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 survey of the oyster industry has shown several interesting
facts which should be brought to the attention of the fishermen
and consumers. In the first place, it has shown that the oyster
fishery is a larger and more important industry than it has been
commonly considered, and that the welfare of the shore fisheries of
southern Massachusetts depends upon its maintenance. Secondly, the
oyster industry is to-day in a position where it cannot reach its
full development for the reason merely that the present laws do not
encourage the expansion of the industry. Thirdly, the oyster industry
is trammeled by certain abuses, chiefly of a legal nature, which
hinder its development, and upon the abolition of which depends its
future success. Fourthly, the oyster industry under present conditions
encroaches to some extent upon the other shellfish rights, especially
in relation to the quahaug fishery, and has caused much jealous
feeling; but if properly regulated there should be room for both
industries.
In order to obtain the opinion of the oystermen concerning the present
abuses of the oyster industry, and how these could be best remedied,
the following question was asked of the individual planters: "What
measures or laws would, in your opinion, be best adapted for the
improvement of the oyster industry?" Although many neglected to answer
this question, forty-three opinions were offered, dealing with the
problems which the oystermen consider as needing attention and upon
which the welfare of the industry depends. These answers have been
arranged in tabular form, showing the number of oystermen who advocate
certain measures.
MEASURES SUGGESTED.
Present laws satisfactory, 11
Direct State control of oyster industry, 11
Town control, with right of appeal to the department of
fisheries and game, 1
Longer length of lease, 4
More certainty of re-leasing grants if improved, 7
More protection for industry, 4
Right to grow all kinds of shellfish, 1
More ground for cultivation, 1
State to forbid marketing of oysters from contaminated waters, 1
Provision for destruction of starfish, 2
------
Total, 43
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account