California. Dept. of Fish and Game Biennial Report 1954-1956. CAUHOUNiA l-liiH AND GAME California. Dept. of Fish and Game. Biennial Report l'^^" ' 5. /K' ot ^^^^ and Cali^°^tat report ^^^ California Resources Agency Library 1416 9th Street, Room 117 Sacramento, California 95814 FORTY- FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT FOR THE YEARS 1954-1956 CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME July 1, 1954, through June 30, 1956 COMMISSIONERS ANDY KELLY, PRESIDENT LOS ANGELES CARL F. WENTE SAN FRANCISCO WILLIAM P. ELSER SAN DIEGO WELDON L. OXLEY REDDING THOMAS H. RICHARDS. JR. SACRAMENTO GOODWIN J, Knight GOVERNOR Seth Gordon DIRECTOR STATE OF CALIFORNIA ^epartm^ttt of 3[tsl| mih (§nmt 722 CAPITOL AVENUE SACRAMENTO 14. CALIFORNIA To His Excellency, Goodwin J. Knight Governor of the State of California Sacramento, California Sir: We have the honor to submit herewith the Forty-fourth Biennial Report, covering the period July 1, 1954, through June 30, 1956. This report covers a period of intense activity by state agencies and others interested in the development of California's water resources for varied purposes. It describes fully the role of the Department of Fish and Game in these activities. The report also contains accounts of the activities of the Wildlife Conservation Board, the Marine Research Committee and the various branches of the department in fostering the conservation and wise use of the State's wildlife resources. A summarization of important policy decisions by the Fish and Game Commission affecting wildlife is also included. Respectfully submitted, Director [2] Cover Picfure. So/mon leaping Burnt Ranch Falls of ihe Trinity River, approximately 30 miles west of Weaverville. (Fish and Game Photo by E. P. "Phil" Pister) TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter of Transmittal ..__. Fish and Game Commission.. Report of the Director Wildlife Conservation Board Water Projects Salmon and Steelhead Inland Fisheries Marine Fisheries Game Management Wildlife Protection Appendices Page .... 2 5 7 19 21 27 33 47 63 75 83 STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME GOODWIN J. KNIGHT, Governor FISH AND GAME COMMISSION Andy Kelly, President, Los Angeles William P. Elser, San Diego Weldon L. Oxiey, Redding Carl F. Wente, San Francisco Thomas H. Richards, Jr., Sacramento [3] Department of Fish and Game Major Installations, 1956 ■ OtL NOfirE JSISKIYOU ' 0 o ^ I © ® (I) © <4> lELDORAOO Q FISH HATCHERIES 1 Mount Shasta Hatchery 2 Crystal Lake Hatchery 3 Darroh Springs Holchery 4 Central Valley Hatchery 5 Moccasin Creek Hatchery 6 Hot Creek Hatchery 7 Fish Springs Hotchery 8 Block Rock Rearing Ponds 9 Mount Whitney Hotchery 10 Sequoia Hotchery 11 Moorehouse Springs Hatchery 12 Kern River Hatchery 13 Fillmore Hatchery 14 MoJQve Hotchery 15 Cedor Creek Experimentol Station 16 Son Joaquin Hotchery 17 Nimbus HoTchery O GAME FARMS I. Browley 2 Los Serranos 3 Redding 4 Chico i© 22 CSANTA CLARA Jll (4) \v ® ® 103 230 (6) ISAN LUIS OBISPO ® 5 Marysville 6 Sacramento 7 Yountville 8 Fresno ( ) WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT AREAS 1. Honey LaKe 2 Gray Lodge 3 Grizzly Islond 4 Los Bonos 5 Imperial 6 Mendoto A DEER MANAGEMENT AREAS I Doyle 2 Tehomo 3 Cow Mtn. (managed in cooperation with Lake and Mendocino Counties ) [] STREAM IMPROVEMENT HEADQUARTE I YREKA 2 Weoverville 3 ElkGri ^. GUZZLER No. = No. of Guzzlers in eocti County l6 ■.I.U BERNARDINO 89 Q CENTRAL OFFICE - Socromento ■^REGIONAL OFFICES Region I -Redding Region II - Sacramento Region III - San Francisco Region IV - Fresno Region V - Los Angeles ilt BRANCH OFFICES Eureka Terminal Island Son Diego Monterey Bistiop 92 29 35 298 371 279 (5) 58 [4] FISH AND GAME COMMISSION Commissioners who molded Fish and Game policies throughout most of the biennium. Left to right: Harley E. Knox, elected commission president in January, 1956; Cor/ F. Wente; William J. Si/vo, elected president in January, 1954, and re-elected the following year; We/don Oxley; and Andy Kelly, who succeeded Lee F. Payne, whose term expired in December, 1954. (Fish and Game Photo) A comprehensive history of the California Fish and Game Commission and its various predecessors, stem- ming from the State Board of Fish Commissioners established in 1870, was published this biennium as a part of the administrative survey of the agency by the Legislative Auditor. This history detailed various historical changes since passage in 1852 of the first California fish and game law. It also reviewed the most recent basic change in 1952 which accompanied reorganization of the agency into a department, relieving the commission of respon- sibilities other than policy formulation and regulatory functions. In 1956, the late Harley Knox, Commission Presi- dent, invited the Attorney General's opinion as to the responsibilities of the commission. This opinion held that the department's budget and fiscal matters, as they reflect the programs and activities of the department, are matters of policy for which the commission is responsible. On this basis, the commission actively par- ticipated in the planning of the 1957-58 Fiscal Year budget and programs, and formally approved the budget prior to its presentation to the Legislature. At the biennium's end the commission was studying various ways and means of increasing revenues in preparation for recommending appropriate changes to the Governor and Legislature. Also pursuant to said advice, the commission revised its state-wide trout policy in April of 1956 by stipulat- ing that everything possible shall be done to aid and protect natural production by protection and improve- ment of habitat. It further decided that artificial trout propagation will be used where necessar\-. It also estab- lished a minimum of 7'/2 inches in length forcatchable- size trout, and determined that such trout will be planted only in heavily fished roadside lakes or streams where at least 50 percent or more will be taken by anglers. The commission concurred with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service in establishing a coot and widgeon special season in Imperial \'alley to relieve crop depre- dations and also concurred in the establishment of a similar season on coots for certain counties in the San Joaquin X'alley. In order to provide protection to a larger number of nursery stock, the commission increased the mini- mum size limit on striped bass from 12 to 16 inches. DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME IMPORTANT NEW STEPS TAKEN The commission implemented its 1950 deer policy by providing for a 38-county either-sex deer hunt for the first time. The commissioners personally con- ducted many of the public hearings on the matter as required under the law. In November, 1954, the commission established the first open season on chukar partridges, with such suc- cess that it has been continued annually and the area where these birds may be taken has been enlarged. The commission also initiated the plan by which hunters may obtain advance reservations for hunting on various waterfowl management areas operated by the department. The program has proved most suc- cessful and popular with waterfowl hunters. New Procedures Procedures by which matters such as departmental recommendations for regulations and seasons would be made available to the public well in advance of their official consideration at commission meetings were also initiated by the commission and put into effect by the department. On a number of occasions during the biennium, various commission members, who serve without com- pensation, reaffirmed a traditional stand of the com- mission, by pointing out that regulations are set first for the welfare of the wildlife concerned, and sec- ondly for the convenience of the public where such regulation will not endanger the future of wildlife. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR Log dam built in 1954 by the department on Little Bear Creek, San Bernardino County, to create a trout pool. (Fish and Game Photo by B. H. Unruh) How to maintain waters for fishing, hunting and other outdoor recreation in the face of accelerating development of water for other purposes is the most challenging problem ever to face Fish and Game peo- ple in California. This problem has been daily confronting the depart- ment during the last decade, and in the past two years has been highly intensified as a wide variety of water developments have taken shape on man\' of California's major streams. The Golden State is growing at such an accelerated rate that its effect has sometimes been termed "ex- plosive." On July 1, 1946, there were 9,559,000 resi- dents in California. Only 10 years later the figure had grown by 4,000,000-and of these, 1,000,000 arrived during the biennium just completed. Problem Highlighted In another two years there may be a population of 15,000,000. Most of this growth has been in water- short Southern California, a fact which dramatically highlights the problem facing state authorities: the north has the water and the south has the need. The solution is obvious; export excess water to the areas of need. Not so obvious to the general public are the problems which this solution has posed for matters of fish, game and recreation. Each new appeal to the State for water for highly important domestic, agricultural and industrial pur- poses called for immediate answers from the Depart- ment of Fish and Game as to how fish could be pro- tected. The growing demands for water and the department's legal responsibility to protect fish and game needs have taxed personnel to the utmost. Prep- arations for hearings, which have greatly increased during the period, and the necessity to appear person- ally fo testify for the department, began to usurp the full time of more and more department personnel who had to be relieved of other duties to concentrate their efforts on the preservation of inland waters for wildlife. The department, pursuant to the policy adopted by the Fish^and Game Commission, has continued to rec- ommend reserving water for fish, wildlife and recrea- tion, without success. Legislation is essential to pre- serve the contribution that fish and game make to the economy of California and to provide the other out- door recreational opportunities that will be required by the State's expanding population. CALIFORNIA WATER PLAN The new California Water Plan occupied a great amount of the department's attention during the bien- nium, and rightly so. For the plan not only projects [7] 8 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME and provides for the State's ultimate consumptive water needs, but it also forecasts a large share of its future in outdoor recreation. By direction of the Legislature, recreational uses of water had to be considered during the fomiulation of the California Water Plan. The Department of Water Resources went a step further than this when it an- nounced, in early 1956, it would urge the Legislature to consider recreation as a "beneficial use" in the fol- lowing recommendation: "Additional legislation that will be necessary for full implementation of the California Water Plan should be enacted as required. This includes provisions authorizing the planned operation of ground water basins as reservoirs, when neces- sary in the public interest. It also includes provi- sions authorizing the maintenance of live stream flow in the interest of fish, wildlife and recrea- tion as a beneficial use of water." The first preliminary investigations into the effects of the California Water Plan on the State's wildlife were undertaken during the biennium by competent fisheries biologists working side by side with the engi- neers of the Department of Water Resources. Their report will form Appendix "E" of the plan, soon to be published, but it is by no means the final, definitive study of the subject. At best it can be considered only a quick look at the steps necessary to enhance recrea- tional opportunities under the plan. Aluch more study is needed. Each phase of the plan must be thoroughl\' studied in detail as it develops from the drawing board to the construction stage, and recommendations for wildlife and recreation must be made integral parts of the project. OROVILLE DAM Oroville Dam, which will harness a large portion of the Feather River, will be the first unit to be con- structed under the California Water Plan. Conse- quently, the dejjartment has given a high priority to Biologist Edward Dwyer, left, and V/ater Resources Engineer William L. Horn confer on wildlife protection phases of f/ie California Water Plan. (Fish and Game Photo) development of plans for fishing, hunting and recrea- tion in the upper Feather River area. The department had recommended five reservoirs whose primary use would be for recreational purposes. The 1956 Legisla- ture voted a total of $658,000 for preliminary planning of and site acquisition for the dams and the engineering investigation phase of preliminary planning was under way at the close of the biennium. The next step will be final plans and construction. Studies of flow releases from Oroville Reservoir, nec- essary to maintain salmon spawning runs in the Feather River, have been made, as well as a preliminary survey of the wildlife and recreational needs of the Oroville Reservoir area. Preliminary investigations on the need for a salmon hatchery downstream from Oroville Dam were under way at the close of the biennium. Fish and Game biologists, working with engineers of the De- partment of Water Resources, were also investigating the need for fish ladders and other structures where feasible. On advice of the Department of Fish and Game, the California Water Plan includes provisions for dams on some north coastal streams which will be designed pri- marily for fish life and recreation purposes. The De- partment of Water Resources hopes that these streams, with adequate flows, can replace some spawning areas inundated by bigger dams. Most of these streams have high recreational use, but only for limited periods of each year. Sand bars, resulting from low flows in late summer and fall, now block the mouths of these streams and cut off access to salmon and steelhead trout. Spawning runs are thus delayed and consequentl>- the fishing period is limited. Small fish on their dow nstream runs are often trapped and die when low flows occur again the following summer. By controlling releases from dams on the upper reaches of these streams, summer flow and the fish producing capacity can be greatly increased. Control of releases will also mean an improvement in fishing, camping and picnicking opportunities. MIGRATORY FISH LOSS The State stands to lose a substantial segment of its migratory fish life when the plan is carried to its ultimate development. Hatcheries, ladders, diversion screens and other devices will help to restore partially some of these fisheries, and assurance of constant flows below dams will improve some trout streams. The loss will be further offset by creation of many warmwater fishing lakes, some in areas that do not now have any semblance of water recreation. Constant vigilance by the department and others interested in outdoor recreation is necessary as each phase of water plans develop. Provision for wildlife and recreation must be included in construction plans of projects if California is to be assured a substantial lU \ Wood products plani on Sacramento River near Antiocb pumps waste materials directly into sfreom, creating condition highly toxic to fish. (Fish and Game Photo by John Skinner) future in outdoor recreation. Existing reservoirs which have been built without consideration for recreation present a valuable lesson to the people of California. It is extremely expensive to provide for this purpose after a dam is built. THE GRASSLANDS BILL Probably the most important single accomplishment for conservation of California wildlife during 1954 was passage of legislation by Congress of the so-called Grasslands Bill. The Grasslands of the San Joaquin \'alley were a major waterfow 1 wintering area on the Pacific Flyway before they were dried up by the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Central \"alley Project water development plan. The Grasslands Bill was based on results of a joint survey by the bureau, the Department of Fish and Game, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The new law authorized the Secretary of the In- terior to contract for delivery of water, if and when available, to public organizations and agencies for waterfowl purposes in the Grasslands at a cost not to exceed the charge for Class 2 water. The law also pro- vided for investigation, planning and construction of works by the U. S. Government to provide \\ ater for the public waterfowl management and refuge areas in the Grasslands Region, the cost to be borne by the government on a nonreimbursable basis. The expendi- ture of 1400,000 was authorized for the purpose and when completed the works were to become the prop- erty of the State of California. A substantial start had been made on the rehabilitation of the wildlife needs of the area during the biennium. OTHER PROBLEMS While the department was busy with its primary water problems, there were many other matters that also commanded its attention. Chief among these were finances, deer management, and still another water problem, pollution. Possibly the most serious, insofar as the immediate future is concerned, was the fiscal problem. For five years, increasing revenues have failed to keep pace with inflation, costs of wildlife conservation programs and services to the public. The $6,000,000 Fish and Game operating reserve of 1951 will be about $2,760,000 by June 30, 1957. It will be about 11,700,000 a \ear later at the present austere rate of spending. In 1947 the State Legislature, supported by sports- men, gave California a new opportunity to catch up with losses to wildlife management sustained during World War II by providing additional dollars for fish and game. W. C. B. Help Invaluable The Wildlife Conservation Board, which has since spent about 113,000,000 in capital outlay for fish and game production and maintenance facilities, provided an important shot in the arm for California wildlife. A Sl.OO increase in license fees, authorized by the 1947 Legislature, actually was more than absorbed by the increased cost of doing business. Neither of these aids to wildlife anticipated the tremendous inflation spiral which devalued the new S3. 