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CAUTORNIAI

FISH™ GAME

California Fish and Game is a journal devoted to the conserva-
tion of wildlife, lis contents may be reproduced elsewhere pro-
vided credit is given the authors and the California Department
of Fish and Game.

The free mailing list is limited by budgetary considerations to
persons who can make professional use of the material and
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viduals must state their affiliation and position when submitting
their applications. Subscriptions must be renewed annually by
returning the postcard enclosed with each October issue. Sub-
scribers are asked to report changes in address without delay.

Please direct correspondence to:

CAROL M. FERREL, Editor
Department of Fish and Game
987 Jedsmith Drive
Sacramento 19, California

Individuals and organizations who do not qualify for the free
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vidual issues for $0.75 per copy by placing their orders with the
Printing Division, Documents Section, Sacramento 14, California.
Money orders or checks should be made out to Printing Division,
Documents Section.

VOLUME 47

JULY, 1961

NUMBER 3

Published Quarferly by the

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME

SACRAMENTO

EDMUND G BROWN, Governor

FISH AND GAME COMMISSION

JAMIE H. SMITH, President

Los Angeles

HENRY CLINESCHMIDT THOMAS H. RICHARDS, JR.

Vice President -. Redding Commissioner Sacramento

WM. P. ELSER DANTE J. NOMELLINI

Commissioner Son Diego Commissioner Stockton

DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME

Walter T. Shannon, Director .

-Sacramento

OFFICE-FISH AND GAME COMMISSION

722 Capitol Avenue

Sacramento 14

1001 Jedsmith Drive
Sacramento

1234 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno

627 Cypress Street
Redding

OFFICES-DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME

722 Capitol Avenue

Sacramento 14

Ferry Building
San Francisco

724 South Spring Street
Los Angeles

51 1 Tuna Street
Terminal Island

407 West Line Street
Bishop

271 Tyler Street
Monterey

619 Second Street
Eureka

Room 12, North Ramp

Broadway Pier Building

San Diego

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME
Editorial Staff

CAROL M. FERREL, Editor-in-Chief

JOHN E. FITCH, Editor for Marine Resources

ELTON D. BAILEY, Editor for Inland Fisheries

MERTON N. ROSEN, Editor for Game

DONALD H. FRY, JR., Editor for Salmon and Steelhead

Sacramento

..Terminal Island

Sacramento

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Survival, Mortality and IMovements of White Catfish and Brown

Bullheads in Clear Lake, California George W. McCammon

and Charles M. Seeley 237

Salmo evermanni a Synonym of Salmo clar^ii

henshawi Setli B. Benson and Robert J. Behnke 257

The Use of the Sediment Bottle Collector for Monitoring

Pointed Marine Waters Donald J. Beish 261

Age and Length Composition of the Sardine Catch Off the Pacific
Coast of the United States and Mexico
in 1958-59 Rolert 8. Wolf and Anita Daugherty 273

The Distribution of the California

Sea Otter Richard A. Boolootian 287

Multiple Purulent Abscess (Corynehacterium pyogenes)

of Deer Merton N. Rosen and Frances F. Holden 293

Note

Shovelers Nesting in Humboldt County,

California Charles F. Yocom 301

Note

A Method of Immobilizing Bear for Ear

Tagging Jack L. Hiehle and Jack R. Slosson 303

Note

Partv Boat Logs Show How Skindivers Fared

During 1958 and 1959 Parke H. Young 303

Keviews 307

(235 )

SURVIVAL, MORTALITY, AND MOVEMENTS OF

WHITE CATFISH AND BROWN BULLHEADS

IN CLEAR LAKE, CALIFORNIA'

GEORGE W. McCAMMON and CHARLES M. SEELEY

Inland Fisheries Branch

California Department of Fish and Game

Clear Lake is a large, seminatural lake situated in the central portion
of Lake County in northern California. It lies at an elevation of 1,325
feet, the average surface area is approximately 40,000 acres, and the
maximum depth is about 50 feet. The lake is exceedingly fertile and its
large populations of warmwater game fish maintain a sport fishery of
considerable magnitude.

The sport fishery of Clear Lake has been the subject of several in-
vestigations. Murphy (1951) presented data on the history of the fish-
ery through 1949 and some general information on the ecology of the
lake. Pintler (1956, 1957a, 1957b) reported the results of a limited
creel census of boat fishermen for the years 1954, 1955, and 1956. Kim-
sey (1957) tagged largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in the
lake in 1953 and 1954, and obtained data on their movements and mor-
tality rates. Limited data on the mid-summer food of fingerling large-
mouth bass were obtained in 1948, 1956, 1957, and 1958 (Murphy,
1949 ; McCammon, 1957 ; McCammon and LaFaunce, 1958 ; LaFaunce,
1959).

The white catfish {Ictalurus catus) and the brown bullhead (Icta-
lurus nehidosus) are the only ictalurid species present in the lake, and
both are important constituents of the game fish catch. An analysis of
boat fishermen catch records showed that white catfish made up nearly
80 percent of the total catch sample in 1948 and 1949, 12 percent in
1953 and 1954, and almost 40 percent in 1956 (Pintler, 1957b). Brown
bullheads were less important in the boat catch. During the years 1947
to 1956, the contribution of brown bullheads to the boat catch sample
ranged from 0.4 percent in 1954 to 9.7 percent in 1955.

The boat catch statistics are not necessarily indicative of either the
relative abundance of the fish or their relative contribution to the total
catch. For instance, large numbers of bullheads are caught during late
winter and early spring at the mouths of the major tributaries, while
relatively few white catfish are caught from shore at any time of year.
Also, compulsory records maintained for a commercial seine fishery
for carp {Cyprinus carpio) and Sacramento blackfish {Orthodon mic-
rolepidotus) have indicated consistently for many years that the brown
bullhead is considerably more abundant than the white catfish.

1 Submitted for publication October 1960. This work was performed as part of Dingell-
Joiinson Project California F-2-R, 'A Study of the Catfish Fishery of California,"
supported by Federal Aid to Fish Restoration funds.

(237)

238

CALIFORNIA l-ISII AM) (iAME

A broad investigation oi" tlic major eattisli fislici-ies of California was
begun in 11)51, witli the aid of Dingell-Johnson funds. As part of this
investigation, both white catfish and brown bullheads were tagged in
Clear Lake in the summer of 1952 and in the late fall and winter of
1954-55. The objectives were to (1) obtain reliable estimates of survival
and mortality rates, and (2) define the movements of the fish. The rel-
ative efficiency of three types of tags was tested in the 1952 study.
The results of these experiments are presented in this paper.

METHODS

Tagging Operations
1952Sfuciy

Both species were captured for tagging in unbaited fyke nets of the
type described by Pelgen and McCammon (1955). The nets were fished
at ''The Narrows", a constriction between the eastern and western
portions of the lake (Figure 1). The most successful sets were at depths
of 15 to 30 feet, and were left undisturbed for at least five days.

Three previously described tags were compared: the disk-dangler
tag, the staple tag, and the hydrostatic capsule tag. Pelgen (1954) used
disk-danglor and staple tags on white catfish in the Sacramento-San
Joaquin Delta, and McCammon (1956) used disk-dangler and hydro-
static tags on channel catfish {Ictalurus punctatus) in the lower Colo-
rado Kiver. The construction and method of attachment of these tags
in the present study were identical to those described by the above
authors.

Between August 13 and September 24, 1952, 722 white catfish and
724 brown bullheads were tagged and released at The Narrows, for a

V^Rodmon Slough

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FIGURE 1. Map of Clear Lake, showing areas where white catfish and brown bullheads were

togged in 1952 and 1954-55.

CATFISH AND BULLHEAD INVESTIGATIONS

239

total of 1,446 tagged fish. Staple tags were placed on 247 white catfish
and 248 brown bullheads ; disk-dangler tags were affixed to 248 white
catfish and 247 brown bullheads; and hydrostatic tags were attached
to 227 white catfish and 229 brown bullheads (Table 1).

Figure 2 presents the length frequencies of both species for each
type of tag. The white catfish ranged from 6.3 to 18.5 inches in fork
length, with a mean of 10.4 inches. The brown bullheads in the sample
ranged from 6.6 to 13.9 inches, with a mean fork length of 9.8 inches.

m 30

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1952

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FIGURE 2. Length frequencies of white catfish and brown bullheads tagged in Clear Lake

in 1952.

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240

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

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CATFISH AND BULLHEAD INVESTIGATIONS 241

1954-55 Siudy

A second experiment was begun in the fall of 1954 to check the
results of the 1952 experiment. Tagging operations were carried on
during the period November 10, 1954, to January 11, 1955. Tagging
was carried out during the cold months to test the hypothesis that the
low rate of tag return during the first two years of the 1952 experiment
resulted from a high extra mortality among the tagged fish, caused by
summer tagging. Subsequent tag returns from the 1954-55 experiment
failed to support this hypothesis.

The disk-dangler tag was used exclusively in the second study. The
success of this tag in other catfish tagging experiments then in progress
indicated that it was the best available tag.

Four tagging stations were established. They were : (1) The Narrows ;
(2) Clear Lake Oaks, four miles east of The Narrows; (3) the town of
Nice, nine miles northwest of The Narrows; and (4) Jago's Resort,
seven miles southeast of The Narrows (Figure 1). It was originally
planned to trap, tag, and release 250 fish of each species at each of the
four stations. However, due to difficulty in trapping white catfish, only
15 were tagged at Jago's Resort and none were tagged at Nice. The
remaining quota was filled at the other stations : 484 at The Narrows
and 502 at Clear Lake Oaks. The total number of tagged white catfish
was 1,001.

No difficulty was encountered in trapping brown bullheads. Two
hundred and forty-nine were tagged at The Narrows, and 250 were
tagged at each of the remaining stations, for a total of 999 tagged
bullheads.

The mean fork lengths of white catfish tagged at Clear Lake Oaks
and The Narrows were 8.9 and 8.8 inches, respectivel3^ The 15 fish
tagged at Jago's Resort had a mean fork length of 10.9 inches. The
fish in the entire sample ranged from 6.3 to 15.8 inches in fork length,
with a mean of 8.9 inches.

The mean fork lengths of brown bullheads at each of the locations
were as follows: Clear Lake Oaks, 11.5 inches; Nice, 11.8 inches; Jago's
Resort, 11.8 inches; The Narrows, 12.1 inches. The range in length for
the entire sample was 7.0 to 14.0 inches, with a mean of 11.8 inches.

Figure 3 presents length frequency distributions for both species.

Mortality Computations

Tag recoveries are grouped according to the number of months
elapsed since the date of tagging, divided into 12-month periods. For
instance, a fish tagged on August 12, 1952, and recaptured on Septem-
ber 15, 1956, had been at liberty 49-}- months, and is thus designated
a fifth-year return.

The calculations and notations of mortalities follow Ricker (1958).

Publicity

Several techniques of stimulating voluntary tag returns by anglers
were employed in both studies. Posters that explain the State's catfish
tagging program and the procedure for returning tags were displayed
prominently around the lake. Press releases were directed to those

242

CALIFORNIA PlSIl AXn CAMK

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1954-55

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FIGURE 3. Length frequencies of white catfish and brown bullheads tagged

in 1954-55.

Clear Lake

newspapers that served llie majority of the aii<:lci-s lliat use the lake,
and talks were presented to loeal sportsmen's or<?anizations. Each per-
son who returned a tag was awarded a commendation card that carried
a brief history of the recaptured fish. In addition, tag returnees were
eligibli- lor well-advertised ])rize drawings sjionsorcd by the Foothill
Sportsmen's Club of Oakland and the i.;ikc County S])ortsmen's Asso-
ciation.

CATFISH AND BULLHEAD INVESTIGATIONS 243

RESULTS

1952 Study
General Data

Anglers returned 110 tags (15.2 percent) from white catfish and
47 tags (6.5 percent) from brown bullheads over a seven-year period
from 1952 to 1959. Additional returns from white catfish are antici-
pated ; however, it is unlilvcl y that they will appreciably affect the
present results. They Avill serve primarily to demonstrate the length
of time that the tags will remain attached to white catfish, and to
emphasize the low mortality rates operating on the stock.

Kecoveries of brown bullhead tags are considered complete.

The breakdown of tag returns by tag type and year of recovery is
shown in Table 1. These data exhibit some singular characteristics, the
most conspicous being the pattern of annual returns from white catfish.
Annual recoveries of tags from white catfish were : First year, 13 ;
second year, 20 ; third year, 23 ; fourth year, 23 ; fifth year, 19 ; sixth
year, 5 ; and seventh year, 7.

The pattern of tag recoveries from brown bullheads is more typical,
showing a general decrease after the first year. Annual tag recoveries
from brown bullheads were : first year, 19 ; second year, 8 ; third year,
6; fourth year, G; fifth year, 3; sixth year, 4; and seventh year, 1.

Comparison of Tags

The differences in total returns of each type of tag from both species
were not significant at the 5 percent level, as deternnned bv chi-square
tests (white catfish, X'^ = 3.29, 2 d.f., P> 0.10; brown bullheads, X- =
3.05, 2 d.f., P> 0.20). Thus, from a statistical viewpoint onh', staple,
disk-dangler, and hydrostatic tags were equally efficient in this study.

However, close scrutiny of the recovery data, coupled with informa-
tion from comparable experiments, indicates that the hydrostatic tag
may be less effective in studies that extend over periods of more than
one year. It will be noted that of the 20 hydrostatic tags returned from
brown bullheads, 13 were returned during the first 12 months (Table 1).
The remaining seven hydrostatic tag returns were spread fairly evenly
over the next six years. On the other hand, both staple and disk-
danglers were returned at a relatively constant rate throughout the
seven years. The abrupt decline in hydrostatic tag returns after the
first year is a common symptom of tag detachment. Shedding of these
tags from catfish has been observed previously (McCammon, 1956).

Possible direct evidence of hydrostatic tag shedding was detected
during the course of this study. Three detached tags, one from a while
catfish and two from brown bullheads, were found by project personnel
in the vicinity of The Narrows within the first 14 months of the study.
The possibilities exist that the fish involved died from natural causes
or that the tags were discarded by disinterested anglers ; however, it
appears more likely that the tags were shed.

Recoveries of hydrostatic tags from white catfish maintained a con-
stant level until the fifth year, when they declined appreciably. Staple
and disk-dangler tag returns did not decline to the same extent, further
supporting the evidence of shedding of hydrostatic tags.

244 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

The higher retuiMi of liydrostatic tags from brown bullheads during
the first year is attributal)le to more comph^te reporting by anglers of
recaptures. The message enclosed in the hydrostatic tag is believed to
be more effective in eliciting angler response than the printed disk of
the staple and disk-dangler tags.

There Avas no clear evidence of Ihe svipi'riorily of cither the staple
or disk-dangler tag in remaining attached to the fish.

Survival and Morfalify Esiimaies

It is apparent from the data in Table 1 that simple procedures for
estimating the mean annual survival rate of white catfish ai"e not ap-
plicable in this case. The increase in annual recoveries through the
fourth year precludes survival calculations by means of ratios of one
years 's returns to the preceding year's returns, or by the rate of decline
of the logarithms of the numbers of tags returned in successive years.

An indication of the cause of the annual increase in white catfish
tag returns, and a possible approach to a reasonable estimate of sur-
vival, are provided by a statistical comparison of returns from diifer-
ent-sized fish. A chi-square test demonstrated that all tags from fish
that were 10 inches long, and longer, when tagged, returned at a sig-
nificantly (5 percent level) higher rate during the seven vears than
tags from fish less than 10 inches long (X^ = 9.79, 1 d.f., P < 0.01).
This comparison was made under the assumption that the percentage of
nonreponse from anglers was the same for both size groups and for
all recovery periods.

The size differential in returns indicates that a large percentage of
the tagged white catfish w'ere not fully vulnerable to the fishery when
tagged. To clarify this, an approximation of the age distribution of the
tagged fish was determined from limited, unpublished data on white
catfish grow^th rates in Clear Lake. Annual returns from each age group
were then noted (Table 2).

The resultant data still present an irregular pattern, with no distinct
indication of the age, size, and survival of the fish when completely
recruited. These data suggest that recruitment occurs at about Age TV;
however, several J'actors obscure this possibility. These factors are the
following: (1) the obvious increased chance for variability in returns
in different years, due to the very small numbers of returns, (2) the
inhibitory effect of the tags upon the growth of the fish, which might
delay recruitment for one or more 3'ears, (3) possible differences in
the rate of fishing between years, and (4) a lower rate of return during
the first 3'ear, due to non-random distribution of the tagged fish during
that year (Type C error).

Despite tlie deficiencies of the reco\ery data, it is apparent thai sur-
vival of the white catfish was high. An estimate of the general level of
magnitude of this parameter can be computed; however, it should l)e
acce]ited with caution.

By using recoveries of age 1\" and older fish during the second
through seventh years, the ratio 47/58 is obtained. The apparent mean
annual survival rate of fully vulnerable fish is s =: 0.81. The apparent
mean annual total mortality is a = 0.10. and the apparent instantane-
ous mortality rate is i r= 0.21.

