REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 175 



spicuous places, as weather reports are displayed in the United States. 

 The entire service is maintained at an annual expense of $2,500, most 

 of which sum represents telegrams. The observers are usually light- 

 house keepers, customs officers, weather officials, and other employees 

 of the Government, who are paid very small salaries — $15 to $25 

 annually — in addition to their regular compensation. In some places 

 fishermen, telegraph operators, and other private persons are connected 

 with the service, who receive more pay. 



During a visit of the writer to a number of the New England and 

 Canadian fishing centers in 1893 the importance of this subject was 

 brought to his attention in many ways, and the desirability of institut- 

 ing a bureau on the east coast of the United States, under the super- 

 vision of the Commission, was forcibly suggested to him. Fishermen, 

 fish-dealers, and vessel-owners in Gloucester, Boston, and other fishing 

 ports, who voluntarily mentioned the matter or to whose attention it 

 was brought, spoke confidently of the value which such a bureau would 

 have in certain important fisheries; and it would appear that the whale, 

 mackerel, cod, herring, menhaden, halibut, haddock, and, probably, all 

 other ocean fisheries would be greatly benefited. 



The New England and Middle States Avould chiefly profit by the 

 founding of such a service, although the vessel fishermen of the entire 

 coast would receive valuable information. To properly equip the 

 bureau, there should be at least 50 agents located at suitable coast 

 points in each State, probably as far south as North Carolina, and the 

 employment of a number of observers in the Canadian provinces in 

 regions frequented by the United States fishermen would also be neces- 

 sary. By relying chiefly on the services of light-house keepers, life- 

 saving men, local fishermen, and others, to whom a nominal salary would 

 be acceptable for the slight aid rendered in addition to their regular 

 duties, the annual cost of the service would probably be under $5,000. 

 There are times each year when the daily saving to the fleet in time and 

 fish, through the information furnished by such a bureau, would much 

 more thau counterbalance the entire expense of the service. 



