LEGAL ASPECTS OF FISHERIES 85 



for catching floating fish, and so used as 

 not to disturb or injure in any manner 

 any oyster or mussel bed. 

 {b) The dredging for any ballast or other sub- 

 stance, except under a lawful authority 

 for improving the navigation. 

 (r) The depositing of any ballast, rubbish, or 



other substance. 

 (d) The placing any implement, apparatus, or 

 thing prejudicial, or likely to be pre- 

 judicial, to the beds, except for a lawful 

 purpose of navigation or anchorage. 

 {e) The disturbing or injuring in any manner, 

 except as last aforesaid, any oyster or 

 mussel bed. 

 Any person committing any of the above 

 offences is liable to a penalty of £2 for the first 

 offence, £^ for the second, and £10 for the third 

 offence, besides being liable in damages. 



With regard to oyster fisheries, the Fisheries 

 (Oyster, Crab, and Lobster) Act, 1877, determines 

 the periods during which it is illegal to sell oysters. 

 Deep-sea oysters may not be sold between 15th 

 June and 4th of August, while the close-time for 

 ordinary territorial oysters extends from 14th 

 May till 4th August. The Act also empowers 