CATFISH AND BULLHEAD INVESTIGATIONS

245

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246 CALIFORXIA FISn AND GAME

To obtain estimates of the general magnitude of the apparent rate of
fishing, it is necessary to make corrections for Typo A and C systematic
errors. The effect of Type C error is eliminated by using only the re-
turns from age IV fish from the second and later years, and applying
appropriate correction methods from Ricker (1958). Tlic apparent
mean rate of exploitation, uncorrected for Type A error, is u = 0.06
and the apparent mean rate of fishing is p ^= 0.07. Corresponding nat-
ural mortalit}' values are r := 0.18, and q ■= 0.14.

Nonresponse by anglers who caught tagged white catfisli is believed
to be the primary source of Type A error, although it is strongly sus-
pected that shedding of hydrostatic tags was res])()nsible for a minor
amount of the error. No estimate of the magnitude of nonresponse is
available for this study; however, MeCammou mid I;aPaunce (1961)
estimated about 40 percent nonresponse in a similar tagging experiment
with channel catfish in the Sacramento Valley of California. The appli-
cation of this nonresponse estimate to the present data results in the
following final estimates of mortality in the fully recruited age groups :

u = 0.10
V = 0.09

p = o.n

q = 0.10

While the above parameters are merely approximations of the true
parameters, it is nevertheless apparent that the white catfish stock of
Clear Lake w^as lightly exploited during the period 1952-59.

A chi-square analysis of the total returns from brown bullheads that
were less than 10 inches when tagged and brown bullheads 10 inches
long and longer, also demonstrated significantly greater returns from
the larger fish (X^ = 16.79, 1 d.f., P < 0.0005) . However, due to the low
number of returns and lack of growth rate data, a satisfactory estimate
of the survival rate of fully recruited fish cannot be derived from the
return data. It appears from the magnitude and pattern of brown bull-
head tag recoveries that the survival and fishing rates are slightly
lower than for white catfish, and the natural mortality rate is slightly
higher.

Movements of Tagged Fish

Of the no total white catfish tag returns, 87 were usable for deter-
mining the recapture location with reasonable accuracy (Figure 4A).
Xo suggestion of a regular migration or movement was detected when
the locations of seasonal and annual recoveries were plotted (not shown
in Figure 4A). These data did not necessarily demonstrate the absence
of a regular movement, however, since tag returns within any single
season or year were too few to provide sufficent evidence of such migra-
tions.

The scattered distribution of recapture locations of all usable white
catfish tag returns indicates extensive movement away from the release
point ill The Narrows, with no evidence of discrete sub-])opulations.
The concentrations of recaptures in specific areas, such as Clear Lake
Oaks, Soda Bay, and Glenhaven, are believed to leflect greater angling
pressure in those areas.

CATFISH And bullhead investigations

247

LAKEPORTo

LAKE OAKS

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LAKEPORTo

• • \ qGLENHAVEN „/,

( 1» ---.^2^1^-^^ "yfCLEAR LAKE OAKS

Scole of Miles

oCLEAR LAKE
HIGHLANDS

Cache Ceek

FIGURE 4. Locations of recaptures of white catfish ancJ brown bullheads tagged in Clear

Lake in 1952.

Twenty-six brown bullhead tag returns provided data on specific
recapture locations (Figure 4B). The reported distribution of recap-
tures over the entire seven-year period was similar to that of the white
catfish.

248 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

1954-55 Study
General Daia

During the first five years followiiifr tagjxing operations, 96 (9.6 per-
cent) tags from Avhito catfish and 122 (12.2 percent) tags from brown
bullheads were returned voluntarily by anglers. Addilional returns from
both species are expected; however, it is doubtful that they will mod-
if}' or contradict conclusions based on the present data.

Annual tag recoveries from both species and from each of the four
tagging locations are presented in Table 3. Total recoveries from white
catfish w^ere: first year, 20; second year, 18; third year, 18; fourth
year, 27 ; and fifth year, 13. Total brown bullhead recoveries were : first
year, 37 ; second year, 29 ; 1 liiid year, 36 ; fourth year, 9 ; and fifth year,
11.

Total returns from wliite catfish tagged at Clear Lake Oaks and Tlie
Narrows were approximately the same, with 48 returns (9.6 percent)
from the 502 fish released at Clear Lake Oaks and 44 returns (9.1 per-
cent) from the 484 fish tagged at The Narrows. The 15 white catfish re-
leased at Jago's Kesort produced a return of 4 tags (26.7 percent);
however, the small number of fish involved precludes any comparison
with the other locations.

Brown bullhead tag returns from each of the four tagging stations
varied in number; however, the differences were not significant at the
5 percent level. Total recoveries from each station were: Clear Lake
Oaks, 34 (13.6 percent) ; The Narrows, 25 (10 percent) ; Jago's Resort,
41 (16.4 percent) ; and Nice, 22 (8.8 percent).

Rates of Exploitafion

As in the 1952 study, the anomalous pattern of annual recoveries
from v.hite catfish prevents simple computations of survival and mor-
tality rates. Thus, the saine methods used to approximate these para^
meters in the 1952 study were utilized in the treatment of the 1954-55
data.

Similarly, returns from white catfish 10 inches long and longer Avere
significantly greater than returns from smaller fish {X~ = 4.79, 1 d.f.,
P < 0.05), indicating only partial vulnerability of the smaller fish.
However, the breakdown of returns by assumed age groups failed to
provide a clear indication of survival (Table 4). No attemi)t to ;ii)])r(ixi-
mate the survival rate of fully vulnerable fish was made.

It appears that the only parameter obtainabh' from these data is the
apparent defi)iitive rate of exploitation during the first recovery period.
By taking returns from age IV and older fish during the first year and
correcting for an assumed rate of non response of 40 percent, the ratio
12/238 is obtained. Thus, the apparent exploitation rate is u = 0.05.
No correction for Type C error is necessary, since the fish w^ere tagged
at the start of the fishing season.

Although the estimate of the aj)pai'ent rate of exploitation of com-
pletely recruited white catfish is only half of the 1952 estimate, botli
are in the same order of magnitude. The previous conclusion that the
Clear Lake white catfish stock is gi-eatly underexploited is confirmed
by the 1954-55 data. The hypothesis thai an appreciable tagging mcn--
tality was responsible for the low returns of botli species in the 1952
.study is rejected.

CATFISH AND BULLHEAD INVESTIGATIONS

249

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CALIFORNIA FISIE AND GAME

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CATFISH AND BULLHEAD INVESTIGATIONS 251

There was no difference, at the 5 percent level of significance, between
the lengths of brown bnllheads tagged and the lengths, at time of
tagging, of the recaptnres. Evidently most of the tagged sample was
fully vulnerable, which is not surprising, since the length frequency
distribution was skewed negatively, with a mean of 11.8 inches.

With the effect of recruitment eliminated from consideration, an
estimate of survival can be computed directly and simply, despite the
slightly irregular pattern of annual recoveries. The ratio of one year's
recoveries to the preceding year's recoveries results in the mean ratio
85/111. Thus, the weighted estimate of mean annual survival is s =:=
0.77, aud its complement mean annual total mortality is a =: 0.23. The
instantaneous total mortality rate is i := 0.27.

Estimates of mortality components, corrected for an assumed,
uniform rate of angler nouresponse of 40 percent, are :

p = 0.08
q = 0.19
u = 0.07

Vr=:0.16

As in the case of the estimates of white catfish parameters derived
from the 1952 data, the above estimates must be considered as approxi-
mations of the true values, due to the large sampling error.

The greater total percentage return from brown bullheads in the
1954-55 study (12.2 percent) as compared with the total seven years
return in the 1952 study (6.5 percent) is believed to reflect the virtually
complete vulnerability of the tagged sample in 1954-55, rather than
an increased rate of fishing.

Movements of Tagged Fish

The general locations of 65 white catfish recaptures were determined
from voluntary information provided by tag returnees in the 1954-55
study (Figure 5A). Their distribution was essentially the same as the
distribution of recaptures from the 1952 tagging. Recaptures tended
to be concentrated in those areas where the angling use is known to be
relatively high ; however, a few returns were recorded from scattered
areas around the entire lake.

No suggestion of a regular migration was revealed in these data.
The extensive movement of the fish is apparently without direction, a
characteristic that has also been noted in the Sacramento-San Joaquin
Delta (Pelgen, 1954; Pelgen and McCammon, 1956).

Forty-seven brown bullhead tag returns were usable for spotting
recapture locations (Figure 5B). The distribution of total recaptures
demonstrated that bullheads tagged in any one of the three major arms
of the lake has a tendency to remain in that arm, while bullheads
tagged in The Narrows dispersed into one or more of the adjacent arms.
The 1952 data also provided evidence of a general dispersion of bull-
heads away from The Narrows.

Bullhead recaptures were highly concentrated in the Clear Lake Oaks
area and in, or near, the outlet to Cache Creek. Angling use is relatively
high at both localities, and is probably the primary determinant of

252

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

Scale of Miles

Coche Creek '

Rodman Slough

LOCATIONS OF RECAPTURED

BROWN BULLHEADS

1954-55 STUDY

Lucerne

O Togged ot Clear Lake Ooks
A Togged ot Norrows
D Togged ot jogo's Resort
• Tagged at Nice

^^ V 6LENHAVEN

CLEAR LAKE OAKS

0 12 3 4

> I I I — I

Scale of Miles

Coche Creek

FIGURE 5. Locations of recaptures of white catfish and brown bullheads fagged in Clear Lake.

in 1954-55.

tlip frrr-ator luiiiilxT of rpfovcrics. Tlic i-ecaptiiro nf at loast six taprfrod
bullheads in Cache Creek, below the Clear J^ake lnii)ouiidiiieiit Dam,
suggests that substantial numbers of bullheads may pass through that
strueture under high runoff conditions. Runotf during the winters of
l!(5n-5() and liiriT-T))-! was eonsidei-ablv abdve av(M'age.

CATFISH AND BULLHEAD INVESTIGATIONS 253

MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

Despite the large sampling error, due to the small numbers of tag
recoveries from both species, it is palpable that huge, underexploited
stocks of white catfish and brown bullheads exist in Clear Lake. Relaxa-
tion of restrictions on the bag limit and type and quantity of angling
gear would be an obvious approach toward increasing the low yield.
There is no closed season or minimum size limit.

In 1959, the daily bag limit at Clear Lake was raised from 15 to 20
white catfish and brown bullheads in combination. The effect of this
change on the rate of fishing is a matter of conjecture. Judging from
the low catch per unit of effort for the period 1947 to 1956 for both
species (Pintler, 1957b), it is doubtful that the increased limit will
influence the yield measurably.

The development and promulgation of more effective catfish angling
techniques should not be overlooked as a means of increasing the yield
appreciably. It has been observed that the average tourist angler expe-
riences difficulty in capturing either species, despite their abundance.

Current gear restrictions limit the angler to one line, with a maxi-
mum of three hooks. Conceivably, liberalization of this regulation might
have a positive influence on catfish angling success ; however, such a
move would create difficult law enforcement and biological problems
with respect to the largemouth bass fishery. It is questionable wiiether
the benefits from more lenient catfish gear restrictions (e.g., trot lines)
would be worth the ensuing social conflict and the additional enforce-
ment effort necessary to protect the largemouth bass population. Simi-
larly, a limited, controlled, commercial fishery is virtually out of the
question for the same reasons, even though the evidence suggests that
present catfish stocks could support such a fishery.

SUMMARY

White catfish and brown bullheads constitute a substantial portion
of the sport catch of warmwater game fishes in Clear Lake, a 40,000-
surface acre, fertile, seminatural lake in central Lake County, Califor-
nia. Samples of both species were tagged and released in the summer of
1952 and the winter of 1954-55 to provide data on their mortality and
movements. Both studies were terminated in 1960.

In August and September of 1952, approximately equal numbers of
722 white catfish and 724 brown bullheads were single-tagged with
disk-dangler, staple, or hydrostatic tags. All fish were trapped and re-
leased in The Narrows, a constriction separating the three major arms
of the lake.

Anglers voluntarily returned 110 tags (15.2 percent) from white
catfish and 47 tags (6.5 percent) from brown bullheads during the en-
suing seven years. Annual recoveries were :

White catfish Broioi bullheads

First year 13 19

Second year 20 8

Third year 23 6

Fourth year 23 6

Fifth year 19 3

Sixth year 5 4

Seventh year 7 1

Totals 110 47

254 CAIJKOKXIA FISH AND r!A:\ri'

No sigrnificant diffcreiico anioiifr llic tulal nturiis from both species
of disk-daiigler, staiilc, aiul hydrostatic taji's was revealed. However,
coUation of these and othei- taji-^iiipr data indicates tliat the liydrostatic
tajr is nnsnitalile for loiifr-tenn iiioiialily studies.

Tlie low iiuinlxM- and ;i1y|)ic;il ]iattern of jinniial white catfish tap:
recoveries prevents the computation of reliable survival and mortality
estimates. Cross estimates of the survival and moi'tality of completely
recruited white catfish, corrected for an assumed 40 percent non-
response, were as follows :

Mean annual survival = 0.81

Mean annual total mortality ^ 0.91

IMean instaiitaueous mortality rate ^ 0.21

Mean instantaneous fisliino- mortality rate__ = 0.11

Mean instantaneous natural mortality rate__ = 0.10
Mean annual expectioii of deaths

from fish in <*• = 0.10

Mean annual expection of deaths from

natural causes := 0.09

The brown bullhead recovery data wei'c insufficient for estimating'
population parameters; however, the quantity and pattei-u of i-e1ui'ns
sug:p:ests that survival and fishino- rates were lower and natural mortal-
ity hifrher than for white catfish.

The locations of recaptures of both species demoiisl I'ated iiondiree-
tional dispersal throup'hout the lake.

In the 1954-55 study, 1,001 white catfish and 999 brown bullheads
were tap-jred with disk-danp-ler tap's only, and released in aiiiu-oximntely
equal numbers at four widely-separated locations.

During the following five years, annual returns were as follows:

Whife nil I t]sli Jlriiirii hiiUhimlx

First yoar 20 'M

Second year IS 29

Third year IS .".C

Fourth vear 27 !>

Fifth year 13 11

Totals 90 122

The differences in i-eturns of hoth species from difTereut i-elease loca-
tions were not significant.

The only parameter obtainable from the -while caifish lag recovery
data was the rate of exploitation. During the first recovery vear,
u = 0.05.

Approximate survival and moilality values fur brown bullheads
were as follows :

Mean annual survival ^ 0.7()

Mean annual t<i1al moilality ■= 0.23

]\Ieaii instantaneous moi'tality rate = 0.27

Mean instantaneous fishing mortality rate = 0.08

Mean instantaneous natural mortality rate.- = 0.19

Mean rate of exploitation =r 0.07

Annual expection of natural deaths = 0.1 0

CATFISH AND BULLHEAD INVESTIGATIONS 255

It is concluded that huge, underfished stocks of white catfish and
brown bullheads exist in Clear Lake. Several possible approaches to
more effective management of the stocks are discussed briefly.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

David E. Pelgen planned and supervised the tagging operations in
the 1952 study. Leonard 0. Fisk assisted with tagging activities during
the 1954-55 study. David P. Borgeson assisted with the analysis of the
data and the preparation of the manuscript. Figures were drawn by
Clift'a Corson.

REFERENCES
Kiiiisey, J. B.

I!).17. Ljirgenioiith bass taj^ging at Clear Lake, Lake County, Califdinia. Calif.
Fish and Game, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 111-118.

JjaFaunce, Don A.

15)59. The food of fingerliuK laigemouth bass [Micropterus suhuoides) in Clear
Lake, Lake County, during August, 1958. Calif. Dept. Fish and Game In-
land Fisheries Branch, Admin. Kept., no. 59-8, 9 pp. (Mimeo.).

McCammon, George W.

1956. A tagging experiment with channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in the
lower Colorado River. Calif. Fish and Game, vol. 42, no. 4, pp. 32,3-335.

1957. Further observations on the food of fingerling largcmouth bass (Microp-
teriis sal mo ides) in Clear Lake, Lake County. Calif. Dept. Fish and Game,
Inland Fisheries Branch, Admin. Kept., no. 57-7, 14 pp. (Mimeo.).

McCammon, George W., and Don A. LaFaunce

1958. The food of fingerling largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in Clear
Lake, Lake County, during August, 1957. Calif. Dept. Fish and Game,
Inland Fisheries Branch, Admin. Kept., no. 58-23, 9 pp. (Mimeo.).

1961. Mortality rates and movements in the channel catfish population of the
Sacramento Valley. Calif. Fish and Game, vol. 47, no. 1, pp. 5-23.

Murphy, Garth I.

1949. The food of young largemouth black bass (Micropterus salmoides) in Clear

Lake, California. Calif. Fish and Game, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 159-163.
1951. The fishery of Clear Lake, Lake County, California. Calif. Fish and Game,

vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 439-484.

Pelgen, David E.

1954. Progress report on the tagging of white catfish (IctaUinis catus) in the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Calif. Fish and Game, vol. 40, no. 3,
pp. 313-321.

Pelgen, David E., and George W. McCammon

1955. Second progress report on the tagging of white cattish {Ictalurus catus)
in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Calif. Fish and Game, vol. 41, no.
4, pp. 261-269.

Pintler, Herbert E.

