76 



the odd ones caught on these deep grounds when they have 

 disappeared from the breeding-ground of this species (6 to 

 7 fathoms) are no index whatever of their numbers in deep 

 water. 



It has been stated that, by the improper use of seine-nets, 

 immense quantities ot the Paper-fish and other young fry 

 are every season ruthlessly destroyed upon the sandy 

 beaches, and that the valuable mature Silver Bastard and 

 other important market fish are becoming scarcer every 

 year. It is reasonable to suppose, therefore, that the 

 wanton destruction complained of in the upper waters of 

 estuaries may have more to do with the increasing scarcity 

 of the Silver Bastard in the outer reefs than the cause 

 usually advanced by the fishermen themselves, i.e., over- 

 fishing. 



If it be satisfactorily proved that the Paper-fish thus 

 referred to are really the fry of the Silver Bastard (and 

 there is little doubt of this), it is imperative, in the interests 

 of our fishermen and our permanent fisheries, that some 

 means should be devised for the better protection of the 

 nursery grounds of these important fishes in the upper 

 waters of estuaries.* The deep-water fishes, like the Real 

 Trumpeter, whose young do not seem to ascend as a rule 

 into the upper waters of estuaries, have only their natural 

 enemies to fear, as they are beyond the reach of the 

 destructive seine-net when drawn up upon the sandy 

 beaches. The young of other fish, such as the Perch 

 ( Chilodactylus macroi)terus), the Horse Mackerel 

 (Trachurus trachurus), the Mullet ( Agonostoma 

 Fo7'steri), the Garfish ( HetnirhampJiUS intermedius), 

 the Flomider ( Wwmhsolea monopus), and, indeed, the 

 introduced migratory Salmonoids, are also known to be 

 destroyed in a similar manner. 



The Black and Silver Perch, (Chilodactylus macropterus 

 and Chilodactylus asperus.) 



The Black and Silver Perch are the next in importance 

 to the Trumpe er group as regards quality and supply. 

 The form kno'i n as the Black Perch is particularly an 

 excellent fish,— some preferring it to the Real Trumpeter. 

 The young are to be caught on the numerous rocky banks, 

 in three to four fathoms water, in the upper bays of the 



* A law which would reg-ulate the raesh and tlie mode of using nets 

 in such places might be devi.-^ed. The working of such a measure 

 might be committed to the existing Salmou and Fislieries Commissions, 

 whose functions might be extended accordingly. 



