258 
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
of 583,472 pounds is shown in the period from 1897 to 1911, an increase over 1897 
of 46,987 pounds is indicated, and the quantity taken in 1911 was larger than that 
of any year represented in the tables since 1888, but there is a pronounced falling off 
in quantity in subsequent years. 
From 1897 to 1906 there was a fluctuation in the number of fishermen, which 
would account for some fluctuation in the quantity caught, indicated also in the 
average quantity taken per man. The average value of the fishery per man shows 
a fluctuating but progressive increase, as does the average price per pound of fish. 
Whether the increase in value and average price per pound are attributable to in- 
creased demand or to a relative decrease of the smelt, and whether the apparent 
comparative steadiness of the supply may be attributed to more intensive fishery 
methods, can not be determined from present data. It is unfortunate that there are 
not more complete data extending up to the present time, whereby some light 
might be thrown upon these points. The figures for 1919 show a marked falling off 
in quantity from those of 1911 and a considerable decrease from 1912, but there is 
a marked increase in value per pound. 
During the fall of 1924 there was a general complaint of scarcity of smelts, 
although now and then a fair catch would be made by one or another fisherman. 
Such complaints have arisen from time to time in the last few years. Statistics for 
that year indicate an increased catch over that for 1919, as well as increased value. 
The gradual increase in price per pound up to 1916 without fluctuations corre- 
sponding to fluctuations in the quantity of fish taken, with an increase in the number 
of fishermen, would strongly suggest a relatively diminished fishery. In this con- 
nection an item that appeared in the Fishing Gazette (New York) for February 1, 
1925, entitled “Maine smelt fishing pays well this season,” may be regarded as 
highly significant. It said: 
Years ago the winter smelt fishermen in the vicinity of Bath used to get six or seven cents a 
pound for smelts. When they went to 10 or 12 cents they considered themselves fortunate. 
Today they are receiving as high as 40 and 45 cents a pound for the maximum quotation and 30 for 
the minimum. At Arrowisic, where most of the fishing is done from little smelt-houses placed on the 
ice, there are an unusually large number of fishermen this winter. In former years there have been 
as many as 200 of these little smelt shanties on the Arrowsic ice. 
Comparison of the quantity, value, and average price per pound of smelts taken in the coastal fisheries 
of New England in 1888, 1908, 1919, and 1924 
State 
1888 
1908 
Pounds 
Value 
Average 
price per 
pound 
Pounds 
Value 
Average 
price per 
pound 
Maine _ _ 
1, 279, 550 
36. 000 
10, 800 
61,500 
9,600 
$94, 927 
3,600 
1,152 
3, 135 
770 
$0. 074 
.100 
. 106 
.050 
.080 
654, 000 
2, 600 
16, 000 
1,200 
10, 100 
$65, 000 
300 
2,500 
100 
1,200 
$0. 099 
. 115 
. 156 
.083 
. 120 
Rhode Island - 
Connecticut . - 