00 license fee to fl.92, nor the continuing over- v\'helming boom in population creating terrific new- pressures on wildlife. While the number of licenses sold annualh' in- creased the number of dollars received by the Fish and Game Preservation Fund, the cost of materials, equipment, salaries and transportation went up at a much faster rate. L^nlike tax revenues based on market values or per- centages of income, fixed fees such as hunting and fishing licenses do not provide increased numbers of revenue dollars to Fish and Game in terms of buying power. At the close of the current biennium it w"as appar- ent that the operating reserve fund, which has cush- ioned the shock of inflation, would soon be gone, and that either it would be necessary to find new sources of revenue or to cut back drastically on the present program. THE DEER PROBLEM The continuing failure of California's growing hunter army to harvest a number of deer sufficient to keep animals and range in balance has created a serious problem in practical management of the State's valu- able herds. \ I r '?iS'-, t Under good range conditions the normal, healthy doe will usually have two fawns per year. (Fish and Game Photo) Prior to the turn of the century deer were scarce. Unrestricted hunting had reduced the herds to a low level. In the 1880"s, however, conditions had begun to change. Logging operations opened up timber stands and allowed an increase in browse species. Fires dur- ing this early logging period created interspersed openings in forests, permitting brush fields to grow. On the other hand the depletion of grass cover by overgrazing of cattle and other causes and the con- sequent reduction in fire occurrence permitted an in- crease in browse vegetation in juniper, sagebrush, desert shrub and woodland grass areas. Man Aided Man also aided the deer by reducing the number of livestock on national forest, federal and privately owned lands, leaving more reserve forage. In some instances homesteaders helped when they broke up vegetation types by clearing brush and trees and then abandoned their sites. These factors set the stage for return of the deer in large numbers by creating a favorable habitat. Resto- ration of the herds was further aided when the State instituted a "bucks only" shooting law and developed an efficient force of game wardens and predator trap- pers. Today the deer have increased to such abundance that the pendulum has swung the other way; their natural range is not sufficient to support them in a healthy condition. Deaths from starvation, malnutrition and related diseases have been the lot of far too many deer on overstocked ranges. Food Quality Declines Heavy populations over-browse the better forage species. This results in a steady decline in the quality of their food to the point where weaker animals suc- cumb and wasteful losses occur. Usually fawns and older deer are the first to suc- cumb. Fawns particularly are vulnerable because dur- ing the first year of life their energy is spent in growth and they build up little reserve of fat. Fawns, being smaller, cannot reach the browse on high-limbed shrubs and trees, whereas larger animals can. The lack of natural forage often causes other troubles. Forced to look elsewhere for their food, deer sometimes seek it in nearby orchards, alfalfa and ha\' lands and other places, thereby causing damage to the property and crops of farmers who live on the fringes of deer ranges. Bigger Harvest Desirable Estimated to be well in exxess of 1,000,000 deer, the California herds produce an annual crop of at least 200,000 animals for harvest each fall. Hunters took 75,602 bucks in 1954, the record year since deer tags were instituted in 1927. In 1955, the bag was 71,126. Despite these two high years, the average kill over the last 24 years has been a meager 38,775 annually. Thus the harvest has been much less than it could have been, and Nature took the balance in her own cruel wa\'. Department biologists, big game experts from the Universit\' of California, from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and from agencies of other states all agree that under proper management hunters not only can shoot 200,000 animals per year safely in California, but that the annual harvest must be very close to this amount if the herds are to flourish. Deer Policy The answer to the deer problem is contained in a policy established in June, 1950, by the California Fish and Game Commission after state-wide discus- sion and approval by sportsmen, ranchers, conserva- "Training the trainers." First group of lop level supervisors and staff officers attends a training program class. (Fish and Game Photo) tion agencies and other interested parties. Simply stated, the policy is to maintain the herds at their range-carrying capacity by harvesting surplus deer of either sex. The first antlerless hunt, which was to set the pat- tern for subsequent hunts, had been held in the winter of 1949-50. Others followed as the recognition of deer problems became more general. Since the first hunt there have been 37 special hunts, 20 of which occurred in the last two years. These hunts led to the establish- ment by the commission in May, 1956, of the first general antlerless seasons in 34 counties, scheduled in the fall of 1956. Guide for Future When regulations for the first either sex hunting season were under consideration, the Fish and Game Commission pointed out that experience gained from the 1956 season would serve as a guide for future hunts. Experience would determine whether future hunts Mould be longer or shorter, whether either sex hunt- ing would extend throughout the season or be more limited, whether future hunts would be on a quota system in various sections of the State to control the kill of deer, and whether it would be necessary to ask the Legislature for power to control hunter con- centrations in specific areas. POLLUTION During the biennium there was a considerable shift in the department's pollution problems— from fresh water to salt water. Preliminary evidence indicated that pollution of ocean and bay waters by sewage and industrial wastes is having a widespread, harmful effect on fish life, al- though extensive studies are still needed to evaluate this problem and determine what corrective measures need be taken. There seems little doubt that the sew- age flow from increasing growth, particularly in Southern California, has reached the point where there is no longer adequate dilution in the coastal waters and additional treatment facilities are needed, particularly in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas. The point has been reached where it has become both feasible and necessary to highly treat and re-use much of the waste waters in Southern California. This will help to solve the serious water supply problem and will also provide needed protection for fish and aquatic resources of the area. Beaches in Danger The beaches and coastal waters of Southern Cali- fornia are an invaluable part of Southern California's way of life, and courageous steps must be taken with- out delay to prevent extensive damage to sport and commercial fisheries, as well as to the recreational potential of the beaches. Warden Bd Johnson checks ihe license of Angler Bill frvnell of Sacro- menfo while on roufine patrol in El Dorado Counfy, (Fish and Game Photo) There has been an increasing emphasis during the biennium on the biological phases of California's water pollution program. In two cases, new industries moving into the State, have retained consulting biolo- gists to make complete evaluations of conditions in nearby receiving waters before building new plants. In the case of the City of Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Bay sewage discharge, the State Water Pollution Control Board ordered a policing program to actually test the toxicity of the discharge. This will make possible an evaluation of the effects of the dis- charge and will provide the advance warning needed in order that further corrective measures c^an be taken long before conditions in the receiving waters become critical. DEPARTMENTAL Establishment of an in-service training program de- signed to improve the quality of departmental services by increasing the effectiveness of employees high- lighted departmental organizational activities during the biennium. The first scheduled training under the new program was a two-day course for regional managers and staff officers held in Sacramento in early 1955. At this time final plans were also made for inaugurating depart- ment-wide training for all employees. The in-service program, developed within the framework of the state training policy, consisted of orientation training for new employees and continuing refresher training for all employees. Operational Manual Work was started in February, 1955 on a manual detailing uniform operational and administrative pro- cedures for statewide use by department employees. 12 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME The manual is designed to provide specific information on problems relating to management and operation and is to serve as a comprehensive reference source on policies, procedures, regulations and general de- partmental information. Complete, up-to-date copies of the loose-leaf mim- eographed manual are being maintained at all major offices and installations of the department. A streamlining of the supervisory positions at the state fish hatcheries, undertaken in response to the changeover from small fingerling hatcheries to big new multi-crop installations, was completed by the de- partment and the State Personnel Board during the biennium. The new set-up strengthens supervisory organiza- tion and control by splitting the old top supervisory class of Fish Hatchery Foreman into two new classes, Fisheries Manager I and Fisheries Manager II. WILDLIFE PROTECTION The growth of California's army of sportsmen has more than kept pace with the over-all population growth of the State in the postwar period. From July 1, 1948, to the close of the current biennium, the State has grown by 31 percent, whereas the numbers of sportsmen buying fishing and hunting licenses in- creased by 32 percent from July 1, 1948 through 1955. The problems created for the department's law en- forcement branch by the increased hunting and fishing pressure have been manifold, particularly since there had been no increase in the warden force for many years. The last addition was in the 1948-49 Fiscal Year when 32 men were added to the staff. Studies conducted by the department aboard the reseorch vessel Noutilus led directly to the enactment of legislation requiring alt crab traps (pots) to provide openings to permit undersize crabs to escape. Arrows show iour-inch circular openings. (Fish and Game Photn by D. W. McFadden) By the end of the 1955-56 Fiscal Year there was one warden for every 10,392 license buyers. The De- partment of Finance recommended that the ratio be one for every 7,500. The 1956 Session of the Legis- lature responded to the request of the Department of Fish and Game by authorizing 30 additional game wardens and six additional game warden captains, bringing the total law enforcement branch to a strength of 253, of which 213 are wardens and the others captains and supervisors. The new men were to begin their duties in the 1956-57 Fiscal Year. At the 1955 figure of 1,938,027 licensed hunters and anglers, this additional force will provide a ratio of one warden to ever>- 8,972 sportsmen. Ratio to Grow The ratio will undoubtedly soon be greater, how- ever, since indications at the close of the biennium were that license buyers will top the 2,000,000 mark in the next fiscal year for the first time in the State's history. More sportsmen in the field meant a sizeable increase in the work load of wardens during the biennium. In spite of this, the wildlife protection function was able to report a 15 percent increase in arrests over the 1952-54 period. To achieve this mark, wardens had to put in long hours of overtime work without added compensation. A Department of Finance report in 1954 estimated that wardens average 12 hours per day in the field. Wardens were called on for cooperative efforts of the department with other state agencies, became area leaders in pheasant co-ops, aided in the stream flow maintenance program, checked fish screens and lad- ders in routine patrols, aided in fish rescue work, worked on pollution control and fact-finding projects, appeared before public groups, helped in searches for lost persons and cooperated with other agencies dur- ing forest fires and other emergencies. Wardens Helped in Flood One such eniergenc\' was the disastrous floods of the winter of 1955. At least 75 department men con- tributed efforts above and beyond the call of duty during the period. In some cases wardens were able to give the first alarm of the trouble to come; in others they formed the only communication with the outside world for flood stricken communities. MARINE FISHERIES The Marine Fisheries picture was a variegated can- vas of some very bright and some very dark hues throughout the biennium. The brightest spots were found in the shellfish fisheries and the darkest in the ocean fisheries, although each contained its opposite patches of dark or bright. Two record salmon catch years, a revitalized o>"ster industry, new legislation to protect the market crab fishery, a burgeoning new shrimp fishery, and estab- lishment of a sport fishery in the Saiton Sea were high- lights of the period. On the other hand, there were some very gloomy reports. Continual reproductive failures put the future of the Pismo Clam in question. The sardine catch was slightly higher in the biennium than in the preceding two years, but there is no indication the local fish will return in any numbers like those of the period be- tween 1925 and 1945. Sardines which moved north out of Mexican waters represented the increase in the catch. Tentative conclusions from pollution studies indi- cate that various sewer outfalls and industrial waste discharges have caused harm to ocean fishlife. RECORD SALMON HAUL Increased hauls of king salmon contributed to a commercial catch of 8,600,000 pounds in 1954, a rec- ord that was topped in 1955 with a catch of 9,700,000 pounds. While the commercial catch of kings sky- rocketed, the silver salmon haul went into a slow decline. For the first time since 1952, when netting restric- tions were placed in effect, river commercial fisher- men in 1955 landed in excess of 1,000,000 pounds of salmon. A change in commercial river gillnet gear in the Sacramento River accounted for their increase. During the biennium Marine Fisheries personnel were concluding studies to determine the importance of Sacramento River kings to the coastwise salmon indus- try. The\" found that a change in the producing poten- tial of one state affects the salmon fisheries of other states, and is a factor to be considered in conservation programs of the entire Pacific coastal region. A species of salmon new to California, the Pink, appeared for the first time off the California coast in 1953, and was taken in substantial commercial numbers for the first time in 1955 when 2,000 were landed from Monterey to Crescent City. The Pinks were observed spawning in the American River in 1955. The return of the oyster to a place of importance in the commercial catch of the State reflects credit upon \\ise conservation practices recommended by the department and enforced by the Legislature, upon modern farming methods instituted by oyster cultur- ists, and upon physical conditions highly conducive to successful oystering. Unfortunately, the areas in which oysters may be planted successfully is limited to those presently in production. Many thousands of acres of the State's bays would be suitable for oyster culture, but are now polluted by waste disposal. CHANGE IN CRAB LAWS Steady decline in the catch of market crabs from a high of 12,941,418 pounds in 1952 resulted in a change in crab laws in 1955 and a request by the Legislature Limits of ducks taken at Imperial Waterfowl Management Area are dis- played by Robert Redline of Et Monte (left) and Tom Souders of South Son Gabriel. (Fish and Game Photo) for additional information to improve the fishery. A shortening of the crab season and the establishment of a fixed opening in crab pots to give the smaller crabs a chance to escape were placed in effect in 1955 by the Legislature. While it is too soon to assess the effect that these conservation measures have had upon the fishery, there were signs that 1956 would be a record year for the commercial crab men. Landings in the Eureka-Crescent City area in 1956 were nearly five times the 1,500,000 pounds recorded in 1955, and may push the state-wide catch close to the record of 13,000,000 pounds established in 1952. NEW SHRIMP FISHERY A direct result of work of the Alarine Fisheries Branch has been the establishment of a new industry which shows every sign of a healthy, vigorous future. Continuing research and exploration by the depart- ment uncovered the possibility of a shrimp fishery in California waters. In 1952 commercial fishermen were interested enough to net 206,000 pounds. In t\vo years this figure grew to 300,000 and in 1955 to 855,000 pounds. Through June 30, 1956, a total haul of 419,000 pounds, an increase of more than 20 percent over a similar period in 1955, was recorded. The Crescent City shrimp fleet contributed 308,000 pounds to the total, followed by the Bodega Bay fleet with 111,000 pounds. Further research is continuing in the efforts of Marine Fisheries worlcaled exclusively to angling. CFish and Game Photo) Taking stock of California's dwindling natural re- sources, and cognizant of the necessity to provide for future recreational needs, the 1947 Legislature created the Wildlife Conservation Board and charged it with the task of establishing "a coordinated and balanced program resulting in the maximum revival of ^\■ildlife * * * and in the maximum recreational advantages to the people." To finance this program, the Legislature appropri- ated $12,000,000 from horse racing pari-mutuel funds. Since 1947 the board has administered this fund, \\'ith additional legislative grants, for capital outlav projects it deems essential and suitable for wildlife production and preservation and which will enhance recreational values. The board, which is responsible only to the Legislature, consists of the President of the Fish and Game Commission, the Director, Department of Fish and Game, and the Director of the Department of Finance. Three members of the Senate and three mem- bers of the Assembly serve as an advisory group to the board. During the first year of this biennium, the Wildlife Conservation Board concentrated on completing proj- ects invoKing waterfowl management areas and fish hatchery ccjnstruction. By the end of the second year these two programs were almost completed. Some work remains to be done on Gray Lodge and Imperial Waterfowl Management Areas and minor hatchery capital outlay also ma\" be required. WARMWATER PROGRAM The second year of the biennium saw the intensifi- cation of the \\armwater fish program, and access to inland fishing waters. The 195.1 Legislature approved a recurring annual appropriation of $750,000. The first amount became available Jul\- 1, 1955. Those supporting this legislation pointed out that the waterfowl and catchable trout programs were almost fully developed, but that much work w as needed to provide suitable w armw ater fish- ing for the ever-increasing population. A survey revealed a great potential in developing existing reservoirs, including public water supplies, as w ell as such bodies of waters as dredger ponds, coastal lagoons, sloughs and oxbow lakes. When impounded waters were not available for development, it was proposed to construct new reservoirs for fishing and recreational use. Public access to fishing waters and public lands is a growing problem and the Wildlife Conservation Board has recognized this by instituting a long-range program of correction. Its three major facets are in- land angling access, coastal access and access to public hunting lands. 