12 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



animalcule Gymnodinium or Peridinium, was unpleasantlj' evident to 

 the residents of Providence and adjacent towns on the shore. The 

 phenomenon has frequently recurred, and while the odor from the 

 water and the dead fish is intensely disagreeable, the apprehension 

 expressed by some people that the red water might render sea food 

 dangerous to health is unfounded. The organism is normally pre- 

 sent in the waters of the Bay and is not pathogenic, but, rather, con- 

 tributes to the regular food supply of higher forms. The disagreeable 

 manifestation occurs only when it is phenomenally abundant. 



The chemical and bacterial pollution of the upper waters of the 

 Bay is unfortunate, and every practical means should be employed to 

 prevent it. In general the waters of the Bay are remarkably pure 

 and the food wholesome; and, considering the high present value of 

 the fisheries and the much higher prospective value, it is folly to 

 neglect any opportunity to clean up the dirty corners. In connection 

 with the subject of the physical examination of the Bay it may be 

 mentioned that the interesting question whether or not the firing 

 of heavy guns in target practice at Fort Greble prevents the sque- 

 teague from entering the Bay has been taken up seriously. The 

 trap fishermen in that locality have several times observed that when 

 the firing commences the fish which have been coming into the traps 

 in the lower Bay suddenly decrease in number, while those in the 

 middle and upper parts are at that time unaffected. But the most 

 serious alleged result is that the whole season's catch is very greatly 

 diminished by the interference with the early summer migration into 

 the Bay. The question is not one to be settled off-hand, and a differ- 

 ence of opinion exists regarding it. The attitude of the fishermen is, 

 however, entirely reasonable, and your Commission has taken up the 

 matter with the United States Bureau of Fisheries and introduced the 

 question into the discussions of the International Fishery Congress at 

 Washington last September. A joint committee of members of the 

 United States Bureau of Fisheries and your Commission has been 

 appointed, and the question will receive the serious consideration 

 which it deserves. 



