OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



19 



that we have so often witnessed, has been due to the ignorant assumption 

 that, under any circumstances, the supply would last forever. This idea 

 seems especially to prevail concerning marine food animals. The fact that 

 the sea is vast might naturally give the impression that its inhabitants are 

 numberless. . . . But when a natural food supply nears complete annihila- 

 tion, men begin to think of the necessity of a method of artificial culture. 1 



Present Unimproved Resources. In spite of the wastefulness of 

 former generations, many areas can again be made to produce the 

 normal yield if proper and adequate measures are promptly taken to 

 restore to the flats, estuaries and bays of Massachusetts their normal 

 productive capacity. In spite of the fact that some of the natural beds 

 have entirely disappeared, either " fished out " or buried under the 

 debris of civilization, and others are in imminent danger of becoming 

 exhausted, Massachusetts still possesses a sufficient natural supply to 

 restock most of these barren areas. 



Possibilities of Development. Opportunities for development 

 are alluring. The shellfisheries could be increased, in these days of rapid 

 transit and marketing facilities, into industries which would furnish 

 steady employment for thousands of men and women, both directly 

 and indirectly, resulting in a product valued at a minimum of $3,000,000 

 annually, with possibilities of indefinite expansion. At present the idea 

 of marine farming attracts popular attention. The conditions are 

 parallel to agriculture, except that in the case of marine farming the 

 crops are more certain, i.e., are not subject to so many fatalities. 

 The experiments of the Department of Fisheries and Game for the 

 past three years have proved that cultivation of shellfish offers great 

 inducements and profit to both individuals and towns. When the pres- 

 ent waste areas are again made productive, the value of the annual 

 catch should be increased tenfold. 



Statistical Summary of the Shellfisheries for 1907. 



In the above table the areas for the scallop, clam and quahaug are 

 only approximate. The scallop and quahaug fisheries cover nearly the 

 same areas, and employ to a great extent the same men and capital. 



1 Gulf Biologic Station, Cameron, La., Bulletin No. 3, 1905. 