20 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME The board continued its practice of approving only projects which did not burden the Department of Fish and Game with additional operating expenses. The angling access program and the warmwater fish pro- gram are the two major programs in this category. During the biennium 15 new projects, involving a total expenditure of f598,000 were approved. Three were hatchery and stocking projects, seven warm- water and other fish projects, three fell in the fish screen and ladder category and the others were in- cluded in the inland access program. In addition, the board allocated $25,000 for project evaluations, surveys, engineering studies and property appraisals. Additional allocations, totaling f 1,503,000 were made to 19 old projects. Hatchery and stocking projects led the list with six, followed by five flow maintenance and stream improvement jobs, four in the category of warmwater and other fish, three waterfow 1 projects and one in the coastal angling access program. Twelve projects were completed during the bien- nium and three were canceled and funds recovered. CHANGES OF BOARD MEMBERSHIP The Joint Legislative Advisory Committee was composed of Senators Charles Brown, Ben Hulse and Ed. C. Johnson, and Assemblymen Frank P. Belotti, Thomas M. Erwin and Lloyd W. Lowrey. Depart- ment of Finance Director John M. Pierce and De- partment of Fish and Game Director Seth Gordon continued to serve on the board. Harley Knox replaced William J. Silva as chairman during the biennium. E. E. Horn continued as the board's coordinator. Because of the increased workload, the board author- ized and the State Personnel Board established the position of assistant coordinator. ANGLING ACCESS The Wildlife Conservation Board authorized the hiring of a special consultant to make a field survey of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and the Delta area and to report on the need for angling access along with a series of suggested access sites. This survey was in progress as the biennium ended. Two access sites were purchased from the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation. One was a two-acre parcel located along the Sacramento River near Redding. The other consisted of two acres, five miles east of Vina on Deer Creek in Tehama County. As the biennium closed, a number of angling access sites along the Sacramento, Feather and San Joaquin Rivers in the Delta area and along the ocean were being planned for development. This program was deferred until the major hatchery and waterfowl projects could be completed. It consists largely of constructing fishing access facilities at reser- voirs and creating new impoundments where seasonal runoff can be secured. Certain facilities were also nec- essary to safeguard the public health where municipal water supplies were involved. Operation and mainte- nance of these projects is planned almost exclusively by counties or cities. OTHER FISH PROJECTS On the following projects the board authorized, in addition to land acquisition, such facilities as access roads, parking areas, fishing docks, launching ramps, sanitary facilities and fencing: San Diego City Reservoirs-San Diego County; Whittier-Narrows— Los Angeles County; Santa Margarita Lake-San Luis Obispo County; Inland Lake— San Bernardino County; Finnon Reservoir— EJ Dorado County. Four projects in this category received additional allocations to complete the development. Construc- tion was completed on Ramer Lake, Imperial County, and was continued on Lindo Lake, San Diego County, and .Avocado Lake, Fresno County. The Salton Sea project, a program to establish a fishery in this 225,- 000-acre body in Imperial County, was continued with encouraging results. The Los Serranos Warmwater Fisheries Manage- ment Station at the Serranos Game Farm near Chino and the Plaskett Meadows Public Fishing Area in Glenn County were approved and construction started. The Dallas Warner warmwater fishing project re- ceived no new allocations but work was completed during this period. Stream Flow Maintenance The stream improvement program in Southern Cali- fornia was continued. This allocation was made after a survey revealed these small impoundments provide exceptional fishing. Allocations were made to continue the highly suc- cessful stream flow maintenance program in El Dorado and Alpine Counties within the El Dorado National Forest. A similar program carried on within the Tahoe National Forest in Nevada, Placer and El Dorado Counties likewise received an additional allocation. The stream flow maintenance program was con- tinued in the Emigrant Basin area in the Stanislaus National Forest and in the Granite Creek Basin of the Sierra National Forest through additional fund alloca- tions. During this biennium four projects were completed. They were the Dry Lake Level Maintenance, Twin Lakes Level /Maintenance, Hume Lake Dam Level /Maintenance and the San Diego Flow Maintenance Projects. Although the stream flow maintenance and im- provement program met with considerable success, it was becoming increasingly difficult in some areas to locate adequate and economically feasible small dam sites. (Continued on page 46) I WATER PROJECTS Arfisi's conception of Oroville Dam, key unit in the California Water Plan. (Department of Water Resources Photo from drawing by Warren S. Ludlow of the Division of Highways) Unprecedented demands for water throughout the State has kept the department hustling during the bi- ennium to preserve and protect streams for fishing while simultaneously exploring the fish production possibilities of existing impoundments and future man- made lakes for recreation. Activities ranged from investigations of applications for water use permits, of which there were more than one per day during the period, to construction of small dams to insure maintenance of stream flow. The vital need for legislation to reserve water for fish, wildlife and recreation, in accordance with the policy adopted by the Fish and Game Commission, was stressed by the department whenever the occasion presented itself. The Department of Water Resources supported this position in early 1956 when it announced it would ask the Legislature to enact measures "for the full imple- mentation of the California Water Plan," including "provisions authorizing the maintenance of live stream flow in the interest of fish, wildlife and recreation as a beneficial use of water." RECREATIONAL WATERS The opening of domestic water supply reservoirs for recreational use is another subject which received a great deal of attention. The department has encouraged fishing on water supply reservoirs under the regulations of the State Department of Public Health which insure that the sanitary quality of the water is not adversely affected. The Wildlife Conservation Board has done much to encourage the opening of previously closed reservoirs by allocating funds for recreation development. An attempt was made by the 1955 Legislature to pave the way toward making public fishing on res- ervoirs possible, but it failed to become law. Nevertheless, substantial advances were made in this phase of the water program. At the end of the bien- nium it was apparent that directors of many water districts were no longer turning deaf ears on proposals to open their impoundments to fishing; in fact, many were looking on such proposals with considerable in- terest. And the Department of Public Health was de- veloping a new policy and criteria for recreational use of water supply reservoirs. UPPER FEATHER RIVER In April, 1955, the Department of Fish and Game completed its portion of the Division (now Depart- ment) of Water Resources' report on the development of the upper Feather River service area. In the report, the construction of five small res- ervoirs in the upper watershed was recommended as a part of the Feather River project. These reservoirs would be built to develop the recreation and fishing potential of this area. They would be operated for stream flow maintenance in the north and middle forks and would be used specifically for recreational purposes. The 1956 Legislature appropriated funds for acquir- ing the dam sites and for detailed planning of these reservoirs. This was the first time the State had recom- mended the construction of upstream dams for recrea- tional purposes. [2.] 22 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME FOLSOM PROJECT The single biggest water project completed during the biennium was the United States Bureau of Rec- lamation's Folsom project on the American River near Sacramento. This large multipurpose dam and power plant was completed in 1955 and created a number of problems for the department. Construction cut off a major portion of the spawn- ing area for salmon and steelhead of the Anierican River. On facts developed by the department and on river basin studies, it was necessary for the Bureau of Reclamation to construct a large hatchery below the dam to preserve these runs. This hatchery is operated by the department, but all costs are paid by the Bureau of Reclamation. Another problem has been to develop the fishing and recreational potential of the reservoir. The recrea- tional facilities were not built at the same time as the dam and it was necessary for the Legislature to appro- priate funds for the recreational development in 1956. The fisheries will be managed by the department while tiie facilities will be managed by the Division of Beaches and Parks. TRINITY RIVER PROJECT The largest water development project authorized during the biennium was the Trinity River Project of the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation. Plans call for a large dam on the Trinity River near Lewistown to divert the flow of the Trinity River into the Sacramento Valley through a series of power plants. The dam will cut oflF most of the spawning areas of the Trinity River salmon and steelhead. The department was particularly concerned that the project be planned to maintain the fisheries, and that the plans include a large hatchery to replace the spawning areas cut off by the dam, as well as to main- tain adequate flows below the dam for the preserva- tion of fish life. Authorization Act Unique The authorization act for the project was approved by the President on August 12, 1955. This act was unique in that the Secretary of Interior was specifi- cally directed to adopt appropriate measures to insure the preservation and propagation of fish life, including definite flow releases in the Trinity River and Clear Creek. The project is now under construction and the De- partment of Fish and Game, together with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has been carrying out ex- tensive studies to determine the size of the runs that w ill be affected in order to design properly hatchery facilities and trapping facilities that will be required to protect fish life during the construction period of the project. The U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Fish and Game have reached substantial agreement on the measures to be taken to preserve the salmon and steel- head of the Trinity River. Bureau Pays Costs As in the case of the Folsom Project, the facilities will be operated by the department but all costs will be paid b\' the bureau as a part of the cost of the whole Trinity River Project. Even though the dam will not be completed for perhaps five years, it will be necessarx' to have the fish salvage and hatchery facili- ties completed by I960. The department is now draw- ing plans for these facilities. The fish will be trapped and transported to spawning areas up river beyond the construction sites in the meanwhile. OTHER PROJECTS Most of the major water use projects affecting im- portant sport and commercial fisheries were being processed in Sacramento, Region II, through the steps of obtaining water rights from the State Water Rights Board, Federal Power Commission licenses, congres- sional authorization, or other types of approval. iMore than 1,000 applications for water permits on waters within the State were filed during the bien- nium. Nineteen applications went to the Federal Power Commission for preliminary permits or licenses for power projects. Over 50 applications were made Department personnel take salmon and steelhead census of Trinity River to determine spawning potential of )he stream in order to estimate hatchery needsi when Trinity River Protect is completed. CFish and Game for permits from the Division of Water Resources to construct dams and 35 reports were received on pro- posed water development plans by state and federal agencies. All of these were reviewed and their prob- able effects on fish, wildlife and recreational resources analyzed. In most cases recommendations for protec- tion of these resources were compiled and submitted to the construction agencies. A total of 167 separate field investigations of water applications were made and 92 were protested by the department. Efforts to obtain data on angler use on streams involved in proposed use projects were in- tensified by conducting creel checks, ground and aerial car counts and by use of written questionnaires. Throughout the biennium, close cooperation has prevailed with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U. S. Forest Service on water projects work. Depart- ment efforts have been coordinated \\ith these con- servation agencies in a mutually beneficial manner. The following were the water hearings and projects in which department personnel were involved during the biennium. MOKELUMNE RIVER This water rights hearing was conducted by the Division of Water Resources for the purpose of ruling on applications of water from the IMokelumne River by the East Bay iMunicipal Utilities District, North San Joaquin Irrigation District, and the Calaveras Count) Water District. The hearings started in Octo- ber, 1955, and terminated iMay 2, 1956, with several recesses during the period. The extensive and valuable salmon spawning beds of the iNlokelumne River, as well as several good trout streams, were at stake in the proceedings. The plans of E. B. M. U. D. and N. S. J. I. D. included dams which would inundate and make inaccessible 80 per- cent of the salmon spawning beds. Department per- sonnel presented oral testimony and written evidence at the hearing in support of its protests to the water applications as filed. A comprehensive report analyzing the applicants' proposed projects and their effects on the fisheries was compiled and two supplementary written statements were prepared with the aid of the Attorney General's office. Re/eases Required The decision on the water applications rendered by the State Engineer granted water permits to the East Bay Municipal Utility District. These permits con- tained clauses requiring releases of water for fish from one point of diversion and called for the district and the department to reach agreement on measures to protect the salmon and steelhead resources prior to construction of any dams. The clauses further provide for future determination if agreement cannot be reached. Experimental stream improvement structure constructed on the South Forfc Mokelumne River, (Fish and Game Photo by John Westgate) Sportsmen and commercial fishing interests made presentations in support of the department at the hearing. WASHOE PROJECT Reviewing changing plans for this Bureau of Recla- mation project on the Truckee River and Carson River drainages in California has been a continuing activity' since 1949. Authorizing legislation was submitted in both the House and Senate in 1955. Senate and House subcom- mittee hearings on the bills were held in Reno. De- partment