1956. The 1954 fishery of Clear Lake, Lake County, California. Calif. Dept. Fish
and Game, Inland Fisheries Branch, Admin. Kept., no. 56-2, 12 pp.
(Mimeo.).

1957a. A summary of the 1955 Clear Lake fishery, Lake County, California. Calif.

Dept. Fisli and Game, Inland Fisheries Branch, Admin. Rept., no. 57-27,

14 pp. (Mimeo.).
1957b. A summary of the 1956 Clear Lake Fishery, Lake County, California.

Calif. Dept. Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Branch, Admin. Rept.,

no. 57-28, 18 pp. (Mimeo.).

Ricker, W. E.

1958. Handbook of computations for biological statistics of fish populations. Fish.

Res. Bd. Canada, Bull. No. 119, 300 pp.

3—39590

SALMO EVERMANNI A SYNONYM OF
SALMO CLARKII HENSHAWI'

SETH B. BENSON and ROBERT J. BEHNKE

Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Zoology,

University of California, Berkeley

After finding a record that cutthroat trout from Lake Tahoe had
been planted in the stream from which Salmo evermanni Jordan and
Grinnell, 1908, was later obtained, and aware that specimens of ever-
7)ianm resembled specimens of cutthroat trout from Lake Tahoe, we
closely compared the type and two ' ' cotypes ' ' of evermanni with speci-
mens of Salmo clarkii hensliawi Gill and Jordan, 1878, from Lake
Tahoe to determine if evermanni was actually a distinct form. We
found no significant differences in the specimens. It is especially im-
portant that they were alike in distribution, size, and shape of the
dark spots and in having a high number of gill rakers. These characters
distinguish henshaivi from other kinds of cutthroat trout. From these
circumstances, and because the presence of a cutthroat endemic to the
San Bernardino Mountains seems unlikely to us on distributional
grounds, we have concluded that the specimens upon which the name
evermamii was based were derived from a plant of cutthroat trout
whose origin was Lake Tahoe.

The record concerning the plant and its source is contained in the
Fourteenth Biennial Report of the Fish Commissioners of the State
of California for the years 1895-1896. Operations of the Sisson Hatch-
ery are described on pages 25-27. The cutthroat trout reared at the
Sisson Hatchery in those years were from spawn obtained in Taylor
and Blackwood creeks which are tributaries to Lake Tahoe. The places
where cutthroat fry were liberated are listed beginning on page 64
for 1895 and on page 65 for 1896. On July 30, 1895, 6,000 cutthroat
trout fry were liberated in the Santa Ana River, San Bernardino
County. On July 26, 1896, 2,500 fry were planted in the "Santa Ana
River" and 15,000 in the "Santa Ana River, above falls". It is obvious
from the records of plants in tributaries of the Santa Ana River and
in nearby streams that cutthroat trout fry were planted in most, if
not all, streams of the higher parts of the San Bernardino Mountains.
It is highly probable that "Santa Ana River, above falls" refers to
the same part of the Santa Ana River from which the specimens of
evermanni were obtained eleven years later. Whether or not cutthroat
trout were planted in the stream after 1896 we do not know, for sub-
sequent biennial reports are not detailed as to localities planted with
cutthroat.

1 Submitted for publication July, 1960.

(257)

258 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

The fact that the validity of Salmo cvertnainii lias not boon previ-
ously qnestioned rests, we think, on the reputation of the deseribors
as autliorities and on the scarcity of specimens. One fjidoi' is that the
authors did not know tliat cultliroat had been iiiti-oducod into the
area and for some reason not ap])arent to us did not directly compare
their material with cutthroat. This may rest on their notion that ever-
manni was a relict which had been derived from a coastal form, al-
thoup'h they did not state the relationships of that form. Jordan (1919 ;
p. IJ{i9) stated later: "Another s])ecies of trout, perhaps derived from
the coastwise rainbow, ])erhaps older, but at any rate very distinct,
occurs at San Gorgonio Mountain in southern California where it has
only lately been fouiul by Professor Joseph Grinnell. A little trout,
plain colored, with larire black spots, and very small scales, like a
cutthroat. It lives at a height of seventy-five hundred feet and is shut
oif from the lower rainbow trout of the lower Santa Ana Kivci* by a
series of waterfalls. This species has been called Salmo evennanni by
Doctors Jordan and Grinnell." The original description by Jordan
and Grinnell (1908, p. 31) of evermanni is detailed and accurate with
regard to the characters listed. They mentioned, without comment, the
presence of hyoid (^ basibranchial) teeth, a character which distin-
guishes cutthroat from rainbow. They referred to the absence of red
on the throat in these words, "... fresh tints unknown, but no red
in the throat region shown in the specimens." The lack of red is not
significant, since the cutthroat mark usually disappears in specimens
preserved, as these were, in alcohol. In all, there is nothing in the de-
scription which indicates difference from licnshawi preserved in similar
fasliion.

Whether or not the reference of evermanni to the rainbow series
by Evermann and Bryant (1919; p. 108) has a relation to Jordan's
statement "i)erhaps derived from the coastwise rainbow," we do not
know. At any rate, later authorities — until Miller (1950) — referred
evermanni to the rainbow series. We have found no definite indication
in the literature that anyone except Miller ever examined any of the
original specimens critically, if at all ; and it seems significant to us
that he recognized them as belonging in the cutthroat series. He did
not know, however, that cutthroat had been planted in the area. As
far as we can determine, oidy the five original specimens exist, throe
in the Stanford collection and two in the U. S. National ]\luseum col-
lection. Miller's reference of evermanni to the cutthroat series was
based on the specimens in the National Museum.

It is now established that the ])opulation of evermanni is extinct.
Gard (M.S. thesis, 1953) after a careful search, concluded it was ex-
tinct before 1952. When it became extinct is uncertain as the evidence
is incomplete and inconsistonl. but i1 in;iy ha\-e lKi|)peued (|nile eai-ly.
P^r instance, Bryant (1929; p. ;{!)2 ) stated: '-. . . trout at the head
of the Santa Ana lvi\or in southern ("alifornia have been named a
separate variety. In more recent years pack train loads of rainbows
and steelhead tiout have been ])laced in the habitat of the San Gor-
gonio trout and as a conse(|ueiico the native stock has been replaced
by a hybrid fish which is certain to be of less interest and value."

TROUT SYNONYM 259

We gratefully acknowledge the help of Dr. George S. Myers and the
late Miss Margaret Storey in permitting us to examine the type and
two paratypes of evennanni and specimens of cutthroat trout from
Lake Tahoe in the Stanford University collection.

REFERENCES
Anonymous

1896. Fourteenth Biennial Report of the State Board of Fish Commissioners of
the State of California, for the years 1895-1896. 1896; 108 pp., 28 pis.

Bryant, H. C.

1929. Outdoor Heritage. Powell Publ. Co., Los Angeles ; 465 pp.

Evermanu, B. W. and H. C. Bryant

1919. California trout. Calif. Fish and Game, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 105-135.
Card, R.

1953. A taxonomic study of the rainbow trout populations of the streams on
Mount San Gorgonio, San Bernardino County, California. Master's Thesis,
University of California, Berkeley.
Jordan, D. S.

1919. The trout of the Great West. American Angler, vol. 4, no. 8, pp. 363-372.

Jordan, D. S. and .J. Grinnell

1908. Description of a new species of trout, Salmo evennanni from the upper
Santa Ana River, Mount San Gorgonio, Southern California. Proc. Biol.
Soc. Washington, vol. 21, pp. 31-32.

Miller, R. R.

1950. Notes on the cutthroat and rainbow trouts with the description of a new
species from the Gila River, New Mexico. Occ. Papers, Mus. Zool.
Univ. Michigan, No. 529, 42 pp.

THE USE OF THE SEDIMENT BOTTLE COLLECTOR
FOR MONITORING POLLUTED MARINE WATERS'

DONALD J. REISH

Department of Biological Sciences, Long Beach State College

Long Beach, California

INTRODUCTION

With increased interest in oceanic waters for recreation, shipping
channels, a source of food, receiving domestic and industrial waste
discharges, pnd as a source of fresh water, the problem of pollution
becomes more acute, particularly of coastal waters. With this increase
in the utilization of marine waters, it becomes of greater importance to
protect this natural resource. A conflict of interests exists with regards
to the use of these marine waters : the use of the ocean for receiving
waters for domestic and industrial waste discharges is in opposition to
the use for recreation, source of food, future fresh water source, and
esthetic values.

In recent years, research investigations have been undertaken in
many states bordering marine waters to determine whether or not pol-
lution exists. The most extensive investigation undertaken thus far has
been a study of southern California offshore waters by the Allan Han-
cock Foundation of University of Southern California (Allan Hancock
Foundation, 1959). This study, supported by the State of California,
involves a survey of bottom-dwelling plants and animals, hydrography
and marine geology of the 250 miles of coastline from Santa Barbara
to the Mexican border. Regardless of the size of the area involved, the
majority of these pollution studies have been concerned primarily with
descriptions of existing conditions and interpretations as to whether
or not a state of pollution exists. Other marine pollution studies have
dealt with the effect of industrial discharges, such as wastes from pulp
mills or oil companies on fish and shellfish (Galtsoff, et al., 1935; 1947,
for example ) .

The U. S. Public Health Service recently initiated a monitoring pro-
gram for collecting basic data on water quality at 50 stations on the
Great Lakes and interstate streams of the United States (Palange and
Megregian, 1958). At each of these stations, samples have been collected
periodically and analyzed as to bacteriological, biological, chemical,
and physical characteristics. No such program exists for marine waters.
In fact, it was not until a few years ago that any marine area had been
monitored. Marine monitoring programs generally have been associated
with new installations (Pimentel, 1959; Rawn and Bacon, 1957).

1 Submitted for publication August, 1900. This study was supported by research grant
number E-556(C3-C4) from the National Institutes of Health, United States Pub-
lic Health Service, to the Department of Biology, University of Southern Cali-
fornia.

(261)

262 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

Tlie present study Avas uiidci'ljikon 1o determine whether or not the
sediment bottle colleetor, described below, could be utilized for monitor-
ing an area or outfall. The sediment bottle collector was chosen be-
cause it represented a means of capturing bottom-dw'elliiig organisms.
The impoi-lance of bottom-dwelling organisms to the study of water
(luality has been stressed by Patrick (1949) and (Janfin and Tarzwell
(1952) for the fresh water environment and by Keish (1955; 1959) in
marine waters. Coincident to this study considerable data were col-
lected on the seasonal settlement of bottom-dwelling organisms, notably
the polychaetous annelids. This information has been included since the
settlement of these organisms has not been studied previously from
Pacific waters. The work of Thorson (1946) and Smidt (1944; 1952)
dealt in part with the settlement of bottom-dwelling animals in Danish
seas, and represent the most extensive studies undertaken thus far.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A wide-mouth, glass, gallon jar, similar to a device described by
Thorson (1946) for collecting early stages of marine invertebrates in
Danish waters, was suspended by rope (Figure 1) into 15 feet of water.
Leaving the bottle in the water for 28 days divided the year into 1:3
equal periods. The first 28-day period extended from December 21,
1955 to January 18, 1956. The last sediment bottle was picked up at
the termination of the 28-day period, November 20, ]957 to December
18, 1957. Sediments and marine invertebrates settled in the bottles and
w-ere analyzed as to species present and their abundance, odor of the
substrate, if any, and percentage of organic carbon of the sediments.

The bottles were attached to harbor installations, generally either
pilings or cleats on docks. At the end of each 28-day interval a series
of bottles was removed and replaced by different jars. The bottles were
brought to the laboratory and after the odor of the sediments was noted,
the material was transferred onto a Tyler screen having 60 openings to
the inch (openings equal to 0.0097 inch or 0.246 mm.) and washed. The
organisms retained on the screen were preserved in formalin for later
sorting and identification.

The material which passed through this screen was dried for later
organic carbon aiml3'sis. The potassium dichromate method was used
to determine the percentage of organic carbon (Emery and Ritten-
berg, 1952).

Dissolved oxygen of the water was determined at the lo-foot depth
utilizing the modified Winkler method (American Public Health and
American Water Works Associations, 1955).

STATION DESCRIPTIONS

Los Angeles-Long Peach Harbors wci'c di\ided into five ecologic
areas on the basis of bottom fauna and degree of pollution (Reish,
1955; 1959). Sediment bottle collectors were suspended at seven stations
(Figure 2), two in the heal1h>- zone (LA 7, LB 11), three in 1hi> semi-
healthy zones (LA 28. LA .'51, and LA 54), and 1wo in llie ])ol]uted
zone (LA 39, LA 43A). The station numbers employed follow those
used in previous studies of ]iollulion in Los Angeles-Long Beach Har-
bors (California Regional Water Pollution Control Board No. 4, 1952;

USE OF SEDIMENT COLLECTOR

263

FIGURE 1. One-gallon sediment bottle collector showing method of attachment.

264

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

Reish, 1955, 1959) ; LA denotes those stations in Los Aiifjeles Harbor,
and LB denotes the one station in Lonj]: Beacli Harbor. These stations
may be characterized from tlie dala in Ufisb, l!>r)9, as follows:

Health Zones

LA 7, W'alcluirn I'asiii. The sulistratc at tliis station i-()ii.sisl('(l nl' citlicr gray
or black muds and contained a diversity of fauna in ]'.>.">4. Waste dis-
chai'ges into the area included ('oolin}; waters from industry and ])ri\ate
raw sewage disposal, but neitlier of these was of major signilicaacc

LB 11, Pontoon Bridge. The bottom dwelling organisms were sparse until late
1954 ; this was because of dredging oix-rations within the area in 1953-
1954. I'ollution was not .serious in the vicinity of this station: wastes in-
cluded small amounts of discharge from oil well operations, cooling waters
from steam generating plants and minor amounts of raw domestic sewage.

Semi-healthy Stations

LA 28, Main Channel. This station was not studicil in 1954, (Reish, 19.59) ]iu\
stations located nearby were characteriz(>d by black muds, with or witli-
out a sulfide odor. Only minor amounts of wastes were emptied nearby,
but the area w'as influenced by large amounts of oil refinery wastes dis-
charged into nearby West Basin.

LA 31, Main Channel. The substrate consisted of either gray clays or black muds;
the fauna was characteristic of one of two types of semi-liealthy bottoms.
The data for waste discharges are similar to LA 28, since the two sta-
tions are in close proximity.

FIGURE 2. Map of Los Angeles-Long Beach Harbors indicating the station locations. Station
11 was in Long Beach Harbor; all others were in Los Angeles Harbor.

USE OF SEDIMENT COLLECTOR

265

LA 54, East Basin. The substrate was either a gray clay or a black sulfide mud
possessing a sulfide odor. Bottom conditions became progressively worse
during 1954 because dredging activities in 1953 had removed the accumu-
lated pollutants from the bottom, thus exposing unpolluted substrate
(Reish, 1957b). Large amounts of oil refinery wastes emptied into the
Consolidated Slip (Figure 2) influence this station.

Polluted Bottom

LA 39, Slip 1. The substrate consisted of black muds possessing a sulfide odor.

Only a few species of animals were encountered in this area. No major

contributors of waste discharges were found in the vicinity ; however,

the station was located at the end of a slip and water circulation was

limited.

LA 43A, Slip 5. Fish scales were always present in the substrate, the fauna
was diminished, and the sample generally had a sulfide odor. A vegetable
processing plant and a fish cannery emptied their wastes nearby.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF SETTLEMENT OF SPECIES
TO DEGREES OF POLLUTION

The sediment bottle data for the seven stations for the 1956-1957
period have been summarized in Tables 1 and 2 and Figure 3. Table 1
compares some of the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics
of the three different ecologic areas. Table 2 lists 45 species, according
to station, that were encountered during the two-year period. Figure 3
is a graphic summary of the seasonal settlement of the 14 more com-
monly encountered species (an anthozoan, 10 polychaetes and three
crustaceans).

