Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1867-07-20
Restoration Of the Susquehanna
Fisheries.

ANestOrhtlOn OF the SusYuehanuu
Fisheries.
The result of the last three months has
fairly demonstrated that restoration of the
shad fisheries in the Susquehanns river is
fixed fact. There is no longer any doubt
abou. the matter. Shsd were taken far 'up
stream" in localities where they had not ap-
peared since the erection of dams in the
river; while the number of fish taken in the
tributaries of the Susquehanna this season,
proves that the labors of Col. Worrall, Fish
Commissioner, in altering dams, have been
| attended with practical results far beyond
his own calculations, as well as exceeding
the most sanguine expectations of the Oldest
inhabitant fisherman. But while the alter
alton of the dams, by the introduction of
steps" for the passage of fish, is working
thus cheeringly successful, we notice that
loud complaints are being uttered in refer
ence to the erection of "fish baskets" at
points along the river. These "baskets" are
nuisance under all circumstances. A law,
approved the llth of April, 1925, makes it
the duty of constables in the counties
through which the Susquehanna and Juniata
rivers, or any of their tributaries flow, to re-
move all fish baskets, fish dams or pounds
in said streams, and if any constable or de-
putty constable refuse to remove such dams,
baskets, or pounds, and being legally con-
victed of such neglect, in the court of quar-.
ter sessions, he shall pay the sum of fifty
dollars. 1t will be seen that it is the duty
of constables and deputy constables to re-
move the distractions in the shape of fish
baskets, which are now doing so much mis-
| chief in retarding restoration of the shad
| fisheries in the Susquehanna river. There
is still an older law than that of 1926 in
force on the subject. An act approved
March 16, 1907, contains the following Sec
ton,
"SEC. 2. And be it further enacted By til.
authority aforesaid, That if any person or
persons shall make use of any device by
means of ropes, cords, plank, timber, boards
shingles, brush, straw or stones, or shall
throw up any banks of sand, or other earth
in the river Susquehanna or its branches, oil
in any manner whatever, make use of any
| craft, continuance or design to confne fsh,
to at, or in any pool or fishing place, or to
prevent the free passage of fish, or by means
of any kind of drug shall destroy the fish
in the said river or its branches as aforesaid
each person so offending, or aiding or as
sisting therein, being lawfully convicted
thereof, shall forfeit and pay for each and
every such offense, the sum of one hundred
and fifty dollars with costs of suit"
We quote these laws for the benefit OF
these parties who persist in keeping uT
| fish baskets and fish dams in the Susque
hanna, when it is plain that such nuisances
are injurious to a restoration of the great
fisheries heretofore existing in that stream
Our advice is to those who are laboring fol
this important restoration, in all cases to
enforce the law against the parties guilty ol
constructing and maintaining these dams
and baskets. This course will abate the
| nuisance.-HarrisburQ telegraph.