NATIONAL FISHERY CONfJRKSS. '231 



The glove sponge has a more limited distribution than any other Florida species. 

 It is found from Biscayne Bay to Key West, but appears to be either very rare or 

 entirely absent on the grounds along the west coast. It grows on rocky bottom in 

 comparatively shallow water, in company with other commercial sponges. Most of 

 the catch is from a depth of less than 10 feet, although the species inhabits somewhat 

 deeper water. It is taken in smaller quantities than any other standard species 

 except the velvet sponge. This, however, is not an accurate criterion of its abund- 

 ance, as it is less sought for, owing to its poor quality and small market value. It 

 brings the spongers only about 10 to 15 cents a pound, a price so low as to discourage 

 its gathering. 



SPONGE LEGISLATION IN FLORIDA. 



The sponge laws of Florida now in force relate to the gathering of small sponges, 

 the use of dredges, the taking of sponges by diving, and the artificial propagation of 

 sponges, the legislation covering the last-named item having been enacted in 1897. 

 The full texts of the laws are as follows : 



Whoever dredges or uses a dredge for the catching or gathering of sponge in or upon the waters of the 

 Gulf of Mexico within three marine leagues of the shore, or upon any of the grounds known as sponging- 

 ground along the coast line of Florida from Pensacola to Cape Florida, or whoever gathers sponge 

 less than 4 inches in diameter, shall be punished for each offense by fine not exceeding $500, and by 

 confiscation of the boat, tackle, and machinery, and in default of the payment of the said line' the 

 offender shall be imprisoned not exceeding one year. (Revised Statutes of Florida, section 2772, 

 chapter 3615, act of 1883.) 



Whoever gathers or catches sponge in or upon any of the grounds known as sponging-grounds, 

 along the coast of Florida, from Pensacola to Cape Florida, by diving either with or without a diving 

 suit or armor, shall be punished by fine not exceeding $2,000, and by confiscation of all diving suits 

 or armor, boats, and vessels used in such unlawful gathering of sponge, and in default of the payment 

 of said fine the offender shall be imprisoned not exceeding one year. 



The fact of having one or more diving suits or armors on board of any vessel or boat in and 

 upon any of the grounds known as sponging-grounds along the coast of Florida, shall be prima facie 

 evidence of the violation of the preceding section. 



Whenever an officer arrests any person charged with an offense which, by the provisions of this 

 article, may be punished by the confiscation of the vessel, boats, crafts, nets, seines, tackle, or other 

 appliances used in such unlawful act, it shall be his duty to seize the same and take them into his 

 custody to await the sentence of the court upon the trial of the offender. 



If the offender be convicted, the court in awarding sentence shall make an order confiscating the 

 s;iid vessels and implements, and authorizing the executive officer of the court to sell them, after due 

 notice, at public auction to the highest bidder. If the accused be acquitted, the said vessels and 

 implements shall be returned to him. (Revised Statutes of Florida, sections 2773, 2774, 2775, 2776; 

 chapter 3913, act of 1889.) 



An act to protect and encourage the artificial growth of sponges within the waters of the State of Florida, and 

 conceding certain riparian rights to those engaged therein, and to prescribe a license in ccrfiiiu cases. 



Be it enacted by the legislature and State of Florida: It shall be lawful for any person or persons 

 owning lands bordering upon the waters of the State to propagate and grow sponges in the waters in 

 front of such lands, to depth not exceeding 1 fathom at low tide, and they shall htive the exclusive right 

 to sponge or propagate and grow sponges within such limits : Provided, That in no case shall this right 

 extend beyond 300 yards from the shore line. 



SEC. 2. Any person or persons owning lands bordering upon the waters of any bay, lagoon, sound, 

 or strait, shall, within their headline, have the exclusive right to sponge, propagate, or grow sponges 



