lfi BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



but a small proportion of the total egg supply in any given field we may equal or 

 surpass the results from natural reproduction in the same area, even when nature's 

 methods are not contravened and rendered abortive by the methods of the fisheries. 



Our methods in this respect are the methods of the farmer. From an acre of 

 ground he harvests 20 or 30, or, under the best conditions, 40 bushels of wheat. He 

 sets aside 1 bushel for seed, and the rest he may safely exchange for the necessities, 

 the comforts, or the conveniences of life. This 1 bushel, sown under proper conditions 

 of tilth and fertility (either natural or supplied), is a sufficient guaranty of the future 

 harvest. 



It is the same in our fish-cultural operations. By' our methods we give to a small 

 percentage of fish ova the potentiality of the entire reproduction under unrestrained 

 natural conditions. 



In the same measure, therefore, as we enlarge the means for artificial propagation 

 may we ease or release our restraints upon the commercial fisheries and permit a 

 larger catch without apprehending a deterioration of our fishery resources. 



We must not, however, be unmindful of the fact that the prosecution of the fish- 

 eries, without reasonable and necessary restraints, is sure in the end to make adequate 

 reproduction by artificial methods impracticable by obstructing or shutting off the 

 sources of egg supply. Protection, therefore, and reasonable regulations as to the 

 times and methods of fisheries is just as essential for the maintenance of our fisheries 

 as is the largest measure of artificial propagation. The two are intimately and essen- 

 tially related and interdependent; each implies the other; both must concur and have 

 equal consideration in devising a rational and fruitful administration of our fishery 

 interests. 



We should, 1 think, keep always in view that the object of public fish-culture is to 

 assure the utmost utilization of the resources of our waters and to permit the largest 

 production that can be accomplished without deterioration or impoverishment. We 

 should insist upon whatever measures of protection or regulation maybe found neces- 

 sary to accomplish this end. On the other hand, we should be careful not to embarrass 

 or harass the enterprises of our hardy and adventurous fisheimen by restraints that 

 are not clearly necessary to accomplish the end in view. 



The general topic for this, the opening .session of our Congress, relates to the 

 administration of the fisheries, to the measures of protection and regulation that are 

 necessary to increase or maintain the supply and to prevent deterioration. You will 

 have presented to you the well-considered conclusions of men well qualified by expe- 

 rience and prominence to command your thoughtful consideration. Permit me to 

 express the hope that our deliberations will bring about a consensus of opinion which 

 will find expression hereafter in a code of fishery regulations which will be not only 

 effective, but generally acceptable. 



The gentleman who will preside over the sessions of the Congress devoted to the 

 administration of the fisheries is well known to you personally or by reputation. He 

 has been intluei. ; ally and progressively identified with fish-cultural advances ever 

 since the economics of the water have attracted public attention ami interest. He is 

 to-day at the head of the oyster commission of the State from which he comes, and is 

 at once the author and administrator of the policy of the State in reference to its 

 oyster grounds. This policy has in ten years increased fourfold the oyster production 

 of Connecticut waters. 