personnel prepared, or participated in prep- aration of, statements presented at both hearings. Nu- merous meetings were held with representatives of the bureau, Nevada Fish and Game Commission, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and water use agencies in Nevada in the department's efforts to achieve protec- tion and, wherever possible, improvement of the fish- eries resources. As a result of the combined efforts of the conserva- tion agencies, sportsmen's groups and interested civic groups, the authorizing legislation for the Washoe Project included provisions for $1,200,000 expressly for the enhancement of fisheries resources through construction of a dam on Prosser Creek (to facilitate constant and increased flow releases from the Lake Tahoe Dam into the Truckee River) and also for the construction of a fish hatchery to supply additional fish to the project area. AMERICAN RIVER Following several meetings, review of Sacramento Municipal Utility District project plans and field work, substantial agreement was reached with S. M. U. D. on provisions for protection of fish and wildlife resources in connection with the district's Upper American River Project. Recommendations submitted to the Federal Power Commission by both the department and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service were subsequently accepted by S. M. U. D. for inclusion in any permit issued to them bv the Federal Power Commission. Throughout the negotiations, S. M. U. D. repre- sentatives were very cooperative and the resulting agreement is a big step toward assuring future fish populations and recreation in the project area. 24 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME Various plans of the bureau for water development in the upper American River drainage were reviewed and recommendations for protection of fish and wild- life compiled in cooperation with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. CHUTE CAMP DAM Following destruction of their American River Head Dam (Chute Camp Dam) by the floods of November, 1950, the Pacific Gas and Electric Com- pany applied for an amendment to its Federal Power Commission license to cover reconstruction of the dam at a slightly different location on the South Fork of the American River in El Dorado County. No specific flows for maintenance of fish life had ever been established for release below the old dam and the department and the Fish and Wildlife Service recommended that such releases be made. Negotiations followed field studies made in coopera- tion with P. G. & E. and a compromise settlement was made. The company agreed to release a minimum of 10 cubic second feet in the summer and 5 c.f.s. in the winter. An additional clause calling for reconsideration of these flows upon development of upstream water storage was also included in the amended license. FEATHER RIVER A 70-page report was prepared for the State Engi- neer on the fish, wildlife and recreational resources in relation to the reservoir to be created by construction of the Oroville Dam in order to have plans for recre- ational development ready when work starts. The report covered fisheries and \\ ildlife aspects of the reservoir on preproject and postproject bases and contained recommendations for fish and wildlife man- agement and recreational use of the reservoir area, including potential access, camping, boat launching and picnicking areas. Flycasters on South Fork American River, a heavily fished and popular stream, (Fish and Game Photo) The Division of Water Resources indicated its will- ingness to construct a salmon hatchery below Oroville Reservoir as a means of maintaining those portions of salmon runs which normally spawn in or above the project area. Negotiations and preliminary work were carried on to facilitate this plan, but selection of a site and detailed planning had not started during the hicnnium. WATER RELEASES Over the years, the department's efforts to preserve conditions for fish and wildlife has resulted in the establishment of minimum flow releases below many dams and diversions, but little or no effort has been made to assure that these releases were actually being made in the operation of the projects. A complete record of such releases was compiled and a system of field checking was inaugurated in 1956. Time did not permit complete coverage, but as the system is perfected the department should be able to check out most diversions each year. In the case of X'ermillion Reservoir (Edison Lake), Fresno County, the Southern California Edison Com- pan\- agreed to a suitable release schedule for Mono Creek. This was incorporated in the license and re- leases were started by the company. The agreement also provided a 10-cubic-foot-second release in the South Fork of the San Joaquin River below Florence Lake— a stream that had virtuall\' dried up for 30 years. More than 10 miles of an important, heavily- used fishing stream benefit from the release. GENERAL PROBLEMS Studies were made on the proposed Terminus and Success Reservoirs, w hich are flood control and irriga- tion storage projects in Tulare County. Recommen- dations are being made for minimum pools which will support fish and wildlife and develop the recreational potential of the reservoirs. COOPERATIVE FLOW MAINTENANCE Through the cooperation of the Los Angeles Count)' Flood Control District and other water agen- cies, two trout streams w ithin minutes of the metro- politan area afforded excellent rainbow fishing this biennium. Formerl\- the Big Tujunga and Cogswell Flood Con- trol Reservoirs were drained rapidly after the last spring rains, and the streams below the dams had short-lived fisheries. Under the new plan, a gradual but sustained release will be made, affording several months of additional fishing and excellent stream flows. RESERVOIR LEVEL MAINTENANCE One of the major fisheries problems in California is the difficult)' of producing satisfactory fishing in the rapidl)' fluctuating reservoirs characteristic of Call- Test seine haul shows bass and sunftsh growing rapidly in Puddingstone Reservoir, Los Angeles County, after reservoir had been chemically treated to remove overabundance of carp, then restocked with game fishes. (Fish and Game Photo) fornia. In many cases, reservoirs are completely emp- tied each year— to the detriment of the fish population. Puddingstone Reservoir in Los Angeles County posed a typical problem, but the County of Los Angeles amended its Flood Control Act to permit retention of a larger minimum pool and arranged to purchase water to maintain the larger pool for recreational use. Following a chemical treatment to destroy rough fish in October, 1954, the reservoir was stocked with bass, bluegill, red-ear, channel catfish, and threadfin shad. Excellent growth was made by all game fish and it now appears that the threadfin are playing an im- portant forage role. This concept of purchasing water for recreational use is becoming more common in California. POLLUTION ACTIVITIES The department has been concerned with the en- forcement of pollution control laws for about 30 years, but, with the establishment of the regional water pollution control boards in 1949, its program has shifted from law enforcement to one with more emphasis on the technical investigations of water pol- lution. This shift has mainly occurred during the biennium. During the same period most of the fresh water problems have been solved, but salt water pollution problems have become an increasingly important part of the department's water pollution control program. Sewage disposal to the ocean poses extremely com- plex problems. The effects of salt water pollution are insidious— there is no wide-scale fish mortality to attract attention. Rather, the environment slowly changes so that the important food and game fishes gradually decrease in numbers until they are no longer able to survive. Ocean Studies The department began ocean pollution studies off Southern California during the biennium as a basis for future measure of changing fish populations around sewage outfalls in the Southern California area. The Marine Fisheries Branch, in the spring of 1956, took steps to record conditions as they exist today. Sixty-nine survey stations were occupied, using otter trawl gear at depths varying from 5 to 25 fathoms in the area lying offshore from Redondo Beach to just north of Point Dume. Each station covered approxi- mately 30 minutes in time and two miles in space. All fishes and invertebrates taken in this work were examined at the California State Fisheries Laboratory. A record was kept for each species, listing drag nurn- ber and date, length, weight and sex. Notations were made regarding state of maturity and particularly any abnormalities that were observed. When changing conditions around sewer outfalls indicate fish life is endangered, the department will be able to assess the amount of change and the degree of danger by comparing these new conditions with those which existed in the spring of 1956. Double Transplant To assess the effect of the White Point sewer out- fall upon the abalones in the area, a double trans- plant and tagging operation was carried out. Several hundred black abalones were gathered at Bird Rock and Catalina Harbor, Santa Catalina Island and trans- ported to White Point where the\' were tagged, weighed, measured and transplanted. A similar trans- plant of White Point black abalones was made back to Santa Catalina Island. Evidence from these transplants will determine whether or not the "sick" White Point abalones can survive if removed to an unpolluted area and will demonstrate what effect the waste discharge will have upon healthy individuals from an unpolluted area. Department studies have shown that a major portion of San Diego Bay is seriously affected by sewage dis- charges. Sludge deposits have covered a large portion of the bay and aquatic life in these areas is missing. In 1955, much of the bay was quarantined by the State Health Department. Additional sewage treat- ment is badly needed and the city is proceeding with plans for new disposal facilities. BIOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM In the case of the City of Los Angeles, the State Water Pollution Control Board has established require- ments to protect the beneficial uses of the waters of Santa Monica Bay. They have imposed a biological monitoring program to continually test the toxicity of the sewage in order to provide the necessary advance warning in order that further corrective measures can be taken long before conditions in the receiving waters become critical. New disposal facilities are now under construction. They will be a stride forward in preventing damage to the fishery resources of Santa Monica Bay in the vicinity of the sewage disposal facilities. The depart- ment has recommended that planning not stop since it will soon be feasible to highly treat and reuse much of the waste water in this area, thus helping solve the water supply problem while giving more protection to coastal waters. The department is extremely concerned about the possible effects of other sewage and industrial waste r^^5^. ^f^i Dark pattern af pollution^ caused by pumping waste materials into stream, dearly shows of this wood products plant on the Sacramento River near Anfioch. (Fish and Game Photo) discharges in Southern California and San Francisco Bay. A4uch more worlv is needed to evaluate the effects of these outfalls before a definite assessment of damage to fisii and aquatic life can be made. New Industries Cooperating One bright spot has been the attitude of the new industries moving into California. In general they rec- ognize their responsibilities and it is much easier to solve a pollution problem before it starts, than to try to correct a condition that has existed for many years. During this biennium two large industries have re- tained consulting biologists to make a complete evalu- ation of the conditions of the receiving waters before new plants are constructed. In both cases— a Dupont chemical plant at Antioch and a Diamond Match wood products and molded pulp plant at Red Bluff- waste disposal facilities were designed to eliminate any possible hazard to fish and aquatic life before opera- tions started. MINING POLLUTION One continuing problem that has come up again in this biennium is the pollution of the upper Sacra- mento River by copper and zinc during periods when the Sacramento River flow below Shasta Dam was too low to afford sufficient dilution for the toxic water from Spring Creek during periods of high rain- off. A4ost of the pollution comes from old abandoned mines in the area northwest of Redding. A consider- able number of salmon and steelhead fingerlings were killed in the spring of 1955, marking the third time in the department's knowledge this has happened since Shasta Dam was constructed in 1940. As a result, the Legislature appropriated f 20,000 to the Central Valley Regional Water Pollution Con- trol Board for a study of the problem to determine whether there is a feasible solution. Biologists from the Philadelphia Academy of Sci- ences were retained to study the problem. They found that Spring Creek is the main source of pollution and that conditions were w orse than had been suspected. The Regional Pollution Control Board has retained a consulting engineering firm to seek a feasible solu- tion. One possibility is the construction of a dam to hold back the waters of Spring Creek during the period of greatest toxicity. The engineers' report has not been completed as yet. SAMPLING PROGRAM For some time the department and the State Water Pollution Control Board have been interested in the possibility of establishing a routine biological sampling program to secure background data on streams that may be affected by waste discharges. Drs. Usinger and Needham of the University of California headed a research project to estimate the cost of a program which would produce significant data. Their report showed that an excessive number of samples would be required to provide significant information on total number of bottom organisms. On the basis of this study, it was concluded that costs of the biological sampling programs that had been proposed would be too high for the results that would be obtained. This was a case where an expenditure of S5,000 for a research project demonstrated that the pro- gram, which would have cost perhaps $30,000 per year, was not feasible. It was always been difficult for the conservation agencies to secure recognition of the importance of fish and aquatic life particularly in those cases where a relatively large expenditure is necessary to provide the waste treatment facilities needed to protect rec- reational uses. SEWAGE DISPOSAL POSITION A recurrent problem during this biennium has been the desire to dedicate certain waters solely for the disposal of sewage and industrial wastes. The depart- ment has continually taken the position that a firm dedication of waters for waste disposal is not realistic in California. Future demands for fishing and recrea- tion will make it necessary to use all the available waters for these purposes. It is unfortunate that the waters around populated areas which are potentially the most valuable for rec- reation are the ones most affected by sewage and industrial waste discharges. It is extremely difficult if not impossible to upgrade any area once it has been dedicated for waste disposal. During this biennium more than 500 applications for waste discharge were filed with the Regional Pol- lution Control Boards. All of these were investigated by the department and recommendations submitted for the protection of fish and wildlife to the regional boards in all necessary cases. In virtually all cases the regional boards accepted the recommendations of the department. SALMON AND STEELHEAD A king salmon posses up o fish /odder of ihe Anderson-Collonwood irrigation dam neor Redding. (Pholo by Mike Hayden) The most important species affected by the many water developments proposed or under way on the State's streams are the salmon and the steelhead. Many dam projects would block spawning, migra- tions to the upper reaches of Northern California streams, and would thus effectively cut the life line that insures natural propagation of the species. Con- tinued insistence by the department on construction of fish ladders, fish hatcheries and other fish-saving devices wherever needed is designed to help minimize losses of these species, which are valuable parts of the State's economic picture. HIGHLY PRIZED GAME FISH Sooner or later most of the State's 1,300,000 anglers want to try their hand at catching the big ones. Both the salmon and the steelhead are highly prized game fish of outstanding sporting quality. Fishermen seek salmon mainly in the ocean and in the lower reaches of the State's rivers. Steelhead are taken almost exclusive- ly in fresh \\ater and provide fishing thrills well worth the seeking. While it has not been possible to obtain precisely the number or weight of salmon and steelhead caught by sports fishermen, department postal card surveys show that these species are caught in substantial num- bers. These surveys, while not providing actual figures in all instances, generally do indicate the trends from year to year. In 1954, a postal card survey provided an estimate of 800,000 salmon taken by anglers in that year. Of these, sportsmen caught approximately three in the ocean to every one in a stream. The steelhead catch in 1954 was estimated at 342,000. Fishing resorts along the Smith, Klamath and Eel Rivers and other northern streams cater almost exclu- sively to salmon and steelhead fishermen, and a large number of anglers who frequent resorts on the Sacra- mento and San Joaquin Rivers also seek these species. Sport fishing for salmon in the ocean has been grow- ing rapidly for the past several years and there is every indication that the number of anglers partici- pating in the sport will continue to increase. COMMERCIAL CATCH GREATER Sportsmen now take almost as many salmon as do commercial fishermen. During the biennium, the com- mercial