480 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 
THE LEVANT. 
In this region the sponge beds surround the island of Cyprus and skirt the 
Syrian coast from the Gulf of Alexandretta to the vicinity of Latakia and from 
Jaffa to the Suez Canal. It is stated that about May, 1907, a new bed was dis- 
covered, stretching off Port Said toward the north and northeast for a distance of 
about 50 miles. 
The same methods are followed as in the Aigean, and a very large proportion 
of the spongers come from that region. The scaphander was recently pro- 
hibited both at Cyprus and on the Syrian coast, though it is reported that several 
diving boats have been quite recently at work in the latter locality despite the 
prohibition. Cyprus has lately rescinded the prohibition of the diving machine, 
but the regulation excluding the gangava or dredge is still in force. 
The American consul at Beirut estimated in 1902 that the annual export of 
Syrian sponges for several years preceding had averaged about $85,000 in value 
and that the product was gradually decreasing, owing to the depletion of the 
beds. According to Simmonds, the average yield about thirty years ago was 
from $100,000 to $125,000 per annum. From Cyprus the exports were valued 
at $10,425 in 1898 and $28,835 in 1899, but it would appear that this may not 
represent the entire product of the island. The principal markets are Tripoli 
in Syria and Latakia. The sponges produced in both Cyprus and Syria are the 
very finest quality of cup and toilet sponges, although it is said that those on 
the south side of Cyprus are inferior. The very finest are sold by the piece and 
may bring $50 to $100 per pound, but the usual price is between $15 and $35 for 
the fine levants. 
EGYPT. 
The sponge beds off the Egyptian coast extend from the vicinity of Alex- 
andria to the Tripolitan frontier, and are practically continuous with the sponge 
grounds which reach along the Tripolitan coast to and beyond Benghazi. The 
sponges, especially those of Mandruka, are of excellent quality, but on the 
whole are not equal to those of the A¢gean and the Syrian coast. The spongers 
are principally Greeks from the Archipelago, who were colonized at Marsa 
Matruh by the Egyptian government in 1902. The fishery appears to be pros- 
perous and is carried on without the use of the scaphander, which apparatus 
has been interdicted for hygienic and humanitarian reasons, vessels using it 
being subject to confiscation. The dredge is restricted to depths greater than 
80 meters (262 feet), and is subject to an annual license impost of $50 per boat, 
the tax for harpooning and naked diving being $25 per boat. There has recently 
developed some difficulty in the enforcement of the regulations, owing appar- 
ently to the beds being beyond territorial jurisdiction and the spongers beyond 
the authority of the Egyptian government. 
