OTTER TRAWI, FISHERY 199 



demands of fresh fish markets. The discussion on this point centred around 

 the trend of prices in recent years. As American evidence is of little value in 

 this connection English statistics were relied upon almost entirely. These 

 indicate that prices of fish decreased when the use of the otter trawl first 

 became general but have recently been following an upward trend until new 

 high records have been reached. Such a course need occasion very little surprise 

 or comment; certainly, it affords no basis for conclusions unfavourable to the 

 otter trawl. While the prices of fish have risen during the last couple of years, 

 it must be conceded that they have manifested remarkable stability when com- 

 pared with the range of prices of copimodities in general in the last decade. 



ReCOM MENDATIONS 



The conclusions contained in the report appear to have been drawn up 

 only after the statistical evidence relating to both American and European 

 fishing grounds had been thoroughly studied. They are submitted with full 

 and candid recognition that proof of the depletion of American waters is 

 entirely wanting. On the other hand, careful consideration and unprejudiced 

 interpretation of English evidence furnishes ample ground for the belief that 

 otter trawling tends ultimately toward depletion. The main point established 

 is that the otter trawl captures and destroys an excessive proportion of immature 

 fish. The effect is not yet apparent on this side of the Atlantic but can reason- 

 ably be anticipated and should be prevented. To quote from the report : " Our 

 present information indicates that it is not fishing with the otter trawl, but over- 

 fishing, which is to be guarded against." 



The recommendations, as the conclusions, have been the result of due 

 consideration of all sides of the case and represent no narrow view of the 

 problems involved. Four means of lessening the destruction of small fishes 

 presented themselves, viz. : 



(1) An increase in the size of the meshes of the net; 



(2) Absolute prohibition of the use of the otter trawl or similar apparatus; 



(3) Restriction of the number of otter trawls; 



(4) Restriction of the area on which otter trawls might be used. 



The first mentioned was dismissed as being neither feasible nor eflfective. 

 Number two, the most drastic proposal, did not appear justified in view of the 

 fact that it is excessive use of the apparatus that is to be considered. More- 

 over, it has not yet been determined to what extent the destruction of young 

 fishes actually injures the fisheries. The obvious and quite sufficient objection 

 to restriction of the number of trawls is that it opens the way for the creation 

 of a monopoly. 



Restriction of the area for the operation of otter trawls is the recommenda- 

 tion submitted. This seems in every way the most satisfactory solution. It 

 combines the merits of localizing any inherent evils appertaining to otter 

 trawling and of ease of enforcement, with assurance against wasteful methods, 

 discrimination and monopoly. The recommendation is stated as follows: 



"We, therefore, recommend that the taking of fishes, excepting shell-fishes,, 

 by means of the otter trawl or beam trawl, or any adaptation or modification 

 of either, or by any other apparatus drawn over the bottom by a vessel in 

 motion, be prohibited on all bottoms in the Atlantic ocean, outside of territorial 

 jurisdiction, north of the fortieth degree of north latitude, excepting Georges 

 bank, South channel, and Nantucket shoals east of the meridian of Sanlraty 

 head on the island of Nantucket." 



A final quotation voices the Cothmittee's firm conviction that the whole 

 problem is one of international character and requires an international solution : 

 "In conclusion, we emphatically state it to be our opinion that this regulation 

 will prove futile and an unnecessary imposition on American fishermen unless 

 Canada particularly, and, possibly, Newfoundland and France will take such 

 action as will prevent or restrict the use of the trawl on the banks in the 

 western North Atlantic." 



