THE COAST FISHERIES OF TEXAS. 415 
less salty water of the Gulf of Mexico finds entrance through Brazos 
Santiago and Boca Chica. The depth of water here varies from 3 to 6 
feet. All the species of fish common along the Texas coast are found 
here, and many of them in abundance. But the fisheries are not prose- 
cuted to any great extent on account of the small market for the 
catch, 
Bay-seine fishery.—The bay-seine fishery employs two seines, four men 
being required for each seine. These men work probably about one 
hundred and fifty days in the year. The catch, which amounts to 
about 75,000 pounds annually, is bunched and sent by rail to Browns- 
‘villeand Matamoras once or twice each week, particular attention being 
paid to having them on the markets on “fast days.” Each buneh of 
fish weighs about 5 pounds, and these are sold in the markets for “ two 
bits” (25 cents) each. The weight of fish in a bunch varies according 
to the supply and demand, but the price per bunch does not ordinarily 
change. 
The seine fishermen also catch shrimp in their seines, the quantity 
obtained annually being about 30,000 pounds. These are marketed 
both fresh and dried. 
Catfish on the Lower kio Grande.—In the Rio Grande, between its 
mouth and Hidalgo, a distance of about 100 miles, yellow and silver 
catfish are abundant. The quantity taken on the American side is 
about 30,000 pounds annually. Aside from this no fishery is reported 
from the Lower Rio Grande. 
Cast-net and crab fisheries—About twenty cast nets are used at Point 
Isabel at times. The catch consists of mullet, shrimp, trout, etc., but 
chiefly of the first named variety. It amounts to about 10,000 pounds 
annually, some of which is consumed locally and the rest sent to 
Brownsville. 
A few crabs are taken here by traps and lines. Thecatch, however, 
is quite small on account of the limited market demand. ; ; 
Green-turtle fishery.—About 50,000 pounds of green turtle are ob- 
tained annually, one sailboat and three men being employed; but on 
account of the distance from market the prices received by the fisher- 
men are small, averaging not over a cent per pound. A large factory 
for canning green turtle, oysters, fish, game, etc., was for a short while 
in operation at Point Isabel. 
The oyster industry—Four men, with three small sailboats, are re- 
ported as having engaged in taking oysters by means of tongs in 1890, 
The oyster reefs near Point Isabel are quite scattering, and are spread 
over about 3 square miles. The most productive grounds are located 
along the shore of the mainland, about 5 or 4 miles west of Point Isabel. 
Some small reefs are included between Long Island and the mainland, 
and at various other points. The total quantity of oysters taken an- 
nually from this section is about 4,200 bushels. Many more might be 
obtained, but the catch is restricted by the small demand. 
