A Report upon the Mollusk Fisheries of MassachusettsMassachusetts. Commissioners on Fisheries and Game
Science
A Report upon the Mollusk Fisheries of Massachusetts
Massachusetts. Commissioners on Fisheries and Game
Shellfish fisheries -- Massachusetts
The scallop territory of Harwich covers an extensive area on the south
side of the town, and in some places extends for a distance of from 2
to 3 miles out from shore. Usually the scallops are found, as in the
last season (1907-08), outside the bar, at a distance of 3 miles from
shore, where they can be taken only by dredging from sail or power
boats. The intervening body of water sometimes contains a few scallops
in a quantity to make a commercial fishery. The total area of the
scallop grounds is about 3,200 acres. The bottom is mostly sandy, with
patches of eel grass.
All the scallops are caught by dredging, as the water is too deep for
any other method. Twelve men were engaged in the fishery during the
1907-08 season. The boats, 7 in number, consisted of 3 power and 4
sail; 5 were manned by 2 men, 2 were sailed singly. The dredges used
here are the same style as the Chatham dredge.
The 1907-08 production was 2,170 gallons, valued at $2,843. The
scallops were shipped to the Boston and New York markets, the greater
part being shipped to New York, at an average price of $1.30 per
gallon. The scallops taken in 1907-08 were large, opening 3½ quarts to
the bushel.
CAPITAL INVESTED.
Value of boats, $2,350
Value of gear, 280
Value of shore property, 400
------
Total, $3,030
For the last two years there has been practically no scallop fishery.
The 1904-05 season was the last successful season, when the large bed
of scallops was found off Dennis. The 1907-08 season, however, has
been fairly good, and it is thought that the following year may be as
successful.
_Marion._
Marion was included in the general revival of the scallop fishery which
came to Buzzards Bay during the past season of 1907-08, and for the
first time in eight years has had a successful scallop season.
The scallop grounds of the town extend over an area of 1,500 acres,
situated on both sides of Great Neck, and extending from the Wareham
line to Aucoot Cove.
All scalloping is done by dredging. The fishery can be divided into two
classes: (1) the boat fishery; (2) the skiff fishery. Under the first
class comes the cat boat and sloop, carrying six dredges; while the
second class consists of the small sail skiffs, with one dredge. The
skiff scalloper rows or sails, as the wind permits, and with his one
dredge makes an average catch of 3 bushels per day. Forty-four men,
using 16 sail and power boats and 24 skiffs are engaged in the fishery.
The business likewise requires the services of nearly 24 openers.
About two-thirds of the dredges are of the "scraper" type, with chain
netting; the rest "sliders," with loose blades. A very few "roller" or
"lead" dredges are used.
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