FISHERIES OF THE COASTAL WATERS OF FLORIDA. 79 



CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS. 



The important water resources within the borders of Florida and 

 along the shores of the State must always be the main dependence of a 

 comparatively large part of the population and one of the chief attrac- 

 tions to the visitors who annually resort to this region for health and 

 pleasure; and if these are to be preserved some legislation is necessary. 

 Already the alligator, one of the most interesting and valuable of the 

 water animals of Florida, is rapidly approaching extinction owing to 

 the unrestricted and often wanton killing during recent years, and other 

 important products may share the impending fate of the alligator unless 

 proper attention is bestowed on the question of their protection. 



FISHES. 

 The only fishery for food-fishes that seems to be unnecessarily destruc- 

 tive is that for mullet, the most important of the State's fishery prod- 

 ucts. If the supply of this species is to be maintained a close season 

 should be established, covering its principal spawning period. This 

 might have to vary somewhat on the two coasts. 



TURTLES. 

 The green turtle, one of the most valuable of the State's fishery 

 products, needs protection to prevent its extermination. For a term of 

 years, at least, the animal should be unmolested during the period when 

 it seeks the shores to lay its eggs. There should be a minimum limit of 

 weight for turtles that are taken to be shipped or sold locally, in order 

 that the destruction of immature turtles may be prevented. The per- 

 nicious and destructive practice of gathering the eggs of this and the 

 loggerhead turtle should be prohibited. 



OYSTERS. 

 Experience has shown that the preservation of the oyster supply rests 

 largely on the leasing or selling of grounds on which oyster cultivation 

 may be practiced. The oyster resources of Florida are not unlimited, and 

 it appears desirable to provide for their preservation and development 

 by encouraging oyster-culture by private individuals. The present 

 Florida law has in it much to commend and seems to make adequate 

 provision, under present requirements, for oyster planting and the pro- 

 tection of natural grounds, but it may in time need revision in order to 

 provide for the more general inauguration of artificial cultivation. It 

 is essential, however, that those to whom planting privileges are granted 

 should be fully protected in their rights. 



SPONGES. 



The methods employed in the sponge fishery of Florida seriously affect 

 the permanency of the industry, and it is believed that the interests of 

 all concerned would be greatly promoted if changes were made in the 

 present laws governing this fishery, such as the following: 



To increase from 4 to 5 inches the minimum size of sponges which 

 may be lawfully taken, and to enforce the law against the selling of 



