38 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



participated both in the exercises of dedication and in the conference 

 on the following day, which gave consideration to the natural re- 

 sources of interior waters and the possibilities of their utilization 

 and conservation. 



The interest manifested in that conference and the demonstration 

 it afforded of the possibility of bringing about better cooperation in 

 the consei'A'ation of aquatic resources led to a call by the Secretary of 

 Commerce of a conference of more extended duration to meet at the 

 station June 8 to 10, 1921. On this occasion there were in attendance 

 about 125 persons, including biologists, chemists, sanitarians, fisher- 

 men, manufacturers, fish-culturists, game wardens, engineers, and 

 others. During the three days of the conference there was free and 

 informal discussion related to the three major topics suggested in the 

 call for the gathering, viz: The depletion of aquatic resources,, 

 causes, and remedial measures; the value of swamp and shore areas; 

 and their best utilization; and a constructive program of conserva- 

 tion. Interest was sustained throughout, and the conference ad- 

 journed only after recording a request that a similar meeting be 

 called the following year. 



The special activities of the Fairport station have been treated 

 under several preceding heads; investigation of the paddlefish, fish- 

 cultural experiment work, studies of fish disease, survey of selected 

 areas in the Mississippi River, and fresh-water mussels. The station 

 frequently also performs services of value to fishing clubs, private 

 hatcheries, and individual owners of lakes and ponds, furnishing 

 advice regarding the stocking and control of ponds and aiding in 

 the solution of such troublesome conditions as may arise. The value of 

 these advisory services is founded upon the scientific research con- 

 ducted at the station and the experience gained in propagating and 

 rearing fish under conditions of control. 



The Key West (Fla.) biological station has been without a director 

 from the beginning of the fiscal year until within a few days of 

 the close of the year, when the services of a competent scientist 

 were secured for a temporary period. During the greater part 

 of the year the station has been in the hands of a caretaker. No 

 further constructions have been undertaken, but the grounds have 

 been suitably fenced for protection, and some plantings of appro- 

 priate vegetation have been made. 



o 



