PUBLIC DOCUMENT No. 25. 91 



The program for the future considers a broader application than a 

 mere bureau of knowledge. It aims to utilize this information so that a 

 plan of systematic stocking may be devised whereby the commission no 

 longer will wait, as is now often the case, until a petition for stocking a 

 stream is received, but will know several years ahead just what brooks 

 are to receive their stated allotments of fish. With the proper knowledge 

 at hand, a system of stocking may be devised whereby the results may be 

 followed in different brooks, where the right species and number of fish 

 may be placed in suitable waters, and where every dollar of the State's 

 money will yield its maximum value. When such results are accomplished 

 Massachusetts may well feel justified in increasing the output of the 

 hatcheries to meet a larger demand. 



Pollution. The fourth step will be the examination of the rivers. 

 Since these streams are greatly polluted by sewage and trade wastes this 

 investigation will be confined chiefly to the pollution problem, and an 

 effort will be made to stock with hardy species of fish those streams which 

 have not become veritable sewers. Exactly how this problem will be 

 solved eventually has not yet been determined, but it will be along the 

 line of least resistance, by first eliminating the unnecessary pollution, 

 which can be avoided at a slight expense. By clearing up the single cases of 

 pollution and preventing new sources, part of our streams may be saved. 

 Later, areas of greater pollution may be considered, but the problem is 

 difficult of solution, and may never be solved satisfactorily. 



Co-operation. Great benefit may be derived by a State commission 

 by intelligent co-operation with the various fishing clubs. This statement 

 does not necessarily imply that the State commission should show undue 

 favoritism to any association, or depart from definite and systematic 

 stocking, but a State commisbion should receive from local societies in- 

 formation concerning the conditions in the various districts, and in turn 

 should be in a position to furnish adequate advice in all efforts for local 

 fishery improvements. It is only through such co-operation that true 

 advance in fish propagation may be made. 



Summary. 1. The need of a new viewpoint in stocking State waters. 



2. How the defects of former methods may be remedied by a proper 

 selection of the inland waters, a problem long considered of minor 

 importance. 



3. The necessity of a preliminary survey of State waters as a basis for 

 future stocking. 



4. That such a survey has been made at a slight expense and in a 

 relatively short tune. 



5. That the future development of State waters demands a definite 

 program of systematic stocking. 



Respectfully submitted, 



DAVID L. BELDING, 



Biologist. 



