FISHEKY INDUSTRIES OF THE UNITED STATES. 



51 



SHAD AND ALEWIFE FISHERY OF THE POTOMAC RIVER. 



The results of a yearly canvass of the shad fishery of the Hudson 

 River where no shad-cultural operations are being practiced is given 

 above. Believing that data of value might result from annual can- 

 vasses for a river on which extensive shad-cultural operations are 

 being conducted, a canvass of the shad and alewife fisheries of the 

 Potomac River for 1919 has been made, and it is planned to continue 

 this canvass. 



In 1919 there were 789 persons engaged in this fishery, using 514 

 boats valued at 880,685; 306 pound nets valued at $159,810; 267 

 gill nets and one haul seine, the latter being operated in Maryland, 

 valued at S26,761 ; and shore and accessory property valued at $610; 

 a total investment of 8267,866. The catch" of shad numb(>rod 544,469, 

 or 2,040,473 pounds, valued at S332,397. Of this quantity 94,512 

 shad, or 342,988 pounds, valued at $56,833, were taken by Maryland 

 fishermen, and 449,957 shad, or 1,697,485 pounds, valued at 8275,564, 

 by Virginia fishermen. The catch of alewives numbered 8,867,902, 

 or 3,676,921 pounds, valued at 861,016. Of this quantity, 1,488,583 

 alewives, or 772,867 pounds, valued at 815,508, were taken by Mary- 

 land fishermen and 7,379,319 alewives, or 2,904,054 pounds, valued 

 at 845,508, by Virginia fishermen. 



As shown by the table of comparative statistics, the catch of shad 

 in 1919 was much larger than in any of the years since 1901 for which 

 statistical canvasses nave been made. Compared with 1915, there 

 was an increase of 198.5 per cent in the number of fish taken and 

 360.8 per cent in value. Whereas some years ago the river channel 

 was in places practically closed by pound nets and the continued 

 existence of a commercial fishery threatened through the inability of 

 sufficient fish to reach the spawning ground, at present such nets 

 may be set out from shore at a distance not greater than one- third 

 the width of the river. 



Shad and Alewife Fisheuy of the Potomac River, 1919. 



> Includes one haul seine, with the catch, operator! in Map>'land. 



