108 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



The apparatus of capture was valued at $137,216, and the shore 

 property and cash capital at $1,289,328. 



The yield of the fisheries in this region was 65,660,623 pounds, valued 

 at $2,271,726. The fisheries of western Florida were valued at $944,793. 

 Louisiana ranks next in the value of products, the amount being 

 $713,587. The values of the products of the other three States are as 

 follows: Texas $286,610; Mississippi $192,298, and Alabama $134,438. 

 The value of products has decreased $166,949 since 1890. The oyster 

 fishery leads in importance and was valued at $748,760. The sponge 

 fishery ranks next, with a value of $305,589. Mullet follow, valued at 

 $213,988, and red snappers at $200,412. Other important products of 

 the region are trout valued at $114,978; shrimp valued at $117,453, 

 and channel bass valued at $91,776. 



The sponge fishery is confined to Florida. The oyster fishery is more 

 important in Louisiana than elsewhere, the yield in that State being 

 valued at $432,668. Mississippi ranks next in the importance of this 

 fishery, the yield being valued at $110,964. The shrimp fishery is of 

 more importance in Louisiana than in any other State, having a value 

 of $80,576. The most important items in the fisheries of Alabama are 

 oysters with a value of $60,207, and red snappers valued at $11,725. 

 In the fisheries of Texas the oyster leads, valued at $94,663. The other 

 Texas fisheries of importance are the trout fishery valued at $45,525, 

 sheepshead at $21,723, and red snapper at $17,453. 



The following three tables show, by States, the number of persons 

 employed, the capital invested, and the yield in 1897, while the fourth 

 table shows the extent of the fisheries in 1880, 1890, and 1897: 



Table shotving the numier of persons engaged in the fisheries of the Gulf States in 1897. 



Table ahotving the investment in the fisheries of the Gulf States in 1897. 



