14 FISHERIES OF THE NEW ENGLAND STATES. 



Comparative Statement of the Extent of the Fisheries of the New 

 England States in 1902 and 1905. 



FISHERIES OF MAINE. 



The coast of Maine, owing to its many indentations and islands, has 

 especial advantages for the fisherman. Its rocky character also 

 makes it suitable for the breeding and growth of lobsters, and the 

 lobster fishery is b}'' far the most important of the state. 



GENERAL STATISTICS. 



Persons engaged. — In 1905, 15,881 persons were engaged in the 

 coast fisheries and allied industries of Maine. Of this number, 1,126 

 were engaged on fishing vessels; 330 on transporting vessels; 5,986 

 in the shore fisheries, and 8,439 were shoresmen employed chiefly in 

 sardine canneries, smoke houses, and other wholesale fishery estab- 

 lishments. Compared with 1902 there has been a decrease of 3,951, 

 or nearly 20 per cent, in the total number of persons engaged. 



