XSX1X 



From this, however, must be excluded the fresh-water fisheries along the 

 sea-coast south of Bombay, some of which appear to be valuable ; and 

 the Collector of North Canara reports that they are Government pro- 

 perty, except in those tanks formed by private persons at their own 

 expense. 



77. As to the number of fishermen, the answers again become 



vague, except in Broach, where they are corn- 

 Number of fishermen. puted ^ g 9Q> 



78. The mature fish are said to be trapped in the irrigated fields 



during the rains, except where only f well-irri- 

 Fish trapped daring the rains. g. at i on ' jg employed. 



79. The fry also are reported to be destroyed to a large extent 



during or after the rains, in most of those 



great talookas from w T hich answers have been re- 

 ceived. 



80. The following returns have been 

 given of the minimum size of the mesh of 

 nets employed : — 



Fry destroyed to 

 extent. 



Smallest size of the mesh of 

 nets that are employed. 



Thus out of 10 returns, three reporters give the minimum size of the 

 mesh of the nets to be about that of mosquito nets, and all the rest 

 at or less than one-third of an inch between knot and knot. 



81. The modes of fishing in the fresh waters of these sea-coast 



districts hardly vary from those more inland. 

 Modes of fishing. Nets of all forms and sizes are employed, some 



being fixed, others not so. Dams are erected 

 and openings made, where nets or basket traps are placed, so as to capture 

 every fish. In the Colaba, Rutnaghari, and North Canara Collectorates 

 fish are also said to be killed by poison, whilst in Kaira torch-fishing by 

 night appears to be carried on. 



82. It would appear from the foregoing that in the fresh -water 

 Resume of conclusions res- fisheries of the coast districts (1) the propor- 



pecting the coast fresh-water tion of people who eat fish is less than in 

 fisheries, the inland districts; (2) that the markets 



which are sufficiently supplied with fish obtain them from the sea ; (3) 

 that the fresh-water fish appear to be stationary or decreasing ; (4) that 

 the fisheries are Government property ; (5) that there are no restrictions 

 as to the modes of fishing; (6) that breeding fish are trapped; (7) that 

 fry are killed wherever obtainable ; (8) that nets with minute meshes 

 are employed to destroy small fish ; (9) that wicker traps are in use ; 

 (10) that streams are dammed; (11) that waters are poisoned, and (12) 

 that torch-light fishing is pursued, at least in one Collectorate. 



