                   Choetodfpterus faber                      <0.1             <0.1          <0.1                  7.3              4.0            1.3                        0               0             0
                   Selene yomer                                  0                0              0                0.0              0.2            1.5                        0               0,            0
                   TrIchfurus tepturus                           0                0              0                0.1              0.1            0.1                        0               0             0
                   Lagodon rhomboides                            0                0              0                0.1              0.1            0.1                        0               0             0
                   Chftomvctorl& shoepfi                         0                0              0                0.1              0.1            0.1                        0               0             0
                   Prionotus evotans                             0                0              0                0.1              <0.1           0.1                        0               0             0
                   Doros     cepedfa                             0                0              0                   0                0              0                    2.7             0.6           1.1
                   Ictaturus PAnctatus                           0                0              0                   0                0              0                    1.5             0.3           0.3
                   Scophthat" aquosus                            0                0              0                   0                0              0                    0.2           4. 1            0.1




                   NA x not available










                                             Albemarle Sound

                                                                                                                     Roanoke
                                                                                                                      Island
                                     F.
                                                                                                                     :.Oregon
                                                                                                                        Inlet













                                             PunqoP-              a



                                         Pamlico

                                                                                     PAMLICO
                                                                                      SOUND
                                                                                                                        Cape
                                                                                                                     Hatteras
                                                                                             a!


                                                                                    so or**
                                                                                     09 On



                                                                                                    Ocracoke
                                              e                                                      Island





                                                                                                      Roanoke
                                              Ni
                                                                                                      Ocracoke
                                                                                        San


                                                                                                      Carteret


                                   Ba k Soum


                                                       Cape Lookout


                    Figure 1.       Flounder pound net fishing grounds in North Carolina, 1990.








                                                                                                                 12


                                                    30                                                                                           30
                                                                                                                 1989                              H ar vest hs n                                        1990

                                                    26                                                           n @ 463                         25                                                      n - 428


                                                    20                                                                                           20



                                                    16                                                                                           is


                                                    10                                                                                           10


                                                    6                                                                                            a



                                                    0                                                                                            0
                                                       90        110      130       1 SO     170       190       210                               90       110      130      160       170       190      210




                                                         Butterfish                                              19M                             so  Buttartish                                          -1990

                                                    25                                                           n   83                          so                                                        n - 10


                                                    20                                                                                           40
                                     (3)
                                                    16                                                                                           30



                                                    10                                                                                           20


                                                    6                                                                                            10


                                                    0                                                                                            01
                                                        so       110      130       ISO      170       190       210                                90      110      130       ISO      170       190      210







                                                    30                                                                                           25
                                                                       Red drum                                  ism                                              Red drum                                 1990
                                                    25                                                           n                               2D                                                        n - 79

                                                    20
                                                                                                                                                 16

                                                    16

                                                                                                                                                 10
                                                    10


                                                                                                                                                 6
                                                                                     L . . . . 0                                                                                                         A
                                                      325    426     626     625     726     826    926     1026 1125                            325    426     626     62S     72S     826     926 1026 1125

                                                                                                Total length (mm)

                             Figure 2.                  Annual expanded length frequencies for peprilids and red drum from
                                                         the North Carolina pound net fishery for flounder, 1989-1990;
                                                                                                                                                                                                  L


























                                                         n=number of individuals measured.







                                                                     13


                             1                                       -     50
                              Southern flounder                1 geg           Southern flounder               1990
                             14                                n  2,195    40                                  n - 3.704
                             12

                             10                                            30

                             8

                             a                                             20

                             4


                             2


                                                                             0
                             0                                             'OL        I
                             150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 800 650     150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 6W 650








                             35                                            so
                 0           Summer flounder                     19M          Summer flounder                    1990
                 C:          30                                 n   14                                          n - 312
                                                                           40

                             25

                 a)          20                                            30

                             15                                            20
                 C:          10

                                                                           10
                             5


                             0                                               0
                             150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650     150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 6W 650








                             50                                            50
                              Gulf flounder                      1989           Gulf flounder                     1990

                             40                                 n - 74     40                                    n - 74



                             30                                            30



                             20                                            20



                             10                                            10



                             0                                              0 J__L__j
                             150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 850     1 W 2W              4W 4W 5W W) WO GW


                                                     Total length (MM)
                 Figure 3.        Annual expanded length-frequencies for paralichthine flounders from
                                  the North Crolina pound net fishery for flounder, 1989-1990;
                                  n=number of individuals measured.















