KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [J38] 



8,735 barrels, of a value of $30,725, were caught within the three-mile 

 line. Taking- this as a basis, and the American catch in the bay last 

 year was 66,749 barrels of mackerel, of which 20,202 barrels, of a value 

 of $84,848, were taken within the three-mile line, for which latter priv- 

 ilege we have paid $450,000 in cash (without including interest), and 

 probably as much more in remission of duties. — (Provincetown Banner, 

 January 30, 1879.) 



1878. — Notes on the mackerel fishery. 



The southern mackerel fishery. — The fish dealers of Boston are 

 exercised over the early catch of mackerel, which they think diminishes 

 the later supply and affects the market unfavorably. It would be diffi- 

 cult to prove that the catch or market are influenced either by the early 

 fishery, or by the use of seines, as many contend. The demand for the 

 first fresh mackerel of the season gives the business promise of success, 

 and the quantity packed is not likely to interfere with the sale of the 

 small stock of better quality fish remaining on the market from last 

 year's catch. The Southern ma'ckerel fishery will be followed by the 

 usual fleet as the season advances. Quite a number of vessels are fit- 

 ting away, and the "Moses Adams," Captain Jacobs, the pioneer of the 

 fleet, sailed for the South Saturday. Schooners "Seth Stockbridge," 

 "Crest of the Wave," "Smuggler," "Ada R. Terry," "Lizzie," and "Na- 

 mari," have sailed the present week. Others are busy fitting out. The 

 fleet will comprise some CO sail. 



The first southern mackerel caught last year was by the schooner 

 "Seth Stockbridge," Capt. James Anderson, who arrived in JNew York, 

 April 25, with 35,000 in number. The mild winter gives promise that 

 the first catch this year will be somewhat earlier. — (Cape Ann Bulletin, 

 March 20, 1878.) 



1878. — Arrival of mackerel on George's bank. 



Mackerel appeared on George's Bank about the 1st of June. The 

 Cape Ann Advertiser of June 7 states that twelve barrels caught there 

 were received at Edgartown the previous week. ■ 



1878.— Spring mackerel fishery. 



There were about one hundred and fifty sail of mackerel catchers at 

 Newport on Thursday week, and the "high line" was 150 barrels. — 

 (Cape Ann Advertiser, May 10, 1878.) 



1878. — The earliest catch of mackerel. 



The schooner "Lilian," of Noank, Captain Latham, took 40 barrels small 

 and large mackerel off Chincoteague March 30. This was the first 

 «atch of the season and the earliest ever known on our own coast, ex- 

 cept in 1831. 



