412 FISHES OP NORTH CAROLINA. 



terrapins and turtles is comparatively small, being valued at only $11,630 in 

 1902. Frogs are hunted to a limited extent in Pasquotank and Camden counties, 

 where about 1,000 dozen, worth $600, were obtained in 1902. 



FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY. 



The recent trend of the North Carolina fisheries has not been altogether 

 satisfactory, and the condition of the industry demands the thoughtful consider- 

 ation of fishermen and lawmakers. The state has shown itself ready to 

 enact restrictive legislation, even wdien it has been apparent that some hard- 

 ship would result to fishermen of certain localities; and there is every reason to 

 believe that additional legislation will be provided when its necessity has been 

 fully appreciated. Protective measures addressed to diminishing fishes must 

 be radical if they are to accomplish any real benefit, and must necessarily be 

 modified from time to time as their effects and defects become apparent. 



An acquaintance with the fisheries of North Carolina extending over more 

 than 20 years justifies the author in expressing the following outline views 

 regarding the future of the industry: 



1. The fisheries may be expected to deteriorate — 



(a) Through failure of the state to provide prompt and adequate protection 

 to those fishes which begin to show a decrease in abundance. The history 

 of the sturgeon is an unmistakable indication of what will eventually hap- 

 pen to the shad, alewives, striped bass, and other species unless ample pro- 

 vision is made for the survival of a sufficient percentage of the annual run 

 until spawning has ensued. 



(6) Because of unnecessarily wasteful methods, such as the capture of 

 larger quantities of food fishes than can be utilized or disposed of to advan- 

 tage and the useless destruction of large numbers of fishes of no present 

 market value but of prospective importance. 



(c) Owing to careless methods of packing and preserving the catch, and 

 to failure to keep abreast of the progress of the times in matters affecting 

 the shipment and sale of fish. 



2. The fisheries are not only capable of maintenance for an indefinite 

 period but are undoubtedly susceptible of great improvement — 



(a) Through recognition and avoidance of the foregoing causes of decline. 

 (h) Through the utilization of resources now only imperfectly made use of 

 or entirely neglected. 



(c) Through the development of new fishing grounds or more thorough 

 exploitation of old grounds. This applies particularly to the offshore line 

 and net fisheries, on the submerged banks and in the surface waters. 



(d) Through increased shipping facilities along the shores, and through 

 the increased use of motor vessels in the inshore and offshore fisheries. 



(e) Through the increase in the abundance of fish and other economic 

 creatures as a result of cultivation on the part of the government, the state, 

 and private individuals. 



