UC San Diego Library – Scripps Digital Collection

The object of this bulletin is to put on record a description of the Monterey sardine[1] fishery which can be used as a basis for judging future changes in the conduct of this industry. Detailed knowledge of changes is essential to an understanding of the significance of total catch figures, or of records of catch per boat or per seine haul. It is particularly necessary when applying any form of catch analysis to a fishery as a means of illustrating the presence or absence of depletion or of natural fluctuations in supply. Most of the detailed descriptions in the following pages are based on conditions as they existed during the two fishing seasons, 1920–1921 and 1921–1922. However, the many changes, chiefly general developments in the industry, have so profoundly affected the total catch and catch per boat that several revisions of the original account have been required. Dates of revision, in parentheses, accompany the notes of these changes. While this is somewhat awkward, it definitely fixes the year in which certain practices began or were discontinued, and thus aids in fulfilling the chief purpose of the record. These notes include only a description of fishing methods, fishing gear, and some of the business conditions of the industry which directly affect the catch. No attempt is made in them to cover all of the complex economic conditions that may influence the catch.

The present study is a continuation of the work published in 1948 by the senior author. At that time the attempt was made to determine whether or not the yellowfin tuna from Japan and from the Hawaiian Islands comprised populations distinct from and nonintermingling with that of the eastern Pacific region exploited by the California fleet. Using body measurements, empirical regression lines for those characters investigated were established for the eastern Pacific population, based upon 13 separate samples comprising a total of approximately 1,900 fish. It was found that, although these samples differed significally in a statistical sense from one another when tested by methods of analysis of variance, nevertheless all sample regression lines from these grounds conformed to the empirical population regression lines within narrow limits. When the data from the Japanese and Hawaiian samples were compared with the local population regression lines, it was found that in some characters these samples diverged from the local stock by amounts many times greater than the most divergent local sample. (Local, as used herein, refers to the eastern Pacific population.) The Japanese fish diverged more than the Hawaiian, but in all cases the direction of divergence was the same, suggesting a closer relationship between the Japanese and Hawaiian populations than existed between either of these with the local stock. The tentative conclusion was therefore drawn that the local, or eastern Pacific, stock of yellowfin tuna was separate and distinct from that of the central and western Pacific. While this conclusion represented the most probable hypothesis upon which to formulate a management program, it was nevertheless based upon a single small sample from each of the two distant regions. Every effort was therefore made to obtain additional and larger samples in order to check this important conclusion. In the summer of 1948 we succeeded in getting a sample of 58 yellowfin tuna caught in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands during the course of a cruise of the State's research vessel N. B. SCOFIELD. This sample was derived in part from Johnston Island (16° 31' N., 169° 25' W.) and in part from those banks and islands situated between French Frigate Shoals and the island of Kauai. It is therefore a composite sample from the region rather than from any one specific area. The fish in this sample were relatively small and the range in body length extended from 224 to 851 millimeters. Three of the smallest fish were eliminated from the final sample because lack of small calipers prevented us from making comparable measurements. The residual range in body length was from 514 to 851 millimeters. Because of this restricted size range, we attempted to supplement the sample by obtaining measurements from larger yellowfin delivered to the Honolulu markets at the time we were in port. Here we added 24 measurements to each series, made upon large, locally caught yellowfin, and thus extended the range to 1,638 millimeters. A few months later we were fortunate in obtaining comparable measurements upon 94 fish in a load of yellowfin tuna caught in the central Pacific in February, 1949, by the vessel CALISTAR. Again, this is a composite sample as the fish in the load were caught in part at Palmyra Island (5° 52' N., 162° 02' W.) and in part at Fanning Island (3° 50' N., 159° 20' W.). In April, 1950, before this analysis was completed, a small shipment of yellowfin tuna from the Fiji Islands was received by a local canner. of this shipment we obtained measurements upon 13 yellowfin, all caught in the vicinity of Suva. These three additional samples afforded the desired opportunity to check the tentative conclusions drawn from the analysis of the original samples; and in addition, the four available samples from the central pacific furnished material for a preliminary test of the homogeneity of the stock within that region.