ocean salmon catch off California was the greatest on record. Commercial landings in 1954 reached a high of 8,600,000 pounds and were topped in 1955 when 9,700,000 pounds of ocean-caught salmon were landed. The two-year average (9,200,- 000 pounds) exceeded that of the previous two years by 1,600,000 pounds and topped the previous 10-year (1944-1953) average by 2,500,000 pounds. Though total salmon landings in the ocean have increased to record heights, landings of silver salmon have continued to drop each year since 1952. Increased landings of king salmon have supported the expanded fishery. (Table 38.) For many years silver salmon con- tributed about 10 percent by weight to ocean salmon landings in California; in 1954 they contributed 5 per- cent and in 1955 only 3.5 percent. River Gill Netting Commercial gill net salmon landings in the Sacra- mento River skyrocketed from 900,000 pounds in 1954 to 2,300,000 pounds in 1955. This was 250,000 pounds [27] 28 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME greater than the 38-year average of 2,050,000 pounds and marked the first time landings passed the 1,000,000- pound mark since the Legislature enacted restrictions limiting the activity of the commercial river fishery in 1952. Increased gill net landings in 1955 were made pos- sible by a major change in gear. Nylon webbing for nets almost completely replaced linen webbing, with a result that the nets were lighter, stronger and re- quired much less care. Using nylon, commercial men found they could fish deeper and during stronger tides in Carquinez Straits than with linen nets. PACIFIC MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION The ever mounting pressure on salmon resources is not limited to California waters, since the three Pacific Coast States, Canada and Alaska are interested in the problem. The work of all five on king and silver salmon research has been coordinated under the Pacific Ma- rine Fisheries Commission. This included a tagging and recovery program involving relatively large salmon, most of them over 20 inches in length. This program alone has already demonstrated that interstate cooperation is necessary if the salmon fisheries are to survive. For example: From 30 to 60 percent of the ocean catch of salmon spawned in the Sacramento River has been made north of the Oregon line. Obviously, Oregon and Washington conservation measures will affect the fishing pressure on these fish. Conversely, much of California's silver salmon catch comes from fish originating in Oregon streams. Studies Result in Action The combined studies showed that the rapidly de- clining fall runs of king salmon in the Columbia River were being too heavih' exploited in the troll fishery from Oregon north. To overcome this effect, the Pa- cific Marine Fisheries Commission recommended that the king salmon trolling seasons of Oregon and Wash- ington be shortened, the open period to commence April 15th. Formerly the northern season opened on March 15th and extended to October 31st. For the past eight years the California season has been from May 1st to September 20th. The Oregon Fish Commission and the Washington State Department of Fisheries (both of which had reg- ulatory powers) acted on the above recommendation in time for the 1956 season. The shortened season in the north has had a sec- ondary effect of reducing the intensity of the ocean fishery on the Sacramento, Klamath, and other runs of California salmon which habitually move into northern waters in numbers. MARKING PROGRAM California cooperated in the king salmon marking program during the biennium when the Marine Fish- eries Branch completed the first of two operations designed to determine the importance of Sacramento River kings to the coastwide fisheries and to California river fisheries and to show the relationship of the spawning stock to productivity. In the first phase of the marking program approxi- mately 4,500 marked salmon were recovered out of 4/0,000 marked and released as fingerlings early in 1950. They were taken as 2, 3, 4 and 5 year-old fish from 1951 through 1954. Recovery crews searched for these marks from California to Alaska under the coordination of the Pacific A4arine Fisheries Com- mission. Only one marked fish survived to spawn for every three that were caught. Of those caught, two-thirds were landed by ocean commercial troUers. The ma- jority of these troUer catches were made off Oregon, Washington, or Vancouver Island, B. C. The second phase of these experiments began in 1952 and was similar to the first one. Tentative results indicate that less than two-thirds of the second group of fish was caught north of California. These experiments, coupled with similar ones in Oregon and Washington, have demonstrated that a change in the salmon producing potential of one state can affect the fisheries of other states— a fact of very important significance in the design of conservation and management measures. CONTINUING INVESTIGATIONS California's contribution to the increasing knowl- edge of the life history of the salmon and of sound management practices of the salmon and steelhead fishery has been substantial. Both the .Marine Fisheries and the Inland Fisheries Branches of the department have been actively engaged during the biennium in in- vestigating the mysterious ways of these migrants, as well as in management work designed to protect the fisheries. Standard tools used by the Marine Fisheries Branch in its annual salmon checking operations are spawning stock survej's and sampling of catches. Spaucning Stock Surveys— Annual inventories of sal- mon spawning stocks are taken to determine the status of the resource and the escapement to the various con- tributing river systems. During the fall and winter of 1954-55, nearly 47,000 salmon were examined in the rivers of the central valleys; in 1955-56 over 25,000 were examined. Salmon and steelhead lagging operations at the Fremont Weir on the Sacramento River near Verona. CFish and Game Photo) FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 29 0'S, and from f\-ke-net studies which determine the duration and intensity of the downstream migration of young salmon, as well as from counts at fish ladders and other observation points, accurate population estimates are obtained. Man)' of these estimates remain in the files for years, but when they are needed they are immediately avail- able. The salmon and steelhead fish hatchery at Nim- bus on the American River, which was completed and placed in operation during the biennium, was justified entirely on the basis of spawning stock surveys made from 1944 through 1952. Catch SajiipUng—TKis operation supplies basic in- formation concerning the stocks of salmon, their con- dition, and their relationship in the fishery. It is a cen- sus that reveals how the fish are reacting to the fishery and the changes \\ rought by man and nature. THREE IMPORTANT STUDIES During the biennium the department attacked vari- ous problems involving salmon and steelhead on three fronts. The Marine Fisheries Branch undertook a study to determine conditions in the ocean salmon sport fishery. The Inland Fisheries Branch divided its efforts on the otiier two fronts. It conducted one anadromous trout and salmon investigation on north coastal streams and another on the Sacramento and San Joaquin River drainages. OCEAN STUDY Financed mainly by federal aid funds, the Marine Fisheries Branch began a study in July, 19.'>4, to deter- mine conditions in the ocean salmon sport fishery. The goals were to learn the numbers and sizes of fish taken, the amount of effort expended in the taking, the esti- mated \alue of the fishery, and the relationship of the fishery to the over-all salmon picture. The study is still under wa\% but some conclusions have been reached. The investigators found that anglers fishing from party boats and skiffs land most of the sport-caught salmon in the ocean and bays and estuaries; a small part of the catch is made by shore fishermen who fish near river mouths. Party Boats Party boats operating out of most California ports take passengers fishing for hire. From San Francisco northward most of them fish almost exclusively for salmon. From Half Moon Bay south to Avila (San Luis Obispo County) party boats fish primarily for rockfish and salmon. The proportion of salmon in the catch varies from port to port and month to month. Party boat captains are required b\- law to turn in daily logs of their fishing activities. Logs show the number of passengers and the number and kind of fish caught, and are used to measure quality of fishing from month to month and year to year. Skiff Fishing During the past few years there has been a very rapid increase in the amount of ocean sport fishing for salmon from skiffs. Rental facilities have been pro- vided at nearly ever)' small port from Monterey north. This t\'pe of fishing is a comparatively new develop- ment and its significance in the over-all salmon picture is still under study. COASTAL STREAMS The Inland Fisheries Branch began a study in Feb- ruary, 19.55, of trout and salmon in coastal streams in response to needs recognized by the department as w ell as by legislators and sportsmen. Federal moneys are used to finance the project. Much of the work is performed at the new Cedar Creek Experimental Station on the South Fork of the Eel River, west of U. S. Highway 101 between Gar- berville and Laytonville. The objectives of this project are: 1. To determine the survival to the angler and to spawning of artificially propagated steelhead and salmon. 2. To determine the survival to the angler and to spawning of naturally reproduced steelhead and salmon under varying conditions. 3. To measure the reasons for, and extent of, mortality. 4. To test the effects of various management methods, including physical and biological habitat improvement and regulations on these fish and the fisheries. A sportfishing dock at Noyo Harbor, Fort Bragg. The small boats are typical of those used by salmon fishermen in the ocean. (Fish and Game Photo by C. H. Meacham) 5. To provide information for evaluating the effects of proposed and existing water develop- ments on salmon and steelhead in the north- coastal portion of the State. Work Started in 1955 During the biennium the growth of young steelhead at Cedar Creek Station progressed as expected. Mark- ing of approximately 170,000 fish at the station started on December 19, 1955, and continued through Decem- ber 21st, when torrential rains caused the river to rise over the rearing ponds and wash away all the fish. At that time 75,186 marked steelhead and approxi- matelv 90,000 unmarked fish entered the river. At the close of the biennium approximately 500,000 voung steelhead were in the rearing ponds and the losses from the flood had been replaced. A great deal of time was devoted to getting data on the Trinity River for population estimates. This information was needed in order to make recommen- dation for facilities to maintain the important salmon and steelhead fisheries in the face of the huge water development project recently begun at this stream. flow Measurements Water flow measurements, in conjunction with gravel analyses, were made to develop methods for determining an optimum flow over a spawning area. These methods are being applied in the Trinity River and will be applied in the Eel River and other coastal streams. Information on optimum water flows is essen- tial, in order to recommend the proper water releases from reservoirs constructed on salmon and steelhead streams. Fish sampling on Alendocino coastal streams has revealed that the present summer closure on these streams is a sound regulatory measure. This closure is designed to assure a maximum winter fishery for adult steelhead and is serving its purpose well. SACRAMENTO-SAN JOAQUIN STUDY The Inland Fisheries Branch began a study in 1953 of the salmon and steelhead of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, financed mainly by federal funds. The Marine Fisheries Branch, the U. S. Fish and Wild- life Service and sportsmen's organizations have par- ticipated in the work, various phases of which were nearing completion at the close of the biennium. The study has two principal goals. The first is the evaluation of salmon and steelhead losses in the nu- merous irrigation diversions in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys. Information gathered to date is already being used as a guide to the economic justifi- cation of fish screens at various sites, and to set up fish screen priority lists for diversions in which salmon and steelhead are being destroyed. The second goal is to determine the effectiveness of supplementing natural steelhead production in the Sacramento River system with hatchery-reared fish. Facts obtained will form the basis for a sound man- agement plan for steelhead trout in the upper Sacra- mento River. Fish Losses Evaluated During the previous biennium, \\ ork was performed on irrigation diversions along the Sacramento River between Redding and Sacramento. It was found that losses of seaward migrant king salmon fingerlings, though present through most of the irrigation season, were relatively small because most of the young sal- mon migrate into the Delta before the normal irriga- tion season gets into full swing in late April and early May. However, evidence shows that if the irrigation season started earlier, for example in early iMarch, con- siderable losses would occur. It was also demonstrated that serious losses of adult salmon and steelhead occur at pump intakes lacking trash grids or screens. Delta Investigation During the 1955 irrigation season, work was shifted into the San Joaquin Valley and into the Sacramento- San Joaquin River Delta. Here, between the middle of March and the last of May, eight typical large diver- sions were sampled for fish losses. These diversions included three located along a 43-mile stretch of the San Joaquin River between Stockton and Pat- terson, four in the Delta between Antioch and Rio Vista, and one on the Mokelumne River near Wood- bridge. Losses of fingerling king salmon at irrigation diversions along the San Joaquin River were much greater than at those sampled along the Sacramento River. This is due for the most part to an earlier irri- gation season in the San Joaquin Valley, when the fields are being flooded as the peak of the seaward migrant salmon run is passing. One of the larger diver- sions near Stockton was found to have taken over 20,000 young salmon in late March and April alone. Bufte Creek Work in 1956 centered on Butte Creek, an impor- tant tributary of the Sacramento River. Eight large diversions are present along a 25-mile section of this stream; one was screened experimentally. It is essential that they be evaluated with respect to fish losses before a screening program is developed. However, due to floods during the previous winter, no young salmon FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 31 At left department personnel and members release /nc ount and measure marked steelhead at Coleman Hatchery. Yearling steelhead are of Kamloops, d (right) alter marking into the Sacramento River at Princeton Ferry. (Fish and Game Photos by Don LaFaunce) were found either in the diversions or in Butte Creek in the spring of 1956. This work will be continued in 1957. Considerable losses of adult salmon were observed in diversions from Butte Creek in the spring of 1956, and recommendations for elimination of tiiese losses were made. Some of the answers to fish screening problems have been found, but many problems still remain, and the department is working toward solu- tions. Evaluation of Steelhead Planting Since completion of Shasta Dam, the Sacramento River has become excellent habitat for steelhead trout. Releases from the dam have lowered river tempera- tures to a level ideal for steelhead. Many fishermen no\\ travel considerable distances each fall to fish the upper Sacramento. Creel censuses indicate that at least 10 percent of the anglers are from Los Angeles County. Questions of \\ hether present regulations are adequate to maintain the excellent fishing, in view of ever-increasing fishing pressure, and whether it is economical!)' feasible to maintain or even improve the fishing by planting yearling hatchery-reared fish, are being studied. Knights Landing Project To answer these questions, the department is mark- ing and planting hatchery-reared steelhead in the upper Sacramento River. This work is supplemented by an adult steelhead trapping and tagging program in the lower river near Knights Landing each fall and winter, coupled with an examination of adult steel- head upstream from the trapping site. These fish are examined at the project's counting station on Mill Creek, at the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's Coleman Fisheries Station traps on Battle Creek, and in anglers' catches from the upper Sacramento River and tributaries. During the biennium, 9,037 steelhead were trapped and examined for marks and tags at Knights Landing. Of these, 7,63 3 were tagged before being released. An excellent return of tags by sportsmen has indicated a harvest of about 30 percent of the runs during the past two seasons. The steelhead planting program is conducted in cooperation with the L^nited States Fish and Wildlife Service and two sportsmen's organizations: California Kamloops, Inc., and Steelhead Unlimited. The steelhead are reared to yearling size at Coleman Station, where eggs are taken from wild fish trapped in Battle Creek. Planted Fish Supplement Runs A total of 447,812 marked yearling steelhead was planted during the biennium. The 177,269 fish released in 1955, as well as the 270,543 released in 1956, were all planted in the Sacramento River at Princeton Ferr\-. The project has planted 663,260 marked year- ling steelhead since its inception. Approximately 3 percent of the entire run of adult steelhead into the upper Sacramento River sys- tem in 1953 consisted of hatchery fish, followed by S percent in 1954, and 18 percent in 1955. Facts gathered to date indicate that steelhead runs in the upper Sacramento River are substantial and that planted steelhead are making a sizeable contribu- tion to the fisher\'. Project studies have also shown that the new year- round open season on steelhead in the Sacramento River has not increased the total catch appreciably and is not detrimental to the fishery. SILVER SALMON The department introduced 43,025 yearling silver salmon into the Sacramento River System in March, 1956. 