AWARD OF THE FISHERY COMMISSION. 132? 



necessary for the carrying on of their fisheries. This of itself wan I 

 consider, a very great advantage to them generally. 



2. I have been acquainted with the British fisheries in New Brtm* 

 wick during the time I was engaged at my fishing establishment, H ay 

 in each year from 15th May till loth September. I have wen and 

 counted in that time as high as 170 sail, partaking of all the benefits of 

 the three-mile limit as much as if they were Canadian fishermen. I 

 have seen them in a fine morning after a storm in our buy, between 

 Portage and Badwin Island, for a whole day, and in that time a 

 splendid fishing has been done. This was at a time they had no right 

 to fish within the three-mile limit. This bay was their chief place of re- 

 sort, and they had all the benefit of our buoys, lights, and every con- 

 venience. This valuable acquisition should be of a large value to Ameri- 

 can fishermen, and no benefit to us. I am quite sure the average of 

 each vessel would be about four hundred and fifty barrels a voyage. 



3. The effect of so large a fleet of American vessels fishing in liritUh 

 waters, and only one mile from Fox Island shore, was most injurious to 

 our mackerel fishermen around the islands, as they would throw bait 

 and draw them off. 



4. The mode of fishing at that time was with hook and line. Since 

 that period a seine, or purse-seine, is used, and large catches are made. 



5. During the time I was engaged in fishing at Fox Island, a gradual 

 falling off took place with the fleet; whether it was owing to finding 

 other places more profitable, I could not say. 



6. I would judge by the movements of the fleet, fully two-thirds of 

 the fish were taken within the three-mile limit. 



7. In the year 1 was on Fox Island, American fishermen had all the 

 benefit of buying bait, getting fresh supplies, fresh water, wood, &c. 

 This I consider a great benefit. At one time, when procuring these ne- 

 cessaries at Badwin Island, they set on fire and burned about twenty 

 acres of marsh and woodland, whether accidentally or not could not be 

 ascertained. Damages were put down at the time about $000. 



8. The privilege of landing cargoes and transshipping to their own 

 homes during the season is very great. It enables them to make two 

 trips a season with ease. This privilege is worth about 8400 per trip. 



9. I have not seen them fish for bait, but have sold them pogies. 

 These are a fish about half the size of herring, and as fat as butter 

 When ground up, make good article of bait. They have bought our 

 spring herring often. 



10. Mackerel has decreased in quantity along the Miramichi Bay and 

 coast, as our own shore fishermen say they are much more scrace of late 

 years, and cannot account for the fact. Ten years ago establishments 

 made it their business to buy mackerel for canning purposes, ami pre- 

 served yearly from ten to fifteen thousand Ibs.; now, and the last five 

 years, they are all closed. 



11. The food of mackerel is chiefly got along the shores. Small fry o 

 the different species are their chief food. Their principal breeding place 

 are along Bay Cheleurs and other places along Priuce Edward Island 

 and Gulf of St. Lawrence. 



12. I consider the privilege granted to American n'sliernieu t 

 and dry their nets invaluable. 



13. I consider the privilege of fishing in American waters of 

 count or value to Canadians whatever. 



14. The value of transshipping cargoes, and getting bait, &c., is 

 about $400 per trip. 



