Forty-second Annual Meeting 43 



Resolved, That the Society express its thanks to Mrs. Mary Pell and 

 Dr. George W. Pell for the unique banquet tendered to visiting mem- 

 bers on Wednesday evening. 



Resolved, That the American Fisheries Society extends its warm 

 thanks to Judge Beaman for his constant and successful efforts for 

 the comfort and enjoyment of members. 



Resolved, That the Society learns with regret that Dr. Hugh M. 

 Smith finds it impossible to continue to serve as its Corresponding 

 Secretary, and hereby tenders to him its sincere thanks for the time 

 and attention he has devoted to the duties of this office, resulting in 

 many valuable reports and contributions which are a part of the per- 

 manent records of this Society. 



Whereas, the Congress of the United States has passed an act to 

 give effect to the convention between the United States and Great 

 Britain, Russia and Japan, having for its primary object the suppres- 

 sion of pelagic sealing, and 



Whereas, this measure was amended so as to establish a five-year 

 closed season on male seals on the Pribilof Islands, contrary to the 

 advice of the United States Bureau of Fisheries and its advisory board, 

 including the best informed scientists of the country, all personally 

 familiar with the islands and the fur-seal problem, and contrary to 

 the expressed opinion of others personally familiar with the conditions 

 of seal life on the Pribilof Islands, now therefore be it 



Resolved, That the American Fisheries Society places on record its 

 deep regret, that Congress should have acted contrary to the advice 

 of the recognized authority of this country in such matters, and be 

 it further 



Resolved, That this Society recommends the early repeal of this 

 provision, which is contrary to all biological experience and which 

 can lead only to dissatisfaction and the ultimate exploitation of the 

 seal fishery by private interests, and with detriment to the herd, conse- 

 quent financial loss to the Government, and loss of prestige to the 

 nation. 



Whereas, The fisheries of certain states are being unnecessarily 

 depleted by unwise local regulations, and 



Whereas, The shad and alewive fishery among others are of special 

 importance (apart from their direct food value to man) by attracting 

 to our coastal waters the more valuable predatory fish, and 



Whereas, The alewive fisheries are frequently notoriously mis- 

 managed by town and county officials, be it 



Resolved, That this Society urges upon every citizen and every state 

 the increasing importance of adequate development of these fisheries 

 under competent national and state direction and authority. 



Whereas, There has been brought to the notice of the American 

 Fisheries Society, the deplorable depletion of streams by reason of the 

 unprotected head-gates of irrigating ditches, 



