290 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



ried out; and I believe that no one will be more ready to accede to rational measures 

 for the preservation of a fishery or the perpetuation of a species than the commercial 

 fisherman. But sentiment and prejudice, unsupported by facts, should not be allowed 

 to abridge or destroy a long-established industry. 



In an able paper, which everyone interested in the fisheries, from whatever stand- 

 point, should read, presented to the International Fisheries Exposition in London in 

 1883 by Prof. E. Bay Lankester, the author laid stress on the importance of scientific 

 study and knowledge as a basis for legislative restrictions; his remarks are so timely 

 that they may well be quoted in part: 



Legislation is continually demanded, and has been from time to time carried out, in reference to 

 sucli matters as modes and seasons of fishing and pollution of waters. But it is undeniably true that, 

 in most cases, the accurate knowledge as to the life-history and circumstances of tishes is too small to 

 justify legislative interference. No doubt zoologists have suggested some valuable restrictions which 

 have been adopted by the legislature in regard to some fisheries, and it is to Linmi-us, the great 

 Swedish zoologist of the last century, that Sweden owes important fishery laws. But if we are to 

 have eifective legislation at the present day in regard to our sea fisheries, we must, before proceeding 

 any further, have more knowledge. Those (and there are many) who earnestly desire additional 

 restrictive fishery laws should do their utmost to enable zoologists to carry on researches which will 

 provide that accurate knowledge of fishes and shellfish, their food, reproduction, and conditions of 

 life — which must be obtained before legislation can reasonably be proposed. The only mode of 

 deciding between the conflicting opinions which have so often been expressed during this congress, as 

 to the necessity for this or that legislative. enactment, is by bringing new knowledge to bear upon the 

 questions at issue. That new knowledge is nothing more nor less than a part of zoological science, 

 and can only be obtained through the exertions of those who are already acquainted with the actual 

 condition of that science, and with its methods of minute and thorough iuvestigation. — (The Scientific 

 Results of the Exhibition ) 



Next to an abundant supply of fish, and of probably greater consequence from some 

 points of view, is the importance of having the fish reach the consumer in the best 

 possible state of preservation. • Improvements in the construction of fishing vessels, 

 the more general use of ice, and the more ample facilities for transportation which 

 exist, have already done much to improve the quality of the fresh fish landed from the 

 high seas and the Great Lakes, but the interests of the fishermen and of the public 

 urgently demand further reforms in this direction. The very rapid deterioration 

 of fish which ordinarily ensues upon their capture, owing to the large percentage of 

 unstable albuminoids entering into their composition, requires more serious considera- 

 tion on the part of fishermen and dealers than is usually bestowed. 



Certain modes of capture are responsible for placing on the market an inferior 

 article of food which, under other conditions, would be all that is desired. Fish that 

 are caught by the gills and are left to die in the water by slow degrees undergo a rapid 

 decomposition which quickly unfits them for consumption. The pernicious practice, 

 especially prevalent in Lake Erie, of setting such long lines of gill nets that they can 

 be lifted only at intervals of several days, results in the destruction of enormous 

 quantities of whitefish which have to be thrown away and of very large numbers that 

 are of poor or doubtful edible value. If there is one line of fishery legislation for the 

 Great Lakes more demanded than another, it is the prohibition of the use of gill nets 

 that are not drawn daily. 



The generally observed custom of permitting fish that are landed alive to die 

 slowly is also to be condemned on hygienic and economic as well as humane grounds. 

 The longer the time occupied in dying, the softer and less wholesome the flesh becomes. 





