SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, 
alone expects to get up to a catch of 1,000 fish daily, although at pre- 
sent they are not taking this number. The skins are now being manu- 
factured into leather, the livers rendered for their oil, and the flesh + 
converted into fertilizer stock. It is estimated also that at least 1,000 
sharks can be secured daily from the fishermen handling food fish, 
who at present simply kill the sharks getting into their nets and throw 
them back into the water. By this wasteful procedure on the part of the 
fishermen at least 1,000 sharks daily are destroyed along the Atlantic 
coast. ‘Thus, not only is the skin lost to the leather trade, not only is 
the liver oil discarded, not only is a large amount of fertilizer material 
made unavailable, but at least 50 per cent. of the weight of the shark, 
which would be fit for human consumption, goes to waste. 
A conservative estimate, based on the above figures, indicates that 
for a catch of 2,000 sharks daily, at an average weight of 200 lbs., there 
would be 400,000 Ibs. of fish. As at least 50 pef cent. could be used for 
human consumption we would-have 200,000 Ibs. daily, or 73,000,000 Ibs. 
annually. Assuming that the market price could be set at 10 cents we 
have a saving of $7,300,000. , ee 
The question of supply is one that is constantly being asked. From 
personal observations, and those of men who are most familiar with the 
subject, it seems evident that the supply is inexhaustible. Another 
question is often raised as to the best method'to prepare the flesh for 
market. The answer is, cold storage. This method, however, may not 
always be practical in isolated fishing stations; recourse must then be 
made to salting, smoking, or drying. The fresh meat, however, is the 
most delicious, and when boiled, broiled, or baked furnishes a white, 
flaky food, closely resembling halibut or sword fish. 
A source of food supply so extensive warrants our most careful 
consideration, and it is hoped that the time is not far off when we may 
overcome our prejudice and take advantage of Nature’s abundani 
supply. ’ 
314 
