DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES,

xl'
stormy weather. Under present circumstances, they are compelled to beach and
haul their boats ashore at the approach of gales. Lobsters ran short, as elsewhere;
seal hunting although not a success, was better than in 1887.
Mackerel fishing was good at the Magdalen Islands; the yield exceeding that
of 1887 by 2,377 barrels.
The inland waters of the Province of Quebec, and the upper Ottawa show a
surplus over last year of $57,000, made up chiefly of bass, pickerel, eels, and torncods.
'The price receivd for these fish are considered very remunerative,
ONTARIO.
It is satifactory to be able to report a continuance of the steady increase in
the yield and va1ue of the fiheries of this Province. The statistics show that, compared
with 1887, the total value of the fisheries of Ontario amounted to $1,839,869,
or an increase of 8303,019, thus conclusively proving that the general condition
and increasing productiveness of the fisheries is most satisfactory. It also demonstrates
what judicious protection aliiod to a strict enforcement of the fishery laws
will effect in the way of inciea4ng the fish supply.
Whitefish and salmon trout—the staple fishing industry of the Province—.
continue to increase, as may be seen on reference to the tables annexed to this
report.
In order to give more protection to the fisheries of Lake iluron, Georgian
Bay and Lake Superior, the Department purchased the steamer "Cruiser" and
placed her under command of Captain Aif. II. Holmes, with instructions to patrol
these waters during the fishing season. A detailed report of Captain Holmes'
operations will be found at Appendix No. 6, page 195.
PRiNCE EDWAPD ISLAND.
The yield of the fi,heries of this Province shows a decrease of $160,563 as compared
with I 8r7. This decline is largely due to a falling off in the catch of
mackerel, as well as to a deficit of $173,547 in lobsters. Mackerel did not school
as usual, and kept out to mid-sea, High prices did somewhat compensate for the
poor catch, but not to a great extent. A deficit of over a half a million cans of
lobsters represents the result of last season's operations: the consequence of over-fishing
in the past and of constant opposition to all measures of restriction. On this point,
it was stated in last year's repirt :—" With such a decline of the lobster fishery
itnd the depreciation of the Prince Edward Island article on the English markets,
it is to be apprehended that this branch of national industry which, if properly
husbanded, would have continued for many years to yield remunerative results,
will for a tong time lead a struggling life, and perhaps be unable to resume its
former prosperous state." Tao result of this year's operations show that these
apprehensions were well founded. It now rests with the people themselves to say
whether they are willing to accept the present state of things and face the inevitable
ruin of this valuable source of revenue to the island.