Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1925-10-07
PROTECT THE LOBSTERS.
Appeal to Fishermen and Citizens to
Observe the Law.

(By H. D. Crie. Director Of Sea and
Shore Fisheries.D
The lobster industry Of Maine Is
one of the most valuable natural re-
sources of our State in many ways,
but there are three important reasons
why it should be protected by all.
First, it furnishes livelihood for
approximately $1,000 people; second,
it furnishes the choicest, most whole
some and most toothsome delicacy
that is procured from the Atlantic
or Pacific ocean, and, third, when
properly served, Holsters are a draw
ing card for the tourists who visit
our coast during the summer months
and are welcomed by all.
Almost every inhabitant of the
United States, when asked what kind
of fish he prefers, will, without
hesitation, say, "lobsters, and the
menu of any banquet is not complete
unless Holsters are added to the list.
The above statement being true, 1t
behooves all who reside continually
in Maine, or who spend their sum-
mers or vacations here, to protect the
Holsters.
HOLSTERS less than three and one
half inches, measured from the rear
of the eye socket to the rear OF the
body shell, are illegal, and are re-
quired by law to be liberated at
once.
A great many violate the lobster
laws because they do not understand
why or for what purpose such laws
were enacted. Others violate the
laws because they see their friends or
relatives doing so, and without know
ing such laws exist, purchase illegal
Holsters. They say that the large
Holsters are so expensive they cannot
afford to buy them, so purchase the
small ones, but when 1t is explained
that they are liable to fine of IS
for each short lobster found in their
possession, they are surprised. When
it is further explained that II a fisher
man is caught with short Holsters
he not only pays SIS for each illegal
lobster, but is liable to lose his
license for year, they are horrl-
fed and will say that no more small
Holsters will ever be purchased by
them.
Now, the sole reason why Holsters
are so expensive Is because the law
is not observed. A lobster has to be
approximately ten inches in length
before it is capable Of producing. II
Holsters are caught and sold before
they are of legal length, it deprives
them of producing at least once. This
being true, where is the future sup
ply coming from?
There seems little chance for a
lobster to grow to the producing age
unless the law regulating the legal
length of Holsters is, strictly OBJ
served. II all who are directly in
terested in the lobster business, to-
gether with the residents and nom
residents, will see ITO it that no
Holsters are consumed less than the
length required by law. then TINS
valuable fishery will increase until
every person who visits the coast, as
we'll as all other inhabitants, can
afford a lobster dinner any time they
desire it. The fishermen will also
reap a harvest, and all will be happy
and cOntented.
Prof. Herrick, who Is considered
the best American authority on
Holsters, believes that it takes no less
than five thousand eggs to produce
one lobster to the state OF production.
With the above facts 1t can readily
be seen that in order to have Holsters
within the reach Of all, the strictest
protection must be practiced.
Atlantic coast Holsters lay their
eggs but once in two years. The eggs
are carried attached to the under
side Of the tail for approximately
eleven months. The fry or young
when Matched, rise to the surface,
and for three weeks lead free swim
ming life on or near the surface. At
this stage they are hardly larger than
MOSQUITO, and have no instinct OF
fear. Countless fish and birds prey
on them during this free swimming
stage, and when severe storms are
raging, millions perish, so it Is neces-
sary to have a large percentage or
eggs to take care of the enormous
waste caused from it's natural enc
mics. Nature guarded against
natural destruction by the production
of a large number of eggs, but the
death rate caused by man must be
taken care of by gauge law, fully
observed.
The State commission Of sea and
shore fisheries extends cordial In
vitation to the fishermen, to the deal
ers and to ALL to assist In the pro-
lection of the Holsters by practicing
strict observance to the fishery laws,
which were enacted for the sole pur-
pose OF protection to the Holsters.
II they will do this, there will never
be any question about the future
supply of Holsters on the coast OF
Maine, but unless the Holsters are
protected, there is a serious question
about this valuable industry.