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                                                  0
                                                  c




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                                                                                               A P P E N D I X

                   Monthly species composition (by weight and by number) for the top (99% by weight) species sampled from the North Carolina flounder pound net fishery,
                   1989-1990.


                                                                                                  1989                                                          1990
                                                                               Weight                         Number                            Weiaht                         Number
                   Month          Swies                                 Mean         Percent            Mean       Percent               Mean         Percent            Mean       Percent

                   Sep            Paratfchthys tethostigma              478.8           84.2            644          69.5                121.4           57.3            212            51.2
                                  Pepritus atepidotu                     21.2            3.7            105          11.4                  4.8            2.3             22            5.3
                                  Pepritus triacanthus                   13.3            2.3             67           7.2                 15.2            7.1             63            15.2
                                  Paratichthys atbinutta                  9.9            1.7             14           1.5                 49.7           23.5             75            18.1
                                  Trachinotus carotinus                   9.1            1.6             35           3.8                  4.5            2.1             21            5.1
                                  sciaenops oceliatus                     8.2            1.4               1          0.1                      -             -              -              -
                                  choetodipterus faber                    4.6            0.8               4          0..4
                                  Micropogonies undutatus                 4.5            0.8               a          0.9
                                  Dorosom cepedfa                         4.3            0.8             10           1.1
                                  Pomatomus saitatrix                     4.2            0.7               2          0.2                  2.8            1.3             22            5.3
                                  MUIU cephatus                           2.5            0.4               1          0.1                      -             -
                                  Atuterus schoepfi                       2.2            0.4             15           1.6                      -             -              -              -
                                  Archosargus Probatocephalus             1.4            0.2               3          0.3                  0.8            0.4             <1            <0.1
                                  Paratichthys dentatus                      -              -              -              -                4.9            2.3             11            2.6
                                  Scomberomorus macutatus                    -              -                                              4.8            2.3               3           0.6

                   Oct            Paratichthys tethostigma              461.3           93.2            545          92.4                265.5           79.5            398            74.3
                                  Sciaenops ocellatus                    10.3            2.1               9          1.5                 19.6            5.9               3           0.6
                                  Paratichthys dentatus                      -              -                             -               14.7            4.4             25            4.8
                                  Pepritus atepidotus                        -              -                                              9.2            2.8             69            12.9
                                ,-Chaetodipterus faber                       -              -                                              5.6            1.7               3           0.6          0%
                                  @@ cephatus                                -              -              -              -                4.2            1.2               2           0.4
                                  Archosargus Probatocephatus             5.7            1.2               1          0.2                  4.2            1.2               5           0.9
                                  Paratichthys albigutta                  9.9            2.0               7          1.2                  3.1            0.9               5           0.9
                                  Trachinotus carotinus                      -              -              -              -                2.3            0.7               9           1.8
                                  Fc@ @tomusTaitatrix                                                                                      1.9            0.6               2           0.4
                                  Cynoscion regails                          -                             -              -                1.0            0.3               4           0.7
                                  Porosoma cepedia                        2.5            0.5               6          1.0                                    -              -              -
                                  Cattinectes sapidus                     2.3            0.5             16           2.7                      -                            -              -

                   Nov            Paratichthys tethostfgma              194.0           92.4            .188         91.5                330.1           87.0            485            83.5
                                  paratichthys dentatus                   1.3            0.6               2          1.1                 28.8            7.6             58            10.1
                                  Ky "i cephatus                          1.7            0.8            N/A               -                5.0            1.3               5           0.8
                                  Sciaenops oceltatus                        -              -                                              3.9            1.0               3           0.5
                                  Cynoscion regalia                          -              -              -              -                2.8            0.7               3           0.5
                                  Paratichthys atbiAutta                 10.1            4.8             15           7.4                  2.6            0.7               5           0.8
                                  Cynoscion neWtosus                         -              -              -              -                1.4            0.4               1           0.1
                                  Pepritus atepidotus                        -              -                             -                1.1            0.3             13            2.3
                                  Sphooroldes macutatus                   1.1            0.5            N/A               -                    -                            -              -

                   Dec            Paratichthys lethostiama                   -              -                             -              395.2           85.7            565            92.7
                                  Bravoortia tyrannus                        -                                            -               34.0            7.4            NIA               -
                                  Paratichthys dentatus                      -                                            -               22.9            4.9             40            6.5
                                  Paratichthya atbigutta                     -                                            -                2.5            0.5               4           0.6
                                  Pooonlas cromis                            -                                            -                1.8            0.4             <1            Q. I
                                  Pomatomus sattatrix                                                                     -                1.0            0.2             <1            <0.1















































































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