The age-herald., 1897-10-07
FISH CONGRESS
 NEXT IN ORDER Representatives From all Countries Are
 Asked to Attend. THE CONVENTION AT TAMPA Which is Set for q Date in January
 the Coming Year.
THE CONVENTION AT TAMPA
ALL THE PRODUCTS OF THE WATER
Including Fish, Turtles, Oysters, Sponges, and Even Bull Frogs, to be Discussed, With the Best Methods of Propagat-
 ing and Protecting Them.

Washington, Oct. 6.-The fish commis- sion is very much interested in the fish congress which convenes in Tampa, Fla, in January. 1898. The congress will, il is believed, prove to be one of the most noteworthy happenings of the kind ever held in this country. A large attend ance of tho representatives of the va rfous state commissions, angling and fishing associations and the national fish commission is expected; and all persons interested in fishing, angling and fish culture will 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, Austria-Hungary, Greece, The Netherlands, Japan, China, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela and other countries. It Is proposed to organize an interna- tional fishing 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 providing for the pres ervation, propagation and protection of their water products.
 Fish culture, oyster culture, turtle culture and frog culture are down on the program for discussion. The applica- tion of modern methods to the cultiva- ton of oysters is g. scheme in which all the coast states will be interested. Fur tie 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 rear ing of bull frogs for the market is a subject of great interest to many thous- ands of people. The opportunity for those of small means to engage in this business is excellent.
 One of the timely topics that will be presented to the congress is the sponge industry. While Florida is the only slate actively participating in the sponge fishery, every state is indirectly inter ested. Already some of the best sponge grounds have besm depleted, and the necessity for artificial measures to main tain the supply is being generally ap- preciated Sponge culture is one of the most promising fields now opening in
 
 connection with the fisheries. With un- aimDaed water bottom of suitable char ao,er for planting and with a, high de- mand far in excess elf the output of tha Fforlda keys, the production of spongeis ought ito al.tract the attention of many points. and it is expected the congress will give an incentive ito the enterprise. The United States fish commission is understood to be considering the trans- planting of some finer grades of Medfter- ranean sponges to Florida wat The best Turkish and African sponges bring $40 to $50 a pound; while the choicest of fhe Florida sheeps wool sponges are worth only g or $3 a pound.
 The conditions, extent, methods and needs of the commercial fisheries will re- ceive considerable attention, as viii the subject of fishery legislation. Exhibitions of fishing apparatus, fishery products and appliances for preserving or pre- pairing fish as sold win be made by rnan- ufactures, dealers and merchants. Pro- lection is said to be much needed on parts of the southern coast and in ventors will do we'll ito take advantage of itIfis opportunity to exhibit appliances adaIi.ed to this trade
 The fishing congress will also be de- voted to the angling interests. Florida in winter is the anglers paradise and an opportunity will be afforded for an in- terchange of experiences by anglers from ad1 parts of the country.
 An angling tournament and competi- tive events in fly casting, with appro- priate prizes, have been provided for.