The five most frequently encountered species for each ecologic area
are included in Table 1. The polychaetes Capitella capitata and Podarke
pugettensis were present as dominants in the sediment bottles sus-
pended in all zones. Many species settled, to some extent, in the bottles
in all three areas, but the combinations of the different species are

TABLE 1
Comparisons of the Biological, Chemical, and Physical Data from the Three Ecologic Areas

Zone

Characteristic

Healthy

Semi-Healthy

Polluted

Dominant Species

(in order of importance)

Number of Animal Species
Range -

Corophium acherusicum
Capitella capitata
Polydora paucibranchiata
Armandia bioculata
Podarke pugettensis

5-24
10.7
33

2.3-7.3
5.3

2.0-8.2

4.7

Capitella capitata
Podarke pugettensis
Epinebalia sp.
Dorvillea articulata
Corophium acherusicum

1-13

6.5

2.7-8.8
5.3

0.0-5.5
2.1

Capitella capitata
Polydora paucibranchiata
Dorvillea articulata
Epinebalia sp.
Podarke pugettensis

1-9

Average

4.6

Percent Odorous substrate
Percent Organic Carbon of
Substrate
Range

92
0.9-5.4

Avera*^e

5.8

Dissolved oxygen (ppm) of
water mass

0.0-5.4

2.0

Number of bottles analyzed

266

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

TABLE 2
Occurrence of Animals Settling in the Sediment Bottle Collectors, 1956-1957

Species

Zone

Iloaltliy
LA7 LBll

Scmi-IIoalthy
LA54 LA31 LA28

Polluted
LA39 LA43A

Phylum Coelenterata
Class Antliozoa

Dicuiiimene leucolena (Verrill)
Phylum Platyhelminthes

turhcllarians. uiiiili'iitified

Phylum Nematoda

iRMiiatotlcs. unidentified

Phylum Nemertea

ncincrtoans. unidentified

Phylum Phoronidea

phoionids, unidentified

Phylum Annelida
Class Folychaeta

Paleonotus chrysolepis Schniarda

Halosydna johnsoni (Darboux)

Eumida sanguinea (Oersted)

Leocrates sp

Podarke pugettensis Johnson

syllids, unidentified

Neanthes caudata (delle Chiaje)

Nereis latascens Chamberlin

Nephtys caecoides Hartman

Lumbrineris minima Hartman

Dorvillea arliculata (Hartman)

Ophrynptrocha puerilis Claparede & Met-

schnikow

Haploscoloplos elongatus (Johnson)

Polydora paucihrancli lata Ok\ida

Prionospio cirri fera Wiren

Magelona californica Hartman

Cirriformia luxuriosa (Moore)

Cossura Candida Hartman

Tharyx parvus Berkeley

Ctenodrilus serratus (Schmidt)

Pherusa inflata (Tread well)

Capitella capitata (Fabricius)

Armandia bioculata Hartman

sabellid, unidentified

Class Oligochaeta

oligochaetes, unidentified

Phylum Arthropoda
Subplijluni Crustacea
Class Ostracoda

ostracods, unidentified

Class Malacostraca
Subclass Leptostraca

Epin ebalia sp

Subclass Peracarida
Order Cuniacea

cuniaceans, unidentified

Order Aniphipoda

Corophium acherxisicum (Costa)

aiiipliii)ods, unidentified

Caprella sp

Order Isopoda

isopods, unidentified

Subclass Eucarida
Order Decapoda

Cancer sp

liemigrapsus oregoniensis (Dana) .
shrimp, unidentified

6
1

19
8
1

1
1
2
5

14
12

7
16

14
12

1
3
1
9

2.-.
14

1
3

17
3

15
1

20
3

IC.
4
3

4
2

22
8
1

22
2

2.5
4
1

21 20

10 13

6 2

24
2

20
3

1
1

21
2

20
1

1
2

1 1

USE OF SEDIMENT COLLECTOR

TABLE 2— Continued
Occurrence of Animals Settling in the Sediment Bottle Collectors, 1956-1957

267

Zone

Species

Healthy
LA7 LB 11

Semi-Healthy
LA54 LA31 LA28

Polluted
LA39 LA43A

Totals

Phylum Arthropoda — Continued
Subphylum Clielicerata
Class Pycnogonida

3 9

2 3

4 5

3 2 3
"337

5 2

Phylum Mollusca
Class Pelecypoda

clams, unidentified juveniles

Class Gastropoda

snails, unidentified juveniles

nudibranchs, unidentified juveniles

Phylum Echinodermata
Class Holothuroidea

holothurian, unidentified

5
29

Total number of species

38 35

24 19 17

18 17

Number of bottles suspended

24 26

23 24 26

26 23

172

useful as iudieators of ^vatel• ({uality. In addition to the dominant
species listed in Table 1, other invertebrates, not as frequently en-
countered, may be of use as indicators. Utilizing only those species
observed on five occasions or more, four species: an anemone, two
polychaetes, and an amphipod, limited, or nearly so, to the healthy
stations LA 7 and LB 11 (Table 2), were Diadumene leucolena, Prio-
nospio cirrifera, Ctenodrilus serratus, and Caprella sp. Additional spe-
cies were limited, or nearly so, to the healthy and semi-healthy zones
but not the polluted area ; these include the three polychaetes Paleo-
notus chrij sole pis, Halosydna johnsoni, and Enmida sanguinea. An
unidentified oligochaete was more frequently limited to the polluted
zone than the other areas.

A reduction in the number of species was observed in the more pol-
luted areas (Table 1). The average number of species encountered in
the bottles suspended in the healthy areas was more than double the
number taken from the polluted zone. Substrates with either a sulfide
or petroleum odor were more prevalent in the more polluted areas.

The differences in the percent of organic carbon from the three areas
were not so striking; an average of 5.8 percent was measured from the
very polluted areas as compared to 5.3 at the other two zones. Higher
values were obtained in the sediments collected in the more polluted
areas. Several low values, measured at station LA 39, were related to
the presence of sands, rather than muds, as is generally encountered in
the bottles.

The average dissolved oxygen content of the water mass in the
vicinity of the sediment bottles was highest at the healthy stations and
about the same at the semi-healthy and polluted stations (Table 1).

268

CALIFORNIA FISTI AXD GAME

SEASONAL VARIATIONS

The seasonal settlement for the 14 more frequently occurring animals
has been summarized in Figure 3. All the dahi for each pei'iod of the
tAvo-year interval have been considered as a unit. Tlie majority' of
these species, notably, the aiithozoan JJiadmnenc Icucolena, seven poly-
chaetes Enmida sanguinea, Podarke pugettensis, Platynereis hicana-
liculata, Dorvillca articiilata, Polydora paucihranchiata, Armandia hi-
ocidata, CapileUa capitata, and two crustaceans Epinchalia sp. and
Corophium acherusicnm settle throughout the year. Among the more
commonly encountered species only the three polychaetes Paleonotus
chrysolepis, Halosydna johnsoni, Cirriformia luxuriosa, and the amplii-
pod Caprella sp. did not settle in the sediment bottles throughout the
vear.

Diadumene leucolena
Paleonotus chrysolepis
Halosydna johnsoni
Eumida sanguinea
Podarke pugettensis
Platynereis bicanaliculata
Dorvillea articulate
Polydora paucibranchiata
Cirriformia luxuriosa
Armandia bioculata
Capitella capitata
Epinebalia sp.
Corophium acherusicum
Caprelia sp.

SEASONAL OCCURRENCE OF DOMINANT ANIMALS

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

T 1 r

1 I r

I I I I I I I I 1 I I I L

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TIME IN 28 DAY MONTHS

FIGURE 3. The seasonal occurrence of the more frequently encountered marine invertebrates
taken from the sediment bottle collectors suspended in Los Angeles-Long Beach Harbors for
28-day intervals during 1956-1957. The subdivisions along the vertical margins Indicate 100
percent occurrence for each species for each period of exposure. Data for each 28-day month

are based on 12 to 14 suspensions.

USE OF SEDIMENT COLLECTOR 269

While most of the larvae of the dominant species settled throughout
the year, reflecting reproduction by the adults throughout the year,
most of them showed seasonal peaks. Diadumene leucolena and Epi-
nehalia sp. were the only major species lacking seasonal peaks. The
majority of the peaks occurred during the spring months. The poly-
chaetes Podarke pugcttensis and Cirriformia hixuriosa were character-
ized by having both a spring peak and a fall peak. In terms of number
of species settling in the bottles, the peak occurred in the spring to early
summer months or during the third to seventh 28-day intervals. A
gradual decrease followed, and the smallest number of animals settled
during periods 13 and 1.

Odorous substrates, generally either a sulfide- or petroleum-type,
were more prevalent during periods 6 and 7 and less prevalent during
3 and 4. Warmer water temperatures were noted during the summer
(periods 7 to 10), and the reverse during periods 13 and 1. Highest
dissolved oxygen values were obtained during the spring, and the low
amounts were noted in the late fall and early winter.

DISCUSSION
Application of the Sediment Bottle Collector

Use of the sediment bottle collector for monitoring an outfall may be
illustrated as follows. Prior to constructing a new marine outfall, sedi-
ment bottle collectors could be suspended in the region, preferably at
monthly intervals for a year, in order to ascertain the number and kinds
of animals settling in the area. In addition, it would be desirous to
sample the benthic fauna. By noting what animals settle within the
bottles after waste discharge commences, it Avould be possible to ascer-
tain whether or not the effluent was altering the environment. Degrees
of contamination, if they exist, would be indicated not only by the
number of species settling, but also by the species composition. The
majority of the identified species listed in Table 2 are limited in their
geographical distribution so these particular species may or may not be
of value as indicators, if they even occur, in other geographical areas.
Presumably, another species complex would exist.

Sediment bottles may be suspended from marine structures in bays
and harbors. In the absence of such constructions, they may be tied to
buoys or suspended in much the same manner as lobster or crab pots.
It may be necessary to attach a weight to the bottle in offshore waters,
and substitute a plastic container for the glass bottle. During the course
of this study only about five percent of the bottles were lost or broken.

Seasonal Settlement

The seasonal settlement of fouling organisms and wood borers on
test blocks in Los Angeles — Long Beach Harbors was studied in 1950-51
by Barnard (1958). The dominant animals were the amphipods, and
poh^chaetes. The greatest numbers of amphipods, of which Corophium
acherusicum was the most prevalent, were observed in the spring
months especially at stations where turbidity and dissolved oxygen con-

270 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

tent were hi<i:li. Tliis seasonal peak of the fonlin<r aiii])lii|)0(ls eorres-
ponds to tlie data presented herein for animals settliii)j: in tlie sediment
bottlas. Three polychaetes, Podarke pugettensift, Polydora (C.) pauci-
hrancJiiata, and CapitcUa capifata, important fonlinjjr organisms, were
also freqnently eneonntered in the bottles.

Sinee most of the speeies listed in Table 2 have limited distributions
in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and since little work has been done on
their development and life histories, comparisons of these data to other
stndies are limited.

Tliorson (li)46j collected larvae of CapitcUa capilala in plankton
hauls throughout the year in Oresund Sound, Denmark. He encountered
four larvae in two sediment bottles suspended in the same area; one
had attained the length of 6.5 mm. in 20 days. Thorson concluded that
C. capitata seems to spawn throughout the year in Oresund Sound and
that development was very rapid after the larvae settled. Additional
data, but not as complete, on the larval occurrence of C. capitata in
Danish waters are given by Rasmussen (1956) and (Smidt) (1952).

The findings reported herein indicate CapitcUa capitata settles
throughout the year in Los Angeles-Long Beach Harbors, and develop-
ment is rapid. In fact, females have been observed incubating eggs in
sediment bottles suspended for a 28-day period. Since these bottles
were suspended in the water mass, presumably C. capitata arrived
during their pelagic larval life. These sexuallj^ mature females were
observed more frequently in the summer months than the remaining
times of the year. Additional data for the rapid development of this
polychaete are the observations by Reish and Barnard (1960) that
C. capitata completed its life cycle in about 54 days at temperatures
ranging from 14.9 to 17.9 degrees C. Development undoubtedly pro-
ceeds at a faster rate in Los Angeles-Long Beach Harbors than Oresund
Sound because of higher water temperatures; temperatures ranged from
13.0 to 24.0 degrees C in 1956-1957 in the two harbors; whereas, the
range was 0.0 (sometimes negative) to 17.0 degrees C in Oresund
Sound (Thorson, 1946).

Value of the Sediment Bottle Collector

The advantages of the sediment bottle collector for inonitming areas
surrounding marine outfalls may be summarized as follows: (1) inex-
pensive to construct, (2) the data may be analyzed rapidly, (3) the
animals will not be too difficult for the non-s])ecialist to identify, (4)
the instrument is adaptable and in;iy be altered to fit the particular
situation, and (5) the results will be indicative of conditions over the
entire period of exposure and not limited to the time of taking the
sample. Several additional advantages of particular interest to the
invertebrate zoologist are (1) it will yield valuable data on the early
development and seasonal settlement of bottom funa, (2) it is a means
of collecting subtidal bottom fauna in good coiulition for laboratory
studies, and (3) it may yield animals not ])reviously encountered; for
example, the first occurrence of the polychaete Xeanthes caudata in
the Pacific Ocean was collected in liOs Angeles Harbor in this way
(Reish, 1957a).

USE OF SEDIMENT COLLECTOR 271

SUMMARY

1. The use and application of a one-gallon jar for monitoring marine
areas or outfalls are discussed.

2. The results of a two-year study in different ecological regions of
Los Angeles-Long Beach Harbors, California, are presented.

3. The species, the number of species, and some chemical and physi-
cal characteristics are related to varying degrees of pollution.

4. The seasonal occurrences of the more prevalent species are dis-
cussed.

REFERENCES
Allan Hancock Foundation

1959. Oceanographic survey of the continental shelf of southern California.
Calif. St. Water Pollut. Control Bd., Publ. no. 20, .560 pp.
American Public Health and American Water Works Associations

1955. Standard methods for the examination of water, sewage, and industrial
wastes. 10th ed. New York, Amer. Public Health Assoc, 522 pp.

Barnard, J. Laurens

1958. Amphipod crustaceans as fouling organisms in Los Angeles-Long Beach
Harbors, with reference to the influence of seawater turbidity. Calif.
Fish and Game, vol. 44, no. 2, pp. 161-170.
California Regional AVater Pollution Control Board No. 4

1952. Los Angeles-Long Beach Harbor Pollution Survey. Los Angeles Regional
Water Pollut. Control Bd. (no. 4), 43 pp.

Emery, K. O., and S. C. Rittenberg

1952. Early diagenesis of California basin sediments in relation to origin of oil.
Amer. Assoc. Petrol. Geol., Bull., vol. 36, pp. 735-806.

Galtsoff, P. S., H. F. Prytherch, R. O. Smith and V. Koehring

1935. Effects of crude oil pollution on oysters in Louisiana waters. U. S. Bur.
Fish., Bull., vol. 48, no. 18, pp. 143-210.

Galtsoff, P. S., W. A. Chipman, J. B. Engle and H. N. Calden;\'ood

1947. Ecological and physiological studies of the effect of sulfate pulp mill
wastes on oysters in the York River, Virginia. U. S. Fish and Wild.
Serv., Fish. Bull., vol. 51, no. 43, pp. .59-186.

Gaufin, A. R., and C. M. Tarzwell

1952. Aquatic invertebrates as indicators of stream pollution. U. S. Public
Health Repts., vol. 67, pp. 57-64.

Palange, R. C, and S. Megregian

1958. Monitoring of stream water quality — U. S. P. H. S. program. Amer.
Water Works Assoc, .Tour., vol. 50, pp. 1211-1219.

Patrick, R.

1949. A proposed biological measure of stream conditions, based on a survey of
the Conestoga Basin, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Acad. Nat. Sci.
Phila., Proc, vol. 101, pp. 277-341.

Pimentel, R. A.

1959. An investigation of marine organism concentrations in the vicinity of the
Union Oil Company Santa Maria refinery outfall, Oso Flaco, San Luis
Obispo County, California. Calif. St. Polytechnic Coll., Biol. Dept., 17
pp. (mimeo. rept. ).

Rassmussen, E.

1956. Faunisitic and biological notes on marine invertebrates. III. The repro-
duction and larval development of some polychaetes from the Isefjord,
with faunisitic notes. Biol. Medd., Danske Videns. Selsk., vol. 23, no. 1,
pp. 1-84.

272 caIjIfohnta fish and game

Rawn, A. M., and V. W. Bacon

1957. Organization and accuniiili.shnicntfs ol" tin; Califcn iii.i wiitcr ]i(illiitic)n con-
trol system. Sewage and Industr. Wastes, vol. I'll. pji. "Jdl-liOn.

Reisli. Donald

1955. The relation of polvcliactou.s annelids to harbor pollution, l'. S. I'uhlic

Health Repts., vol. 70, pp. 1108-1174.
1957a. The life history of the polychaetous annelid Ncniithes cnudnin (delle

Chiaje), inclnding a snnnnary of de\i'lopmeut in the family Xereidae.

Pac. Sci., vol. 11, pp. 216-228.
1957b. Effect of pollntiou on marine life. Industr. Wastes, vol. 2, pji. 114-llS.
1959. An ecological study of pollution in Los Angeles-Long Heach Harliors,

California. Allan Hancock Foundation, Occas. Pap. no. 22, 119 pji.

Rcish. Donald J., and J. Laurens Barnard

1900. Field toxicity tests in marine waters utilizing;- the polychaetous ;iiiiieli(l
CapHella capitata (Fabricius). Pac. Natural, vol. 1. no. 1. ipji. 1-S.

Smidt, E. L. B.

1944. Biological studies of the invertebrate fauna of the lIarl)our of Copenhagen.
Vidensk. Medd. Dansk haturh. Foren., vol. 107, pp. 235-316.

1951. Animal production in the Danish "^^'a(l(lensea. Medd. Koiniii. Diiiiniarks
Fisk.-og Ilavunders., ser. Fiskeri, vol. 11, no. 0, 151 pp.

Thorson, G.

1946. Reproduction and larval development of Danish marine bottom inverte-
brates, with siiecial reference to the plauktonic larvae in the Sound (Ore-
sund). Medd. Komm. Danmarks Fisk.-og Havunders., ser. Plankton,
vol. 4, no. 1. pp. 1-523.

AGE AND LENGTH COMPOSITION OF THE SARDINE

CATCH OFF THE PACIFIC COAST OF THE UNITED

STATES AND MEXICO IN 1958-59'

ROBERT S. WOLF, U. S. Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, and

ANITA E. DAUGHERTY, Marine Resources Operations,

California Department of Fish and Game

INTRODUCTION

This is the thirteenth report on age and length composition of the
catch of California sardines {Sardinops caerulea) off: the Pacific coast
of North America. These reports have been prepared on a seasonal
basis since 1941-42.

