20 



THE MOLLUSK FISHERIES 



Annual Yields (in Bushels) of the Shellfisheries of Massachusetts since 

 1879, from United States Fish Commission Reports. 



Massachusetts fishermen to-day receive an annual income of $685,705 

 from the shellfisheries, which approximately cover a productive area 

 of 40,000 acres. Under the present methods of production, the average 

 value per acre is only $17; each acre, if properly farmed, should fur- 

 nish an annual production of at least $100, or six times the present 

 yield. The shellfish areas of Massachusetts which are at present 

 utilized are giving almost a minimum production, instead of the enor- 

 mous yield which they are capable of furnishing. All that is necessary 

 to procure the maximum yield is the application of systematic cultural 

 methods, instead of relying on an impoverished natural supply. Not 

 only are the productive areas furnishing far less than they are capable 

 of producing, but also Massachusetts possesses 6,000 acres of barren 

 flats, which should become, under the proper cultural methods, as val- 

 uable as the productive areas. (This has been experimentally demon- 

 strated by the commission.) While it is possible to develop, through 

 cultural methods, these latent natural resources, it will take years to 

 bring them to a high degree of development. It can be partially aceom-. 

 plished, at least, in the next few years, and the present production in- 

 creased several times, as nature responds to the slightest intelligent 

 effort of man, and gives large returns. 



Decline op the Shellfisheries. 



A. Is there a Decline? 



(1) So obvious is the general decline of the shellfisheries that almost 

 every one is aware, through the increasing prices and difficulty of sup- 

 plying the demand, that the natural supply is becoming exhausted. 



(2) Statistical figures of the shellfish production not only show a de- 

 cline, but conceal a rapid diminution of the supply. 



1 Returns of Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and I lame. 



