CLXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIOKEK OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



Sttiinndiy by fmhiittj-yroiDula of the fishery producis landed at Gloucester, Mass., 'm ISOl, 

 iy American fishing vesucls — Continued. 



Attention may very properly be called to the practical value of these 

 in(][uiries as represented in the information shown in the preceding 

 tables. The preservation of the fishing-grounds resorted to by the New 

 England fleet is the most vital question connected with the fisheries of 

 that region, and it becomes a matter of great consequence to know their 

 condition from time to time, and if depletion is taking jjlace to have 

 definite and accurate statistical data to serve as a basis for the deter- 

 mination of the extent of the deterioration, the special grounds and fish 

 which it afl'ects, and the steps that may be necessary to prevent it. The 

 absence of such information as is here shown for an earlieryear than 1889 

 makes all the more desirable the carefiil, continuous study now going on. 



