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[Act of Feb. 9, 1871, Sess. III, Res. 22, 16 Stat. 593-94 (1871)]
FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS. SESS. III. RES. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. 1871. 563
[No. 22.] Joint Resolution for the Protection and Preservation of the Food Fishes of the Coast
of the United States.
Whereas it is asserted that the most valuable food fishes of the coast and the lakes of the
United States are rapidly diminishing in number, to the public injury, and so as materially to
affect the interests of trade and commerce: Therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of
America in Congress assembled, That the President be, and he hereby is, authorized and
required to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from among the civil
officers or employees of the government, one person of proved scientific and practical
acquaintance with the fishes of the coast, to be commissioner of fish and fisheries, to serve
without additional salary.
SEC. 2. And be it further resolved, That it shall be the duty of said commissioner to
prosecute investigations and inquiries on the subject, with the view of ascertaining whether any
and what diminution in the number of the food fishes of the coast and the lakes of the United
States has taken place; and, if so, to what causes the same is due; and also whether any and what
protective, prohibitory, or precautionary measures should be adopted in the premises; and to
report upon the same to Congress.
SEC. 3. And be it further resolved, That the heads of the executive departments be, and
they are hereby, directed to cause to be rendered all necessary and practicable aid to the said
commissioner in the prosecution of the investigations and inquiries aforesaid.
SEC. 4. And be it further resolved, That it shall be lawful for said commissioner to take,
or cause to be taken, at all times, in the waters of the sea-coast of the United States, where the
tide ebbs and flows, and also in the waters of the lakes, such fish or specimens thereof as may in
his judgment, from time to time, be needful or proper for the conduct of his duties as aforesaid,
any law, custom, or usage of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.
APPROVED, February 9, 1871.
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