The highly specialized spawning habits of the atherine fish Leuresthes tenuis render its life history unique among those of the fishes of this family, in fact of all fishes so far recorded. In southern California, where the species is best known, the periodic spawning runs of the "grunion" are watched for with much interest by those who frequent the long, sandy beaches. The details of this peculiar method of spawning have been accurately worked out by Thompson (1919b). The results of his work may be summarized briefly as follows: These fishes deposit their eggs during high tides in the sand of the beach. In accomplishing this, the fish is carried by the wash of the waves up onto the moist sand, where the female digs in, tail foremost, and there deposits her eggs, which the male simultaneously fertilizes while lying arched around her. According to popular belief, these runs of grunion occur on the high tides of the second, third and fourth nights after the full moon. Thompson made his first observations in April, 1919. The moon was full on the fifteenth; the first fish were taken on the sixteenth, and the last on the eighteenth. Again, in May, the moon was full on the fourteenth, and the first fish observed on the sixteenth. In both cases, the run lasted three days, the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth of the month. The conclusion drawn was that "the spawning run comes shortly after the full of the moon, in other words, after the highest tide of the series, which is really the significant fact." The advantage accrued by the grunion by spawning on these high tides immediately following the full of the moon seems clear. It was demonstrated by Thompson that the females deposited their eggs at the upper edge of the area of sand eroded by that series of tides, and that successively lower tides on the following days actually buried the egg pods more deeply in the sand than the female had been able to deposit them. Here they lie relatively unmolested until two weeks later when, during the next series of high tides, the waves, by renewed erosion, actually dig the eggs out of the sand. Egg pods were collected immediately after a spawning run and taken into the laboratory where the development was watched. It was found that the eggs were ready to hatch in ten days after spawning, but that the fish were not actually liberated until the eggs were agitated and thus freed from the sand. Throughout the summer months of 1919, March to July, the tides associated with the dark phase of the moon were one to two feet higher than those accompanying the full of the moon. With this phenomenon in mind the author concluded that the spawning of L. tenuis on the tides immediately following the full of the moon served to practically assure the liberation of the larvae by the tides accompanying the dark of the moon two weeks later. The possibility of the spawning runs occurring also on the dark of the moon tides was discussed. Eggs spawned at this time might remain in the sand for a period of four weeks, unless the runs occurred on tides late in the series which would be approximately no higher than those of the next full moon series. On June first and second, three days after the dark of the moon, fishes were in fact found spawning on tides of 5.7 feet and 5.0 feet, respectively. The predicted height of the next full moon tide was, on June thirteenth, 6.0 feet, thus high enough to liberate the larvae. Since the fish observed running on these two dates were very few, "the conclusion that the main run does occur during the full of the moon seems therefore entirely probable." The data presented in this paper, however, are not in accordance with this conclusion; this problem will be discussed further under the section dealing with frequency of spawning. The spawning season was considered as beginning in March, and later Thompson (1919a) recorded a small run on July 15 and 16 and August 14. The spawning may thus be said to extend from March to August. This knowledge of how and when L. tenuis spawns opens up several questions concerning the life history of this fish. First, does each fish spawn but once in a season, or does it spawn on each series of favorable tides? Second, what is the age at first maturity, and do the fish spawn more than one season? Third, what is the rate of growth for the species, and does the peculiar spawning habit have any unusual influence on its growth? An attempt has been made to answer the first of these questions by a detailed study of the history of the ova. Their growth has been traced carefully from its onset in January until after the close of the spawning season in August. The second and third problems have been attacked by means of scale studies and of length-frequency data.

The viviparous surfperches (family Embiotocidae) are familiar to anglers and commercial fishermen alike, along the Pacific Coast of the United States. Until the present, 21 species have been recognized in the world. Two additional forms are herein described as new. Twenty species are found in California alone, although not all are restricted to that area.

The family, because of its surf-loving nature, is characteristic of inshore areas, although by no means restricted to this niche. Two species are generally found in tidepools, while one, Zalembius rosaceus, occurs in fairly deep waters along the continental shelf.

Because of their rather close relationships, the Embiotocidae have been a problem for the angler, the ecologist, the parasitologist, and others, to identify and even, occasionally, have proved to be difficult for the professional ichthyologist to determine. An attempt has been made in this revision, to remedy this situation by including full descriptions based on populations, rather than on individual specimens, and by including a key which, it is hoped, will prove adequate for juvenile specimens, as well as for adults.

An outline of the general history of the group and their viviparity has been included. An attempt has been made to outline the family's evolution. While it is recognized that such an attempt is not final in nature, it has been included as a point of departure for future workers. In analyzing the evolutionary trends, within the family, it was found necessary to revise the subfamilial, generic, and subgeneric limits. In every instance I have been influenced by the similarity between species rather than their difference, so it will be found that considerable "lumping" has occurred.

