FISHERIES OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 
145 
been much illegal fishing, and many believe tliat this has caused the 
scarcity of lish, especially salmon. Sometimes arrests are made, and 
for a while this action generally has a marked effect. In 1888 the “ fish- 
ermen were reaping a rich harvest with their fine-meshed nets.” These 
were set continuously to such an extent that the fish had little chance to 
ascend the river. No regard was paid to the requirements of the law. 
Finally, when some 20,000 or 30,000 pounds of salmon had been caught, 
all of the fishermen were arrested (January, 1889) and fined irom $50 
to $100 each. For several months, at least, this action had a decided 
influence on the river fisheries 5 professional fishermen were scarce or 
less active than formerly, and nets were not seen on the river. Those 
familiar with the facts believe the bulk of fish sent to San Francisco in 
1888 were taken illegally. 
Shipments . — The amount of fish shipped to San Francisco by the 
Wells-Fargo Express during 1888 is given below in detail by months. 
This statement will show the periods when salmon are taken. No ship- 
ments were made in the months omitted from this list. 
Months. 
Pounds. 
J anuary 
14, 077 
3, 785 
250 
200 
650 
8,485 
6, 150 
33, 597 
February ... ... ... ............ 
April ... 
May 
October ......... 
November 
December 
Total 
The following statistics given here apply only to Bussian Biver and 
do not include other fisheries of the county. The statistics of the set- 
tlements in this county bordering on Tomales Bay have been combined 
with those of towns in Marin County to show the extent of the industry 
on that bay. 
Statistics. 
Persons employed (nativity and nationality) : 
Italians 10 
Portuguese 5 
Apparatus : 
33 boats $2,350 
110 gill nets (40,000 feet long) - 3, 000 
Products and value : 
33,597 pounds of fish shipped 2, 010 
150,000 pounds of fish consumed locally 9, 000 
CHINESE FISHERIES. 
Although the Chinese fishermen engage in the capture of a variety 
of species in San Francisco Bay, an effort will be made to present the 
facts in such a manner that the details relating to any special branch, 
of the fisheries pursued by them will be clearly understood. The sta- 
ll. Mis. 274 10 
