1904 DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES. 



c»st-5 the offender has been merced in a nominal amount only, whereas by Provincial 

 Act the minimum fine which must be imposed is $10. When the law provided that a 

 smaller tine could be imposed, it was found that it had no deterrent effect whatever 

 upon offenders ; indeed, it was thought only to encourage their contempt for both 

 the lav and its officers. 



A number of offences have been committed, serious enough, but which it is believed 

 occurred more from carelessness or unbusinesslike methods than from deliberate intent 

 to evade the law. In some cases the fishermen had not placed their name as well 

 as that of the consignee upon their boxes when making their shipments, and others 

 had not marked their nets in a manner enabling them to be identified. The fishermen 

 are realizing that these provisions are manifestly in their interest, and are a protection 

 to the man who wants to do business honestly. Occasionally a man has been found 

 fishing in territory other than that described by his license, but this is an infrequent oc- 

 currence, and is believed to be largely accidental. 



It is pleasing to believe that since the organization of the Department there has 

 been a remarkable change in public sentiment. Five years ago there was but little in- 

 terest shown in fishery matters; there was amazing apathy with regard to the most 

 Hagrant offences ; indeed, even some of our justices connived at wrong-doing, and 

 facilitated the escape of offenders. But most of this has changed. A greater regard for 

 ou r laws and regulations is now not only manifested, but is being promoted almost 

 everywhere ; and communities are being educated to respect these laws and require their 

 observance. In this connection Anglers' Associations could do yeoman service, and 

 we should like to see one or more in every county. 



The undersigned was during the summer invited to meet the Board of Trade of a 

 certain town to offer suggestions for the better protection of^the fisheries in the locality. 

 It was alleged that the licensed fishermen were taking bass, that there coulld be no 

 possible doubt of it, because the town constable had himself seen bass in a fisherman's 

 boat. It was pointed out that no better evidence could be had, and that the county 

 constable should be directed to at once lay an information against the parties, as was 

 his duty under the Act. But, although the matter was revived by letter, no action ap- 

 pears to have been taken. It was probably one of those cases of mistaken identity, or 

 where much talk was indulged in because it was cheap ; but when it came to swearing 

 rut tan information, that was a different matter. Such reports are constantly being in- 

 vestigated, but it frequently transpires that they are founded merely upon hearsay. 



Protective Service. 



The steamer "Gilphie" and the sailboats "Maud" and Gladys" on the Georgian 

 Bay have done good patrol service. The reports of the officers in charge will be 

 found in their proper places. These boats went into winter quarters on the * ioth 

 December, navigation closing a few days earlier than in 1902. The overseers' in charge 

 of the "Maud" and "Gladys" have applied to have gasoline engines installed in 

 these boats, on the ground that they cannot properly protect their districts without 

 this auxiliary power. They say many of the fishing craft are so equipped, and that 

 their sailboats are handicapped in a race with such boats, owing to the vagaries of the 

 wind. This change would increase somewhat the cost of maintenance, but the larger 

 area which it would be possible to cover, and the greater efficiency attained, would, it 

 is bilieved, more than compensate for the outlay. 



The launch " Eva Bell " has patrolled the Rideau waters, and that much illegal 

 work was prevented by her presence is illustrated by the fact that as soon as she 

 ha^ been taken off no less than 22 convictions were made. The crew consists of two 

 men, and the boat's movements are chiefly directed by the district overseer. 



During the close season, a patrol boat was placed on Lake Simcoe for a fort- 

 night and it is believed with good results. 



