DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES,

45
On the whole, I am glad to report that lobster shippers and fishermen in my
district show a desire to obey the law and the Department regulations. Lobster
fishing has developed into a 1rge business and is now one of the most important
industries in this county. The quantity shipped from here to the United States this
year, if the season had not been curtailed would far exceed the shipments of previous
years. One shipper expressed a desire to take lobster in the open season, impound
them and then ship them to the United States during our close season when they
would command a high price. I refused permission to do this, and it is probable
application may be made to the Department for permission to do this hereafter. I
would say lobster shippers being only human, would, I fear, yield to the temptation
to ship lobsters caught in close season, and the close season would soon cease to mean
more than two empty words.
The catch of mackerel in the traps is gradually falling off year after year. The
catch this year shows a large decrease, but of extra quality. They were sold in the
United States markets at unusually high prices.
The catch of cod shows a decrease. The high prices have fairly compensated
the fishermen for their season's work.
Halibut also shows a decrease. Cannot sccount for the cause.
Haddock and pollock show a large increase. Near Maitland and Beaver River
there are quite a number of large lakes connected by small deep streams. I am of
opinion that these lakes are well adapted for the culture of whitefish or bass, as the
waters are clear, with sand and pebbly bottom, affording ample feeding grounds. I
would respectfully urge that these lakes be stocked with the above-named fish.