12 



COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



THE LOBSTER INDUSTRY. 



The early part of the lobster season was poor and continued so 

 until the latter part of July, when remarkable catches were made. 

 The total number of pounds of lobsters caught in Rhode Island waters 

 in 1913 was, 1,210,094 pounds, nearly double that of 1912, and the 

 average number pounds per pot increased from 43 to 69. This 

 extraordinary increase in a well established fishery is attributed to 

 the enforcement of the lobster laws and to the rearing of lobsters 

 at the Wickford Hatchery. The fishermen have continued to report 

 a great abundance of small lobsters, especially in those parts stocked 

 by the Wickford Hatchery. 



The following tables have been compiled from data furnished for 

 the greater part by William T. Luth, Chief Deputy Lobster Com- 

 missioner. At the conclusion of these a list of the licensed lobster 

 men is given as prescribed by law : 



Table III. 



Table Comparing the Number of Pounds of Lobsters, Number of Pots, and Average 

 Number of Pounds Per Pot, for the Years 1904-1913. 



