138 NEW SOUTH WALES 
the same species which are found on the home and middle grounds. 
The time is not far distant when these outer grounds must be laid under 
contribution, but for the next few years we are of opinion that the 
supplies of fish procurable on the less remote and more easily accessible 
- grounds will suffice for all our requirements, not only in the way of fresh 
‘fish, but also of dried or preserved fish. Still, if suitable vessels were 
constructed and equipped, and if the necessary capital and enterprise 
were forthcoming, there can be no doubt that a profitable industry lies 
ready for immediate development, not only on the middle, but also on 
the outer fisheries. The demands of the metropolis and inland towns 
may, however, for some time be served by the establishment of properly 
organized fishing stations within a distance of 100 miles north and south 
of Port Jackson. We have already drawn attention to the very 
favourable situation and conditions of Port Stephens and Jervis Bay for 
this purpose, and we are of opinion that better positions for fishing 
villages and for the establishment of industries connected with the curing 
or other utilization of surplus catches cannot be found on our coast. 
Before leaving this portion of our subject, we desire to draw attention 
to the alleged existence of extensive shell-banks or submarine ridges in 
the immediate vicinity of Port Jackson. We are informed and believe 
that these banks are a favourite resort for schnapper and other deep-sea 
fish ; and it is not at all improbable that similar banks would be dis- 
covered along the coast if a systematic search were entered upon. 
The following are the distances of the fishing grounds from Sydney :— 
To the North. 
Broken Bay... oy ‘ . «. 20 miles. 
pupae Beach Lake ace we vise FAO: ~ 55 
Lake Macquarie de: ee at - «65 C=, 
Port Stephens... sia ei sts we 7B og, 
Cape Hawke ... a8 De sea Pera Bs epee 
River Manning 150 
And the Seal Rocks, 100 miles, for schnapper fishing. 
To the South. 
Shoalhaven es .. 75 miles 
Jervis Bay... nit wes re . 100 ,, 
Sir George’s Basin... 2c a5 sxe 21D yy 
Clyde River 150 ,, 
All for net fishing. 
There are other fishing grounds further away both to the north and south, but 
the distance would probably be considered too great. 
River Fisheries.—I add here a few remarks on the river fisheries, 
which was not included in the subject as examined by the Commissioners. 
The differences between the freshwater fishes are dealt with in the 
chapter devoted to them, where the peculiarities of the eastern and 
western waters are described. In the eastern rivers there is no fishery, 
properly speaking ; the freshwater kinds are only sought by anglers and 
sportsmen. The list generally includes perch (Lates colonorum), a herring 
(Clupea nove-hollandic), which is also called a sprat, bream (Chryso- 
phrys), 2 second kind of perch (Anthias ?), two eels (Anguilla australis 
and Murenesox cinereus), two or three kinds of mullet (Mugil), cat-fish 
(Copidoglanis tamdanus), and in one northern river the Murray cod. 
Besides these there are occasionally both bream and flathead in fresh- 
water. The bull-rout, gudgeons, &c., have been mentioned as far as 
their importance or interest required. 
