Yarmouth
The quahaug grounds, which lie mostly in Bass River, are free to the inhabitants of Dennis and Yarmouth, as these two towns have common fishery rights. Quahaugs are found in four localities: (1) Bass River; (2) Mill Creek; (3) Barnstable Bar on the north shore; and (4) Lewis Bay. The total area is 1,000 acres, which includes all grounds where there are any quahaugs, as there are now no thick beds. The average depth of water over the quahaug grounds is 4 feet.
The town law governing the quahaug fishery reads thus:—
All persons other than the inhabitants of the towns of Dennis and Yarmouth are prohibited from taking clams and quahaugs from the shores and waters of the town of Yarmouth. Inhabitants of the Commonwealth not residents of Dennis and Yarmouth may obtain permits of the selectmen to take sufficient quantity of said shellfish for their family use.
The history of the quahaug industry of Yarmouth is one of decline. The industry has existed for fifteen years, starting in 1892. Mr. Edgar N. Baker, who has been interested in the business ever since it started, says:—
In the last ten years it is safe to say that the catch has fallen off fully 75 per cent., and nothing but the constant advance in prices and lack of profitable employment has prompted men to give their attention to this method of obtaining their “bread and butter.” The most conservative estimate would not put it below 50 per cent.
Summary of Industry.
| Area of quahaug territory (acres), | 1,000 |
| Number of men (transient), | 20 |
| Number of boats, | — |
| Value of boats, | — |
| Number of skiffs, | 10 |
| Value of skiffs, | $100 |
| Value of implements, | $140 |
Production.
| “Little necks”:— | |
| Bushels, | 1,200 |
| Value, | $3,000 |
| Quahaugs:— | |
| Bushels, | 1,000 |
| Value, | $1,000 |
| Total:— | |
| Bushels, | 2,200 |
| Value, | $4,000 |
Footnotes
7 “The Fisheries of Massachusetts,” United States Fish Commission Report, Section II., p. 253.
8 Returns of Special Agent Wm. C. Dunham.
9 “The Oyster, Scallop, Clam, Mussel and Abalone Industries,” by Ernest Ingersoll. United States Fish Commission Report, Section V., Vol. 2, p. 603.