UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



MARINE BIOLOGICAL REPORT. 



I. THE CAPE CRAWFISH AND CRAWFISH 

 INDUSTRY. 



Introduction. 



Much difficulty has been experienced in dealing with variou 

 questions which have from time to time cropped up with 

 regard to the Crawfish Industry. In the early stages of this 

 industry it seemed to be the general impression that the 

 supply of the fish was inexhaustible, and that no steps need 

 be taken to prevent over-fishing and the possible extermina- 

 tion of the animal. Very soon, however, it was observed 

 that, apparently in consequence of the very extensive opera- 

 tions of the canning companies, the supply was being seiiously 

 endangered, and the question of some restricting measures 

 which might safeguard the industry was raised at the instance 

 of the canning factories. Measures of this nature generally 

 take the form of (i) a close season, during which no fishing 

 is allowed, or (2) a size hmit, or size below which no fish are 

 allowed to be taken, thus protecting the immature forms 

 and giving them a chance to breed. 



It was finally resolved to impose a close season. Little or 

 nothing, however, was known as to the times of spawning or 

 the habits generally of the crawfish, which would indicate 

 at what time of the year this close season should be fixed 

 in order to be effective. Naturally the fishermen, though 

 generally convinced that a close season was desirable, did not 

 desire that this should interfere with their fishing operations, 

 and the close season was fixed for the months of the year in 

 which little or no fish were caught, namely, when they were 

 in a condition known as " sick." The question has, therefore, 

 been raised as to whether this measure is really effective, as 

 no extensive fishing would take place during this period in 

 any case. Clearly what is desired is further information as to 

 the times of spawning|and the life history of the fish generally. 



[C.P. 5-'i3.] 



