OYSTER FISHERY LEGISLATION. 995 



since, although oysters are hermaphrodite, they do not 

 possess the power of self- fertilisation. 



Reviewing the whole case, the chief requirements for 

 the rehabilitation of oyster fisheries are- 



ist. Ready grants of unproductive sea-bed for oyster 

 layings, without the present attendant expense to com- 

 panies or fishing communities possessing or establishing 

 breeding grounds. 



2nd. Power for local fishermen to make by-laws and 

 regulations for the proper fishing and protection of adja- 

 cent public oyster-grounds. 



3rd. A general prohibition of the practice of removing 

 oyster spat, or brood under two inches diameter, from any 

 public oyster-grounds, under heavy penalties. 



Hitherto the history of Conventions, on the subject of 

 the sea fisheries between this and adjoining States, has 

 been unfortunate. Prior to 1882, the only other Conven- 

 tion still in existence relating to fisheries was one (as 

 already stated) made between England and France, to 

 provide regulations for preventing the undue destruction 

 of fish, and more particularly oysters, in the English 

 Channel, as well as to prevent disturbances between fisher- 

 men of the two nationalities. With this object a Conven- 

 tion was entered into in 1839, and confirmed by Act of 

 Parliament in 1843. The Convention, however, for various 

 reasons (some of which have been already given, and others 

 into which it is needless to enter in detail), has proved 

 unworkable, and was superseded by a new Treaty in 1867, 

 which framed a series of regulations for the fisheries in 

 the Channel, between Englishmen and Frenchmen. This 

 Treaty, though confirmed by Act of Parliament in 1868, 

 has never come into practical operation, except in one 

 particular, on account of the objection entertained by the 



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