32 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME These silvers, averaging 11 to the pound, \\ere reared at Darrah Springs Hatchery and planted in .Mill Creek, Tehama County. Additional plants will be made during the next two years in an effort to estab- lish silver salmon in the Sacramento River. SCREENS AND LADDERS The department's fish screen and ladder program, designed to protect runs of salmon and steelhead, re- sulted in the construction of five fish ladders and 21 fish screens. The extreme floods of December, 1955, also caused a large amount of repair and maintenance work. There were three permanent crews involved in screen and ladder work during the biennium. These crews were headquartered at screen shops located at Vreka, Red Bluff and Elk Grove. Among the five fish ladders constructed, two in- volved major costs and engineering services. Both were financed largely with \\'ildlife Conservation Board funds. The new ladder constructed on the Mokelumne River at the W'oodbridge Dam, San Joaquin Count\', was completed in the spring of 1956 at a cost of more than S3 1,000. TUNNEL LADDER A tunnel ladder constructed at Deer Creek Falls, Tehama County, is the first of this t\"pe in California. It has several advantages over conventional types in circumventing natural barriers, such as waterfalls. It is considerably less expensive to construct and equally important, does not detract from the natural beauty of an area. Considerable experimental work was conducted on screens, including a combination air bubble-sound vi- bration screen, as well as on new drive and cleanins Fish Hatchery Assistant Btvis Gunderson shows husky salmon tagged in Trinity River census. ^Fish and Game Photo^ ^'?*N r >'j^r«.>'*' ' ^Ck4 SyS^ '^•'- ■■■,.,c Hume Lake Dam, (Fish and Game Photo) Serious leakage of the dam creating McClure Lake in Madera County was repaired. Forty percent of the dam face was sealed with watertight compounds after removing loose rock and mortar. Additional repairs were made to the footing of the dam by the Forest Service. Lake level maintenance dams were constructed at the outlets of Maria, Upper West and Lower West Lakes, Nevada County, to increase their depth and pre\ent seepage losses. In cooperation with the Truc- kee Outdoor Sportsmen's Club, sloping screens were installed at the outlets to prevent downstream migra- tions of fish from the lake. Many fish formerly per- ished each year when the outlet stream went dry. winter Carryover Experiment Dry Lake, San Bernardino County, at 9, 100- feet al- titude, averages about five feet deep. Due to heavy winter ice formation, the carryover of trout in this lake is virtually nonexistent. In attempting to improve the winter carryover of trout b\- increasing the depth, one case of 40 percent gelatin dynamite was detonated in five different loca- tions. Holes ranging from four feet square and four feet deep to holes 15 feet by 35 feet by 6 feet deep were created. Future checks will determine whether this work is effective. In addition to the experimental control of cattails and tules through the use of chemicals, a number of tests were made with other chemicals to control sub- merged aquatic weeds. This control of submergents has proved more difficult than the control of emergent plants. This is because the concentrations of certain chemicals necessary to eliminate weed growth are fre- quently lethal to fish or desirable terrestrial plants. FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 39 Miscellaneous Improvements The Southern California stream improvement pro- gram, made possible by Wildlife Conservation Board allocations, continued through the biennium. A new type rock-masonry, flow-accelerating struc- ture was devised, which is a considerable improvement over the log and rock dams and deflectors tried in 1953-54. The chief function of these structures is to create additional pool areas in streams requiring them. A total of 196 devices of this type was constructed on Southern California streams. Pool-forming devices were constructed with logs in a one-third mile section in the headwaters of the South Fork of the Mokelumne River, Calaveras Count)', in 1955. Prior to construction, the fish popu- lation was carefully censused with an electric fish shocker. All fish were counted, weighed, and fin clipped for future recognition. The plan is to recensus the stream in future years to determine the influence of these devices on the fish population. Experimental Structure An experimental structure consisting of two parallel rows of sheet piling anchored to piles was constructed at the outlet of Taylor Creek into Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, in the summer of 1955. The purpose of the structure was to maintain an open channel for fish migration through the sand bar that forms at the mouth. The structure was a cooperative venture with the County of El Dorado which contributed $660 to- wards the total cost of $3,660. The structure func- tioned perfectly in the fall of 1955 and fish had no difficulty entering Taylor Creek, but the December, 1955, floods washed out the upper end of the struc- ture. Efforts were being made at the end of the bien- nium to obtain funds for reconstruction. INVESTIGATIONS The need for more information about the State's inland fisheries has become increasingly apparent as more and more water use projects are planned and angling pressures continue to mount. As in the past biennium, the investigational work generally fell into two groups. Surveys or inventories of local importance, including many water projects studies, were conducted by regional fisheries workers. Basic or long-range research projects were conducted by staff personnel. Close cooperation and frequent contacts bet\\een staff and regional fisheries workers made the work of each group more successful. Stream and Lake Surveys Initial biological surveys were made of 244 lakes and 107 streams. (See Table 11, Appendix.) Rechecks were made of many other waters to determine the success of existing management programs and regula- tions. All of the stream and lake improvement activities listed in this report came about as results of stream and lake surveys. Creel Censuses Creel census work was increased considerably. Table 12, Appendix, lists the 145 streams and lakes on which important information regarding angler use and success were collected. In addition to these, spot censuses were made of many individual waters. This work is one of the most important activities carried on by the department. It provides the basis for fish planting allotments, the evaluation of regulations, determining the economic importance of the fishery in relation to other v\ ater uses, and it provides close con- tact betw een the angling public and fisheries workers. A few of the waters listed in Table 12 such as Castle Lake in Siskiyou County, Rush Creek in Mono County, and the Lakes Basin area of Plumas and Sierra Counties w ere special test waters where the re- sults of study can be applied to similar waters. FISH DISEASE STUDIES As fish production has increased, so have the de- mands for fish disease services. During the biennium, virtuall>- all of the eff^ort carried on in fish disease work has been restricted to providing services at state hatcheries. During the 1950-52 period the department's disease control program investigated 1 16 cases of diseased fish. Of this number, 51 involved fish at state installations. The remainder of the work involved commercial hatcheries (24 cases) and wild fish (41). In 1952-54, the effects of the increased hatchery program began to be felt and fewer fish disease serv- ices were available for commercial and wild fish in- vestigations. With the completion of the hatchery expansion and modernization program in the recent biennium, the pattern of fish disease services shifted almost entirely to hatchery investigations. Of 120 cases studied, 112 involved fish at hatcheries. Gill Flukes Special studies were made of two important trout diseases. The first disease was caused by a gill fluke which is particularly serious at the Darrah Springs Hatchery, and is also important at the Mt. Shasta and Cr\stal Lake Hatcheries. At the present time it appears that snails of the genus Goviohasis act as the inter- mediate hosts for the fluke. Some strains of rainbow trout are highly susceptible to this disease and die in considerable numbers; other strains are relatively immune. However, when the gills become heavily parasitized the health of the fish is impaired even though it may not die. An attempt will be made to break the life cycle of this gill worm at the Darrah Springs Hatchery by a partial eradication Department disease laboratory men (Harold Wolf, left, and Bill Schafer) investigate a trout disease threat in a commercial hatcfiery tfiat supplies fish to private waters connected witf} public fishing wooers. (Fish and Game Photo) of the snails and the wild fish in the hatchery water supply. The second trout disease to receive special attention during the bienniuni was redmouth, a bacterial disease of the blood and various tissues of rainbow and eastern brook trout. It was found that some commercial trout hatcheries in other states were seriousl\' affected by this disease. It was shown in a survey that about 1,000,000 live trout a year were entering the State and that the num- ber would increase. Inspection of Shipments After this was established, an investigation showed that there was a danger of introducing diseased fish into state waters. It was then decided that each ship- ment of live trout would be inspected for redmouth as well as other diseases, and only if found to be free of disease could they be delivered into California. At the same time all the commercial trout hatcheries and all the state-owned hatcheries in California were in- spected for redmouth. The disease was found in seven commercial hatcheries and one state hatchery. Treatment of the infected fish with sulfa drugs was recommended and these lots of fish were quarantined until inspection showed that they were free of the disease. It is believed that redmouth will not cause the State serious trouble as long as infected trout are prevented from entering California, and as long as routine inspection of all trout hatcheries, both com- mercial and state-owned, is continued. WARMWATER FISH STUDIES The emphasis of the state-wide warmwater research program remained on the problem of providing forage for largemouth bass. Five species of small fish thought to have potential value as forage have been planted throughout the State. The fathead minnow and golden shiner have become established in several lakes and reservoirs but have not provided the forage expected of them. The plains red shiner has been extremely successful in the Colorado River area, but its value is not clear else- where. Although the native freshwater smelt found in the lower reaches of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers has been introduced into three colder foothill reservoirs, no evidence of reproduction has been found. THREADFIN SHAD The threadfin shad, imported from the Tennessee River in 1953, has been very successful and shows great promise as a forage species. It was introduced into San Vicente Reservoir, San Diego County, in June, 1954, and has successfully reproduced. It is now found throughout the reservoir and is being utilized by the sport fish. Its effect on the fishery' in terms of increased angling success has not had time to become apparent. The fluctuation of the FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 41 reservoir has not affected its spawning, and it is utilizing the open waters not previously used by the other fish. Two introductions of this fish were made into Lake Havasu on the Colorado River, one in December, 1954, and another in March, 1955. By July, 1955, shad were found throughout the river from below Davis Dam to Yuma, Arizona, and in the Salton Sea. In April, 1956, an extensive evaluation program was begun. The results to date show that the shad is being utilized by the largemouth bass as forage. There is some indica- tion of an increased growth rate for the bass that started in the spring of 1955 when the shad were populating the river at a rapid rate. The relationship of the shad to the channel catfish is not clear. The evaluation program is only in its initial phase, however. Increased angler success at Lake Havasu has been attributed to the shad. Puddingstone Reservoir, Los Angeles County, was stocked with shad in March, 1955. They have done very well here and appear to have favorably influenced the fishery. The survival of largemouth bass has been increased. POPULATION STUDIES In warmwater impoundments the fishery is sup- ported by a number of different kinds of fish rather than just one or two as in trout waters. This compli- cates management practices as control or heavy use of one fish often markedly affects the numbers or success of other fish. Because of the close relationship between forage fish, sport fish and rough fish, such as carp, a knowledge of population size and composi- tion is essential for intelligent management. It may be possible, for instance, to improve the fishing in a water by the control or introduction of different fish. An example of such a manipulation is the introduction of the threadfin shad into the Colorado River. This population information is gathered in a number of ways, some of which are by no means simple. A short-term, intensive survey method has been devel- oped and applied in waters throughout the State from Modoc County to San Diego County. Included in these surveys were: Big Sage Reservoir, Modoc County; Lower Susan River, Lassen County; Millerton Lake in Fresno and Madera Counties; Pardee Reservoir in Amador and Calaveras Counties; Turlock Reservoir, Stanislaus County; several San Diego County reservoirs and Salt Springs Valley Reservoir, Calaveras County. Much of the information gathered in these studies is now being applied in the manage- ment of the waters. PRE-IMPOUNDMENT SURVEYS Two pre-impoundment surveys were made. The American River above the Folsom Dam site was sam- pled in 1955 and again in 1956, as was Putah Creek above the Monticello Dam site. The information ob- tained will be used in the management program for the completed reservoirs. Evaluation of rough fish removal prior to the flooding of new reservoir basins is also in progress. In 195 3 a largemouth bass tagging study was begun at Clear Lake, Lake County. The purpose of the study was to determine the harvest rate for this species. Boat launching beach at Folsom Lake, one of the State's newest warmwater takes. (Fish and Game Photo) Three-year tag returns were received permitting the calculation of basic mortality figures never before available for largemouth bass. These were possible only because a better tag was developed. Similar data was obtained at Sutherland Reservoir, San Diego County. Fish diseases and parasites, normally serious only in crowded hatcheries, have not been thought to be a problem in wild warmwater fish populations. In sev- eral waters where the largemouth bass spawning suc- cess was very high, serious infestations of heart nema- todes were discovered. These may be one of the causes for the great fluctuations in year classes that com- monly occur in these waters. The effect of the parasite is not fully known and a control method has yet to be devised. NEW FISH In addition to the importation of new forage fish, several new sport fish were brought into the State. One of these, the redeye bass, brought in during the previous biennium, was unsuccessful and none are now found in the State. The redear sunfish was im- ported in 1954 and propagated in Southern California and at Central Valleys Hatchery. It has been planted into ponds and lakes and is now being observed. The range of the pumpkinseed sunfish in California was extended by a series of experimental plants in the colder ponds of the central coastal region. White crappie, and the native Sacramento perch were both tried in new waters. Only the white crappie has offered improved angling. The success of the landlocked striped bass in the east, together with a need for a control on a stunted panfish population resulted in an introduction of this species into Millerton Lake in 1956. CATFISH STUDY Since World War II, the once lowly catfish has risen rapidly in the esteem of California's anglers. An indication of its popularity as a game fish is revealed by the fact that approximately 19 percent of Cali- fornia's license holders fished for them in 1955. The total catch that \ear was 7,500,000 catfish, making California the leading state in the Nation in sport fish- ing for catfish. Increasing fishing pressure on the State's catfish pop- ulations created an urgent demand for statistical data on the major fisheries, and data on the life histories of the most important catfish species. Information of this type was necessary in order to establish a factual basis for the proper management of the fisheries. An opportunity to obtain valuable information about little known catfish was presented in 1951 with the availability of federal aid funds for sport fish investigations. Angler Phil Douglas displays big channel catfish he took horn the Colorado River. (Fish and Game Photo) A Federal Aid Project was started in 1952, and was the first freshwater investigation in California sup- ported with funds derived from excise taxes on fish- ing equipment. Having accomplished its original ob- jectives, it was terminated on June 30, 1956. Tagging Studies Considerable effort during the biennium was directed toward completion of tagging investigations already in progress in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Clear