REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES. hoe 
4 
ucts. The species in which the largess increase in yield has occurred 
are buffalo-fish, mullet, red snappers, groupers, oysters, and shrimp. 
FISHERIES OF THE INTERIOR WATERS OF FLORIDA. 
For many years an important alligator and otter industry has been 
prosecuted in what is generally known as the Kissimmee and Apopka 
regions of Florida. During the last few years the catching of fish has 
also been taken up in this section, and it was decided to investigate 
these fisheries while canvassing the coastal waters of the State. Lakes 
Apopka, Harris, Griffin, Eustis, Dora, Tohopekaliga, Kissimmee, 
Cypress, and Hatcheneha, and the Kissimmee River were visited, and 
the tables following show the extent of the industry for 1902. Asa 
number of the lakes are connected with each other by short rivers, 
and the fishermen move from one to the other frequently, it is impos- 
sible in every case to show separately the fisheries of each lake. 
Fishing first began in the Kissimmee region in 1900, and has attained 
considerable importance. During October, November, and December, 
seines are used; trot lines are operated during the rest of the year. 
The town of Kissimmee is the shipping point for the fishermen of this 
region. The same method is followed in Lake Apopka, Winter Gar- 
den and Oakland being the fishing centers. In lakes Harris, Griffin, 
Eustis, and Dora trot lines only are employed. 
Alligators are hunted with guns, and otters are taken in traps in the 
Kissimmee region, the same persons generally prosecuting both indus- 
tries. The hides and skins are brought to the nearest railroad towns 
and exchanged with the merchants for supplies. 
Yield, by species, of the fisheries of the interior waters of Florida in 1902. 
+) ty } ? ‘. a “ 4 
| Lakes Tohopeka- 
Lakes Harris, | liga, Kissimmee, 
Griffin, Eustis, | Cypress, and Lake Apopka. Total. 
Species. and Dora. | Hatcheneha, and 
: Kissimmee River. 
Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value, Lbs. Value. 
TSG DISC AS 5e eS om nae sc BO eGnngece anecaee | 4,940 $247 15, 800 $277 | 20, 740 $524 
ESE pate ate ees rapa re soto ata eletarats lla. a meters Bereta simisintes Males teeters. acl tees ears 19, 100 334 19, 100 334 
(ORITIN, Caacoeee BA basse oe 295, G00 | $4,500 | 160,600 | 7,030 | 390,000 | 6,825 | 775,600 | 18,355 
Crapple sachs secs sacs = sneer sicesee slesleees ses 13, 000 38 13, 000 380 
BiG acacia sect eerecaaties leaemecins 1, 000 1, 000 50 
AIR OATOT MAG ES=)-\ ccs swiss i alSeinc asics esl clcesics se 11, 752 11, 752 2, 390 
PROMISING sees cesieeines selec |leistere ~ieteremtel [nei sisre.e DEH OOM tie 9 ire Oly erclecstersicicl lislerare miele 2, 592 9, 720 
MOLE. see tes, cciscccaleeisse 225, 000 4,500 | 198,884 | 19,777 424, 900 7, 486 843, 784 31, 713 
