36 COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



The use of the word "citizen" made the enforcement of this law 

 very difficult. During the month of September the attention of the 

 Commission was called to the alleged violation of this law in waters 

 adjacent to Watch Hill Point. Our deputies immediately investi- 

 gated and made an arrest. The man trawling was fined $50.00 and 

 costs. This example did not restrict the non-resident trawling. On 

 the contrary within a very short time the number of trawlers had 

 increased. Upon investigation it was discoverd that about one 

 dozen residents of a Connecticut town had for a time severed their 

 legal residence in their own town and had registered in the town of 

 Westerly. Legal advice from the Attorney General induced the 

 Commission to withhold any further activity in this line for the 

 present. Your Commission is of the opinion that the word " citizen" 

 in this law will always make trouble of this character. 



CO-OPERATION WITH FISHERIES AUTHORITIES. 



At the meeting of the American Fisheries Society, presided over 

 by a member of your Commission important action was taken along 

 various lines looking toward greater efficiency in State fishery boards. 

 Two members of the Rhode Island Commission were elected to 

 important positions — treasurer and member of an important com- 

 mittee. The subject of the introduction of the Pacific salmon and 

 Pacific shad into Eastern waters was given considerable attention. 

 Large consignments of these fish and also the large sea crab of the 

 Pacific coast will probably be introduced into New England waters in 

 the coming year. Your Commission hopes to have a portion of 

 these for introduction into such waters as are deemed suitable. 



Four members of your Commission and the Superintendent of the 

 Hatchery represented this State at Woods Hole, Massachusetts, 

 on July 12th, at a conference called by the Secretary of Commerce 

 and Labor. Delegates were present from Maine, New Hampshire, 

 Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New 



