124 THE MOLLUSK FISHERIES 



Results of the Survey. 



The survey of the oyster industry has shown several interesting facts 

 which should be brought to the attention of the fishermen and con- 

 sumers. In the first place, it has shown that the oyster fishery is a 

 larger and more important industry than it has been commonly con- 

 sidered, and that the welfare of the shore fisheries of southern Massa- 

 chusetts depends upon its maintenance. Secondly, the oyster industry 

 is to-day in a position where it cannot reach its full development for 

 the reason merely that the present laws do not encourage the expansion 

 of the industry. Thirdly, the oyster industry is trammeled by certain 

 abuses, chiefly of a legal nature, which hinder its development, and upon 

 the abolition of which depends its future success. Fourthly, the oyster 

 industry under present conditions encroaches to some extent upon the 

 other shellfish rights, especially in relation to the quahaug fishery, and 

 has caused much jealous feeling; but if properly regulated there should 

 be room for both industries. 



In order to obtain the opinion of the oystermen concerning the 

 present abuses of the oyster industry, and how these could be best 

 remedied, the following question was asked of the individual planters: 

 " What measures or laws would, in your opinion, be best adapted for 

 the improvement of the oyster industry? " Although many neglected 

 to answer this question, forty-three opinions were offered, dealing with 

 the problems which the oystermen consider as needing attention and 

 upon which the welfare of the industry depends. These answers have 

 been arranged in tabular form, showing the number of oystermen who 

 advocate certain measures. 



MEASURES SUGGESTED. 



Present laws satisfactory, 11 



Direct State control of oyster industry, ... . . . .11 



Town control, with right of appeal to the department of fisheries and 



game, 1 



Longer length of lease, . . . . . . . . .4 



More certainty of re-leasing grants if improved, 7 



More protection for industry, ......... 4 



Eight to grow all kinds of shellfish, . . . , . . . . . 1 



More ground for cultivation, . - . ? . . . . . . , 1 



State to forbid marketing of oysters from contaminated waters, . .1 

 Provision for destruction of starfish, . ' . ' > . . . .'8 



Total, 43 



While these answers show a diversity of ideas, about 75 per cent, urge 

 that something be done to improve the present system, and, while many 

 are in favor of placing the industry under State control, the majority is 

 definitely of the opinion that the present system of town control is 



