CONSERVATION OF INLAND FISHERIES 89 



Let me say in conclusion and without hesitation that much valu- 

 able work has been and is being done by the various federal and 

 provincial fishery stafifs and great credit is due to our provincial 

 inland fishery departments for recognizing the great work before them. 

 They have many difficulties in front of them, but are making the best of 

 their available material. Now, however, we have reached a stage 

 when we must pause and consider the best way to direct our energies 

 along more scientific and along progressive lines. 



RECOM MENDATIONS 



Will you let me further in conclusion, with all respect, as an earnest 

 student of economic ichthyology, offer the following suggestions as 

 arising out of my address. 



First : It appears essential that a fisheries department should carry 

 on its administration in full cooperation and sympathy with the fishing 

 industry. At the same time we must carry out a resolute policy based 

 on scientific and practical knowledge, duly acquired. 



Second : It appears to be necessary to establish some central insti- 

 tute where all parties interested in our fisheries can meet and gain 

 information. Exhibits should be ever before all inquirers to educate 

 them along progressive lines and to push our Canadian fishing inter- 

 ests. Educational exhibits should consist of exhibits of food fishes, 

 dried and desiccated fish, fish oil, fish glue, fish manure, fish made into 

 pig, poultry, and dog foods, pearl-button mussels, nets, boats and 

 general fishing devices. The institute should be a centre where know- 

 ledge can be collected from all parts of the world, in order to at least 

 raise fishing interests to the level of agricultural interests. Like Dr. 

 Robertson, I am a strong believer in illustrated bulletins. 



Third: Would it not be advisable to establish subordinate fishery 

 administrative districts within each province to collect and regulate 

 the many local peculiarities above referred to? 



Fourth : Would it not be valuable to establish fishery associations 

 in each district, such to consist of persons elected by the netting and 

 angling interests, together with the Government officers of that dis- 

 trict, to discuss and recommend to the central authority or provincial 

 department methods of improvement and stimulation of the fisheries in 

 their own district? Such associations might also include cooperative 

 agencies for commercial purposes, that, is, for the purchase and sale 

 of goods connected with the industry in the district. 



Fifth : That we have established a biological station for the parti- 

 cular study of our inland waters appears to me to be essential. Con- 



