Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-07
TO DISCUSS FISH cULTyR:
The Congress to Be Held at Tampa in
January.
Harmony Among the states in LeEis-
tion to be sought-spOnges
and Oysters.

The fish commission is very much inter-
ested in the national fishery congress,
W hich convenes at Tampa, Florida. in jan
lary. 1893. The congress will, it is be-
lieved. prove to be one of the most note
worthy gatherings of the kind ever held
III the country. A large attendance of rep
resentatives of the various state fish COM
missions, angling and fishing associations,
and the national fish commission Is expect
ed and all persons interested in fishing,
angling and fish culture will be welcomed.
The United States government has. ex-
tended invitations to the governments of
Great Britain, Germany, Russia, France,
Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden and Nor
way, Denmark. Belgium, Austria-Hungary.
Greece the Netherlands, Japan, China,
Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela and other coun-
tries. 1t is proposed to organize an inter
national fishery association at the con-
gress.
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 fer the preserva-
ton, propagation and protection of their
water products.
Fish culture, oyster culture, turtle cul-
ture and frog culture are down on the pro-
gram for discussion. The application of
modern methods to the cultivation of
oysters is subject IN which all the coastal
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
market is subject of great interest to
many thousands of people. The opportun-
ity for those of small means to engage in
this business is excellent.
The Sponge Indastry.
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 indirectly interested.
already some of the best sponge grounds
have been depleted, and the necessity for
artificial measures to maintain the supply
is being generally appreciated. Sponge cul-
ture is one of the most promising fields
row opening in connection with the fisher
les. With unlimited water bottom OF suit
able character for planting, and with a
home demand far in excess OF the prssen.
output of the Florida reefs, the growing of
sponges ought to engage the attention Of
r,any people in the next few years, and it
is expected that this congress will give an
incentive to the enterprise. The United
States fish commission is said TO be consid-
ering the transplanting. of some Of the
finer grades of Mediterranean sponges to
Florida waters. The best Turkish and At
ricar spenges bring $40 to $50 pound, " bile
the choicest of the Florida sheepsweel
sponges are worth only 81 or s. pound.
Fishery Legis1ni lon.
The condition. extent, methods and needs
of the, great commercial fisheries will re-
ceiye considerable attention, as will the
question of fishery legislation. Exhibits of
fishing apparatus, fishery products and
appliances for preserving preoa ring
fish are solicited from dealers, .nanufactur-
ers and others. Some device for frying
fish like fruit is said to be much needed
on parts CT the southern coast.
A session of the congress will be de-
voted to the angling interests, and an op-
portunity viii be afforded for an inter-
change of experiences by anglers from all
parts of the country. An angling tour
nament and competitive tests in fly casting,
with appropriate prizes, have been provided
fer.