FISHERIES OF THE NEW ENGLAND STATES. 317 



years. The product of soft clams has increased in the same period 

 from 19,980 bushels, worth $19,039, to 22,460 bushels, worth 126,743. 



The yield of menhaden shows an increase from 11,182,910 pounds 

 in 1898 to 16,870,690 pounds in 1902, due to a greater abundance of 

 the fish in Long Island Sound. This, however, is less than 25 per 

 cent of the yield in 1889, when there were 4 factories in operation in 

 this state. 



The lobster fishery of Connecticut has shown a steady decline since 

 1889. In that year the product was 1,501,290 pounds, in 1898 it was 

 1,098,192 pounds, and in 1902, 371,650 pounds. The value per pound 

 has correspondingly increased, being 5.53 cents in 1889, 7.63 cents in 

 1898, and 10.96 cents in 1902. A large percentage of the lobster fish- 

 ermen now use small- power boats, which are especially serviceable in 

 this fishery. 



The catch of shad in 1902 amounted to 479,780 pounds, worth 

 $26,003, whereas in 1898 it was 499,325 pounds, worth $21,215. The 

 catch in the Connecticut River was especially large, but in the Housa- 

 tonic River the fishery is practically at an end, only 6 shad being taken 

 there in the year reported. 



The alewife fishery in Connecticut has increased very largely, 

 1,663,153 pounds being secured in 1902, against 868,400 pounds in 

 1898, and 53,272 pounds in 1889. 



Mackerel, haddock, scup, squeteague, striped bass, suckers, and 

 tautog show an increase in yield, but the quantity of blue-fish, cod, 

 and sea bass has decreased. The red snappers reported in 1902 were 

 taken off the port of Charleston, S. C, by a Noank vessel. 



The following series of tables show the number of persons engaged, 

 the number and value of vessels and boats, the quantity and value of 

 fishing apparatus, the value of shore and accessory property, the 

 amount of cash capital employed, and the quantity and value of the 

 products of the fisheries of Connecticut in 1902: 



Persons employed. 



