POSSIBILITIES FOR AN INCREASED DEVELOPMENT OF FLORIDA’S FISHERY 
RESOURCES. 
By JOHN N. COBB, 
Statistical Field Agent , United States Fish Commission. 
During the course of my various investigations of the fisheries of Florida the fact 
was brought very forcibly to my miud at different times that there were numerous 
opportunities for an enlargement of her trade in fishery products. Nearly all of the 
fishery products of Florida are either sold fresh or in a salted condition, very little 
canning being done. During certain seasons the markets are crowded with fish in 
the fresh state, and fishermen are compelled to suspend fishing until this glut is over. 
This means a heavy loss at frequent intervals. If there were smoking-houses and 
canning-factories convenient, there would always be a steady demand for certain 
fishes, which would largely prevent such gluts in the fresh-fish markets. 
The State has a great variety of animal life along her immense coast line, but 
lack of energy and capital with which to prepare and market what are commonly 
known as “secondary products” prevents her occupying a much higher place among 
the States as regards the fisheries. Even in marketing fresh fishery products she 
does not utilize all her resources. I will first take up the question of fishery products 
sold fresh, and show where I think an expansion could be had. 
FISHERY PRODUCTS IN THE FRESH STATE. 
Catfish . — One of the commonest varieties of fish in the waters of Florida is the 
catfish. At uearly all seasons of the year they are found in the rivers in incredible 
numbers. The people of Florida have always considered them unfit to eat, but this 
opinion is not universal throughout the country, the people in the States bordering on 
the Mississippi, Missouri, and tributary streams being especially fond of catfish. St. 
Louis is a very good market for this fish. At present a small quantity is shipped 
from Apalachicola, and one firm at Jacksonville does a considerable business, but 
there is room for an immense development of the fishery, it should be understood 
that reference is made to the river catfish and not to the sea catfish; the latter does 
uot appear to be popular anywhere. 
Sturgeon . — This valuable fish is very common in the rivers tributary to the Gulf 
of Mexico. Spasmodic attempts have been made at times to carry on a sturgeon 
fishery, but they soon died out. During 189G a party fished on the Suwanee River 
with gill nets and secured a number. There is an excellent chance for carrying on 
this fishery in most of the rivers north of Tampa Bay. 
Crawfish or spiny lobster . — This crustacean is very common in Florida, especially 
around Key West. It has an excellent flavor and would doubtless meet with a ready 
sale if it were shipped North in a fresh state. It would be a good substitute for the 
lobster, which is growing scarce and expensive. 
349 