Lake, and the Colorado River. The Delta tagging experiments on white catfish have been remarkably successful. Anglers have re- turned over 1,300 tags from the 6,966 tagged fish released since the inception of the project. The results of these studies have made it possible to calculate the vital statistics of the Delta catfish population with a degree of accuracy seldom, if ever, realized before in any similar studies conducted anywhere in the world. \^alid measures of annual survival, rate of exploita- tion, rate of natural deaths, and annual total mortality have been obtained. Such data will be invaluable in the conservation of the Delta catfish resource. The principal factors responsible for the success of these experiments have been the development of a tag that will remain on the catfish for three years or more and the noteworthy cooperation of sportsmen who voluntarily reported the capture of tagged fish. Certain sportsmen's groups, such as the Foothill Sportsmen's Club of Oakland and the Twin Cities Rod and Gun Club of Yuba City have contributed greatly by sponsoring prize drawings for anglers who reported capture of tagged catfish. Channel Catfish A tagging study on channel catfish in the Colorado River, which was begun in 1954, was completed dur- ing the biennium. Results of the study indicated that the fishery is being exploited at a safe level and no drastic changes in regulations are necessary. Tagging studies at Clear Lake, in which 3,500 white catfish and brown bullheads were tagged in 1952 and 1954, have demonstrated clearly that the fishery is greatly underexploited. The annual harvest is only about 2.5 percent of the catchable population. In other words, most Clear Lake catfish simply die of old age. An increased bag limit and liberalization of certain gear restrictions have been recommended to encourage better utilization of this resource. The important channel catfish fishery in the Lower Sacramento River system and Sutter Bypass was the subject of a tagging study during 1955 and 1956. Tag returns after one year indicated that the annual rate of harvest is approximately 20 percent of the catch- able population. Sampling to determine abundance of young striped bass in the Sacra- menio-San Joaquin delta area. (Fish and Game Photo) While fishing lor striped bass in the Sacramento River off Port Chicago, Catalino Diangson of San Francisco hooked into this 277-pound sturgeon. Victory over this 8-foof, 5-inch giant required 1 hour and 20 minutes. (San Francisco News Photo) Life History Studies Successful management of a fishery must be based on a thorough understanding of the biology of the species concerned. Consequently, a major portion of the catfish study program was directed toward gain- ing an understanding of catfish life histories. Emphasis was placed on study of the biology of the white catfish in the Delta, since the Delta fishery is the largest and most important in the State. By the end of the biennium, data on age and growth, food habits, size at maturity, reproductive characteristics and diseases had been obtained. The age and growth and food habits of channel catfish in the Colorado River was studied in order to evaluate the efi^ects of the experimental introduction of the threadfin shad into that important river. The catfish project started this work and it is being con- tinued under the warmwater research program. \'aluable facts about the food habits and age and growth of catfish in Clear Lake have also been ob- tained during the course of project activities. STRIPED BASS AND STURGEON The 1954-56 biennium coincides with the first two years this federal aid project has been in operation. The striped bass fishery is an extremely valuable one, -""S» Trout tagged on under side. (Fish and Game Photo by E. P. "Phil" Pister) providing an estimated 2,000,000 days angling and 1,500,000 fish to 150,000 anglers annually. During the biennium the system of postal card and party boat catch reports has been maintained and im- proved. An evaluation of the status of the fishery based upon these records and data obtained through special striped bass angler interviews and surveys was made. It was shown quite conclusively that there has been a gradual but decided decline in the total catch and average angler success. Individual angler success is now only about one-half w hat it was during tiie pre- war years. Bass Size Limit In an attempt to improve the present quality of angling a 16-inch minimum size limit and three fish bag limit was recommended. These recommendations were based on the biology of the striped bass and angler catch records. The annual striped bass fry surveys, which indicate spawning success and the distribution and abundance of frv on the nursery grounds, w as continued. Spawn- ing success in 1955 and 1956 appeared to be very poor in comparison with 1953 and 1954. The distribution of fry and fingerling bass is an important consideration in relation to the large water diversions in the Delta and in industrial pollution. Commercia/ Gill Netters During the biennium, project personnel investigated the commercial salmon and shad gill netters in the Delta to obtain estimates of the number of game fish destroyed during normal commercial operations. The study was conducted during the 1954 and 1956 shad seasons and the 1955 salmon season. The investigations have shown that a greater num- ber of bass are caught in the channel areas than in the shallow flats of Honker and Grizzly Bays. However, in the flats the percentage of striped bass in the catch is almost twice that of the channels and the percentage of mortality is also much greater. It is apparent that the flats gill netters inflict the greatest relative amount of damage in terms of fish destroyed per number or poundage of marketable fish. Salmon catch figures have been computed for the last 10 years. Since the loss of the San Joaquin spring salmon run, the August 10th to September 26th commercial season provides about 97 percent of the total annual river salmon catch. Gill netting for the few salmon caught throughout the rest of the year does not seem to justify the losses of bass caught in gill nets. On the basis of the data brought out by these in- vestigations the department is recommending addi- tional measures to protect the sport fishes. In 1954 the taking of sturgeon on sporting tackle was legalized for the first time in 37 years. The de- partment felt that they were once again abundant enough to support a hook and line fishery. Sturgeon Size Limit A sturgeon investigation was initiated to provide the necessar\- data for the proper management of these fish. A total of 1,003 white sturgeon were tagged in San Pablo Bay. Tag returns indicate they are not being overharvested by the anglers, although a con- siderable number are caught by commercial gill net- ters. The pattern of migrations has not yet been \\ orked out in detail but there appears to be a general tendencN' for them to move upstream in the late fall and w inter. Two returns of San Pablo Bay were re- corded from near the Columbia River in Oregon. A method of determining the age of sturgeon was developed and an age and growth formula has been computed. This study showed that the San Pablo Bay population was principally composed of 6- and 16- year-old fish. The fishery is apparently dependent upon a few successful year classes. It was shown that a size limit of 50 inches offers greater protection for the fishery than 40 inches. Sturgeon do not mature until the\- are 15 to 20 years old and should be given protection at least to that size. Pollution Investigation Project personnel ran a series of bioassays on the waste effluent from an industrial plant near Antioch and found it to be quite toxic to fish life. Another series of tests is being run on the effluent, using striped bass as the test fish. As a result of these tests improved standards were required by the Pollution Control Board and plant waste discharges are noticeably better. TROUT MANAGEMENT STUDY Nearh- all of the department's basic trout research is now performed under the auspices of a single Din- gell-Johnson (Federal Aid) project, which was en- larged during the biennium to include work on catchable trout evaluation. During the period, project activities were devoted primarily to: (1) basic trout disease studies; (2) de- veloping methods for the evaluation and improvement of trout planting; (3) comparing difi^erent species and strains of trout to determine which are the most suit- able for the various types of California trout waters. RAINBOW rnOUT HAVE BEEN RELEASED IN THIS AREA nmiRN TAGS TO INSURE BHIER FiSHING M sun TO INCIUM THIS INIOOMAttON ) Dots Ih. -o-t -tu tofcw X Plot* IbfflfH in relation 10 land' brM««> coodi bain, otc RETURN ALL TAGS to CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME TAKE ONE FRflMKEI) EHyfLoPtS FOR /OUR TAG RLTURN Board designed by department to encourage tag returns. (Fish and Game Photo) Since the hatchery and planting program takes up the largest portion of the department's fisheries budget, a major effort was put forth in exploring and developing methods to assure that the public will re- ceive maximum value from the planted fish. NEW TAG DEVELOPED A special tag was developed from vinyl plastic. It is placed under the thin skin covering the ventral sur- face of the trout, but does not affect growth or be- havior of the fish. It has enabled the research workers to follow particular groups of planted fish and to determine, through the return of these tags, many things. These include total catch of the planted fish, migration from the area of plant, growth of the trout, and overwinter survival— in essence, the value of the planted trout to the angler. Special tagging studies were carried out on various types of waters receiving large plants of catchables. Some of the waters on which the department made test evaluations are: South Fork of the American River, El Dorado County; South Fork of the Yuba River; Lake Pillsbury, Lake County; Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County, and the Kern River in Kern County. Tag Returns Encouraged A great deal of publicity was given to the studies at the latter two waters in order to encourage tag returns. An added incentive for tag return was the donation of money and awards by sportsmen and local businessmen at public drawings. Other waters of the State will be studied to deter- mine whether they fall within the observations made to date. Ultimately, through the methods used here, fisheries managers in the regions will be able to deter- mine more effectively the value of catchable trout in their particular areas. Adjustments will be made from w ater to water to utilize more effectively the hatchery product. Total planting of catchables on some waters will be increased and others decreased to the general good of the fishing public. The comparison of different species and strains of trout in various types of California waters mainly in- volved the planting of different lots of marked hatch- ery fish and the checking back of returns to the angler through intensive creel census studies. Other work performed in conjunction with this phase of the project consisted of comparing survival of trout planted by air with others planted by truck or pack- stock. These studies were conducted at Castle Lake in Siskiyou County, Rush Creek in Mono County, and at several lakes in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area of Sierra and Plumas Counties. Castle Lake Study The results of the eastern brook trout phase of the Castle Lake study were published in April, 1956, issue of California Fish and Game. Some of the more im- portant points brought out by this study are the fol- lowing: \. After the removal of the predatory brown and lake trout in 1946, the survival to the angler of eastern brook fingerlings jumped from 1.9 percent to 35 per- cent of those planted. 2. Although 1,503 pounds of yearling brook trout were planted in 1947, only 978 pounds of fish from this plant were eventually caught by the anglers. In marked contrast, 100 pounds of brook fingerlings planted in 1948 yielded 923 pounds to the anglers. 3. If predatory fish are not present, brook trout fingerlings when planted will yield a high return to the angler, and many will remain in the lake to spawn and establish a large self-propagating population. 4. In Castle Lake at least, the brook trout is rarely cannibalistic, so if too many are planted or if too many are propagated naturally the food supply of the lake will not be sufficient, and thin, stunted trout will result. 5. The average catch of brook trout by the anglers was about 10 pounds per acre per year. Tmto Important Studies Some of the facts gathered in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area and at Rush Creek which could 46 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME '7ft^^w Ttea/^ ; '^cd ^ NEW WATERS COMPLETED BETWEEN JULY 1, 1954, AND JUNE 30, 1956 Surface area Construction Name of water County in acres agency REGION I None noted REGION n Folsom Reservoir. _ Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado 11,SOO U. S. Corps of Engi- neers Nimbus Reservoir (Lake Natoma)-. Sacramento . . B60 D. S. Bureau of Re- clamation Sly Park Reservoir. El Dorado 660 U. S. Bureau of Re- clamation REGION in Kent Lake Marin 26S Marin Municipal Water District Chesbro Reservoir. Santa Clara .. 300 South Santa Clara Water Conservation District REGION IV Avocado Lake Fresno 83 U. S. Corps of Engi- neers Pine Flat Reservoir Fresno 0,300 U. S. Corps of Engi- neers Isabella Reservoir Kern 8,200 U. S. Corps of Engi- neers Los Banos Ponds.. Merced 200 Wildlife Conservation Board Hume Lake* Fresno 7B Wildlife Conservation Board Vermillion Reser- voir Fresno 1,890 Southern California Edison Co. REGION V Santa Felicia Res- ervoir Ventura 1,236 United Water Conser- vation District of Ventura County * Repair and rehabilitation. have considerable influence on the department's trout management program are: 1. The "Splake," a hybrid fish resulting from the cross of eastern brook trout and lake trout, was found to do extremely well in Lower Salmon Lake, Sierra County. Several thousand of these fish were planted in the late summer of 1955 at an average size of 12 fish per ounce (under two inches in length). The following spring they entered the catch in good numbers and had attained an average length of more than 6'/2 inches. 2. Strains of brown trout developed in the eastern states through many years of selective breeding were brought into California and appear to be showing a better return to the angler than California brown trout planted in the same waters. Tests indicating this were conducted at Rush Creek and at Lower Sardine Lake, Sierra County. 3. Rainbow trout imported from British Columbia, when compared with rainbow trout from Cahfornia's hatcheries, have shown considerable less return to the angler. This is offset somewhat by the Canadian rain- bow's greater sporting qualities, preference for arti- ficial flies over bait, and the fact that returns from a plant of these fish of catchable size extend over a longer period. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD {Conlhmed fro?/! page 20) Fish Screens and Ladders Fish screens were authorized for several irrigation diversions where fish losses were the most acute. An allocation was made for a fish ladder at the Lower Durham-Mutual Water Company diversion in Butte County. Funds were allocated for plans and specifica- tions on several other proposed ladders. The Battle Creek screen was completed, as was the Deer Creek Falls fish ladder. Funds were withdrawn from the pre- viously authorized Glenn-Colusa Canal screen when engineering estimates proved the project to be too costly. Hatcheries and Stocking jModernization of the fish food storage facilities at the Fillmore Hatchery in Los Angeles County was completed. The proposed San Gabriel Hatchery in Los Angeles County was withdrawn because of ques- tionable water supply. Funds for broodstock ponds at the rehabilitated Mt. Shasta Hatchery in Siskiyou County and a 150-tray bank incubator for the Mt. Whitney Hatchery in Inyo County were allocated. Funds were approved for studying the feasibility of expanding several hatch- eries in Region V in Southern California. In addition, funds were allocated for projects pre- viously approved. They were the Cedar Creek Hatch- ery, fish planting tankers, Darrah Springs Hatchery, Moccasin Creek Hatchery, Mojave Hatchery and Hot Creek Hatchery. WATERFOWL The waterfowl management area program was al- most completed. Some construction work remained to be done on Lower Butte Creek Waterfowl Manage- ment Area in Butte County, the Mendota in Fresno County, and the Delta (Grizzly Island) in Solano County, and additional allocations were made for this purpose. Practically all land acquisition has been completed. One small project, Sheepy Ridge Waterfowl Public Shooting Area, in Siskiyou County was approved and acquired. MARINE FISHERIES Beach seining to capfure surf fish for tagging (Fish and Game Photo by Charles F. Crawford) The long continuous shoreline of California, stretch- ing more than 1,200 miles from Oregon on the north to the Mexican international boundary on the south, is playing a major part in the development of agricul- ture, industry and the recreational life of the inhabit- ants of this State. From the sea comes basic wealth— protein and nourishment for the inhabitants of the State and the Country. From contact with the Pacific comes the health-giving opportunity for marine recreation and fishing. The commercial fishing industry is one of the major segments of the economic life of our State. The State of California alone supplies over 90 percent of the canned tuna of the Nation. Sportfishing in the ocean is an additional important factor in the economic wel- fare of the citizens of this State. California has one of its biggest stakes in its ocean fisheries, both commercial and sport. The orderly de- velopment and utilization of these fisheries for the major enjoyment and benefit of all is the responsibility of the Marine Fisheries Branch. Marine Fisheries Commission The Pacific Alarine Fisheries Commission was formed in 1947. It is the result of a compact between the States of California, Oregon, and Washington, and was created to promote the better use of those fisheries which are of mutual concern to the three states and to recommend parallel conservation legislation. General meetings are held once a year usually in November or December. The meeting place is ro- tated among the three states. Attendance includes the commission, advisers from the fishing industry, re- search staff members from the three states and the general public. Canada, Alaska, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service send representatives to the general meetings and to the research stafi^ meetings, which are also held once a year. Wherever possible the study and man- agement programs of these groups are coordinated with those of the three states. Slate Projects Coordinated A research coordinator employed by the com- mission assists in coordination of the state research agencies, elimination of gaps in the work and in the development of joint programs of management which can be applied along the entire Pacific Coast of the United States and including Canada and Alaska when possible. :47] 48 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME During the biennium, the Pacific Marine Fisheries Commission has coordinated research work on various ocean species conducted by the three states, Canada, Alasiia, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The work has included studies on the king and silver salmon, albacore, sablefish and the otter trawl fisheries. Accounts of the commission's work appears through- out this report under the species above-named. 