BY E. M. JOHNSTON, F.L.S. 



23 



Bastard Trumpeter, Red Perch, Rock Gurnet, Flathead, 

 Horse Mackerel, Sea Mullet, Rock Cod, Ling, Flounder, Sole, 

 Garfish, Common Bel. 



The first of these, the Hobart Trumpeter, is undoubtedly 

 the king of Tasmanian Fishes, and is generally esteemed as 

 the finest of the Australian edible fishes. It commands a 

 high price and ready sale in the local market as well as in 

 the neighbouring colonies; but, unfortunately, although 

 Captured in considerable numbers all the year round, it is 

 very limited in its distribution, being confined to certain 

 coral reefs or banks 10 to 70 fathoms deep fringing the 

 southern coasts of Tasmania between Granville Harbour in 

 the west and Seymour in the east. 



The Barracouta, Kingfish, and Rock Cod appear periodically 

 in such vast numbers that frequently the supply is greatly in 

 excess of local demand. Owing to the absence of proper fish- 

 curing establishments, large quantities have, at times, been 

 known to be wasted or merely utilised as manure. 



It is known also that large schools of Sand-smelts, Sprats 

 and Anchovies appear upon our coasts at regular seasons, 

 but, for the reasons already mentioned, and because the 

 fishermen lack the proper appliances in the shape of Pilchard 

 Seine nets, no attempt hitherto has been made to open up an 

 industry in this particular direction. 



Trawl-nets have been tried on the coast, but without good 

 result. Either the class of bottom fish is absent in our waters, 

 or the proper grounds have yet to be discovered suited for 

 this mode of capture. 



Besides the fishes proper, the fishing industry is largely 

 dependent upon the capture of a fine species of Crayfish 

 (Palinurus Edwardsii), which often weighs, when mature, 

 from 6 to Tibs. It is estimated that there are over 280 tons 

 °f this highly prized Crustacean brought to market yearly, 

 including those exported to Victoria and New South Wales, 

 hut excluding those used for baiting purposes and those 

 captured by Victorian boats. There is also a small Prawn 

 taken in considerable quantities during the season in the 

 River Tamar. They abound all round our coasts, but little 

 attention has been devoted to them anywhere on the coast 

 beyond the River Tamar. 



Of Molluscs there is only one of any importance, — viz., the 

 Common Mud Oyster. Although not now abundant, it is 

 estimated by competent authorities that about 20 years ago 

 the various beds yielded about 44,000 bags, or 22,000,000 

 oysters per year. 



The destruction of these once prolific Oyster beds have 

 engaged much attention. Although attributed generally to 

 reckless unrestricted dredging, continued until the greater 

 number of the beds were wholly destroyed, it is believed by 



