DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES,

105
Overseer Lord, of Deer Island and Letete district, reports as follows ' There
has been an increased catch of all kinds of fish. Cod and pollock have not been so
plentiful in the dstnct for the last twenty years. Hake and haddock were also
more numerous in our waters. Large herring were unusually abundant and brought
good prices, both frozen and pickled. The facilities now given by rail for access to
western markets, has directed a large portion of the fish trade to St. John, where
transportation is offered on bettor terms than from Eastport; and this competition
is favorable to fishermen. The catch of sardine herring has not been large, but
the fish have been more generally distributed over the district, giving a more equal
division to the weirs. The unfortunate depression in the sardine market has kept
prices low, and prevented fishermen from utilizing the unusual abundance of fish
with which the waters of Charlotte teemed the whole season. The low price of
sardines led to a large increase in srnoked herring, the price having risen so as to
make the business remunerative"
Overseer Brown, of Campobello, reports a good catch of fine fish for which
improved prices were obtained. Pollock were very plentiful, and cod, bake anti
haddock all gave better catches than hacie been known for years. "Sardine herring
were plentiful hero, as elsewhere, but low prices at the factories gave no inducement
to fish the weirs, and many of them have made nothing this season. Had it not been
for the excellent fine fishing our fishermen would have had a hard time."
Overseer Mc Laughlin, of Grand Manan, reports as follows :—" The season about
closing has been successful in all kinds of fish taken in these waters. Herring have
been more than usually abundrnt on all the shores of the island, and most all the
weirs have fished succesfulty. The quantity of smoked herring exceeds that cured
in any former year. Sardine herring are beginning to be more generally utilized,
and it prices rise to their former level, this business will form an important item in
our industries. To enforce the close time at Southern Head spawning grounds requirc
my constant attention and personal exertion for three months. With less help thin
in past years I have effectively protected the spawning flh, and the results are seen
in the continued abundance of young flh notwithstanding the drain made on them
for the past ten years to supply the sardine, factories. Transiert fishermen from St.
John and elsewhere, come to these waters under pretence of line fishing, with all
appliances for seining and grll net fishing, which they are prepared to pursue withia
the limits whenever they can evade detection. All the line fish were abundant,
large fares have been made, and our people are now convinced that the enjoyment of
our own fishing grounds, free from foreign intrusion, is all they need, believing that
markets will take care of themelves, and that the demand must and will be supplied.
as long as there are fish to be caught."
Respectfully submitted,
W. H. YENNING,
Inspector of Fisheries, NTew BrunswicF.