Previous to the 1957-58 report (Daugherty and Wolf, 1960), this
series was devoted almost entirely to presenting basic age and length
data of the seasonal catch of the sardine fishery. Beginning with the
above mentioned report a more comprehensive picture of the fisher}^
has been presented.

The assistance of Leighton G. Claussen, formerly of the U.S. Bureau
of Commercial Fisheries, and of Doyle Gates of the California De-
partment of Fish and Game is gratefully acknowledged.

THE FISHERY

During the 1958-59 season 102,621 tons of sardines were landed in
central and southern California. This was the largest seasonal catch
there since 1951-52 when 127,000 tons w^ere caught. It is possible that
sardines were more plentiful than in recent years and that except for
economic limitations - the landings might have exceeded the 1951-52
level.

Central California

In the central California region, which lies north of Point Arguello,
the sardine season opened on August 1, 1958. During the first dark-
of-the-moon period, "August",^ 4,599 tons of sardines were landed.
This was the first major catch of sardines in the region since the more
than 15,700 tons landed there during the 1951-52 season. During "Sep-
tember" another 9,174 tons of sardines were taken. In "October" 5,450
tons were caught, and in "November" 2,917 tons. In "December"
2,460 tons were landed and in "January" 14 tons, which brought the
total for central California to 24,614 tons for the season which ended
on January 1, 1959.

1 Submitted for publication December 1960.

2 See pages 274 and 275 for information on limits.

8 Lunar months are always referred to in quotation marks to distinguish them from
the calendar months they approximate. Calendar dates for lunar months during
1958 are presented in Table 1.

(273)

274 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

Central California fishermen were paid $60 per ton for their fish at
the befrinnin<r of tlio season. Where ncfessary, however, they were
obliged to pay llic cliai'jics of li-aiisportiiifi' the fish to the cannery.
After "September" and for the i-ciiuiindcr of the season, the price
paid Avas $50 per ton, still exclnsive of Inukini: charges.

Thirty boats were involved in the central California sardine fishery.
These included 1'.] large purse sciuci's (60 ft. or over), 4 small purse
seiners, and 13 lampara boats. They were on nightly cannery-imposed
limits of 35-40 tons. On some nights no limits were set.

Approximately two-thirds of the total tonnage was landed at either
Mon-o Bay or Avila and tiMicked to processors in Monterey or San
Francisco. The remainder of the catch was landed at Monterey Bay
]dants. There were seven cannery plants in o])('ration : five in Monterey
l)roper, one in Moss Landing, and one in San Francisco. Api)roximately
3,300 tons of sardines were processed in San Francisco and 21,300 tons
in the Monterey Bay area.

Southern California

The sardine season in sonthei-n California opened on September 1.
1958, and closed coincident with the central California season on -lan-
uary 1, 1959. This fishing region includes the waters between Point
Argnello and the Mexican border.

Dnrijig the seasoji, 78,007 tons of sardines were landed in the south-
ern California region — 72,932 in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area.
At Port Hueneme 5,075 tons were landed, of which 4,429 tons were
trucked to a cannery at nearby Oxnard or to the canneries of the
Los Angeles-Long Beach area. The remaining 646 toiis Avere trucked
north to the Monterey Bay area. During "September" 25,677 tons of
sardines were landed in southern California, in "October" 29,f)72 tons,
in "November" 16.470, in "December" 5,731, and in the first and
only week of the "January" dark (which connnenced on December 25)
157 tons.

Southern California fishermen, like those in central California, re-
ceived $60 per ton during "Septendier". AVhen fishing resumed in
"October" the price was renegotiated at $50 per ton where it re-
mained until the end of the season.

The fleet in southern California consisted of 119 boats: 67 large
purse seiners, 16 small purse seiners, and 36 lamparas. In recent years
the number of large ])urse-seine vessels has decreased through the loss
of some and the sale of others.

Throughout the season sardines remained in the vicinity of Santa
Rosa, Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands. The major part of the southei-n
California catch came from this area, although some fish were taken
along the adjacent mainland shore and as far east as Malibu Beach.
This season differed from most recent ones in that fishing operatiniis did
not extend appreciably towards the Mexican border.

During "September" southern California boats were on individual
nightly catch limits up to 100 tons. Before fishing resumed in
"October" processors agreed to take a miniiiiuni of 40,000 tons during
the remainder of the season concurrent with the ex-vessel ]n-ice drop.

AGE AND LENGTH OF SARDINES

275

This was in addition to the 25,677 tons already landed. Each boat was
guaranteed a minimum nightly catch limit of 40 tons until the 40,000
tons were landed. Nightly limits held at 40 to 50 tons until the middle
of "November" when the 40,000-ton quota was achieved. From then
until the end of the season, nightly limits ranged from 20 to 40 tons.

FIGURE 1. Upper Baja California showing sardine fishing areas (shaded) and ports of land-
ing. Statistical subareas for the Ensenada fishery are superposed (taken frorn Oflcina de

Cartografia, Julio de 1954),

276

CALII-^ORNIA FISH AXn GAME

Weather conditions (liiriii<j: tlic season were considered <^()in]. p]xeppt
for the nsnal fog, and a bad storm the night of Novembci- 1 4 losulting
in the loss of one lampara boat, no great amount of lime \\;is losl due
to weather.

Baja California

To augment information obtained I'rom saiiij)liiig ('aliloniia land-
ings, the sampling program in Baja California, Mexico, was consider-
ably expanded in 1957. Tn 1958-59 sardine landings were sampled at
Eusonada. Sau Quiutiu and C'edros Island (Figure ^).

Sardines are takeji commercially throughout the year in ui)|)er Baja
California. In 1958 the total catch in Baja California was 19,883 tons.
Of these, 7,793 tons were taken during the period of the California
fishery and 11,590 tons during the interseason. Baja California fisher-
men received an ex-vessel price ecpiivalent to $4U in U. S. currency
per ton for their sardines. In cases where the canner supplied fuel for
the boat the price was $30.

Currently there are about 30 boats in the Baja California fishery,
but the number varies according to the abundance of pelagic species
and market conditions. Contrary to the situation in California, the
jack and Pacific mackerels are preferred species when Ihey are avail-
able. When fishing becomes an uu])fofi table venture, the boats may be
used in other pursuits or may be ticnl up.

Ensenada, located 60 miles below the TJ. S. -Mexico border, is the
largest fishing port in Baja California. Five canneries there processed
sardines. These were supplied by boats that operated between Los
Coronados Islands and Cape Colnett. The cannery at San Quintin was
supplied by one or two boats operating in and around San (Quintin
Bay. A cannery at Cedros Island was supplied by three to six boats
that operated between northern Sebastian Vizcaino Bay and Turtle
Bay.

Xo information is available as to whether nightly catch limits are
ever imposed on Baja California fishermen.

TABLE 1
Calendar Dates of Lunar Months During 1958

Lunar

month

period'

Dates

month

period

Dates

"January" —

473

January 5-February 3

"August"

480

July 31 -August 29

"February". -

474

February 4-Marcli 4

"September"

481

August 30-September 27

"March"

475

March .5-April 3

"October"

482

September 28-October 26

"AprU"

47(i

April 4-Mav 3

"November"

483

October 27-November 25

"May"

477

May 4-June 1

"December"

484

November 2r)-December

24
December 25-January 23^

"June"

478

June 2-July 1

"January"

485

"July"

479

July 2-July 30

' LuiiMP periods have hccn numhcrcd serially since "Novemhei" of tlie KM 0-20 season.
2 All commiTcial sardine fishing ceased un Deecmher 31.

AGE AND LENGTH OF SARDINES

277

AGE AND LENGTH COMPOSITION

In central California all but tive of the 716 fish aged ^vere one to
three years old. Lengths ranged between 166 and 248 mm. standard
length (Table 2). Eight age groups were separated in the 1.044 fish,
166 to 252 mm. in standard length, from southern California (Table
3). A total of 958 fish were aged from Baja California samples during

TABLE 2

Length Composition of Year-classes in Sardine Samples from the
Central California Commercial Catch, 1958-59 Season

Affe - - -

•7

1958

1957

1956

1955

1954

1953

1952

Total

Standard length mm.
166 - . --

1
2

2
10
14
19
16
16
18
10
10
7
3

168 -- .- -. -

170

172 .-

174 . - .--

176 - --- --

178 - -- -

180

182 . ... ... -

184 -

102

186

188-

190 ._..-..

192. -.

194- -.- ...

196

198

200 . -. -

202

204

206

236

248

1
1
1

Totals -

84
181

499
184

128
187

4
210

716

Mean lengths

184

the period that corresponded to the California fishery. The age range
was one through five, and the length range was 110-206 mm. (Table 4).
In Baja California interseason six year-classes were represented in the
catch. Because the annulus was formed during this period with an
accompanying age change, these fish were tabulated by year-class only.
A length range of 118-232 mm. was observed from 696 fish (Table 5).
Mean lengths at each age are also shown in the tables.

278

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAiSFE

Length and age compositions by yoar-class are shown by lunar month
for each region in Figure 2. Altliough length composition diifiiig llie
regular season differed among regions, it remained i'aii-Iy stable within

TABLE 3

Length Composition of Year-classes in Sardine Samples from the
Southern California Commercial Catch, 1958-59 Season

Age

Year class

1058

1957

1956

1955

1954

1953

1952

1951

1950

1949

Total

Standard length mm.

166

168...

170.. --

172

•-

;;

174

„

176

178

If)

180

■27

182

184

186

188

11'

190

102

192

„_

194

196

198

200

202

204

206

208

210

-1

„_

212

214

216

_ .

218

220

•>

222

224

226

228.

230..

232

234

1
1

8
1
3

'_[

[[

;;

236

238...

240

242...

244..

246

248

250...

252

~ —

*■ ~

Totals. -_

104

617

238

1044

Mean lengths _

187

191

197

210

227

237

233

230

195

AGE AND LENGTH OF SARDINES

279

them. The only major change oecured in southern California where
the size range decreased from 160-255 in "September" to 165-220 in
"December". The 1956 class dominated in all regions dnring these
months, and it is obvious from inspection that variations in the length
curves are matched by similar variations in year-class composition.

TABLE 4

Length Composition of Year-classes in Sardine Samples from the Baja California
Commercial Catch, 1958-1959 Season ("September" through "December")

Age -- -

Year class - - --

1958

1957

1956

1955

1954

1953

Total

Standard length mm.

110 - -

1
3
3
2

1
1

2
2
7
5

9
10
9
4
5
3

3
3

2
4
3

2
2
4
6

o
3

1
1

130 --

132 - _. . __

134 -

136 -

138 _ . . ---

140 -

142 - - -

144 .

146 ...-._._-

148 - ._ .

150

152 - - -_-.-_-

154 ■

156_ . -■_

158 . . --

160 ...-._

162_

100

164 .. -

166 - . -

168 _ ...

170

172

174 _ _ - ... -

176

178

180

182

184.

186

188 -

8
14
7
8
5
5

190- - - ...

192

194 - ... -

196

198 ...

200 -

202

204 . .

206 . . . .

208 -

Totals - -

105
156

742
160

100
170

9
194

2
194

958

Alean lengths

161

280

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

During' the r>aja Criliforiiia intersoason length composition was more
varied. The primai-y modes shifted Irom 125 mm. in "February" and
"March" to 190 mm. in "April" and "May". It weni down to 170
mm. in "Jnne" and ".inly", Ihcn up to 180 mm. in "Aiipnst".
Again the variations in lengtli composition were refieeted in dill'er-
enees in year-class composition. All months of tlie interseason were
dominated by the 1956 class except "April" and "May", win n the
1955 class was dominant.

Lunar month summaries of the year-class composition of catch sam-
ples were used to obtain the year-class composition of the total catch.

eO-PERCENT

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
BO-PERCENT

60-

LP 480 AUG

LP 481 5£P7

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

60 PERCENT

LP 481 'S€P

LP 48? 'OCT

LP 483 'N0\-

LP 484 'Oet

200 250 58 i7 » M 54 53 52 '50 200

LP 483 'OCT

LP 483 ■^^

LP 484 Dt

250 56 57 56 55 54 53 52

20-

80-PtRCENT

80-PERCENT

S€A50H ■

.1.

80-
60-
40-
20-

BAJA CALIFORNIA

LP 4 74 'f£S'

LP 4F5 MAP

LP 476 'APR

LP 477 'MAY

LP 478 JUN

.1.

.1..
h.

.1.

60-

160-
l_J:LiL

«o- r

z J

V ,

■ ll-_

80-

60-

LP 479

'JUL'

40- r

- /

V ,

80-

60-

LP 4 80

'AUG'

40-

20 L

/ \

„, ^

_ V^

■

80-

60-

. ^ 4 8'

....;

40- y

■>

V ,

■

40-

LP 4B2

'OCT '

.0- J

V ,

■ -

LP 4 83 NOV

LP 464 'DEC

LP 485 'JAN

ZL.

SEASON

(p»nT nt

.1.

liO 200 250 5» 57 56 55 54 55 52 150 200 250 56 51 56 55 54 53 52 100 150 200 250 56 5' 56 55 54 55 52

LENSTMtlM YEAR CL4SS LtNOTHMM Tt»BCL»SS LtHOTHMM Yt4«CL»5S

FIGURE 2. Percentage length and year-class composition of all samples of the 1958-59
commercial sardine catch. Length data are summarized by 10 mm. intervals.

AGE AND LENGTH OF SARDINES

281

TABLE 5

Length Composition of Year-classes in Sardine Samples from the
Baja California Interseason Catch ("January"-"August")

1958

1957

1956

1955

1954

1953

1952

Total

Standard length mm.
118

2
1

1
2
2
2

1
3
2
2
2
7
8
6
7
5
1
3
4

1
1
1
1

1
2

1
1
1
1
1
2
2
4
1
1
6

11
6
8
8

12
8
8
6

14
5

11
3
1
4
1

1
2
4
2

1
8
3
2

4
6
7
3

120 .- --

122

124

126 .... -

128 - - --

130 -

132 . ---

134 . --- - ---

136 - ..

138 - -

140

142 -- - ._

144 - .

146 - ._- -_ -- -_

148 - -

152

154 _ - ...

156

158 ... --. --

160 _ ..

162 _- .

164 - . -

166

168

170 --

172

174 - -_ ..

176

178

180 _ . - .-

182 - _

184

186 _ . _

188 - - - - -

190... ........

192 ._ . _.

194 . . ..

196

198 . . . .

200 .... ..

202

204. . ._

206 - . ... . .

208

210

212 .-_..-

214 . - ....

216

218. - .

220 -....-

224

226 .. ...

228 . .

230

232

Totals

69
154

436
156

130

186

48
201

10
208

696

Mean lengths

166

282

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

CO
CO
CD

CT>

cu
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TO
I— -^

t 1 1 1 1 1

1 OS 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 1 1

1 OS 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 r 1

;

1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1

;

•o

(M05 1 1 1

»— t

I-H

( 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 1 1

(NCD 1 1 ■

(3S

1 1 1 1 1

f— t

t^i(3

•o

l-H

»-(

1-H

1(5 (3S •* ' '

1 1 1 1 1

■*

OSCOO 1 1

OOSIN

•O

co'

co"

1 »-t I 1 1 1

l-H

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I-H

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l-H

C^l

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•o

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T-t

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<_!

^ 00 !M 1 1 1

f— <

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100 1 1 1

I-H

(MCCOO 1 1 1

miooco(N

■*

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■*

I-H

co'

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t^cor^

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in"

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CD^ coco -H rt

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E =

AGE AND LENGTH OF SARDINES

283

Details of the method are given by Felin and Phillips (1948, p. 11).
Necessary to the method are weight-per-fish factors. This season's
averages of these factors were : central California 0.1784 pounds ;
southern California 0.2091 pounds; and Baja California 0.1212 pounds.
The age and year-class compositions of the catches of central and
southern California and Baja California (for the corresponding Cali-
fornia season) are presented in Table 6.

The 1956 class was the most abundant in the fishery in all regions.
It contributed almost two-thirds of the total number of sardines landed
during the season. The 1955 class, which contributed almost one-quarter
of the southern California catch, was second in the total landings,
contributing over one-fifth. About one-tenth of the total w^ere fish of
the 1957 class. Fish older than the 1955 class made up only one-
twentieth of the total catch.

During the Baja California interseason the 1956 class made up
almost three-quarters of the total catch (Table 7).

TABLE 7

Year-class Composition of the 1958 Interseason Sardine Catch
for Baja California ^

Catch

Number of fish in thousands by year-class

Lunar month

Tons

Number

1958

19.57

1956

19.55

1954

1953

1952

"Jan"2

"Feb"

1,851
715
869

1,160
920
832

2,360

2,883

44,911
17,335
20,478
14,196
11,548
13,097
35,408
35,880

914

241

490

2,822

5,004

4,160

36,557

14,111

16,278

2,917

4,279

9,880

29,213

28,808

1,078
416
1,854
8,632
5,052
291
1,096
2,912

3,0.54
1,179
1,210
2,045
1,289
104
95

2,695

1,040

173

361

309

1,527
589

"Mar"

"Apr"

"May"

"Jvin"

49
129

"Jul" -

Total

11,590

192,853
100.0

13,631

7.1

142,043
73.6

21,331

11.1

8,976
4.6

4,578
2.4

2,294

Percent

1.2

1 Tonnage figures from Ensenada and Cedros Island ; sampling of commercial catch for age composition at

Knsenada only.
= No fish were sampled at Ensenada during "Jan". Number of fish and age composition derived from "Feb'

sampling.