This is the eighth fish bulletin of a series begun in 1929 for the purpose of presenting detailed records of the State's commercial fish catch as well as other statistical information compiled by the Bureau of Marine Fisheries.

This bulletin is one of three large publications summarizing kelp investigations at the University of California's Institute of Marine Resources. The general objective of the bulletin is to assess the impact of man's past, present, and future activities on the kelp-bed environment. Possibilities for future improvement are examined in the opening chapters which describe the life history of the giant-kelp plant and show how this knowledge can be used for culturing and transplanting. Ecology of kelp-bed fishes is treated in detail as a background for evaluating influences of human activities. The distributions and ranges of physical parameters important to fishes are outlined with emphasis on temperature, wave action, visibility, and topography. Diets, behavior, preferred habitats, abundances, and life histories of kelp fishes are described, showing the ecological roles played by kelp as a food source, shelter, attractant, and vehicle for making phytoplankton productivity more available to associated fauna. It was found, however, that kelp was not a habitat requirement for most fishes, nor did it increase species diversity significantly. There was evidence that it may contribute to greater standing crops of fishes but bottom topography was considered a more important attractant. It was estimated that kelp harvesting removed an annual maximum of about 10 percent of the food supplies available for fishes. This was not considered serious because generally there appear to be ample food reserves in kelp beds.

Statistical correlations were sought between harvest returns and sportfish catches and catches per unit of effort. Neither statewide totals nor selected situations representing southern, northern, and island environments yielded any relation. Analyses were broken down to the more important groups or species of sportfishes and the only relation observed was a negative correlation between California barracuda catches and harvest yields. Since barracuda are pelagic the relation was considered to be indirect, resulting from interactions with ocean temperature. Fishing was better in beds harvested more frequently. Fishing in deteriorating beds was analyzed. Generally emphasis shifted to new groups of sportfish when more conventional fisheries declined. Statistical treatment was extended to comparisons of adjacent kelp beds that had been subjected to quite different intensities of harvesting. Harvest yield was not affected by harvesting intensity for the 11-year period examined.

Kelp was sampled as it came aboard a harvesting vessel and about one third of the motile canopy fauna was removed from the habitat. The attached fauna, however, was entirely removed. Physiological studies indicated that cutting did not influence photosynthesis in adjacent kelp tissues of the cut frond. Growth of young fronds was, in some cases, retarded for periods up to a month but in other cases growth was stimulated. The complex interplay of environmental variables probably determined the character of any changes in growth rate. The interplay was described by a mathematical model and five cutting experiments were undertaken to test model predictions. Results were considered satisfactory.

It was generally concluded that giant kelp encourages development of a rich associated fauna. No adverse influence of harvesting could be found among the statistics or field observations for the periods studied. The need for intelligent management is stressed to ensure that optimum utilization of the kelp resources will continue.

California’s salmon and steelhead populations have experienced marked declines leading to listing of almost all of California’s anadromous salmonids under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and Federal Endan-gered Species Act (ESA). Both CESA and ESA listings require recovery plans that call for monitoring to provide some measure of progress toward recovery. In addition, there are related monitoring needs for other management activi-ties such as hatchery operations and fisheries management.

