14 MALAYAN FISHES. 
tings, like flowers, and are so grown in the Philippines, and there 
are yet other marine growths which can be cultivated in the gardens 
of the sea. 
Few countries have the potential fishery advantages that we 
possess and have neglected hitherto. 
Our position between the Indian Ocean and the China Sea is 
unique and not only gives us access to an unlimited area for deep 
sea fishing, but also accounts for the large number of species of fish. 
From Kuala Perlis on the West to Kuala Tabar on the East 
we have a thousand miles of coast line; more than some nations 
possess, 
As to the vital importance of fish in the diet of all dwellers 
in this tropical country there is no question: as to the existence 
of an enormous area of potential fishing grounds there can be no 
dispute, and as to the large variety and good edible quality of our 
fish there is ample proof. Can we doubt therefore, with the ex- 
perience of other countries to guide us, and while remembering 
that the economic stability of every country depends on the price 
of the peoples’ food, that our fisheries are capable of enormous ex- 
pansion and can we doubt that an enlightened policy of exploitation 
and regulation combined with constant scientific investigation will 
render the Fisheries one of the great economic assets of Malaya? 
a 
