404 



GEOGRAPHICAL EEVIEW OF THE FISHERIES. 



Detailed statement of the quantities and values of IJiejirodnc/s, 



B. DESCRIPTION OF THE SALT-WATER FISHERIES. 



148. EXTENT OF THE SALT-WATER FISHERY INTERESTS. 



THE SEA FISHERY OF LITTLE IMPORTANCE. The State of Pennsylvania, though bordered in 

 different portions by navigable waters, has no salt or brackish water within its limits. Its north- 

 western portion, washed by the waters of Lake Erie, has extensive fisheries for whitefish, trout, 

 and other fresh-water species. A description of the fishing interests of that section will be found 

 in Part XVII, D. The eastern boundary of the State is formed by the fresh water of the Delaware 

 River, in which there are extensive shad and alewife fisheries, while other river species are taken 

 to a greater or less extent. 



THE SEA BASS FISHERY BY PHILADELPHIA VESSELS. At Philadelphia, where the demand 

 fur marine species is large, a number of parties own small vessels, ranging from 25 to 50 tons each, 

 for the purpose of engaging in the sea fisheries in the vicinity of the Delaware capes. These 

 vessels fish during the summer only. At this season they make regular trips between Philadelphia 

 and the small fishing bank lying 15 to 20 miles southeast of Cape Henlopen. The catch is com- 

 posed almost exclusively of sea-bass (8. atrarius). 



According to Mr. Charles Vezey, superintendent of the Delaware Avenne Market, at Phila- 

 delphia, to whom we are indebted for information, there are eight vessels, aggregating 280 tons, 

 manned by ninety-seven men, engaged in this fishery. The season begins about the middle of 

 May, and continues until late in October. The fish are taken with hand-lines from the vessel's 

 deck, an average trip consisting of 12,000 to 15,000 pounds. The vessels are provided with ice for 

 preserving the fish until they reach Philadelphia, where they are sold at from 5 to 8 cents per 

 pound, according to the demand. An average trip requires about two weeks during ordinary 

 weather; but whenever violent storms occur, the vessels are obliged to seek shelter behind the 

 Delaware breakwater, where they are often detained for several days. Mr. Vezey estimates that 

 fully 600,000 pounds of fish, netting the fishermen about $36,000, are lauded annually by these 

 vessels. 



THE PHILADELPHIA OYSTER INDUSTRY. Philadelphia parties are also extensively interested 

 in the oyster fisheries of Delaware Bay, and many men and much capital are employed in the 



