898 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XV 111. 



ful and so constant that overfishing is impossible. No means of destruction 

 which man can devise can effect any appreciable reduction in the supply. 

 Bays and estuaries may be overfished, but even in these localities it is generally 

 the distribution of the catches rather than their amount which is affected. 



12. As regards the last branch of the subject — the utilization of the supply 

 of sea fish, Government consider that great improvements are possible. The 

 fish-curing yards turn out large quantities of fish, but methods of curing 

 are imperfect. It is also necessary to consider whether more liberal 

 arrangements can be made for the supply of salt to boats for curing at sea. 

 The question of establishing a canning industry not only for sardines, but for 

 other varieties and their transport and access to markets, also requires 

 consideration. 



13. It is desirable that all these and cognate questions should be carefully 

 examined. Government however do not think it necessary to depute a special 

 officer to carry out these investigations, which, in their opinion, can be under- 

 taken by the Collector of Salt Revenue, Bombay, in addition to his ordinary 

 duties. The Salt Department furnishes special opportunities for an inquiry 

 of this nature. Its subordinate Officers all along the coast are in close touch 

 with the fishing population, and the fish-curing yards are under its control. 

 The Governor in Council accordingly desires that the Collector of Salt 

 Revenue should carry out the inquiries indicated in paragraph 12 of this 

 Resolution. Mr. Lucas should visit the coast during the fishing season 

 betweeu October and January, and submit his report as soon as his investi- 

 gations are complete. On receipt of this report it will be considered what 

 measures should be taken. 



J. E. C. JUKES, 

 Under Secretary to Government. 



