A Study of the Marine Resources of Wellfleet Harbor
Curley JR, Lawton RP, Whittaker DK, Hickey JM. 1972. A Study of the Marine Resources of Wellfleet Harbor. Monograph Series Number 12. Division of Marine Fisheries, Department of Natural Resources, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Boston
Field investigations for this one-year study of the marine resources of Wellfleet Harbor on the north side of Cape Cod took place from September 1968 to August 1969. The objectives of this work were: (1) review the historical background of the finfish and shellfish resources in the study area; (2) gather information on morphometry and water quality; (3) determine the number and relative abundance of finfish species and the extent and value of fisheries (commercial and recreational); (4) determine the extent of economically important shellfish species and their current status and value; (5) conduct an inventory of the more common species of algae and vascular marsh plants; and (6) determine the current status of salt marsh, including total acreage, ownership, and protection. Some of the findings of the study follow. Thirty-five finfish species were found; the most numerous were the Atlantic silverside, mummichog, striped killifish, winter flounder, and Atlantic menhaden. Juveniles of many economically important species were caught, including alewives, Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic menhaden, blueback herring, bluefish, northern kingfish, tautog, and winter flounder. Sportfishery species included Atlantic cod, Atlantic mackerel, bluefish, northern kingfish, striped bass, tautog, and winter flounder. Quahogs made up 90% of shellfish revenues. One of the largest natural oyster populations is found in Wellfllet Harbor. Finfish and shellfish resources were valued at $458,316 in 1969. Twenty-eight species of plants were sampled, including five green algae, six brown algae, five red algae, and twelve vascular plants. The extent of salt marsh around the harbor was estimated at 1,117 acres. Wellfleet Harbor had generally good water quality.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Curley, John; Lawton, Robert; Whittaker, David; Hickey, John
- Date of Issue
- 1972-04
- Publisher
- Division of Marine Fisheries, Department of Natural Resources, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Units
- BOHA , CACO
- Keywords
- Algae, Animal Studies, Aquatic Sciences, Cape Cod, Cape Cod Bay, Fish, Fishery, Harbors, Lobster & Crabs (Decapoda), Management, Management Legislation, marine environ, Natural Res, Natural Resources, Plant Studies, Salt Marshes, Shellfish, Shellfish, Survey, Water Quality, Wellfleet, Wellfleet Harbor