66 FISH-CULTURAL ASSOCIATION. 
prevent the pollution of the water. I think it was admitted by 
all that it had been a source of great detriment to the fishing in 
our bays, and especially in New York harbor. I will quote 
from the Report of the Association for 1883, page 75: 
“Mr. BENKARD: I would like to bring up the subject of the 
pollution of our waters, which brings many of our fish-cultural 
efforts to nought. I would respectfully offer the following: 
‘““Whereas, It is the sense of this Association that the contin- 
ual and increasing pollution of the waters of New York bay 
from the refuse of certain factories, threatens eventually to kill 
or drive away all fish, shellfish and bivalves natural to said 
waters: 
‘“‘ Therefore, Be it resolved that this Association beg to call the 
immediate attention of the Fish Commissioners of the States of 
New York and New Jersey, also of the members of their legis- 
latures, to this impending calamity.” 
I seconded that resolution and made afew remarks to the 
effect that a great many fish, which had formerly been abun- 
dant in the bay, were no longer to be foundthere. Striped bass, 
and particularly lobsters, had been driven out entirely. These 
latter used to be taken abundantly on the Jersey flats. Shrimps, 
too, which were very numerous and formed food for larger fish, 
were almost exterminated, and what few remained were tainted 
with a flavor of kerosene. Oysters and clams have been killed 
by thousands in the vicinity of Rockaway. The water has been 
so polluted by the factories of Barren Island as to render a num- 
ber of oyster beds, that used to be considered valuable, of no 
importance whatever. I think, though I am not certain, that the 
New Jersey legislature has taken some action, and I am of the 
decided opinion that if our Association moved in the matter, leg- 
islation could be brought about which would be able to control 
this matter at least in our own State of New York. 
