The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-10-07
NATIONAL FISH CONGRESS
CALLED TO MEET IN TAMPA, FLORIDA,
JANUARY, t89o..
Many Nations and States to Deliberate on Frog
Culture, Turtles, Fish and Oysters and
Other Timely Topics.

Washington, d. c.. Oct. 6.-The Fish
Commission is very much interested in
the National Fishery Congress which
conyenes at Tampa, Florida, in January,
1898.
The congress will it is believed, prove
to be one of the most noteworthy gath
erings of the kind ever held in the count
~. A large attendance of representa-
tiyes of the various State fish commits
sions, angling and fishing associations.
and the National Fish Commission, is
expected and all persons interested in
fishing, angling and fish culture win be
welcomed.
The United States government has
extended invitations to the governments
Of Great Britain, Germany, Russia,
France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden
and Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Aus
Hungary, Greece, the Netherlands,
Japan, China, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela.
and other countries. 1t is proposed to
organize an international fishery associa-
ton at the congress.
The call for the congress was issued
by Governor Bloxham, of Florida One
of the main objects is to secure harmony
among the States in providing for the
preservation, propagation and protection
of their water products.
Fish culture, oyster culture, turtle cul.
ture and frog culture are down on the
programme for discussion. The applica-
ton of modern methods to the cultiva-
ton of oysters is a subject in which all
the coastal States will be interested.
Turtle culture is an innovation but is fast
becoming a necessity in the absence of
protection to the young and eggs of the
green turtle. The utilization of waste
marsh land and ponds for rearing bull
frogs for market is a subject of great
interest to many thousands of people
The opportunity for those of small means
to engage in this business is excellent
One Of the timely topics that will be
prominently presented to the congress
is the sponge industry. While Florida
is the only State actively participating
in the sponge fishery, every State is in
directly interested. Already some of the
sponge grounds have been depleted, and
the necessity for artificial measures to
maintain the supply is being generally
appreciated. Sponge culture is one of
the most promising fields now opening
In connection with the fisheries. With
unlimited water bottom of suitable char
acter for planting and with home de-
mani far In excess of the present output
| or the Florida reefs, the growing of
sponges ought to engage the attention of
| many people in the next few wears and
it is expected that this congress will give
an incentive to the enterprise. The
United States Fish Commission is said
to be considering the transplanting of
some of the finer grades of Mediterran-
can sponges to Florida waters. The
best Turkish and African sponges bring
$40 to $50 pound while the choicest of
the Florida Sleeps wool sponges are
worth only 81 or So pound
The condition, extent methods and
needs of the great commercial fisheries
will receive considerable attention, as
will the question of fishery legislation.
Exhibits of fishing apparatus, fishery,
products and appliances for preserving
or preparing fish are solicited from deal
ers, manufacturers and others. Some de-
vice for drying fish like fruit is said to
be much needed on parts of the Southern
coasts and inventors would do well to
take advantage Of this opportunity to
exhibit methods adapted to this end.
A session of the congress will be de-
voted to the angling interests. Florida
in winter is an anglers paradise, and
an opportunity will be afforded for an
interchange of experiences by anglers
from all parts of the country. AM
angling tournament and competitive tests
In fy-casting, with appropriate prizes,
have been provided for. !