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This resolution established the office of Commissioner of Fish and
Fisheries.
[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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