400 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



133.-FAI.EIIVG OFF IN THE FISHERIES OF MALTA. 



By JOHN WOBTHI1VGTONI. 



[Dispatch No. 97 to the State Department.] 



The fish question has come to be a very serious one for the inhabitants 

 of these islands. Year by year the supply of fish has been gradually 

 falling off in Maltese waters, until less than one-half the number of 

 fishermen are engaged in the industry now that were engaged in it 

 twenty-five years ago. Fish having become comparatively scarce, the 

 prices have advanced proportionately, and not a few of the poorer class 

 of the population are unable to afford themselves fish at all. The fish 

 that are caught in the deep water off the shores are of excellent quality, 

 but of migratory habits. When, however, the seasons arrive for the 

 taking of the better grades of fish, it is found that the yearly catch 

 continues to decrease, and at such a rate tbat considerable anxiety has 

 arisen lest the supply will ultimately fail entirely unless measures are 

 taken not only to prevent further depopulation, but also to preserve, 

 cultivate, and increase the yield. I believe the bays and coasts of Malta 

 are well adapted for the propagation of fish, but proper and intelligent 

 measures need adoption and accomplishment before they can be made 

 to supply the demand. With the end in view of increasing and foster- 

 ing the fisheries of the island, a fish commission has been formed in 

 Malta. 



I have received an official communication, dated Valetta, Malta, Jan- 

 uary 7, 1885, from Walter Hely-Hutchinson, lieutenant-governor and 

 chief secretary of the Government of Malta, which is as follows : 



"A commission is at present sitting in Malta with a view of inquiring 

 into the fishery regulations. 



"The committee has to be supplied with any information that cau be 

 obtained on the subject of the preservation and culture of marine fish 

 which may be available. 



" I am given to understand that instructive and interesting informa- 

 tion on this subject can be obtained from America. 



"I am directed by his excellency the governor to ask whether you 

 would be in a position to furuish me with any such information. 



" I assure your Department that any information it may furnish the 

 Malta Government on this important subject will be gratefully received 

 aud highly appreciated by the governor and the Maltese people." 



If it is within the province of the Department to obtain from the 

 United States Fish Commission, or from other sources, any informaticu 

 which may meet this request, I shall be happy to receive and impart it 

 to the Government of Malta. 



United States Consulate, 



Malta, January 10, 1885. 



