DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES,

147
STE. ANNE DES MONTS SUB-DIVISION.
Mr. Létourneau reports cod fishery a failure, due in a large measure to the
fact that the white porpoises were numerous during the summer fishing season.
Towards the fall, porpoises disappeared, and cod became abundant, but the
weather was too rough to permit of the prosecution of the fishery, especially as the
fishermen of this part of the coast are now badly fitted for fishing, in fact the great
majority of theni have abandoned fishing as a means of livelihood, and have sought
other employment. Only one small net was set at Martin River for salmon, taking
three barrels. The other nets were not fished, the owners having arranged with the
lessee of the river to discontinue fishing. Fly fishermen did well, salmon being
plenty and the water in good order. The following table shows the take of the past
four years:
No. of Total Weight, Largest Fish.
Fish. lbs. lbs.
1885 .. 109 2,252 31)
186 . 84 1,659 32
187 159 2,677 33
1888 .... 206 4,131 39
herring were not abundant, only enough being taken for local consumption.
MAGDALEN ISLANDS SUB-DIVISION.
Overseer Chevrier reports the seal fishery again a failure, though it was slightly
better t ban last year, and will make a better return to fishermen as the price of seal
oil has gone up. The failure was duo to a prevalence of easterly winds, and the
consequent packing of the ice. The cod fishery shows a falling off, as compared
with last year, of 1,821 cwts. This decrease was altogether due to the extreme
roughness of the season. Spring herring were abundant in Pleasant Bay and inside
the breakwater at Etang du Nord. They were only taken for bait; a number of
cargoes being shipped to St. Pierro-Miquelon. Several French vessels visited the
Islands during May, and purchased cargoes of these herring, and as it is impossible to
take theni so far in a fresh state, they are slightly salted. Mackerel were more
plentiful than for some years, and commanded a high price. The lobster fishery
shows a decided falling off, as compared with 1887. The statement being'—
Lbs.
1887 .. ...... 458,964
1888 276,580
Decrease 182,384
This decrease is due, firstly, to the season having begun late, 30th May;
secondly, to the shortness of the present fishing season; thirdly, to the closing down
of a number of factories; and lastly, to the fact that, owing to the shortening of the
season, fewer men engaged in the fishery.
OODBOUT SUB-DIVISION.
Mr. Comeau reports that the fisheries have been poor, and many of the cod
fishermen have not tishod out the three months necessary to obtain the bounty. A
few schools of mackerel were seen in Godbout Bay in July and August. The roughness
of the season accounts fOr the failure in all the fisheries. The fishermen of this
section are poorly rigged both in boats and nets, and can do nothing, save in fine or
moderate weather.
8—10k