REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XJII 



of the output was considerably greater, the average price increasing 

 as a result of the comparative scarcity. It is hoped that the States 

 immediately interested in this industry will adopt such measures as 

 will not only secure the preservation of this important natural resource, 

 but will permit an expansion of the fishing operations and ultimately 

 an increased production. 



The inquiries conducted by local agents at Boston and Gloucester, 

 Mass., referred to in my x^revious reports, have been continued. The 

 detailed study of the fisheries centering at these cities is warranted by 

 the great importance of the industry. The investigations cover the 

 operations of a large proportion of the offshore fishing fleet of IsTew 

 England, and the information obtained has a permanent value in per- 

 mitting the institution of comparisons by which the condition of these 

 important fisheries from time to time may be clearly judged. 



The work at Boston has been efficiently performed by Mr. F. F. 

 Dimick, who has unusual opportunities for collecting data by reason 

 of his wide acquaintance with the fishermen and his jjosition as secretary 

 of the Boston fish bureau. At Gloucester, Capt. S. J. Martin, a retired 

 vessel fisherman of extended experience, has rendered very satisfactory 

 service. 



The quantities of fish landed at Boston by American fishing vessels 

 in 1891 was about 70,000,000 pounds, having a value to the fishermen 

 of $1,840,000. The fish most largely represented in the receipts is the 

 haddock, of which over 33,000,000 pounds, valued at $824,000, were 

 landed. Of cod, the next important fish, 16,055,000 pounds, worth 

 $548,000, were brought in. 



The receipts of fish at Gloucester directly from fishing vessels are 

 larger than at Boston ; they consist chiefly of salt fish, while the fares 

 landed at Boston are practically all fresh. In 1891, about 77,000,000 

 pounds of fish, valued at $2,785,000, were taken to Gloucester by the 

 American fishing fleet. Of this amount, fresh and salt cod constituted 

 over 44,000,000 pounds, worth $1,563,000. 



During the year the consideration of the fisheries of the international 

 lakes attracted much attention, and the. agitation of the subject finally 

 resulted in a series of meetings in New York and Canada, at which rep- 

 resentatives from the provinces of Ontario and Quebec and most of the 

 States bordering on the Great Lakes were present. In October, 1891, 

 a preliminary meeting was held in ITew York City, which was attended 

 by special commissioners from the Canadian provinces and the State of 

 New York, and by other persons interested in the lake fisheries. The 

 meeting was presided over by Hon. Eobert B. Eoosevelt. The object of 

 the conferences was stated to be the protection, preservation, and i>ropa- 

 gation of food-fish in the Great Lakes, and a committee was appointed 

 to meet at Eochester, N. Y., in November, and formulate a report for 

 presentation to a full conference of Canadian and State representatives 

 to be called later. At the Eochester meeting. Gen. Eichard TJ. Sher- 

 man acted as chairman. The lake fisheries were fully considered, and 



