16 THE MOLLUSK FISHERIES 



THE SHELLFISHERIES OF MASSACHUSETTS: THEIR 

 PRESENT CONDITION AND EXTENT. 



By D. L. Belding, assisted by F. C. Lane. 



Dr. George W. Field, Chairman, Commission on Fisheries and Game. 



Sir : — I herewith submit the following report upon the present 

 extent and condition of the shellfish industries of Massachusetts. The 

 following biological survey was made in connection with the work done 

 under chapters 49, 73, 78 and 93, Resolves of 1905, and chapter 74, 

 Resolves of 1906. The statistics and survey records which furnish the 

 basis of the report were obtained by D. L. Belding and F. C. Lane. 



Respectfully submitted, 



David L. Belding, 



Biologist. 

 Introduction. 



When money was first appropriated in 1905 for a three-year investi- 

 gation of the life, habits and methods of culture of the clam, quahaug, 

 oyster and scallop, provision was made for a survey of the present 

 productive and non-productive areas suitable for the cultivation of these 

 four shellfish. The following report embodies the results of this survey. 



A. Method of Work. — In making this survey two objects were in 

 view, which permit the grouping of the work under two main heads : — 



(1) A survey of the productive and non-productive shellfish areas 

 of the State was undertaken, showing by charts the location, extent and 

 abundance of each of the four shellfish, as well as the biological con- 

 ditions of the waters and soils of the areas along the entire coast which 

 could be made more productive under proper cultural methods. Wher- 

 ever possible, information as to the production of certain areas was 

 obtained from the shellfishermen as a supplement to the survey work. 



(2) Statistical records of the four shellfish industries were formu- 

 lated, showing their value and extent as regards (a) production, (b) 

 capital invested, (c) men employed. Data for these record^ were ob- 

 tained from town records, from market reports and from the dealers 

 and shellfishermen, both by personal interviews and by tabulated forms 

 of printed questions. Owing to the present chaotic condition of the 

 shellfisheries, it has been impossible to obtain absolutely exact data. 

 The statistics that have been obtained are to all purposes correct, and 

 are the most exact figures ever published on the subject. 



B. Value of the Survey. — Before any reform measures of prac- 

 tical value can be advanced, accurate and comprehensive knowledge of 

 the present shellfish situation in Massachusetts is absolutely essential. 



