FISHERIES OF THE GULF STATES. 127 



The oyster fishery. — There are extensive natural oyster deposits on 

 the west coast of Florida, the most important of which are in De Soto, 

 Hillsboro, Levy, franklin, Washington, and Escambia counties. Ever 

 since 1890 the oyster industry has been on the decline. In that year 

 2,597,567 pounds, valued at $93,692, were secured, while in 1897 only 

 1,258,008 pounds, valued at $50,258, were taken. Excessive tonging 

 is responsible for a part of the decrease, and much damage is attributed 

 to the severe storms which visit this coast, and to severe frosts when the 

 beds were exposed at low water. The beds suffer little, if any, from the 

 principal enemies of the oyster in other regions — starfishes and borers. 



The greatest decrease is in Franklin County, where the catch fell off 

 785,782 pounds. 



In 1890 there were 2 oyster canneries in operation in this section, 

 both in Franklin County; and they were still operating in 1897. Owing 

 to the scarcity of oysters, it is customary for the larger of these can- 

 neries to shut down every other year, the output of both being con- 

 trolled by one firm. Since this investigation was made a cannery has 

 been started in Hillsboro County. 



The decrease in the productiveness of the natural beds has led to 

 the institution of oyster-culture, especially in Hillsboro Bay, Manatee 

 Eiver, at Cedar Key, and in Escambia and East bays, but oyster culti- 

 vation has not been generally taken up, and public sentiment is not 

 yet sufficiently in favor of it to secure planted beds from poaching. 



The turtle fishery. — Among the most valuable of the fishery jjroducts 

 of Florida is the turtle, of which there are three species, the green, the 

 loggerhead, and the hawksbill. In 1890 this fishery was prosecuted 

 in 8 counties, while in 1897 it was carried on only in Monroe, Levy, 

 Franklin, and Escambia counties. The total catch in 1897 was 634,616 

 pounds, valued at $22,736, and of this 516,752 pounds, worth $17,770, 

 were taken in Monroe County. Monroe and Levy counties are the only 

 ones that employ vessels in this fishery. 



Turtles are gradually becoming scarce in Florida. Monroe County 

 is the only one that shows an increase over the 1890 figures. In that 

 year 297,157 pounds, valued at $15,866, were taken in this county, 

 while in 1897 the catch was 546,752 pounds, worth $17,770. The greater 

 part of this increase is due to the capture of turtles along the Yucatan 

 coast by vessels trading in that region. These vessels carry turtle 

 nets and use them whenever possible. They also buy turtles from Yuca- 

 tan people, but these are not shown in the statistical tables. 



In a number of counties where turtles were formerly quite common 

 none are taken now. This is largely owing to the fact that turtle eggs 

 have been eagerly sought for. The turtle should be protected during 

 the breeding season, and the eggs should never be taken. 



Very little use is made of turtles other than in the fresh state. A 

 Key West firm began the preparation of green turtle soup in 1896 and 

 has been very successful. 