DISCUSSION

The most interesting feature of the 1958-59 season was the dominant
role of the 1956 class of sardines. This class had been primarily re-
sponsible for the resumption of the central California fishery after a
seven-year lull, and for making this season's total catch from all
regions the largest in those seven years. This dominance is surprising
in that there was little advance notice of it. During the 1957-58 season
in southern California the 1956 class did not contribute an unusual
proportion of age-one fish to the commercial catch (Daugherty and
Wolf, op. cit., Table 4). Only in the relatively minor Baja California
fishery, and then only in "December", did it show evidence of being
of more than usual abundance.

284

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

The 1956 class fisli have been smaHcr tli;tii average. They were
relatively small as aye-one fish in Baja California during the 1957-58
season (Dauglierty and Wolf. op. cii., Table 2). Dui-ing the 1958-59
season they were still relatively small as age-two fi,sh. In central Cali-
fornia mean lengths of age-two fish during 19 earlier seasons ranged
between 195 and 213 nnn. and averaged 204 mm. This average is 20 mm.
greater than the mean of 184 mm. observed in this region during the
1958-59 season. In southern California the range of moan Icngtbs was
194 to 224 mm. over 24 seasons witli ;ni average of 204 mm. This
average is 13 mm. larger than the 1958-59 seasonal mean of 191 mm.
The Baja California means ranged from 193 to 207 mm. and averaged
200 mm. for four seasons. This was 40 mm. greater tliau the IGO mm.
mean observed during the 1958-59 season. In all regions this season's
mean for age-two fish was not only lower than the long-time average,
but was also the lowest mean length so far observed.

20 PERCENT

10-

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

10-

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

150
LENGTH

175 200 225
N MILLIMETERS

FIGURE 3. Percentage length composition of the sardine catch by region during the 1958-59

commercial season. Marks near modes are average length of age-two fish during this season.

Arrows on length scale lines locate average length of age-two fish over earlier seasons.

AGE AND LENGTH OP SARDINES 285

In Figure 3 the length composition of the total catch in each region
is shown. The peaks of the curves represent 1956 class fish almost
entirely, however. Marked on the curves are the mean lengths of 1956
class fish in each region for the season. On the length scale line, the
long-term means of age-two fish have been entered. The figure illus-
trates the differences between means within a region, and in addition
shows that fish of the same year-class ako vary considerably in length
between regions.

SUMMARY

1. The 1958-59 season began on August 1 and ended on January 1
in central California and on September 1 and January 1 in southern
California. Sardine fishing in Baja California occurred throughout the
year but, for purposes of this paper, the time w^as divided into two
periods, one comparable to the southern California season and the
other an interseason period.

2. The California commercial catch of Pacific sardines during the
1958-59 season was 102,621 tons of which over 24,600 tons were from
central California and over 78,000 tons from southern California. Dur-
ing the same season in Baja California almost 7,800 tons were taken.
This added to an interseason total of almost 11,600 tons made the Baja
California landings total approximately 19,400 tons during 1958.

3. California fishermen received $60 per ton for their fish through
''September"; thereafter they received $50 to the end of the season.
Baja California fishermen received the equivalent of $40 per ton all
year.

4. Around 180 boats were involved in the season's sardine fishery:
30 from central California, 119 from southern California, and about 30
from Baja California.

5. Length composition data, by age, based on samples from the com-
mercial catch are presented for central California, southern California
and Baja California.

6. Age composition estimates for the entire season's catch are pre-
sented for central and southern California and Baja California. Age
composition data from the Baja California interseason 's catch are
also given.

7. The dominance in this season's catch of the 1956 class of sardines
in all regions is pointed out and briefly discussed.

REFERENCES

Daugherty, Anita E. and Robert S. Wolf

1960. Age and length composition of the sardine catch of the Pacific coast of the
United States and Mexico in 1957-58, California Fish and Game, vol. 46,
no. 2, pp. 189-193.

Felin, Frances E. and Julius B. Phillips

1948. Age and length composition of the sardine catch off the Pacific coasts of the
United States and Canada, 1941-42 through 1946-47. California Division
of Fish and Game, Fish Bull. 69, 122 pp.

THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CALIFORNIA SEA OTTER'

RICHARD A. BOOLOOTIAN

Department of Zoology

University of California, Los Angeles

INTRODUCTION

The California sea otter, Enhydra lutris nereis (Merriam), occurred
off the coast of California in considerable numbers prior to the twen-
tieth century. Heavy exploitation reduced it to virtual extinction, and
the last individual was supposedly killed in 1911 south of Fort Ord,
California (Merton E. Hinshaw, personal communication).

On March 19, 1938, the existence of sea otters off the mouth of Bixby
Creek, Monterey County (]\Iill Creek on most maps), became a matter
of common knowledge. An investigation on March 25 revealed a group
of approximatelv 50 of these animals at the stated locality, Lat. 36°
22' 15'' N., Long. 121= 5-i' 15" AV. (Bolin, 1938).

The survival of this species in fair numbers was not surprising con-
sidering the rugged character of the central California coastline. The
region has been comparatively inaccessible and was first opened to
motor traffic during the summer of 1937. Sheer cliffs and very steep
slopes rise directly from the sea to a height of several hundred feet,
making access to the beach difficult if not impossible. The shore,
studded with massive pro.jecting rocks and almost continuously ham-
mered by heav}^ surf, affords no protected anchorage and is usually
given wide berth by coastwise shipping and by the Monterey fishing
fleet.

It has therefore been a region where sea otters could live unmolested
by man, the major factor in their near-extermination.

One reason for the presumed disappearance of the California sea otter
is that they may have been mistaken for harbor seals, Phoca vitulina, or
sea lions, ZaJophus califoniicus and Eumetopias jiihata, which they
resemble from a distance. Published reports and fish and game war-
dens' records show the continual presence of a small herd throughout
the early part of this century. Popular recognition of their presence
off the California coast dates from March 19, 1938, when Bolin (1938)
published an account of these historically important and biologically
interesting animals.

Xot only were the otters rigidly protected by the California State
Department of Fish and Game, but ranchers along the coast took an
active interest in enforcement of the laws prohibiting their killing
and many times have reported poachers to the Department.

Adequate data on the precise number of sea otters and of their dis-
tribution are still lacking; however, Bolin (1938) reported counting
50 animals and described their distribution as being from Bixby Creek

1 Submitted for publication, November 1960.

(287)

288 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

to "some soulheni ])()int. " Donald McLean of tlic Califoi-uia Depart-
ment of Fisli and Game informed me tliat in 1I).'?8 approximately
300 sea otters were noted. Following publication of the "rediscovery",
counts were made by the California Department of Fish and Game at
jieriodic intervals for approximately 10 years. On the basis of these
counts, the total population was thought to be about 500 (McLean,
personal communication). These tallies were made from an automobile
and therefore should be considered as estimates. A small herd may be
readily counted from the coastal highways, but when the herd ex-
ceeds 25 animals, it is difficult to resolve each individual with binoc-
ulars.

Gilmore (1956) estimated 500 sea otters were inhabiting waters
between Monterey and San Miguel Island, but gave no basis for this
figure.

The distribution and numbers of California sea otters is of paramount
importance to Federal and State agencies since the animals are rigidly
|n-otected by laAV. An accurate assessment of their numbers required
a more suitable counting technique than had been used in the past.
With the generous cooperation of the United States Military Services
it was possible to develop such a technique by using helicopter aircraft.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Preliminary observations were made from a fixed-wing airplane in
order to locate the herds. Subsequently, a helicopter was used while
taking photographs of each specific herd. Aerial cameras bearing the
military designations K-20 and K-25 were employed. The film con-
sisted of super-double XX 5^^^ x 20' aerial film. It produced 4" x 5"
negatives. Photographs were made of all herds containing more than
five otters. Herds with fewer than five animals were counted visually.
Contact prints were made, and the numbers were counted and re-
corded from such photographs. All photographs were made between
10 : 00 a.m. and 4 : 00 p.m. when the majority of the otters were
rafting.

RESULTS

In 1957, California sea otters were restricted to a narrow zone extend-
ing from north of Santa P)arbara to Carmel Bay, California (Figure
1). The number of individuals in each herd varied considerably, the
largest herd being found at Carmel Bay, and the smallest at Point
Conception. In all, 638 animals were counted in 14 dilferent herds,
the largest of which contained 144 individuals (Table 1). Part of a
herd of 15 otters residing at Lopez Pocks, IMonterey County, was
observed floating on a dense mass of kelp, Macrocystis, (Figure 2) ;
and 12 of the 18 otters belonging to the Kocky I^>int. ]\Ionterey County,
herd were photographed while two females, numbers one and two,
were carrying their pups (Figure 3).

SEA OTTER DISTRIBUTION

289

Monterey Bay

Point Conception

FIGURE 1. The range of Enhydra lufris in California, August 27, 1957.

DISCUSSION

In 1957, an aerial survey of the California coastline from Humboldt
County to San Diego revealed 638 sea otters between Cypress Pt. and
Pt. Conception. Although the distribution of the otter populations,
(herds) seems to be in discrete colonies, individuals have been re-
corded between herds, particularly in the area between Carmel Bay
and Cape San Martin. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude their distri-
bution is actually continuous.

Although otter herds have been reported by various individuals
from Santa Cruz and San Mateo County coastal waters our systematic

290

CALIFORNIA Fisri AND GAME

FIGURE 2. Five sea otters floating on Macrocysi'is near Lopez Pt. Photo by R. A. Boolootian.

FIGURE 3. A herd of otters at Rocky Pt., California. Numbers 8, 9, 10, and 11 point to
the wakes of submerged otters. Numbers 1 and 2 show females with pups. Photo by R. A.

Boolootian.

SEA OTTER DISTRIBUTION

291

surveys of these areas revealed no sea otters. Many harbor seals were
observed, however, and since these seals are known to live and feed
among the larger kelp beds they were probably incorrectly identified
as sea otters.

Otters have also been reported from Westport, Mendocino Co. ; Red-
wood Creek, Humboldt Co. ; Tomales Head, Marin Co. ; Russian River,
Sonoma Co. ; Cape Vizcaino, Mendocino Co. ; Punta Gorda, Humboldt
Co. ; and Point Delgada, Humboldt Co. Each of these localities has been
carefully surveyed from the air on three separate occasions. To this
date it has not been possible to establish the presence of a single sea
otter in these areas. It should be emphasized that otters are difficult
to identify when they are floating on kelp beds, although a single animal
can readily be identified if the characteristic behavior patterns of sea
otters are known to the observer.

TABLE I
Number of Otters at Various Localities in California as of August 27, 1957

Carmel Bay

Pt. Lobos

Yankee Point--- --

Malpaso Creek

Lobos Rocks

Rocky Point

Pt. Sur

BigSur

Anderson Canyon.

Lopez Rocks

Cape San Martin-.

San Simeon

Salmon Creek

Piedras Blanoas

Pt. Conception

Locality

Total.

Longitude (W)

121°
121°
121°
121°
121°
121°
121°
121°
121°
121°
121°
121°
121°
121°
120°

58'
58'
56'
.56'
55'
54'
54'
51'
39'
34'
27'
11'
21'
17'
28'

00"
20"
50"
25"
50"
25"
5"
30"
58"
48"
40"
40"
44"
10"
20"

Latitude (N)

36° 32' 30"
36° 31' 25"
36° 29' 30"
36° 28' 25"
36° 27' 5"
36° 22' 50"
.36° 18' 25"
36° 16' 55"
36° 9' 13"
36° 1'35"
35° 53' 12"
35° 38' 10"
35° 48' 25"
35° 39' 55"
34° 27' 00"

Numbers

144
29
12
15
18
18
7
23
48
15

100

638

Among the habits characteristic of the otter, a few are especially
useful guides to a ready identification. For example, he has a unique
habit of extending his head, neck, and part of the chest above the
surface of the water for several seconds while the head is being turned
from side to side. He then immediately dives for food. The body is
highly arched during the dive. Upon surfacing, the otter rolls over
on his back and quite frequently "paws" at his mouth. If food was
collected, it is placed on the otter's chest during the pawing activity.
Also characteristic are the numerous rolls made while swimming for-
ward and their motionless floating with tail arched and hindlegs ex-
tended flat out over the water's surface. Conceivably, this could be
mistaken for the California sea lion which also floats in a similar
manner. But the sea lion has a short tail and flippers. The harbor seal
also swims with its head above water, so a careful examination is still
needed to insure an accurate identification.

AUanson (1955) reported two otters at the western end of Cuyler
Harbor, San Miguel Island. In February, and June, 1958, Dr. George
A. Bartholomew, Department of Zoology, U.C.L.A., and the author,

292 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

flying in an Air Force helicopter at an altitndo of TOO feet, carefully
surveyed the coastline of each of the four northern channel islands
for sea otters. None was observed. Recently, however, a record of sea
otters at Anacapa Island was made by observers on the California
Department of Fish and Oame Patrol Boat, Yellowtail (Carol M.
Ferrel, personal communication). Bentley (1959) noted in 1956 two
sea otters in the vicinity of Trinidad Head, however subsequent obser-
vations by him in this area through the spring months of 1957 did not
reveal their presence.

Several dead otters have been recovered from the Carmel Bay area.
Death, in several instances was due to bullet and spear wounds. In two
cases, teeth of the great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, were
removed from the abdominal region. These are the first reported inci-
dences of shark attacks on sea otters (Orr, 1959). The animals with
bullet and spear wounds bear witness to the fact that man is still
taking a toll in spite of rigid State, Federal, and International laws
protecting them and that there still is an acute need for the sharpest
vigilance to insure the survival of these animals.

^to'

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am grateful to Captain Charles W. Fielder, Commanding Offi-
cer, Monterey Naval Auxiliary Air Station, Monterey, California, for
his kindness in making available to me the facilities of this air station.
Thanks are also extended to Lt. Commander Joseph Cullota for his
skillful piloting of the naval helicopter made available to me. I should
also like to acknowledge the kindness of Major General Gilman C.
Mudget, former Commanding General and Brigadier General William
Breckinridge, Commanding General, of Fort Ord, California, for mak-
ing the facilities of their military base available to me. The necessary
administrative assistance which expedited the use of military facilities
was in large measure the efforts of Colonel Thomas N. Sibley, Chief
of Staff, Fort Ord, California, to whom I am deeply indebted.

The scheduling of flights was competently handled by Major Har-
old D. Flynn, Aviation Officer, Fort Ord, California. I should also
like to extend my gratitude to First Lieutenants Gerald Beekman,
Kiley Walker, and Peter Mutty for their continued interest in this
project and for their skillful piloting of the aircraft used. I am also
indebted to Dr. L. R. Blinks and Dr. Rolf Bolin for their advice and
for permission to use the facilities of the Hopkins Marine Station of
Stanford University, Pacific Grove, California.

REFERENCES
Allanson, Al.

1955. Sea otters on San Miguel I Pac. Discovery, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 24-25.

Bentley, W.

1959. Sea otter along the California coast. Jour. Mitimn., vol. 4(», no. I, p. 147.
Bolin, R. L.

1938. Reappearance of the southern sea ottei- alons the Cnlifoi-nia coast. Jour.
Maiinii., vol. 19, no. 3, pp. 3()l-:>0.",.

Gilmore, R.

1956. The sea otter. In: Our endnn-ered wildlife. Nat. Wildl. Fed., Wash.,

pp. 7-8.
Orr, R.

1959. Sharks as enemies of sea otters. Jour. Mamm., vol. 40, no. 4, p. 617,

MULTIPLE PURULENT ABSCESS (CORYNEBACTERIUM

PYOGENES) OF DEER'

MERTON N. ROSEN and FRANCES F. HOLDEN

Game Management Branch

California Department of Fish and Game

INTRODUCTION

In California approximately 400,000 deer hunters move through the
mountainous regions in the fall of the year and bag about 75,000 deer.
Some of the animals show evidence of abnormalities or outright infec-
tion. The Disease Section of the Wildlife Investigations Laboratory is
called upon to examine some of these deer, particularly, when an in-
fection is easily discernible. This is especially true when an individual
may discover that the deer has multiple purulent abscesses within the
bocly cavities. However, it is known that many hunters will merely
abandon the carcass when they find that it is infected.

The laboratory personnel have maintained deer in captivity for sci-
entific study. In addition, they have collected authorized numbers of
deer from certain herds within California as a part of investigations
aimed at determining biological information, e.g. food habits, repro-
ductive data, and disease and parasite incidence. Several cases of sup-
purative abscess were observed in these deer.

The cause of the abscesses has been determined. There have been
enough encounters with this disease to describe and evaluate the differ-
ent pathological manifestations that have been observed. In addition, an
indication of its importance in the economy of California deer herds
may be assessed. It is with these aspects of suppurative multiple ab-
scesses in deer that this paper is concerned.

