310 CIVIC BIOLOGY 



the species. The large numbers of eggs produced by fish 

 indicate how quickly we may have our waters abundantly 

 stocked, as soon as we learn enough to cooperate in leaving 

 a sufficient number of adult spawners and in insuring protec- 

 tion of eggs and young from their natural enemies. The data 

 in this field must be worked out in connection with the local 

 surveys suggested above. The table above is offered merely 

 by way of further suggestion. The biology class in each district 

 should have its own table, developed to give local dates and 

 precise breeding places, so that all may know how, when, and 

 where to protect effectively all valuable species during their 

 spawning seasons. This knowledge may be of advantage in 

 exterminating pest species, such as garfish and dogfish. 



Economic and civic values. To doubt the value of fish 

 culture would be as absurd as to question that of agri- 

 culture. For the United States, including insular posses- 

 sions, an invested capital of $79,000,000, with about 165,000 

 people employed, results in gathering a food product amount- 

 ing to 191,073,000 annually. The fishes do most of the 

 work, foraging in the boundless food-wealth of the ocean and 

 then, like the shad, salmon, and others, bringing it up our 

 rivers and to our very doors. As the cost of food advances, 

 we are beginning to ask what are the possibilities of supply 

 from our waters. The brief table on the next page may serve 

 to indicate the problem for the species named. 



Sport fishing also carries civic values and yields annual 

 returns, not only in catch but in health and pleasure, of 

 possibly no less importance to the country as a whole than 

 the commercial fisheries. It gives employment to thousands 

 in the manufacture of tackle and boats, stimulates travel, and 

 supports many special outing resorts. Is not good fishing 

 an asset to any community, well worth careful study and 

 conservation ? 



