84 JOURNAL OF MARINE ZOOLOGY AND MICROSCOPY. 



with a view to acquire data whereby we may learn what methods 

 are detrimental, together with the probable remedies required. 

 Especially should this investigation be directed to the merits and 

 demerits of chervin fishing, set-nets, draw-nets, and raking for sand- 

 eels — questions to which Deputy E. B. Renouf has already drawn the 

 attention of our Legislature, thereby earning the sincere gratitude of 

 our fishermen. 



b. If alteration be needed in the size of mesh in any form of net 

 at .present in use. 



c. To what extent and upon what lines should low-water shore- 

 fishing be restricted. This ia very probably an important item, as 

 the wide stretch of shore from high to low-water marks forms an 

 important resort for immature crabs, lobsters, etc., to say nothing of 

 the scope it offers for the future culture of shell-fish. 



d. Over what animals (fishes and baits) should the protection of 

 close-time be conferred, and what the duration of the same. 



e. The dates at which spawning occurs locally in all our food 

 fishes and baits. This obviously must be determined with exactitude 

 prior to the institution of close- times. 



/. To define the best size below which the capture and sale of certain 

 fishes should be interdicted. 



g. To ascertain the exact nature of the food of our common local 

 fishes, the object being to take measures, if possible, to increase the 

 quantity of such supply, 



h. To discover and define the extent of local spawning grounds. 



i. Should certain areas of the inshore waters be set apart as closed 

 grounds where fishing should be prohibited ; these to serve as nurseries 

 or shelter grounds for immature fish. 



j. To ascertain if the amount of destruction of young fish by sea 

 gulls is sufficiently serious as to call for the amendment of existing laws 

 protecting such birds. 



Tc. As to the extent of French "poaching" within the three mile 

 limit, and the steps to be taken to prevent this. 



I A survey of the whole coast to ascertain what localities are 

 suitable for the culture of such useful shell-fish as cockles, clams, and 

 mussels. 



m. To re-investigate in the light of modern knowledge the caiises of 

 the decay of the oyster beds off Grorey, and to devise means for their 

 restoration, 



n. What restrictions, if any, should be placed upon the sale of 

 " berried " lobsters. 



2. — Experiments. 

 The chief experiments that suggest themselves as likely to have 

 practical and useful outcome may be enumerated as follows : — 