BACTERIOLOGY

There are many bacterial species that may be responsible for an
infectious process that results in disseminated suppurative abscesses
within the body of an animal. Those that have been isolated from Cali-
fornia deer include Corynebacterium pyogenes, Streptococcus sp.,
Staphylococcus aureus, and C. pseudotuljerculosis in order of frequency
of occurrence. Some of the abscesses have yielded mixed cultures in
which it was impossible to determine the particular organism that was
responsible for initiating the infection. On the other hand, there have
been frank cases of foot rot caused by Spherophorus necrophorus
wherein secondary invaders which probably were C. pyogenes, have
produced purulent abscesses that were distinctly different from the
necrotic type of abscess that characterizes necrobacillosis.

1 Submitted for publication March, 1961. This work was supported in part by Federal
Aid to V^ildlife Restoration Act, California Project W^-52-R, "Wildlife Investiga-
tions Laboratory".

(293)

294

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

The organisms isolated by Seghetli and Mrlvcimy (1941) from deer
in Washington were classified as C. ovis, wliich according to the latest
accepted taxonomy would be C. pseudotuhcrculosis (Table 1). Several
isolations have been made from deer in California by Biber.stein (per-
sonal communication) at tlie University of California and these have
been identified as C. pyogenes.

TABLE 1
Growth Characteristics of Corynebacterium pyogenes and C. pseudotuberculosis

C. pyogenes

Cali-
fornia
deer

Wash-
ington
deer

C. ■pseudotuberculosis

Bergey

Hagan

Merchant

Bergey

Hagan

Merchant

Glucose

Sucrose _ _ _ - _

A*
A
A
A

NC
NC

ACP
L

Neg.
Neg.

A
A
A
NC

ACP

Neg.

ACP

Neg.

NC
NC

A
A
A

Neg.

NC
NC

A
A

Lactose _- -- --

Xylose

Raffinose

Inulin

Mannitol _ _

Salicin --

Fructose-- - -

Galactose _ _ _

Mannose

Maltose

Dextrin __ -_

Litmus milk - _ -

ACP
L

Neg.
Neg.

Gelatin

Indol

NL
Neg.

Nitrate reduction

Neg.

*A — acid; NC — no change; V — variable; ACP — acid, coagulation, peptonization; I^ — liquefaction; NL — ^^no

liquefaction.
Blank space indicates no data available.

Microscopically, C. pyogenes may be observed icadily in smears pre-
pared from the snppuration when treated Avitli (ii-am's stain. They are
small pleomorphic organisms 0.2 to 0.3 |j. wide by 0.5 to 2.0 \i long.
Generally they are clumped or form palisades. Although they are
Gram-positive, on rare occasion they stain nnevenly displaying granu-
lation.

Initial cultures have been prepared on blood agar plates and incu-
bated in reduced oxygen tension at 37 degrees C. The colonies form
a small zone of beta hemolysis on this medium. At pH 6.0 coccoid forms
are produced on blood agar, but when the ])TI is raised to 7.6-8.2 there
is optimal growth (Xordberg, 1947).

The biochemical reactions of C. pyogenes, C. pscudotHherculosis,
isolates from the Washington deer (Seghetti and ]\l(dvenny, op. cit.),
and those organisms cultured from California deer arc listed in Table
1. An indication of the conflicting ojiinions on the cultural reactions
and differentiation of C. pyogenes and C. pscudotuheyculosis may be
observed in this tabulated data. This disagreement extends throughout
the literature on the subject (Brooks and Ilucker, 1948; Brown and
Orcutt, 1920; Hagan and Bruner, 1951; Rj^ff and Browne, 1954).
Since Bergey (Breed et al, 1957) is the standard source for taxonomy,
the organisms isolated from California deer were classified as C pyo-
genes. This was substantiated by reference to Verge and Senthille

PURULENT ABSCESS OF DEER 295

(1941a.) who stated that one of the principal differentiating character-
istics is the liqnefaction of o'elatin. Our cultures licjuefied gelatin uni-
formly. An additional criterion that is evident in Table 1 is the posi-
tive reaction in litmus milk.

PATHOLOGY

Pathogenesis

The normal mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat, and vagina
of animals harbor many bacteria capable of infecting wounds or abra-
sions, among which is C. pyogenes (Lovell, 1943). Since this bacterium
is found most often in the suppurative lesions of deer, it is probably
the most common pyogenic organism inhabiting the mucous mem-
branes. In addition, it may be more readily adapted for growth in a
wound. The tendency of deer as well as other animals to lick an abra-
sion or wound is probably one of the factors by which the infecting
bacteria gain entrance. Also, it has been found as a contaminant of
skin (Merchant, 1951). Barley and oat awns, or other sharp plant
projections that puncture the mucous membranes of the mouth or
throat provide another portal of entry (Cameron and Britton, 1943).
Humphreys and Gibbons (1942) determined that the portal of entry
could be either by abrasion or ingestion. They rubbed a suspension of
bacteria on the scaritied legs of deer and drenched other deer. In
both cases the deer died about one month after initial infection. They
felt that contamination of wounds was the most likely route of infec-
tion. In cattle it has been shown to be transmissible by coition (Mer-
chant, op. cit.). This may account for endometritis, abortion, and per-
haps mastitis in deer. Roach (1946) reported that C. pyogenes would
remain alive 19 days in cow's milk taken from a case of summer
mastitis.

In addition to being a primary invader, it may assume a role in
secondary infection, e.g. simple pneumonia complicated by C. pyogenes
changes the pathology to purulent pneumonia, (Lovell, 1945a., 1945b.).
In a study of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), Packard (1946) indi-
cated that lung worm infection may be complicated by secondary in-
vasion with C. pyogenes. This was substantiated by Marsh (1953).
Although California deer and elk often have lung worm, complications
with G. pyogenes have not been observed. This bacillus frequently com-
plicates the pathological picture in foot rot.

Maddy (1953) reported that ticks may harbor the organism. Humph-
reys and Gibbons (op. cit.) found infected ticks on deer. The ova of the
ticks weren't infective, but the larvae were. They also reported that
deer were much more susceptible to infection than sheep.

Symptomatology

The effect of pyobacillosis is probably a reflection of the condition of
the individual deer. If the animal is in good health its resistance may
require considerable time for the infectious process to become evident.
Bucks taken during hunting season have been magnificent physical
specimens, but within the pleural cavity large abscesses were found.
On the other hand, if the deer is in poor condition when the infection
occurs, the development of metastatic abscesses would be accomplished
more quickly and the animal soon would become lethargic and the

296

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

cachexia could be seen easily. If tlie sui)puratioii is under the ,skin the
s"\vellin<2: may be noted. In one deer with a brain abscess the animal was
blind, stood lethargical!}^ and there was an incessant drooling.

Pathological Findings

The most common finding at autopsj^ is a series of pockets of pus in
the thoracic cavity usually adherent to the inner surface of the sternum
(Figure 1). These mediastinal abscesses may be the only pathological
process discernible, or there may be involvement of the pericardium,
or occasionally purulent pneumonia. The pneumonia can be the only
site of infection.

FIGURE 1. Abscesses in the pleural cavity adherent to the sternum.

In ])uruk'nt i)neumonia due to C. pj/ofjous there maj'' be snudl or
large multiple abscesses in tlie lungs filled with yellowish green pus.
The abscesses have been walled off in some cases resembling the nodules
of tuberculosis. Ilammersland and Joneschild (1937) examined two
deer in Montana that had abscesses along the trachea, flank, and on
the pleura in both cases. Later they found a buck with multiple ab-
cesses on the pleura of the ribs and nodules in the lungs that contained
greenish yellow pus with calcified centers. They a11i-ibu1ed the infec-
tions to C. pseudotuberculosis.

Occasionally subphrenic abcesses have been eucountered, some of
which have extended to form adhesions with the rumen. In tliese cases
the hosts' reactions have resulted in fibrous tissue walling otf the infec-
tious process. At other times specimejis have been submitted for ex-
amination in which the abscesses were distributed in the peritoneal
cavity usually along the dorsal region. A few cases have been observed

PURULENT ABSCESS OF DEER 297

ill which abscesses have been found imbedded in the liver. There have
been cases of jaw involvement with abscesses extending into the neck.
Butler (1938) reported similar cases in Montana.

Two cases of mastitis have been found in deer, one of which also had
endometritis and the dead embryos were being aborted. The inoculation
of a pregnant heifer with C. pyogenes produced an abortion in two
weeks and the heifer died a month later (Nordberg, op. cit.). Brown
and Stuart (1943) reported that summer mastitis in dry cows is com-
mon.

Septicemia has been found in some instances. Nordberg observed
that 9 of the 20 strains he tested produced an exotoxin in young cul-
tures. In those cases where septicemia has been encountered there have
been inflammatory edematous swellings probably as a result of the toxins
elaborated by the bacteria, or by the absorbtion of the large amounts
of tissue breakdown products.

Since bacteremia has been encountered it is evident that the abscesses
may localize almost anywhere within the animal body. Brain abscesses
have been observed. The purulent mass in one case eroded part of the
brain itself.

OCCURRENCE IN CALIFORNIA DEER

During the past 13 years there have been 24 deer infected with
C. pyogenes submitted to the laboratory for examination. Sixteen of
these specimens, or approximately 66 percent of the total, were sent in
during the hunting season. Undoubtedly there were a number of
cases found by hunters who left the carcasses in the field when they
discovered that the animals were infected. Reports of such abandoned
hunter-killed deer have been received each year. However, with no
material to verify the cause of the abscesses, only a conjecture that
C. pyogenes was responsible can be made. It is impossible to estimate
how many cases are found or the total incidence of the disease.

Some of the remaining cases of infected deer were from those being
held in captivity for various other studies such as an investigation on
nutrition. The rest were animals that had been taken during an author-
ized collection of specimens for scientific study. One indication of the
incidence of disease may be obtained from this latter group wherein two
deer were found to be suffering from pyobacillosis in a group of 66 deer
that had been examined.

Although the greatest incidence of infection seems to occur during
August, September, and October — the regular hunting season in Cali-
fornia— this is not the case. It is merely a reflection of a greatly
increased number of observers in the field, the hunting public. Those
cases that have been recorded from other than the hunting season are
evenly distributed throughout the balance of the year.

The records would seem to indicate that bucks are more susceptible
than does. This sex differentiation is not valid on the basis that during
the past 13 hunting seasons predominantly bucks were taken. Never-
theless, there are more females in the total deer population of Cali-
fornia and this may account for the fact that about half of the
specimens were females. The same factor of hunting probably is the
reason that only one fawn in the wild was found to be suffering from
an infection of C. pyogenes. Two fawns of the captive experimental
animals died from this disease.

298 CALIFORXIA llSIl AND GAME

The di.stril)iili()ii oi' iiujrl)i(lity iJiroiigijuut the state is also based on
hunting. Those counties with the heaviest sport kill also had the highest
number of cases of this disease. C. i^yogenes has been found in deer in
El Dorado, Amador. ]\Iadora, ]\Iodoc, Inyo, I\Iono, Humboldt. IMendo-
cino, Napa, Sonoma, Marin, Santa Cruz, and San Bernardino Counties.

The four subspecies of deer which have been affected with pyo-
bacillosis in California are : Rocky Mountain mule deer (Odocoileus
Jicniionus hcminnn^), California mule deer (0. h. califoDiicus), Inyo
mule deer (0. h. inyoensis), and Columbian blacktail deer (0. h. colum-
hiamis). There is no way to determine any differential susceptibility
in the subspecies, but from the available evidence there would not seem
to be anv difference.

DISCUSSION

Infection with C pyogenes, unlike many other diseases is not con-
tagious. It does not appear as an epizootic but rather assumes the
character of individual malady. Nevertheless, it poses a potential threat
to the deer in that the organism is harbored in the mucous membranes
and contaminates the skin so that a wound, abrasion, or scratch suf-
fered by a deer going through a barbed wire fence, has a good chance
of becoming infected. Deer superficially wounded during the hunting
season may become infected, although they would have recovered
ordinarily. Those deer add to the normal crippling loss.

Mastitis has been encountered in California deer with subsequent
abortion. This type of infection provides another drain on the popula-
tion that might be considered as a multiple effect in that the reproduc-
tive potential has been decreased.

Although the indications are that pyobacillosis is not too important
in the overall economy of the California deer herds, nevertheless it is
one more factor to be considered in the composite picture of disease
as it affects the deer populations. There are many diseases that affect
deer. Some of these such as foot rot (Rosen, ct ol, 1951) and infection
with stomach worms (Longhurst, et al, 1952) assume serious propor-
tions at times.

There are four reports in the literature of this bacterial species
causing infection in man (Ballard, et al, 1947; Lodenkamper, 1948;
Moser, 1952; Verge and Senthille, 1941b.) two of which were traceable
to direct animal contact. Tlie couclnsioii nnist be that such an infection
in man is rare.

SUMMARY

Over a period of 13 years, 24 deer have been found lu have an infec-
tion with C. pyogenes. Other pyogenic bacteria have been identified
including staphjdococci, streptococci, and C. pseudotuberculosis. Many
deer that have been killed during tlie Jiunting season were abandoned
when they were found to contain multiple purulent abscesses. There-
fore, actual incidence of the disease in the wild is unknown.

The mucous membranes and skin of normal deer nuiy harbor the
causative organism of pyobacillosis. The portal of enti-y may be a
superficial abrasion or other type of Avound, and there is the possibility
of tick transmission.

A deer in excellent condition as judged by external appearance may
contain large abscesses within the body cavities. The most common

PURULENT ABSCESS OF DEER 299

location for the suppurations is in the pleural cavity either as medi-
astinal abscesses or as a purulent pneumonia, or a combination of both
conditions in a single animal. Some of the abscesses have been localized
in the peritoneal cavity with an occasional involvement of the liver.
Endometritis, abortion, and mastitis have been encountered in some
cases. Some deer that have been examined had abscesses in the brain.

There seems to be no ag'e, sex, geographic, or seasonal difference as
far as susceptibility is concerned. The four subspecies of deer that have
been found to be affected, the Kocky Mountain, California, and Inyo
mule deer, and the Columbian blacktail deer have no differential inci-
dence relative to this disease.

Multiple abscess is a potential threat to the individual animal rather
than to a herd inasmuch as it is not contagious. Although it may not
be too important per se, nevertheless, it must be considered when added
to all of the factors that tend to diminish a population.

LITERATURE CITED

Ballard, D. O., A. E. Upsher, and D. D. Seely

1947. Infection with Corynelacterium pyogenes in man. Am. Jour. Clin. Path.,
vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 209-215.

Breed, R. S., E. G. D. Murray, and N. R. Smith

1957. Bergey's Manual of determinative bacteriology. Seventh edition. Balti-
more, The Williams and Wilkins Co. xviii plus 1094 pp.

Brooks, R. F., and G. J. Hucker

1944. A study of certain members of the genus Corynebacterium. Jour. Bact.
vol. 48," no. 3, pp. 295-312.

Brown, A. J., and J. D. Stuart

1943. The treatment of summer mastitis using Coryneiacterium pyogenes toxoid.
Vet. Rec, vol. 35, no. .33, pp. 315-316.

Brown, J. H., and Marion L. Orcutt

1920. A study of Bacillus pyogenes. Jour. Exp. Med., vol. 32, pp. 219-248.

Butler, W. J.

1938. Pseudotuberculosis in a deer. Jour, Am. Vet. Med. Assoc, vol. 92, no. 4,

p. 700.

Cameron, H. S., and J. W. Britton

1943. Chronic ovine laryngitis. Cornell Vet., vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 265-268.

Hammersland, H., and E. M. Joneschild

1937. Pseudotuberculosis of deer. Jour. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc, vol. 91, no. 2, pp.

186-192,

Hagan, W. A., and D. W. Bruner

1951. The infectious diseases of domestic animals. Second edition, Ithaca, N.Y.
Comstock Publ. Co. xxx plus 920 pp.

Humphreys, F. A., and J. R. Gibbons

1942. Some observations on Corynebacterial infectious with particular reference
to their occurrence in mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus in British Columbia.
Canad. Jour. Comp. Med., vol. 6, pp. 35-45.

Lodenkamper, H. r, ii i -r. i t a 1 4.

1948. Beitrag zur pathogenitat pleomorpher bakterien. Zentralbl. Bakt. 1. Abt.

Orig., vol. 152, no. 6, pp. 419-423.
Longhurst, W. M., A. S. Leopold, and R. F. Dasmann

1952. A survey of California deer herds, their ranges and management problems.
Calif. Dept. Fish and Game, Game Bull. 6, 136 pp.

300 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

Lovell, Rp^inakl

11)43. The source of Corynehacterium pyogenes infections. Vet. Rec, vol. 55, no.

S, pp. 09-100.
1945a. Calf diseases. Vet. Rcc, vol. 57, no. 45, pp. 499-500.
1945b. Corynehacterium pyrogenes infections of domestic animals. Vet. Rec, vol.

57, no. 52, pp. 683-685.

Madd.v. Koith T.

1953. Caseous lymphadenitis of sheep. Jour. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc, vol. 122, no.
913, pp. 257-259.

Marsh, H.

