REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER. 



The preseat report' embraces two distiuct subjects : first, the result of 

 inquiries entered upon for the purpose of ascertaining whether any de- 

 crease has taken place in the food-fishes of the sea-coast and lakes, as 

 alleged, and, if so, what are the causes and what legislative and other 

 measures may be necessary to remedy the evil 5 seco^ndly, the history of 

 the measures adopted, np to July, 1873, for multiplying the food-fishes of 

 our rivers and lakes and for transferring them to new localities, with a 

 view of increasingthe food-resources of the United States and cheapening 

 the price of provisions. 



A— INQUIRY INTO THE DECEEASE OF FOOD-FISHES. 



1.— PRELIMINARY STEPS. 



For some years past it has been alleged that the food-fishes of the 

 eastern coast of the United States have been decreasing in number, and 

 the attention of the General Government was called to the subject, with 

 a view, if possible, of ascertaining the causes and suggesting a practica- 

 ble remedy. 



Responding to the appeals made from numerous quarters, and for the 

 purpose of settling the question as to the facts, a resolution was passed 

 by Congress on the 9th of February, 1871, directing the President to 

 appoint, some one of the civil officers of the Government competent 

 to the task, to serve, without salary, as Commissioner of Fish and Fish- 

 eries. 



The resolution further directed that it should be the duty of the Com- 

 missioner to prosecute the necessary inquiries, with a view of ascertain- 

 ing whether any and, if so, what diminution in the number of food-fishes 

 of the coast and lakes of the United States had taken place ; and to 

 determine what were the causes of the same, and to suggest any 

 measures that might serve to remedy the evil. The heads of the Execu- 

 tive Departments of the Government were instructed at the same time to 

 render the Commissioner such assistance as might lie in their power. 



2.— INVESTIGATION IN 1871. 



Having been appointed, by the President, Commissioner of Fish and 



Fisheries under this law, in the spring of 1871 1 proceeded, by permission 



of Professor Henry, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, to carry out 



the inquiry thus authorized and directed, spending the summer of 1871 



S. Mis. 74 1 



