6i 



experienced on account of wholesale poaching would be 

 materially lessened, the reduced area permitting of more 

 effective supervision. There can be little doubt that 

 under these improved conditions the yield of fish would 

 be largely increased ; the present yield per acre is so 

 small that a very slight improvement in methods 

 should enable double the present catch to be made — - 

 40 lb. per acre is all the quantity required in order to 

 make such improved seaward half of the lagoon yield as 

 much revenue, at less expense, than does the whole area 

 in its present condition. In addition, the Commune 

 would then be receiving rental upon 45,000 acres of agri- 

 cultural land obtained by reclamation of Valli Mezzano 

 and Fossidaporto. Under wise and energetic guidance 

 the Commune should be able to develop its lagoon into a 

 property yielding not ,£6,000 a year but £"50,000 at the 

 very least — reclamation of half the present area should 

 bring in not less than ,£45,000 (the rental calculated at 

 £"1 per acre) while if fish culture and not mere fishing 

 be practised in the remaining area, the yield therefrom 

 in fish should be quadrupled without difficulty in which 

 case net profit of ,£10,000 to £"12,000 should accrue 

 from this industry. 



When I say fish culture instead of fishing, I mean 

 that instead of herding all species together as at present, 

 separation to some extent should take place, and that 

 special attention be given to the introduction and culture 

 of other species beyond those now reared. The fry of 

 some of these would probably have to be supplied from 

 hatcheries, but in these days when plaice, and cod and 

 shad are hatched by the million under artificial condi- 

 tions, this would present no difficulty. The provision of 

 artificial food to supplement natural resources in selected 

 ponds of limited area is another innovation likely to 

 prove economically sound ; it would enable the yield to 

 be enormously increased of those ponds where it might 

 be possible of introduction. But these are details that 

 must be decided and worked out by an expert on the 

 spot. 



In spite of all imperfections, the present system has 

 served Comacchio well; it has been the mainstay of the 

 population for 1,500 years and the reluctance exhibited to 

 risk the consequences of any radical change need not be 



