'File A/5 Pearl fisheries of Persian Gulf' [‎21v] (42/62)

Irrespective of numbers, the increase is about 12 per cent, which is the
basis on which we may work, and although I have been unable to obtain
figures it would appear that the increase of mainland vessels is approximately
the same, h •
The figures for the last ten years for exportation of pearls and shells are
annexed. Enclosures A and B.
It is possible that the large exports of shells of seasons 1903 and 1904 may
have started the damage, and those of 1908 and 1909 seem to have rendered
matters worse as the complaints specially refer to the last two years or seasons
1909 and 1910.
The figures for pearl exports are deceiving and depend so very much on
the value of pearls and the amounts remaining from one year to another, that
I hardly think they can be taken to show the number of pearls found, and
even if they did, they cannot be held to determine the number of oysters. As
the percentage of pearls found to oysters fished up varies and as the pearl is
generally supposed to be created by the oyster to alleviate some parasitic
growth, it follows that the disease is more prevalent in some years than in
others and therefore a proportionately larger number of pearls are found.
I have been unable to obtain figures for the weights of actual pearls fished
up during the past ten years, which would undoubtedly be the best even if
erroneous method of coming to a conclusion as to whether the alleged decrease
of oysters is an actual fact, and if so, to what extent.
It will be impossible to get figures except for a few vessels as none of the
people I have yet enquired from have kept accounts of these. It is moreover
a matter which requires delicate treatment, as the first idea of ignorant j)eople
would be that I am collecting statistics to see if it were worth while for a
European Company to exploit the banks.
The figures for a few vessels will be of little value, and will possibly be
misleading.
I have not further delayed this letter to obtain them. Such as are obtain-
able will be forwarded shortly.
There is no doubt that the. present season has been extremely bad in
respect to the number of pearls found.
3. The question to be solved is whether the decrease in shells is due to
natural causes ; to pearling operations now extending beyond the recuperative
powers of the banks ; or due to the depletion of banks by sale of oyster shells
exported.
As the matter is one of vital importance to the welfare of Bahrain and
the whole of Arab Coast, I am of opinion that the cause attributed by the Arabs
should be carefully considered by experts, and no doubt the experience gained
on the Ceylon banks and other pearling localities will offer valuable assistance
in determining the issue.
4. I would point out—
(a) The Oman divers have the last two years considerably reduced the
sale of shells and practically none have been brought in from
Katar this year and they are throwing the shells back into the
sea.
(£) Many of the bigger Nakhodas do not permit their shells to be sold,
and insist on their being returned to the sea, thus foregoing
profits for the future benefit of the banks. Before the improvi
dent Arab who has little thought for the future would do this,
he must hold fairly strong opinions on the subject.
i j
There is however another reason for this, viz., that they consider the busi
ness of looking for pearls is likely to be scamped, if the men have the secondary
employment of cutting out the oyster and preparing shells for sale. They also
consider it unhealthy to keep the shells longer than necessary.