DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES,

42
fishways on the upper dams of the Mushamush River, and the dams on Gold River at
New Ross referred to in his last report. The catch of sea fish was far below the
average, the mackerel fishing being almost a total failui e in some parts of the
district. Four traps were licensed. Ten fines were imposed, amounting to $45, a
4letailed statement of which has been forwarded to the Department.
Overseer C. E. Godard, of Bridgewater, reports the catch of salmon for the
current year as about equal to that of last year; but that a large number escaped up
the river, as the constant watch at the fish passes prevented poaching from going
n, while the fish had a free passage through the dams. The same may be said of
shad and alewives, the former having increased in numbers and were seen as far up
as Cook's Falls, The west branch has been so many years entirely closed to the
passage of fish, that it will, in Mr. Godard's opinion, require to be restooked from the
hatcheries. During the month of November most unusual quantitie of herring,
squid and other fish appeared in the Lahave River, and very large numbers were
taken. The past season was one of continuous rains, so that the river during the
last three months had the appearance of a continual freshet. This had the good
e'ect of clearing out the river, which has become to a great extent freed from debris
and sawdust.
PIOTOU OOUNTY.
Overseer D. G. McDona?d, of Lismore, reports quite a falling off in the several
branches of the fisheries of his district as compared with last year; lobsters alone
exceeded the previous year's catch by some 11,700 cans. The shortage in salmon,
herring, cod &c., was principally, if not entirely due to the stormy and changeable
weather. The lobsters of the current season were of a larger size. Salmon catchers
o the Big Island section complain of interference by the lobster trappers, contend..
ing that the oily matter escaping from the bait frightens or is disagreeable tO the
salmon and consequently keeps them off their natural course. The lobster men on
the other hand claim an equal right to the waters. The officer recommends some
regulation should be made to meet the case. The rivers and streams of his district
bave been kept clear of sawdust and other mill rubbish. Large quantities of salmon
are reported as having ascended to their spawning grounds. The close season was
well observed and no poaching has been practised in this district to Mr. McDonald's
knowledge.
QUEEN'S COUNTY
Overseer S. T. N. Sellon, of Liverpool, reports that the fisheries of his district
-were not so large as he could have wished. Herrings were late in coming into
the harbors and bays, and the want of them for bait, line fish such as cod, hake and
haddock did not frequent inshore grounds as usual, and as a result small boat flsh
lug was almost a complete failure. Mackerel were few, very few were taken by
aets and more by hook and line. Cod were supposed to be plenty. There was no
trouble in getting plenty so long as the bait lasted, but for want of it, a large part of
the season was lost, and many men did not get fish enough to entitle them to bounty.
Lobsters were in good supply and of good quality, and fishermen generally were
satisfied. Many live lobsters were shipped from his district. Mr. Sellon is quite
atisfled that salmon are coming back to the rivers. These fish formerly were turn.
ed from the rivers by impassible dams, or having been impeded by those obstructions
were killed below the dams. This state of things lasted a long time and applied to
alewives as well as salmon. If then these fish, during so many years have been de
stroyod, it is only fair to ask reasonable time to get them back under good protection
and efficient fishways, and a good beginning has been made in this direction. Many
fish 'yore taken at Milton. One morning fifty grilse were dipped at the lower darn
and some at the upper one. On the following day very many were seen going
through the ladders. The catch of salmon on the sea shore was not so good as usual,
they appeared to keep outside of the hundreds of lobster traps with their mooringa
and foul bait. The fishing was good at Milton and they went up us far as Indian
Gau den and Lakes Mr. Sellon looks for a large increase in these fish next year.