FISHERIES OF THE COASTAL WATERS OF FLORIDA. 69 



103,571 pounds and to a man 20,423 pounds, while in 1895 the averages 

 were 109,231 pounds and 16,385 pounds, respectively. The apparent 

 inconsistency of a diminished catch per man associated with an 

 increased catch per vessel is explained by an average increase of about 

 two men per vessel between 1880 and 1895. 



Comparative summary of the Pensacola red snajtyer catch. 



These bare figures do not suggest that there has been any noteworthy 

 diminution in the snapper supply, but when considered in connection 

 with an increased carrying capacity of the vessels and a more assiduous 

 prosecution of the fishery, the more recent years show a decided decline. 

 Had the conditions been the same, and had the fishermen in 1890 and 

 1895 made the same average catch as did those in 1880, the aggregate 

 output of the fishery in 1890 and 1895 would have been 5,252,000 pounds 

 and 6,760,000 pounds, respectively. In September, 1890, the Pensa- 

 cola dealers issued the following joint circular to the trade, in which 

 the decrease in the snapper supply was referred to: 



On and after October 1. 1890, the price of all sizes of red snappers will be advanced 

 one-half cent per pound from the prices now in use. The growing scarcity of red 

 snappers, and the increased cost of catching these fish, has compelled us to make 

 this advance. For a year past our smacks and crews have been doing a starvation 

 business. Where formerly they were aide to land a fare of fish three or four times a 

 month, they can now only make two trips a month. They are now obliged to go 

 from 200 to 400 miles from Peusacola to find fish in paying quantities. 



The seine and gill-net fisheries. — Next to the taking of red snappers, 

 the seine fishery is the most important branch of the fishing industry 

 of Pensacola. In it both vessels and boats are employed, although by 

 far the more extensive fishing is done from small boats, only two vessels 

 being used in 1895. 



The seines are hauled for what are known as '-beach fish," consisting 

 chiefly of bluefish, mullet, and Spanish mackerel, although a large 

 variety of tishes is taken. The seines, which are about 500 feet long 

 and worth from 6100 to 6150 each, have a 2i-inch mesh and are operated 

 by five or six men. 



In 1895 the number of persons engaged in this fishery in Pensacola, 

 Warrenton, and the adjacent bays was 117, of whom 17 were in the 

 vessel fishery. The number of seines in use was 29, with an aggregate 

 length of 18,360 feet and a value of 83,075. The tonnage of the 2 

 vessels aggregated 12.71. These were worth, with their outfits, $3,400. 

 The boats employed numbered 26 and were worth $1,610. 



