The Salmon Fishery of Penobscot Bay and River in 1895-96

"The Salmon Fishery of Penobscot Bay and River in 1895-96" by Hugh M. Smith is a historical scientific report that looks at the salmon fishing industry in Maine's Penobscot Bay and River during 1895 and 1896. Written for the United States Fish Commission, the report offers a close look at the amount of salmon being caught, the different ways people were capturing them using nets and traps, and how things like seals and human-made fish farms were changing the salmon population. The report points out problems like dams making it hard for salmon to lay eggs, but also shows how hatching salmon in fish farms helped keep the fishery going. The report also talks about bringing in salmon from other places to try and make the fishing better, giving a detailed picture of the challenges and changes happening to the salmon in this area during that time.