EEPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES. 



133 



ucts. The species in which the largest increase in jdeld has occurred 

 are buffalo-iish, iimllet, red snappers, groupers, oysters, and shrimp. 



FISHERIES OF THE INTERIOR WATERS OF FLORIDA. 



For many years an important alligator and otter industry has been 

 prosecuted in what is generally known as the Kissimmce and Apopka 

 regions of Florida. During the last few years the catching of fish has 

 also been taken up in this section, and it was decided to investigate 

 these fisheries while canvassing the coastal waters of the State. Lakes 

 Apopka, Harris, Griflin, Eustis, Dora, Tohopekaliga, Kissimmee, 

 C3"press, and Hatcheneha, and the Kissimmee River were visited, and 

 the tables following show the extent of the industry for 1902. As a 

 number of the lakes are connected with each other by short rivers, 

 and the fishermen move from one to the other frequently, it is impos- 

 sn)le in every case to show separately the fisheries of each lake. 



Fishing first began in the Kissimmee region in 1900, and has attained 

 considerable importance. During October, November, and December, 

 seines are used; trot lines are operated during the rest of the year. 

 The town of Kissimmee is the shipping point for the fishermen of this 

 region. The same method is follow^ed in Lake Apopka, Winter Gar- 

 den and Oakland being the fishing centers. In lakes Harris, Gritfin, 

 Eustis, and Dora trot lines only are employed. 



Alligators are hunted with guns, and otters are taken in traps in the 

 Kissimmee region, the same persons generall}^ prosecuting both indus- 

 tries. The hides and skins are brought to the nearest railroad towns 

 and exchanged with the merchants for supplies. 



Yield, by species, of the fisheries of the interior vxders of Florida in 1902. 



