10 MARINE PRODUCTS OF COMMERCE 



In recent years the manufacture of seaweed extracts, especially algin and 

 alginates and Irish moss extract, has become an important industry (Chapters 5 

 and 6) as many important new uses both in food and other industries have been 

 found for these products; Agar is also being extensively manufactured in the 

 United States. 



In comparison with the tremendous quantity of marine vegetatation existent 

 its present uses seem infinitesimal. Its chief purpose seems to be a source of 

 nutriment for the thousands of forms of marine animal life. 



Possibilities 



As there are no longer any new lands or oceans to be discovered to take care of 

 the expanding world population, the production of the existing lands and oceans 

 will have to be increased. At present, certain areas are overfished, while others 

 are neglected. Overfishing particularly threatens the aquatic animals, such as 

 crabs, lobsters, and mollusks, which remain close to shore. 



Hundreds of species of fish which occur in large quantities are seldom utilized. 

 On the other hand, dogfish and sharks and other such fish should be eliminated 

 because they destroy the food fishes. The number of food fish could also be 

 increased by more extensive fish cultural operations. 



Thus, while the ocean is likely to remain an unconquered wilderness, further 

 knowledge of its animal and vegetable life would benefit man. 



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