Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. (IA mobot31753002848262).pdf/19

, like flowers, and are so grown in the Philippines, and there are yet other marine growths which can be cultivated in the gardens of the sea.

Few countries have the potential fishery advantages that we possess and have neglected hitherto.

Our position between the Indian Ocean and the China Sea is unique and not only gives us access to an unlimited area for deep sea fishing, but also accounts for the large number of species of fish.

From Kuala Perlis on the West to Kuala Tabar on the East we have a thousand miles of coast line; more than some nations possess.

As to the vital importance of fish in the diet of all dwellers in this tropical country there is no question: as to the existence of an enormous area of potential fishing grounds there can be no dispute, and as to the large variety and good edible quality of our fish there is ample proof. Can we doubt therefore, with the experience of other countries to guide us, and while remembering that the economic stability of every country depends on the price of the peoples' food, that our fisheries are capable of enormous expansion and can we doubt that an enlightened policy of exploitation and regulation combined with constant scientific investigation will render the Fisheries one of the great economic assets of Malaya?