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States, which included fish, and produce" It was at this time that Islanders began to take a more active role in the fishery.

In the 18605, mackerel was the Island’s largest export. Most of it was barreled and pickled and shipped to the United States. An article about the Mackerel Fishery, which appeared in the Islander in October of 1860, relayed that:

The fish at this season are of very superior quality — less than two hundred of them fill a barrel, which sells readily for four pounds. This price is paid for them chiefly by the American Merchants, who buy to export to the United States...It must be a matter of surprise to strangers, as it is to us, that the fisheries of this Island, so valuable and productive, should have remained so long utterly neglected. ( 7 )

In that same year, it was reported in the Islander that Salmon had also become popular, especially the salmon from St. Peters Bay:

We are pleased to learn that the numbers of very fine salmon are now being received on market days, twice a week in Charlottetown from the Fishing Establishment of Messrs. Romans and Cairns, at Saint Peters Bay...We believe that there is but one place in the Island where, at present day, Salmon can be taken in any quantities — the entrance to St. Peters Bay... (8)

This statement reinforced what John Stewart had recorded in 1806, that some of the greatest salmon in the world could be found along the Island’s North Shore. He said that the salmon could be seen in the months of June and July leaping out of the water particularly in St. Peters Bay and the Morell River. Stewart also recorded some oral history tTom the French population left on the Island, one story, which concerned the French population at St. Peters and the salmon fishery that took place during that time:

The old French people on the Island say that salmon were formerly in much greater plenty than they have been for many years past, as a proof of which, they relate that two brigs of considerable burthen, used to load annually with salmon, caught in the harbor of St. Peters, for Rochelle in France. (9)

Lobsters were cheap and plentiful on the Island during the 19th CEmUI‘y. Initially they were not considered to be of much worth and were even Spread on fields and used as fertilizer. (10) The lack of technology, Specifically refrigeration, hindered the development of the Industry. The

Dr0cess of canning had developed in France in 1795, was introduced on L

The RCCiprocity Treaty also included the free trade of coal, forest and farm products.

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