234 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
It can scarcely be wondered at, therefore, that there is more difficulty each year 
in obtaining good cargoes, and that the output is decreasing. An average cargo now 
is only a half or a third what it was ten or fifteen years ago. 
POISONOUS WATER. 
A factor in the decrease in the sponge supply to which many of the spongers 
attach much importance is the so-called “black” or “poisonous” water. Its nature is 
not definitely established. Some think it is water from the Everglades, discharged into 
the Gulf in unusual quantities; others that it is due to submarine volcanic disturbances, 
resulting in the liberation of noxious gases. Whatever the cause, it is certainly 
destructive to all forms of life, and it is known to have depleted some very productive 
grounds. Fortunately this kind of injury is of infrequent occurrence, seldom coming 
in serious form oftener than once in a decade. Of the very disastrous poisonous 
water plague in 1878, the following account has been given: 
The earliest indication of it was the floating up of vast quantities of dead sponges, 
chiefly loggerheads. The dead sponges were first noticed less than 40 miles north of 
Key West, but it was soon discovered that all the hitherto profitable sponging-grounds 
lying off the coast, as far north nearly as Cedar Keys, and particularly off the Anclotes, 
had been ruined. These grounds had only begun to show signs of recuperation as 
late as 1882; their abandonment from the reefs to Cedar Keys, during the three or 
four years which followed the occurrence, entailed a loss estimated at $100,000. Gad 
it not been for the fortunate discovery, just at that time, of sponge tracts off Eock 
Island, northward of the Suwanee Eiver, almost a famine in this article would have 
ensued. 1 
Too much stress, however, is now laid on this condition as a factor in the dimin 
ished supply during recent years. 
REMEDIAL MEASURES. 
With anything like fair treatment there is no reason why the Florida sponge- 
grounds should not only support the present drains, but permit much more extensive 
fishing than is now possible. The area of the grounds is so large, estimated to be 
over 3,000 squar e miles, and the growth of the sponges is so rapid that with proper 
precautions there is hardly a limit to the productive capacity of the beds. 
Foremost among the remedial measures that are demanded I place the enforce- 
ment of the law relative to the gathering of small sponges. It is probable that the 
statute should be slightly modified, so as to make it more readily executed; it would 
doubtless be improved by having it prevent the landing or sale of undersized sponges. 
It is said that there is some question as to the State’s jurisdiction over grounds lying 
beyond a marine league; if so, it is an additional reason for amending the law as 
indicated. 
It is claimed by some that such a law is difficult to enforce, especially after years 
of flagrant violation. To this I take exception, and believe that the law will almost 
enforce itself if the State will show any disposition to encourage its observance. The 
sentiment in favor of the law and its impartial enforcement is remarkably strong. 
Dealers and vessel-owners, and others having pecuniary interests at stake, are unani 
1 Tlie Fishery Industries of the United States, sec. v, p. 831. 
