b commissioners of inland fisheries. 



Tuna. 



The interest in sea-angling for the tuna, in Rhode Island waters, 

 more especially near Block Island, has, largely owing to the work of 

 your Commission, increased to such an extent that the Atlantic 

 Tuna Club has been organized and incorporated under the laws of 

 this state. The membership of this club has started with nearly 

 one hundred leading fishermen from all parts of the country, and is 

 growing rapidly. It seems reasonable to expect a large increase 

 in the business of the Block Island hotels, merchants and boatmen 

 through the influence of the members of this club. 



Wickford Hatchery. 



The buildings, floats, machinery and other apparatus comprising 

 the plant for lobster hatching and rearing have been properly cared 

 for during the past season and are now in a most satisfactory state 

 of repair and efficiency. This condition is largely owing to substantial 

 improvements which were made during the previous year and which 

 should result in greater economy in operation. The output of young 

 lobsters has shown a fair increase over previous years. 



The appropriation for the purchase of land adjoining the state 

 fishery station at Wickford, which was authorized at the last session 

 of the General Assembly, has enabled your Commission to acquire 

 sufficient land to fill the long felt needs of the station. Already 

 improvements have been made upon the land which will aid materially 

 in the efficient and economic operation of the plant. Your Commis- 

 sion urgently advises the further appropriation of a sum, not to 

 exceed one hundred dollars, in order that a suitable right of way to 

 this property may be obtained. 



Fishery Laws Need Revision. 



As mentioned in previous reports there is great need of a thorough 

 and careful revision of the general fishery laws in order to remove 

 many that are obsolete and to correct and revise such as are found 

 to be ambiguous or conflicting. Your Commission recommends 



