Over 9,000 bags of marketable oysters, at a rough value of 30s. per bag (£13,500), have been shipped during the past year by the different licensees to the various markets of the colonies. Messrs. Leftwich and Sons alone have sent over 3,500 bags; the Moreton Bay Oyster Company and Messrs. Perry and Griffin have also shipped large quantities of oysters for the purpose of cultivating the Moreton Bay banks.
In conclusion, I am pleased to state that the whole business throughout is in a flourishing condition and steadily increasing in magnitude, and I feel confident that the revenue received from this industry for the following year will reach four figures.
FISHERIES.
There have been large quantities of mullet in this district during the season which commences when the westerly winds set in, generally about the end of May and ending about August, when they come close in to the shore to spawn. Crabs are also plentiful.
I do not think that a close season is at all necessary at this port, as there are so few persons engaged in the traffic.
Licenses have been issued at this port for the year ending 30th June, 1891, to 6 Europeans and 4 Chinese; also 6 boats.
I have, &c.,
EDWD. J. BOULT,
Inspector of Fisheries.
The Chairman, Marine Board, Brisbane.