The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1908-11-10
SCARCITY OF FISH
Views Of State Commissioner ". Med Lee on
This Subject

Chairman W. McD. Lee, OF Irvington,
OF the state Commission OF Fisheries, IN
a recent interview in the Norfolk Land
mark, discussed Interestingly and in
structively the question OF scarcity Of
fish, which is now attracting SO much
attention. Among other things, he
said:
The United States:government spends
millions TO learn where certain food
fishes propagate and migrate, and why
they disappear at times from their old
haunts and show up in places that had
heretofore not known them; also In
efforts To keep up the taking supply by
artificial propagation. We must all
realize that what man takes from our
salt waters is but drop from the ocean
bucket, and we also know that certain
species OF fish, with the nature OF some
birds, return to their old hsunts, usually
the waters where spawned. With such
fish II Is wise to STUDY what may prevent
this homing instinct from being carried
out; and TINS should be all object OF peo-
pies and States depending much upon
sea-iOods.
There are other feb, Ike the medium
sized rock fish OF Virginia bay and rivers,
that are not OF migrating habit, and II
Ia not difficult to exterminate them, or
at least diminish the supply. With such
fish there should be proper restrictions
as to the taking. But with the others,
the large msiority, we can best keep up
the supply by not driving them (par-
ticularly the grayid mother) from cur
waters, at the same time seeking to pre-
vent the eggs and small ash being taken
or destroyed.
"Seine hauls at the bead OF Tidewater
on the spawning grounds are very de-
structive to the roe, and should receive
serious consideration at the hands oi
legislators. Hsuls elsewhere should be
restricted by regulating the size OF mesh,
and may be by culling, too. Pounds
and some other nets would be less dam
aging II raised in certain seasons. Pos
sibly O 2 IA or ? 1-2 inch mesh, instead
OF 2.in;h, would be beneficial, but 1t
should be first demonstrated what size
fish and how many would gill and die
In the larger meshes before decision is
reached.
III possible to carry 1t out, Gull law
might regulate the minimum size OF cer-
tain fishes TO be taken, all under the pre-.
scribed sizs to be returned to che water
alive.
while somewhat appalling 30 walk
ing along our shores a. certain seasons
to see the tons OF roe and the millions OF
little fish cast up to die by nets and fish
ermen, this IL but as a drop 10 the buck
ct; nevertheless, as every little bit helps,
we should try to save this drop
"As to the shooting OF big guns,
have no opinion upon the effect. We
know that heavy concusslons kill or
stun fish In the immediate vicinity, and
for how far In the water it is obnoxious
to the Others do not know. Food has
more to do with fish haunts we
know than any other one item. II
our waters offer proper iood conditions
we are likely to have the fish. On the
other hand: II their feeding ground is
By man or nature-by dredging
or obnoxious noises. or the presence OF
man, or OF rough seas or muddy or
sanded waters-we may look for
scarcity. The elements effect their itin-
ersry very largely. Unusual winds, pro-
ducing strange currents and beclouded
water, will have much to do with the
travel OF fish.
$50 after all, there are but few reasons
that can be given with certainty as ei-
iecting our supply Of iood.dsh. Like the
wind they come and go, and no man
knoweth whittier.
"All that human effort can accomplish |
Is 30 lessen the difficulties 10 the way OF
their migration and so far as practi-
cable and wise preserve the egg and the
young. We cannot think OF suppressipg |
Or seriously crippling our commercial
fisheries, for too many homes and too
many interests are dependent upon them.
II we do not get the feb many OF them
will come and 60 Tor other States 10
profit by"