Comparison of 1907 with 1879.
| YEAR. | Production for Food (Bushels). | Production for Bait (Bushels). | Production (Bushels). | Value of Production. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1879, | 1,000 | 3,000 | 4,000 | $1,570 |
| 1907, | 625 | 575 | 1,200 | 1,000 |
The general shellfish regulations which govern the other shellfisheries of the town apply to the clam fishery; but the industry has never been considered important enough to need special legislation, and but slight attention has been given to it.
Summary of Industry.
| Number of men, | 7 |
| Capital invested, | $50 |
| Production, 1907:— | |
| Bushels, | 1,200 |
| Value, | $1,000 |
| Total area (acres):— | |
| Sand, | 150 |
| Mud, | — |
| Gravel, | 50 |
| Mussels and eel grass, | — |
| Total, | 200 |
| Productive area (acres):— | |
| Good clamming, | 20 |
| Scattering clams, | 100 |
| Barren area possibly productive (acres), | 50 |
| Waste barren area (acres), | 30 |
| Possible normal production, | $33,000 |
In the opinion of many, doubtless, this report may appear unduly lengthy, and to include many seemingly trivial facts and unnecessary repetitions. To the trained observer, however, it seems of the greatest importance in dealing with such a practical and important problem to place on record all facts and opinions which may become of value, and to emphasize by frequent repetitions certain fundamental facts.
Respectfully submitted,
D. L. BELDING.
The preceding report is intended to be a reliable statement of facts, and suggestions for consideration. On such a basis of facts the future policy of developing the shellfisheries must be based. It is the purpose of the Commissioners on Fisheries and Game to hold a series of public hearings in the different sections of the State for the purpose of giving personal expositions of the shellfish conditions and possibilities, and of giving a better opportunity for exchanging, discussing and weighing opinions. Meantime, in considering the conditions of the shellfisheries of Massachusetts, and the laws necessary to improve these conditions, the following points are of importance.