1953. The role of Pasteurella in sheep diseases. Jour. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc,
vol. 123, no. 918, pp. 205-208.

Merchiint, I. A.

1951. An outline of the infectious diseases of domestic animals. Minneapolis,
Burgess Publishing Co., iv plus 356 pp.

Moser, L.

1952. Ueber den machweis von Corynebacteriuin pyogenes beim menschen. Zen-
tralbl. Bakt. I. Abt. Orig., vol. 158, no. 7-8, pp. 496-498.

Nordberg, B. K.

1947. Bidrag till kannedomen om Corynehacterium pyogenes biologi. Skand. Vet.
Tidskr., vol. 37, no. 9, pp. 518-529.

Packard, Fred M.

1946. An ecological study of the bighorn sheep in Rocky Mountain National
Park, Colorado. Jour. Mammal., vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 3-28.

Roach, R. W.

1946. The survival of Corynehacterium pyogenes in discharges from the udder and
uterus of the cow. Vet. Rec, vol. 58, no. 15, pp. 169-171.
Rosen, M. N., O. A. Brunetti, A. I. BischofE, and J. A. Azevedo, Jr.

1951. An epizootic of foot rot in California deer. Trans. 16th N. Amer. Wihll.
Conf., vol. 16, pp. 164-179.

Ryfif, J. F., and Jo Browne

1954. Corynehacterium pyogenes— a. cultural and serological study. Am. Jour.
Vet. Res., vol. 15, no. 57, pp. 617-621.

Seghetti, L., and F. D. McKenny

1941. Caseous lymphadenitis of deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in Washington.
Jour. Am." Vet. Med. Assoc, vol. 98, no. 766, pp. 129-131.

Verge, J., and F. Senthille

1941a. Les infections pyobacillaires. I. Etude bacteriologique. Rec. Med. Vet.,

vol. 117, pp. 225-237.
1941b. Les infections pyobacillaires. II. Etudo cliniiiui' et experimentalc Rec.

Vet. Med., vol. 117, pp. 257-278.

NOTES

SHOVELERS NESTING IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Gabrielson and Jewett (1940) do not list nesting records for shov-
elers (Spatula clypeata) west of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon.
Jewett, Taylor, Shaw and Aldrich (1953) show that shovelers nested
in small numbers in the Puget Sound Region west of the Cascades, in
Washington, and Jewett saw them near Copalis, Grays Harbor County,
Washington, about small ponds just back from the beach, where he as-
sumed that they were nesting. Grinnell and Miller (1944) present no
records of shovelers nesting along the northwest coast of California.

During the evening of May 20, 1960, I saw a pair of shovelers feeding
in a marshy area supporting Eleocharis macrostachya, iScirpus paludo-
sus, Scirpus americanus and other marsh plants adjacent to grass land
pasture on the Areata bottom land near the old Mad River Channel,
Humboldt County, California. These birds acted as though they w^ere
feeding hurriedly, especially the female. The actions of this pair re-
minded me of pairs observed on the nesting grounds in Eastern Wash-
ington when the female had come off of her nest to feed after incu-
bating. I was unable to flush the female or locate the nest on subsequent
visits ; however, on June 11, in the same area, I flushed a male shoveler
in partial eclipse plumage with a flock of 13 cinnamon teal males.
Nearby a female shoveler flushed from a small marsh containing an
abundance of Hippuris vulgaris, Typha latifolia and Scirpus acutus.
Her feigning actions successfully attracted my dog from the area ; I was
unable to locate young birds that certainly must have been concealed in
the vegetation.

At 7 :30 p.m. on June 21 a female was flushed from the same pond
and two young shovelers were observed attempting to hide in the thick
vegetation. Feathers on the young ducks were appearing in the scapular
area in front of their wings.

On July 12, I flushed one young shoveler, Class III (fully feathered)
from the same area ; others easily could have been in the dense cover.

It is possible that these observations of shovelers with young in the
Humboldt Bay area represent the only nesting records for this species
along the immediate coastal areas of California, Oregon and Wash-
ington south of Grays Harbor.

LITERATURE CITED

Gabrielson, Ira N., and Stanley G. Jewett

1940. Birds of Oregon. Ore. State Coll. Mono. Studies in Zool. no. 2, Corvallis,
Ore. 649 pp.
Gi-innell, Joseph, and Alden H. Miller

1944. The distribution of birds of California. Pac. Coast Avifauna no. 27,
Cooper Ornithol. Club, Berkeley, Calif., 608 pp.
Jewett, Stanley G., W. P. Taylor, William T. Shaw, and J. W. Aldrich
1953. Birds of Washington State. Univ. Wash. Press, Seattle. 767 pp.

— Charles F. Yocom, Division of Natural Resources, Humboldt State
College, Areata, California, December 1960.

(301)

302

CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

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NOTES 303

A METHOD OF IMMOBILIZING BEAR FOR EAR TAGGING

A method of immobilizino- bear in a culvert trap without the use of
drugs was developed in California by unit game manager Jack Slosson
and game assistants Walter George and Jesse Foster. This method
was devised to facilitate ear tagging bears with safety.

The principle of the holding device is a squeeze door which is forced
down on the bear's neck when the animal sticks its head through an
opening in the main trap door.

The squeeze door consists of a steel plate with an inverted V-shaped
bottom which slides across a twelve inch circular opening on the main
door of the trap. A 4^ foot lever that can be slipped over a peg on
the main trap door and a peg on the squeeze door (by use of a short
linkage) is used to open and to clamp the squeeze door on the bear's
neck.

In operation, the squeeze door is locked to the main door with a
padlock when the trap is first set. This makes the two doors a single
operating unit during trapping (Figure 1-A).

When a bear is trapped, a safety bar to hold down the main door is
inserted (Figure 1-B). The squeeze door is then unlocked from the main
trap door and the lever bar is put in place on the pegs. The door is then
lifted open to a height slightly larger than the bear's head (Figure
1-C). If opened too wide, a bear up to 250 pounds in weight can escape
through the opening. The operators should be very careful to be as
quiet as possible. The bear is allowed to stick its head through the open-
ing on its own accord. If the bear is uncooperative, a noise is made
at the rear of the trap. When the bear has both ears beyond the open-
ing, the squeeze door is brought down sharply by use of the lever and
the bear is held securely. By applying enough pressure to the animal's
neck, the head can be held motionless (Figure 1-D). The man tagging
the bear is in no danger as long as the head is held tightly. After
tagging, the door is lifted quickly above the ears to prevent the bear
from ripping them when it withdraws its head back into the trap. —
Jack L. Hiehle and Jack B. Slosson, Game Management Branch, Cali-
fornia Department of Fish and Game, March 1961.

PARTY BOAT LOGS SHOW HOW SKINDIVERS FARED
DURING 1958 AND 1959

Divers often charter sportfishing boats with the idea that distant
and secluded areas can be reached en masse with comfort and preci-
sion. California law requires the operators of such boats to keep records
of the catch, similar to those they maintain for the usual angler party.

During 1958 and 1959, 97 acceptable records were sent the depart-
ment for diving charters. The data from several charters were not
usable.

In the central part of the state, Carmel Bay and the Farallon Islands
were the most popular charter-diving locations. Here, 112 divers bagged
approximately 3.6 fish and shellfish per diving day. Only four marine
species were reported (Table 1), but among the rockfish there probably
was more than one kind.

304

CALIFOKMA I IS II ANM) GAME

TABLE 1

Marine Species Taken by 112 Charter-divers in the Monterey and
San Francisco Bay Areas, 1958 and 1959

Si MTIC-

Scientific name

Nimibcr reported

Abalone

Haliotis rufescens

209

Lingcod.

Ophiodon elonoatus

132

Rockfish'

Sebastodes spp --

Cabezon .

Scorpaenichthys marmoratus^ .

Total .

402

' Probably more than one variety.

Ill southern California, most diving activity was at Santa Rosa,
Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, Santa Catalina and San Cle-
mente Islands. At these localities 1,725 divers bag-ged 3.3 fisli and
shellfish i)er diving day. Eighteen kinds were reported, hut only seven
of these were important numerically (Table 2).

TABLE 2
Marine Species Taken by 1,725 Charter-divers Off Southern California, 1958 and 1959

Species

Scientific name

Abalonei

Kelp bass

Sheephead

Spiny lobster- -

Opaleye

Perch'

Rockfishi

Yellowtail

Bonito

Cabezon

White seabass-

Lingcod

Barracuda

Misc

Total.

Haliotis spp

J'aralabrax clatliratus

Pimelometopon pulchrum

PanuKrus interruptus

Girella nigricans

species of einbiotocids

Sebastodes spp

Seriola dorsalis

Sarda chiliensis

Scorpaenichthys marmoratus.

Cynoscion nobilis

Ophiodon elongatus

Sphyraena argentea

Number reported

2,450

1,199

564

512

413

366

124

5,703

' Probably more than one variety.

In southern California, the iiiisccllaiicous species (Table 2") iiu-luded
5 unidentified sharks, 4 unidentified flatfish, 3 California halibut, Para-
Jichthys californicus, 2 jaeksmelt, Atherinopsis calif or niensis, and 1
iiioray eel, GiftiDiothoraj- niordax.

Abalone were obviously tlie prime target for most diviTs. However,
speargun experts showed sufficient skill (or luck) and stamina to
bring in white seabass, yellowtail, bonito and barracuda. These catch
figures indicate there is practically no competition between skindivers
and hook and line fishermen.

NOTES 305

Most of the species taken in southern California waters (Table 2)
are amply protected by bag limits, size limits, closed seasons or combi-
nations of these. Among the few not so protected, only sheephead
appear to warrant future consideration. They are not abundant and
grow rather slowly. Their bright coloration and bold habits make them
exceptionally vulnerable to spearing. Black seabass and groupers, which
apparently were not taken by charter boat divers, are also exceptionally
vulnerable to spearmen. — Parke H. Young, Marine Resources Opera-
tions, California Department of Fish and Game, August 1960.

BOOK REVIEWS

Traife de Pisciculture — third edition (in French)

By Marcel Huet; Editions Ch. De Wyngaert, Bruxelles, Belgium, 1960; XII + 369 pp., 280
fig. $7.50.

For all practical purposes this edition is the same as the first two, with the excep-
tion of the revision of Article IV, "Pisciculture des regions intertropicales afri-
caines" in Chapter Y, formerly titled "Pisciculture des Tilapia". The new title
implies a wider coverage of tropical fishculture problems. This, however, is not the
case. Genera such as Haplochromis. Hemichromis, and Serranochromis are very
briefly mentioned. The material on Tilapia culture is more brief than before. This
is the result of better organization and improved knowledge rather than less infor-
mation. The illustrations are better than those in the second edition, and some new
ones have been added.

As before, however, the French Text precludes the manual's effective use by
many American fish culturists. — J. B. Kimsey, California Department of Fish and
Game.

Under the Deep Oceans, Twentieth Century Voyages of Discovery

By T. F. Gaskell ; W. W. Norton & Co., Xew York, 1960 ; 239 pp., S figs.. .$.3.95.

An interesting non-technical report by the Chief Scientist of the Challenger
Oceanographic Expedition. Beginning by describing the technique of seismic explor-
ation to obtain the characteristics of the substrate, the author then describes in broad
generalities the structure of the sea bottom as determined by experiments carried out
aboard the Challenger as the vessel proceeded across the Atlantic, passed through
the Panama Canal, and continued working in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Medi-
terranean Sea, before returning to England.

Particular studies were made of volcanic islands such as Hawaii, coral atolls of
the southwestern Pacific Ocean, and the "Challenger Deep." Discussion of the con-
tinental-drift theory, echo sounding, Mohorovicic discontinuity, and the "Mohole Proj-
ect" add some interesting reading.

One short paragraph reports the disposal of radioactive waste in sealed containers
in deep water off the California coast. Subsequent sampling of water and sea bed
near the dump indicate the containers were not leaking. [However, actual tests car-
ried out by the California Department of Fish and Game indicated these containers
would rupture at depths considerably less than those of the dumping grounds.]

This is a very readable book containing much information about the sea bottom
and the earth beneath that is enlightening to those whose work is with the sea.- —
E. A. Best, California Department of Fish and Game.

Conetco Commercial Fishing Gear Manual, Volume 1

Bv Yincent A. Plancich ; Consolidated Xet and Twine Co., Inc., Seattle, 1961 ;
"28 pp., illus., $2.50.

An illustrated catalog of the types and sizes of netting material available for use
by commercial fishermen, research agencies, and hatchery operators. Schematic draw-
ings of several types of commercial fishing nets and specially designed experimental
nets (from plankton nets to otter trawls) are included. One page is devoted to the
coi-rect method of ordering material for the do-it-yourself fan. A single diagram illus-
trates net mending of the simplest type, enlargement of this section would greatly
increase the usefulness of this booklet. — E. A. Best, California Department of Fish
and Game.

Guide to Marine Fishes

By Alfred Perlmutter ; New York University Press. New York, 1961 ; 431 pp.,
illus., $6.50.

This book presents a new and rather novel approach to the age-old problem of fish
identification that should prove rewarding to those who take a moment to thumb the
pages. The author has applied the pictorial method used so successfully by the Armed
Forces to teach technical information to troops during World War II. In this case,

(307)

308 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME

distiiifiuisliin^' cliarjiftcrs liavo bocii offi-fl i\ol.v illiistralod in sillioiictfi-s of (ho fislios.
Tliiis, l)y following (lie simple dichotonioiis key on tlic cxon-iiuinlicrcd juigi's (which
is illustratod witli yilhouottcs on tho odd-nunitiorod i)aKes), the user can readily iden-
tify over 200 species of marine lish inohidinf; sharks, rays, skates and even the
lamprey. At the conclusion of each identification a page reference directs the reader
to a sejiarate section of the hook that illustrates and gives general ecological informa-
tion about each sjiecies found in the key. Notes on color, distribution, size, economic
importance, etc., are presi'uted for those who wish to know more al)out their prize
specimen. All of this has been accomplished with the barest minimum of technical
terminology. A glossary of eight words and eleven anatomical terms is included in
the brief introduction.

rnfortuuately si)ecific use of the h.nidbook is not as general as the title implies.
It includes only the marine lishes <-onuuonly found along the shores of the western
Atlantic Ocean between Cape Cod (Massachusetts) and Cape Ilatteras (North Caro-
lina). Since most of the fishes described in this book have close relatives or counter-
parts in the eastern Pacific Ocean the key could be used to identify, at least to a
general group, many fishes found off the California coast.

Dr. Perlniutter is not just another self-taught authoi-ity on fish. Among his (luali-
ficatious are many years of experience with the New York Conservation Department
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These, together with his present status as
Professor of Biology at New York University, have led to an understanding of the
problems involved as well as the knowledge necessary for prei)aring this guid(>.

If this silhouette key is an indication of a new trend in presenting taxononiic in-
formation, there is hope for the scientist to get his message to the layman in a readily
understandable fashion. — William L. Craig, Califortiia Department of Fish and
Game.

Land for fbe Future

I*.v -Marion Clawson, R. Bernell Huod and Charles H. Stoddard; .lohn Hopkins
Press, Baltimore, 1960 ; 570 pp., $8.50.

In "Land for the Future," the authors present a well-organized story of how our
land has been used, is being used, and will probably continue to be used up to tlie
,year 2000. Unless we plan wisely, this "spacious laud" of which Secretary Udall
speaks, may not be too spacious by 2000 when there will probably be 300 plus millions
of people to use it. The authors, however, are not pessimistic as "some 15 percent of
all cultivated land in the world lies within the borders of the Ignited States."

With a total investment in urban property of perhaps ,$40 billion annually between
now and the year 2000, a scientific knowledge of land uses becomes absolutely neces-
sary to make sure that all the needs of the population would be met. The fact that
$12 billion or more are being spent annually for recreation makes the use of laud
for recreational purposes of great concern to all of us.

Agricultural use of land will continue to be of basic importance. The authors pre-
dict that we shall continue to lie able to afford the expensive diet we now enjoy if
we make jiroper use of available land. Suri)luses will probably be a greater problem
than shortages.

"In the USA 25 percent of the total land area is used for commercial forestry."
Attention must be given to halting our depletion of forest and to making proper
provision for our future. Decisions must l)e made far enough in advance. This is
true also for our grazing land and land used on a snuiller scale for miscell.-ineous
pui'poses.

"Land for the Future" is an objective study by a group of experts of ■"the coufiict
between an exijanding economy and a fixed area of land." It is through the use of
land for various iPur])oses that this study addresses itself. Comprehensive treat nienr,
section by section is given to: urban uses of land, lands for recreation, agricultural
land use, forestry, grazing and niis<ell;iueous uses. Accompanying charts and grajihs
plus an abundance of statistics make this book a package for i)lanning commissions
and governmental officials who will make the decisions on the uses to which our
land will be put. The layman who wishes to have a comprehensive background for
understanding his land i)rol)lems will i>enefit greatly from a careful reading of this
book. It provides an excellent background leference on the sul)ject for fish and g.iine
adminisi r.itors and managers. — \\ illix A. Hraiix, Ciilifornifi ncptirt iiieiit of Fish miit
<}ame.

printed in cAiifonNiA STATi PRiNriNC office
5951)0 4-Gl u,2(10

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