DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES,

242
Cod 5Th—From their scarcity on the coast; these fish are seldom seen in the
markets; an occasional one is sometimes taken among other fish.
Rock fi.h, fiat fish and other varieties are taken in proportion to the increased
population.
CRUSTACEANS.
Oysters—These have been taken in larger quantities within the past year; the
beds are limited and the variety small. The largest portion of the catch was taken
from the Vancouver Island beds. The Victoria Arm lease has been dropped; the
imported oysters which were planted there proved a failure.
Referring to Guardian Lomas' report, I would recommend that an annual close
season be adopted for this Province, from 1st May to 3 t August botb days inclusive;
that a license fee of ten cents per barrel be placed on all oysters fished exclusive
ot those taken on leased beds, and that a regulation be made defining the size
of the oysters that should be marketed.
LOBSTERS.
The United States Fish Commission landed on 22nd January 150 parent lobsters
at Cape Disappointment, 100 were females containing about 7,500,(OO eggs. The
same number was planted at Port Townsend. Out of the total shipment it is said
that only one lobster died. it is also reported that the 339 lobsters brought to
Montreny, California, last season are doing well. As I pieviously made recommendations
and suggestions with regard to the intended shipment of lobsters for this
Province, there is no need dwelling further on the subject.
SHRIMPS AND PRAWNS.
The catch has largely increased within the last year; but they are so fished
that it is difficult to got at an exact estimate of the quantity. They are growing in
favor and considered a great delicacy.
FJ5H WAYS.
None have been built so far; the construction of the one ordered at Nicola Lake
was found to be unnecessary.
The amount authorized to be expended on the Ccwichan River was reported by
Guardian Lomas to be unnecessary, the freshets having effected the falls in such a
manner that the rocks did not require blasting.
Nanaimo River falls have not yet been reported upon by Guardian York, so that
the amount authorized was not expended.
Comox River, according to Guardian Berk&ey's report, has two bad pitches of
falls, which, it would cost about $150 to make passable for the ascent of salmon to
the lakes. This should be done when the river is low during the summer season as
it is an important stream.
PROTECTION.
The weekly close time was generally well observed throughout the Province
-and few fines were imposed; although there are outlying districts where guardiana
re unable to reach, and at those places parties fish when and how they please.
During the excitement last season on the Skeena Rver, the Indians were very
troublesome. The Hazleton Indians with whom the Government of British Columbia
had trouble, fished with short nets at a place called Kityap; they refused either to
pay license or stop fishing, the cannerymen receivt.d the fiTh from them, stating they
eie not aware that these fish were illegally canght. When Guardian MeNab informed
me of this fact, 1 went to the Skeena River and bad a consultation with the
Indians. I found that fishing was about over for the season and the canneries
closing down. I made arrangements with the canners wbo received the fish from.
the Indians that they must pay the license, of w hich fact I have already advised
your Department.