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
_Boat Fisherman._
Boat, $500.00
Dory, 20.00
Six dredges, 25.00
Rope and gear, 25.00
Culling board, 2.00
Incidentals, 3.00
Shanty, 50.00
-------
Total, $625.00
_Dory Fisherman._
Dory, $20.00
Oars, 1.50
Pusher, 2.50
Shanty, 25.00
-------
Total, $49.00
III. _The Scallop Season._--There is considerable diversity of opinion
among the scallopers as to when the scallop season should open. Some
advocate November 1 as the opening date, instead of October 1, as the
present law reads; and many arguments are put forth by both sides.
The class of fishermen who desire November 1 are those who are engaged
in other fishing during the month of October, and either have to give
it up or lose the first month of scalloping. Naturally, they wish a
change, putting forth the additional argument of better prices if the
season begins later. The scalloper who is not engaged in other fishing
of course desires the law to remain as it is at the present time,
claiming that the better weather of October gives easier work, more
working days, and allows no chance of loss if the winter is severe.
Under the present law, the town can regulate the opening of its season
to suit the demands of the market and the desire of the inhabitants.
This does away with the necessity of any State law on this point,
which, under the present system of town control, would be inadvisable.
The general opinion of the fishermen is in favor of the present date,
October 1. As nearly as could be determined, about 75 per cent. favor
October 1 and 25 per cent. November 1. This sentiment is divided by
localities, as more men were in favor of November 1 at Nantucket and
Edgartown than on Cape Cod and Buzzards Bay, where very few favored a
change.
IV. _The Utilization of Waste._--While it seems an enormous waste that
out of a bushel of scallops only 2½ to 3 quarts of edible meats are
obtained, it is not all absolute loss. Oyster growers buy the shells
for cultch to catch the oyster seed, paying from 3 to 5 cents per
bushel. Other uses are found, such as ornaments and in making shell
roads. The refuse is used for fish bait, and often barrels of it are
salted for this purpose. It is also used in some places for manure for
agricultural purposes.
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