This is the first comprehensive study of the reproduction, growth, habits, food, and environment of the round stingray. Gametogenesis is described in both sexes. Previously unreported testicular appendages and a corpus luteum of unique origin are revealed. Sperm storage is demonstrated for the first time in a male batoidean. Gestation is described and illustrated. The relationship between certain of the ray's reproductive adaptations and its high biotic potential is discussed; these adaptations include rapid embryonic development, birth of large well-protected young, and a specialized pattern of oogenesis which permits annual ovulation. Male embryos outnumber female embryos, but the sex ratio approaches parity in newborn rays due to a higher male mortality. The sex ratio remains nearly balanced until maturity, after which males become progressively more numerous at depths of less than 7.5 fathoms. Conversely, mature females are more numerous beyond this depth, apparently segregating themselves from the males. The growth rate of U. halleri was determined by four separate means: (i) the Petersen method of width frequencies, (ii) a captivity study, (iii) tagging and recapture, and (iv) double sampling. The species is unique among elasmobranchs for which there are growth data; both sexes attain sexual maturity relatively early in life and at about the same size and age. The significance of early sexual maturation lies in the short time span between generations and the relatively longer reproductive life of the individual. Both factors contribute to a high biotic potential. Movements of U. halleri were traced by tagging and recapture, and from analysis of trawling and seining records. These rays are normally nonmigratory, tending to remain in or return to the same locale. No recaptured individual moved more than 4.75 miles. The most rapid movement was 1 or 2 miles in 4 days. Distances traveled increase with animal size. Young rays remain close to shore and gradually move seaward with growth. Mature females move farthest offshore and return shoreward in June for mating and again in September to bear young. Adults prefer the warmer coastal waters in winter, only entering inlets to forage. Many rays populate the warm inlets, however, during summer. Over 94 percent of the ray's food volume is supplied by the three invertebrate classes—Pelecypoda, Polychaeta, and Crustacea, which are listed in order of importance. Mature rays eat a relatively larger volume of polecypods than do young rays. Urolophus halleri burrows in the substratum for food and concealment. Captive rays locate food by scent as well as by sight. Water temperature appears to limit the depth-distribution of U. halleri. Most rays reside within a narrow coastal zone, at depths of 10 fathoms or less, where temperatures generally remain above 10°C. Latitudinal distribution also seems controlled mainly by water temperature. Local population densities are greatest where a soft substratum exists just offshore and where suitable inlets are available for mating and for bearing young. Inshore dredging and the erection of coastal breakwaters and jetties are improving the ray's environment and may be contributing to a population increase in some locales. The relative abundance of associated fish species was determined from trawling catches. Urolophus halleri ranks fourth among benthic fishes taken in the study area. Little is known of the feeding relationships which exist between U. halleri and other associated fishes; however, the ray is believed to compete with some of the valuable flatfishes. Trawling catches do not accurately reflect the relative abundance of small invertebrates used as food by U. halleri; some of these invertebrates lie beneath the surface of the substratum, while others pass through the net.

Catch bulletins provide records of California's commercial fisheries and their value to fishermen. They also summarize the marine partyboat anglers' catch. The report for 1962 is the 22nd in the series. Prior records have been published regularly beginning with those for 1926 and 1927. In recent years, catch bulletins have been published annually instead of biennially. Records are obtained from each wholesale fish dealer or processor who receives fish from fishermen or who processes fish. Partyboat operators record each trip's catch, and these records are also sent to the Department. Clerical personnel in strategic locations, Eureka, San Francisco, Monterey, Terminal Island, and San Diego, maintain contact with fish dealers and local Fish and Game wardens to insure that our records are accurate and transmitted promptly. All data are edited and subsequently processed by electric accounting machines. Published figures are of national and international concern, but they are used primarily by fisheries scientists and legislators to manage and regulate California's important fisheries. Chambers of commerce, members of the fishing industry, educators, and others also find these catch statistics of value in meeting their respective needs.

The following paper presents a study of the life histories of the two species of shrimp, Crago franciscorum (Stimpson) and Crago nigricauda (Stimpson), which make up the commercial shrimp catch of San Francisco Bay. The earliest shrimp fishing in San Francisco Bay was done about 1869 by Italian fishermen. The shrimp were taken in seines, 60 feet long by 8 feet deep, with a bag in the center. With this gear they took ample shrimp to supply the demand as well as some fish for the fresh fish market. In 1871 the Chinese began using the Chinese shrimp net which greatly increased the catch. By 1897 there were twenty-six camps operating on San Francisco Bay. For a time shrimp fishing was carried on also in Tomales Bay but was abandoned a few years prior to 1897. After the Chinese began shrimp fishing, the local market could absorb only a small part of the catch, as the consumption of fresh shrimp was always limited. A profitable export trade, however, was built up on the dried product which was shipped to the Orient. Agitation against the use of the Chinese shrimp nets soon developed, the contention being that many young fish were destroyed by them, particularly small striped bass in San Pablo Bay. In 1897 and again in 1910, N. B. Scofield investigated the Chinese shrimp fishery for the California Fish and Game Commission. In 1901, as a result of his findings, the Legislature established a closed season to shrimp fishing during the months of May, June, July and August. The Chinese hired attorneys to contest the laws restricting their operations, but in 1911 the use of the Chinese nets was prohibited entirely. In 1915 the Legislature passed a law allowing the use of the Chinese shrimp nets in south San Francisco Bay (District 13). About this time trawl fishing for shrimp started in the northern end of the bay. The trawl fishermen restrict their operations to north San Francisco Bay (District 12) so that catches from Districts 12 and 13 represent respectively the catch made with trawls and that made with the Chinese nets.