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