2 FISHERIES OF THE COASTAL WATERS OF FLORIDA. 



report of the Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries transmitted to the 

 Senate on January 5, 1897, in accordance with the act approved March 

 2, 1S05, mak'ng appropriations for the sundry civil expenses of the 

 Government for 189G, a clause of which directs "the Commissioner of 

 Fisheries to make special investigation relative to the extermination 

 of migratory tishes of the Indian River, Florida." 



The following report deals first with the natural-history features of 

 the Florida fisheries, and then considers the general importance of the 

 industry and the extent, leading aspects, and condition of the fisheries 

 in each of the prominent fishing regions or centers. The question of 

 establishing a Government hatching and experiment station on the 

 Florida coast is discussed. 



This opportunity is taken to invite special attention to the value 

 of the fishery resources of Florida and the necessity for action on the 

 part of the State that will place the fisheries on a more substantial basis 

 and assist the development of the industry without depleting the 

 resources. To this end some suggestions are offered which seem war- 

 ranted by the investigations recently made. 



Very respectfully, J. J. Brice, 



Commissioner. 



To the President of the Senate. 



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