Maryland commercial fisheries statistics, 1951-1952

This bulletin is the third of a series begun in 1948, presenting detailed data on the commercial fin-fishery of Maryland. A full description of the techniques of collection and tabulation were included in the first bulletin [Publication 69], and inasmuch as identical procedures have been employed throughout the program, further mention of methods is not made. As in past years, records were received on a voluntary basis from approximately 94% of all licensed fishermen. Most of the records were submitted in the form of weekly or monthly summaries. The statistics set forth were derived from records obtained only from licensed commercial fishermen and contain no data pertaining to small unlicensed units of fishing gear, or to the sport fishery.

Maryland commercial fisheries statistics, 1944-1945

This report presents a statistical analyses of the "fin" fisheries, as distinguished from the crab and oyster fisheries of Maryland, for 1944 and 1945. Comparative data on the catch by species, by area, and by gear, based principally on daily reports from the fishermen, are available for the first time as a result of a comprehensive statistical survey made by the Department of Research and Eduction to determine the results of the new management plan for the fisheries, referred to as the Maryland Management Plan. With the initiation in 1941 of a new system of fishery management in the State, a conservation plan based on the principle of stabilized fishing effort, it became obvious that a more accurate catch record system was needed for the proper administration of the program. The Management Plan stabilized the number of licensed fishermen at the 1939-1940 level, and provided for controlled expansion of the fishery to take place only when and where the industry warranted it as a result of increased fish populations. The text of the Plan may be found in Article 39, Section 60, Annotated Code of Maryland, 1943 Supplement. Publications 1, 2, 5, and 6 of the Educational Series of the Department of Research and Education explain the operating principles and the application of same to two important Maryland species, the shad and the rock or striped bass. Ocean fishery records only cover monthly gross landings.