Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-01-11

Commission was held Thursday at the
Augusta house. The forenoon session
was called shortly after 9 o'clock with
full attendance Of members and some
visitors. The meeting came at a most
opportune time, the day following the
meeting Of the Maine Fish q Game
Association, from which the members
Of the Northeastern Association We're
able to learn much which proved of
benefit in Thursdays meeting. The
meeting was called to order by Vice
president John NJ. Crompton Of Con-
necticutt. The president, William c.
Adams was not able to be present and
a letter was read from him which
formed a pleasant feature of the fore
Moons program.
The Officers
The election of officers took place as
follows: President, John NJ. Cromp
ton of Connecticut. vice president
Everett l.. Walling of Rhode Island;
secretary. George II. Graham Of Mass
achuSetts committee on resolutions,
Harry 3. Austin Of Augusta, Me-
George II. Graham and John w.
Titcomb. The larger part of the fore
noon session was devoted to an open
discussion of the supply of food fish.
The different committees reported on
what they We're doing in their states
and they outlined in comprehensive
manner their plans for the future.
Their work all showed one object in
view and that the increase of the food
fish.
MIR. Austin's Report
Much interest was manifested in the
report Of fonmer chairman of the
Maine Inland Fisheries and Game in
regard to the building and the re-
building of the fish ways in the rivers
Of eastern Maine during the past year.
Five of the dams, Mr.. Austin explained,
in the Narraguagus river at Cherry
field had been equipped in this man
ner: one in Pleasant river at Columbia
Falls; two in the Penmaquam river at
Pembroke ana new steel reinforced
concrete fiShwayS in the dam at Neazle
on the penohScot That connection has
perhaps opened up Americas greatest
y ,lantic salmon passage from river
source. Mach further developemcnt
has been proposed and is needed to
carry into effect the policy of opening
thH Maine rivers to the valuable sup
~" 81 salmon. aleWiveS and other mi
"a" tory fishes which formerly resorted
:" the %"W England rivers in countless
Hi.iocTs. Maine IL alive to the Situa-
i ~ tp!ty of increasing her food sup
90. Of fin.
Tho commissioners were also very
lllrh Interested in the report made by
L. no DciUeher. superintendent of the
t..ft-l,.t.r- ~
ia. NI.and. Me. II, outlined the worl,
'' t." !:"inpha~l salmon planting; by
t.,r t. =. Bureau of Fisheries in the
rivers 81 Maine and described the re-
suit of This most important part Of
the work.
Afternoon Session
At the afternoon session the qucs-
tIou Of game birds was thoroughly
talked over. 1t was found that the
ruffcd grouse in Maine had become
very scarce during the past two years
pwin- +" th" poor nesting season.
A Resolution
Whereas. There is a tendency 20
suspend the conservation laws of Vari-
GUS states during the period of the war
Resolved. That 10 steps should he
taken under the stimulus Of popular ex-
element due 10 war conditions. or car
lI"d ont ~ tile general public until
each measurc has been studied and ap-
proved by the experts of State and Ma
tipnal and Fish Commissions in order
Ia determine its relation to the preser-
Nalion of our food and game fishes and
Ia the best interests of the whole peo-
pie
That the expression letting down the
bars" as applied to the fishery re-
sources OF the country is unfortunate
The demand should he for the greatest
development of the said fisheries in
'luding fish culture and the artificial
propagation Of food fishes to the high
est point Of cfHciency
That the taking of non-gamc food
fishes be encouraged in every legitimate
manner under proper supervision
consistent with the preservation of n
sufficient breeding stock that will in
sure future normal crop. In states
where required. necessary legislation to
this end should be enacted.
Tint commercialization of the So
called game fishes is not consistent
with their proper conservation. but
would tend to destroy limited but
valuable food product. the annual catch
under present restrictive laws. aided by.
artificial propagation, being barely suf
hcient 10 maintain reasonable annual
supply
That there are many waters in which
me so-called game fishes predominant
where there are rough fish such as
carp, suckers. &c. In such waters the
removal of these non-game fishes will
no beneficial 10 anClings and a limited
amount Of commercial fishing under
proper regulation should be ENCOURAGED
That the anadromous fishes should be
permitted 10 ascend the rivers from the
ocean in sufficient numbers to maintain
a constant and normal supply. and
that To this extent the commercial fish
ing should he subject to proper regula-
ton
That the shad. striped bass and other
anadromous species have decreased in
some rivers almost to the point Of cx-
tlnCtion because OF fishing devices
operated In the salt and brackish wa
tors through which they must pass to
ro1ch their natural spawning grounds
- fresh water. Artificial propa CATION
~ these species is impossible and ma
'ural reproduction is prevented unless
. reasonable supply Of these fishes are