DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES,

171
SYOPiSES OF FISHERY OVERSEiRS' REPORTS IN THE PROVINCE OF
QUBEO, EXCLUSiVE OF THE GULF DiVISION, FOR TUE YEA.R.
18.
SOUTH SHORE DIVISION, FROM CAPE CHATTE TO POINT LiVIS.
Overseer J. B. Saucier, who has charge of the division extending from Caper
Chatte to Rivière Blanche, reports a falling off in almost every kind of fish. Herring
were nearly as plentiful as during the last two years, but below the catch of 1884-
and 1885. Capelin appeared only on certain parts of the coast. Cod appear to be
getting more plentiful, and should fishermen pay attention to this fishery
their efforts would be rewarded. Over 900 barrels are reported, which are included
in the column for mixed fish. The salmon catch was a poor one, as compared with
last year. Oniy 248 salmon, weighing 3)57 pounds, were caught; 197 in nets and
51 with the fly, in Matane River. The largest fish weighed 34 pounds; the average
being 16 pounds. In 1887 anglers took 159 fish, showing a decrease of 66 percent.
The total value of the fish aries of this division is given at $3,981.
Overseer .L. E. Grondin's division extends from Rivière Blanche to Rimouski.,
Re reports an increase of lEO salmon and 900 barrels of herring. In 1887 ne
sardines were taken in this division, but last season 255 barrels are returned. Shad
seem to have deserted this part of the coast, only 140 of these fish being caught,
when nearly 3,000 had been taken the year before. The total value of the fisheries
of this division is given at $41,258.
Overseer II. Martin, whose division extends from Rimouski to Point a la Loupe,
states, that although fishing was, as a whole, better than the previous year, still it
was much below that of other seasots. However, the returns show a marked improvement
in every fishery, except that of shad. Herrings exceed that of last year's
catch by 500 barrels, and eels by 2,500 pounds. :No infractions of the fishery laws
are reported. The total value of the fisheries of this division is returned at $15,049.
Overseer Napoleon .Levesque, who has charge cf the frontage of the County of.
Témiscouata, reports a considerable falling off in salmon and shad, which is attributed
to the high temperature of the water, but as far a shad is concerned, their
absence was noted all along that coast. The other kinds of fish show an average
catch. Forty-three porpoises and twenty-four seals were killed by Isle Verte fisher..
men during the season The total value of this division is $38,471.
Overseer .1. Felletier, whose division extends from St. André to Ste. Anne Is
Pocatiére, reports a falling off in the yield of salmon, shad and eels; sturgeon and
sardines show an increase over 1887. Mr. Pelletier returns 1,100 barrels of sardines,
and states that fcrty porpoises were killed at Ste. Anne and River Onelle, against
nine last year. No violations of the law were reported. The total value of the.
fisheries of this division is given at $14,047.
Overseer Eugene Pelletier, who replaced K C. Caron, has charge of the division
extending from Ste. Anne la Pocatière to Point Levis. With the exception of eels
and sturgeon, the fisheries of his district show a falling off. The Overseer attributes
this decline to unfavourable weather, but old and experienced fishermen are of
the opinion that it is due to excessive fishing in the past. Mr. Pelletier endeavoured
to check the use of illegal mesh nets, and hopes to suceed in stopping it next season4
The quantity of eels is returned at 353,928 pounds, including Crane Island, an in—
crease over last year's catch of 140,000 pounds. The sturgeon fishery yielded only
166 barrels in 1887 against 106,000 pounds this year; a considerable increase. Salmon
and shad show a decrease of over 25 per cent. The total value of the fisheries.
of this division is given at $36,979.