20 



If, however, it seems imperative that steps be taken at once, it 

 will probably be more beneficial to restrict the fishing to all 

 shrimp above a minimum size. This could very easily be done 

 by limiting the size of the meshes of the seines used (i. e., the 

 mesh should be large enough so that the shrimp below lawful size 

 could easily pass through). Although it has been suggested that 

 the smaller specimens might be injured in passing through the 

 seine, it is not likely that a perceptible number would be seri- 

 ously affected. From the standpoint of the canners this would 

 be extremely beneficial, as the smaller shrimp can not be eco- 

 nomically handled. At the same time it should be noted that 

 there is a possibility that some of the smaller species of shrimp 

 may be confused with the young of this species. It is also rec- 

 ommended that the investigation be made, if possible, in the 

 parishes where the shrimp are more abundant than they are in 

 Calcasieu Pass. 



Cameron, La., December 20, 1907. 



