6 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



is indicated. In the case of the commercial fisheries it is particu- 

 larly and especially important to follow the improvement or decline 

 for the very reason that the causes of the decrease or increase are 

 either frankly unknown or much in dispute, while additional regu- 

 lation of the various fisheries is inevitable, because of the increasing 

 demands upon the fisheries and because of the pressure of conflicting 

 interests. The long-standing and notorious dispute between the 

 anglers and the trap fishermen as to the effect of trap fishing upon the 

 permanent supply of fishes is one of very many cases in point. The 

 question might reasonably be settled by the accumulation of reliable 

 data to the equal satisfaction of both interests. Certainly drastic 

 measures involving the elimination of an important industry should 

 not depend upon rhetorical presentations or legal subtleties. In the 

 specific case of the possible effect of the firing of heavy guns at Fort- 

 Greble upon the run of fishes in the bay, reliable statistics of the run of 

 former years and of other conditions would have been of great and 

 substantial value. 



Your Commission fortunately has been able to submit statistical 

 evidence of the extraordinary improvement of the lobster industry, 

 in consequence of its endeavors to build up the industry, which has- 

 not only pointed the way to subsequent action but has made clearer 

 than ever the necessity for reliable data concerning all the fishes under 

 its administration. Complete and reliable statistics are difficult to 

 collect, especially in such matters as free fisheries, and can only be 

 obtained with the active co-operation of the fisherman. Your 

 Board has for many years gathered and recorded data and has 

 published regularly parts of this material in its annual reports. 



The trap fishing in the bay and other waters of the State is one of 

 the most important industries. During the past twelve years the 

 statistics of location and ownership have been annually collected and 

 published in detail in the reports of your Commission. The increase 

 in the number of traps during these years is remarkable, and if it is 

 an index of the growing demand for the products of the industry, is- 

 significant of its future importance to the State and the people. 