'Poftt^ 'Sear. Since 1949 the annual catch of reds has been between 1.2 and 2 million pounds. The San Simeon-Alorro Bay area, from which most of the red abalone come, has been in almost con- tinuous production since 1929. Abalone in this area have a rapid growth rate and in most years the majority of those which reach legal size are to be harvested. The bulk of the shellfish appearing in the catch are young, tender abalone of the highest quality and command a premium price. Because of the price difference between reds and pinks many of the Southern California divers moved into the l\Iorro-San Simeon area during spells of good diving w eather, but moved back as soon as the weather got rough. Aba/one Study Conducted Whether a commercial abalone fishery could be established north of the Golden Gate was the subject of an investigation during the biennium. Almost the entire red abalone population of the north coast is located close to the shore line and in relativel\' shallow water. Few, if any, are found be- yond 50 feet in depth. Representative sections of the northern coast line were examined during the study. In some small areas observed abalone were found in local abundance, but with few exceptions were small, their growth rate slow and their meat was generally of inferior quality. In many places there were very few abalone above the eight-inch legal size limit required for reds. Nowhere among the sections observed were abalone found in sufficient numbers to support a sus- tained commercial fishery, as it currently is sustained on the southern coast of the State. Transplanting operations have been conducted with red abalone to determine if this species can be intro- duced into apparently suitable areas where they are Bringing on eight-foot beam trawl aboard the deporfmen/'s research vessel Nautilus. This gear plays a ma/or role in sampling the juvenile crab population. (Fish and Game Photo by W. A. Dahlstrom) not present, or if the population can be built up in places where they are relatively uncommon. Results of the transplants were not determined at the end of the biennium. MARKET CRAB Many years ago the research on crabs led to sound conservation regulations. As a result a valuable re- source thrived during years of intensive harvesting. However, conditions in the crab fishery changed during the last few years and it was necessary that the fishery be re-evaluated. The results of studies, coupled with the cooperation of the crab industry, brought about changes in the crab laws in 1955 in w hich the season was shortened and provision was made for openings in crab traps through which many undersized crabs could escape. The 1955 Legislature requested additional investiga- tion to further improve conservation and management of this fishery. The research is determining the effects of intensive fishing on the resource. Observations are being made of commercial fishing operations and the catch at Eureka and San Francisco. Records are made of the sizes and sexes of crabs taken and released aboard the fishing vessels as well as those kept for marketing. Study of juvenile crabs is being conducted to deter- mine the factors causing strong and weak years of survival which result in years of relatively high and low harvest. Escape Openings Studies conducted aboard department research ves- sels and from commercial vessels revealed the value of escape openings for small crabs. Approximately 20 times as many crabs (mostl\' females and small males) are held in traps with no escape openings as are held in traps with four-inch circular openings providing an exit for the smaller crabs. The natural movement of market crabs is being investigated by department scientists through tagging studies initiated in the San Francisco-Bodega region during October and November, 1955. Recoveries made during the 1955-1956 season showed movements of onh- a few miles from points of release with a general seasonal migration toward deeper water as the season progressed. Similar tagging work was being followed in the Eureka-Crescent City area prior to and during the 1956-57 season. Record Seen Possible Landings of market crabs leveled off at 7,000,000 to 8,000,000 pounds for the three years following the high of 13,000,000 pounds in 1952. However, the 1955-56 season landings indicate that the total land- ings for 1956 may approach the high level of 1952. In the San Francisco area the market crab catch has remained relatively stable with annual landings of from 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 pounds for the past eight years. The drop from 1952 to 1955, was due to a decrease in north coast landings which hit a low of about a million and a half pounds in 1955. This year (1956), the landings in the Eureka-Crescent City area have sk\rocketed upward to almost five times that recorded in 1955. OYSTERS During 1955 the oyster fishery saw the greatest activity since 1942, and 1956 figures may be even higher. Landings of Pacific oysters in 1955 very closeh- approached the all-time high of 1.7 million pounds of 1941. Oyster culture allotments for over 5.000 acres have been issued by the department since 1954, bringing the total area under oyster cultivation to nearl\- 14,000 acres. The 1955 Legislature adopted extensive changes in laws governing shellfish culture. Fish and Game Code sections w ere updated to include license fees, privilege taxes and rental fees to be paid by shellfish cultivators. Support of the oyster industry and organized sports- men helped to bring these changes about. Regulations were amended by the Fish and Game Commission. These regulations now prescribe mini- mum use of state water bottoms allotted for oyster culture and provide for expedient inspections of shell- fish shipments destined for planting in California waters. Cases of seed oysters on pieces of shell are Imported ham Japan. The ship is hurriedly unloaded so that the valuable seed can be planted in California bays. (Fish and Game Photo by H. G. Orcutt) -*.• Seed oysters attached to pieces of shell are scattered on tidal flats. CFish and Game Photo by H. G. Orcutt) Reason for Imports Temperature and salinity conditions do not reach the proper level for a long enough time ordinarilv to permit spawning of imported oysters in the water of our bays. How ever, this seeming shortcoming is more than overcome by the abundance of food organisms in these bays and the very favorable environment for adults. This results in a very fast growing, meaty ONSter, with prime quality and flavor much in demand by the oyster-consuming public. The Pacific giant oyster is the principal product of the California industry. The young seed oysters are imported from Japan and grown in our bays to meet the great consumer demand in San Francisco and Los Angeles. This market is large and is expanding to include special canned and frozen products. California oystermen enjoy remarkable production from their plantings. They have a crop ready for market in 14 to 20 months from time of planting seed. This is a year shorter than the time required in Washington state and two years shorter than that required in Japan. The shipments of seed oysters from Japan have increased tremendously during recent >ears. With such phenomenal increases in seed plantings, a corresponding increase in landings can be expected. The accumulating effect on landings can be seen in the "Oyster Imports and Landings" table in this section. New Methods With the re-establishment of the industry in 1952, Morro Bay culturists took the lead in oystering by introducing methods in California to \-ield greater landings per unit of area farmed. During the 1954-56 biennium, Humboldt Bay operations have proceeded from test plantings to large scale oystering w ith highly specialized equipment. A modern hydraulic harvesting dredge, a large shucking plant and a new cannery are now in operation where in 1954 there was only the encouragement from results of test plantings. .Many thousands of acres of the largest ba\s— San Diego, San Francisco, San Pablo and large portions of Humboldt Bay— cannot be certified b\' the Department of Public Health for oyster production because of the possibility of contamination by sewage discharges. This boom in shellfish production is now limited to areas presently in production and no further expansion is possible under present physical conditions. Just Like Farming 0>ster culture is much like farming. The seed oys- ters attached to pieces of empty shells are planted on the tidal flats. Then the growing oyster is cultivated and fattened for harvest. The valuable seed, most of which is shipped here from Japan, is inspected for pests before planting. Certain t\pes of marine snails are the oyster's worst enemies. They drill holes in the shell, killing the oyster and feeding upon the delicate meat inside. Department inspections provide a protection against contamination of our California bays with pests from incoming ship- ments. Native oysters, while they provide a particularly tasty meat, are not harvested commercially principally because labor involved in removing shells from meat is too costly. Pollution Hurt Industry The oyster industry in San Francisco Bay was at its height around the turn of the century. Even then, the oysters described by author Jack London in his story on raids on the oyster beds were not the native va- riety. They were imported here from the East. The in- dustry reached a peak of over 1.5 million pounds har- vested annually by 1911, then faded awav because of Otf^ten, ^tufroftU' Season November, 1961-ApriI, 19B2. November, 19S2-AprU, 1953. November, 1953-April, 1954. November, igSl-April, 19BS. November, 19S5-April, 19B6. Cases* 1,530 3,530 a,234 10,800 26,681 * Cases of seed oysters imported from Japan weigh approximately 200 pounds apiece. , , . cuid ^OHcUtt^ Year 1951 1952 1963 1964 1956 Pounds 133,700 188,666 161,620 468,493 1,636,067 Unloading part of a day's catch of ocean shrimp of Bodega Bay. (,Fish and Game Photo by D. \V. McFadden) polluted conditions of much otherwise usable area. Only in the last decade has it been revived. OCEAN SHRIMP The infant ocean shrimp fishery of 1952 continued to grow this biennium. This relatively new commer- cial fishery was established as a result of exploratory and development work of the Marine Fisheries Branch. Production grew from 206,000 pounds in 1952 to 300,000 in 1954. In 1955 a total of 855,000 pounds of ocean shrimp \\ as taken in California waters, of which 501,000 pounds were landed in Crescent City. Bodega Ba\' shrimpers brought in 330,000 pounds but only 1,446 pounds were delivered in iMorro Bay. The shrimp yield through June 30, 1956, was 419,- 000 pounds, which represents a 22 percent increase over the amount landed in a similar period in 1955. The Crescent City shrimp fleet again led production w ith 308,000 pounds, whereas Bodega Bay fishermen caught 111,000 pounds. As a conservation measure the Morro Bay area \\as closed in 1956 to commercial shrimp fishing b\^ the Fish and Game Commission until such time as the shrimp stocks in that area reach a safe harvestable level. Alesh Experiments Shrimp net mesh testing experiments were con- ducted at sea aboard the N. B. Scofield in 1956. Fur- ther mesh size testing is scheduled in 1957 to obtain sufficient data to establish the optimum mesh size for commercial shrimp net regulations. Through the cooperation of commercial fishermen, man\' samples of the shrimp catch were taken in the Bodega Bay and Crescent City areas for size composi- tion anahsis. A study of the grow th rate and sexual maturity of the ocean shrimp has been completed under direction of the department. PISMO CLAMS From the annual Pismo clam censuses conducted in the winters of 1954 and 1955 at Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, it has been determined that the number of clams available to the average digger will be in short supply within the immediate forseeable future. From these and previous censuses it is obvious that clam recruitment at Pismo Beach has been extremely poor since 1947, while at Morro Bay no \\orthwhile sets have occurred since 1944. Because it takes from 7 to 10 years before most of the clams from any particular year class attain the legal size of five inches, there will be a period of sev- eral \ears (from the time the present supply runs out and until a new set attains legal size) when clam dig- ging will result in an extremely poor yield. At no time during the history of the Pismo clam census (since 1923) has there been such a prolonged period of poor setting. Causes Unknown Cause or causes of poor survival are unknown but could be attributed to a number of factors such as ad\erse currents, rapid temperature changes at a criti- cal period in larval development, salinities unsuitable for successful setting, and extreme predation during larval stages. PELAGIC FISHERIES California fishermen exploiting the tuna resources of the eastern Pacific Ocean range from British Columbia to Peru in quest of their quarr\'. The fishermen utilize three tvpes of gear in taking four different species of fish. Albacore, erratic in occurence and numbers, are taken seasonally from June to November by small \essels using trolling gear in the temperate waters from central Baja California north to British Colum- bia. Yellowfin and skipjack are fished throughout the \-ear by long ranging bait boats and purse seiners from Baja California south to Peru. Bluefin tuna are sought commercially only by purse seiners because of their dense schooling habits and reluctance to bite at lures. Bluefin tuna are the mys- tery fish of the group, for the least is known about them. TUNA PRODUCTION Prior to 1924, the industry averaged about 25,000,- 000 pounds annually. Since that time there has been a stead\ increase as markets developed with greater acceptance of the product. The problems of the tuna industry during the bien- nium were of a complex nature, centering primarily about the high cost of domestic production and stiff competition from foreign producers. Readjustments were manifest in cutbacks in the price of raw fish and in the over-all reduction in volume. The latter was accomplished by intricate rotation systems for vessel 54 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME unloading and departure times for succeeding trips, thus effecting a reduction in the total number of trips and the total tonnage. Solutions to the industry's problems were sought on all fronts, from intensified advertising campaigns to seeking governmental aid via direct subsidy and/or tariffs. Efforts were not without some reward, particu- larly in the increase of consumption. The ultimate objective of the department's tuna in- \estigation is the same as for other fisheries under study by the iMarine Fisheries Branch. That is to ob- tain necessary information on which to base recom- mendations for such management of marine life as is necessary to allow a continued harvest at the highest possible level. This requires determinations of the size of the stocks, fluctuations in abundance, levels of ex- ploitation, etc. Tuna research activities during the biennium were directed toward the solution of these problems. Tagging Program The full scale tagging program, initiated during the preceding biennium, was actively carried forward during this one. Eleven tagging teams sailing on as many commercial fishing vessels, liberated over 6,200 tuna with the department's originally designed tags of \\ hire vinyl plastic tubing. Tuna fishing from the stem of o modern iuna clipper in the eastern fropicat Pacific Ocean. Eleven teams from the department tagged tuna aboard such vessels during the biennium. (Fish and Game Photo) Accumulated tag return data are beginning to un- fold the patterns of movements of yellowfin tuna and albacore. The trans-Pacific migration of albacore was further substantiated by additional recoveries in Japan. Yellowfin were shown to move from southern Mexico northward to central Baja California, gross move- ments of almost a thousand miles. These movements hint at a link between the fish off the so-called "local" grounds, Baja California, with those occurring off Central America. Skipjack returns to date indicate that additional developmental work is needed before returns can be expected w hich will vield the necessary data for management recommendations. The fish market sampling program, a long term project, undertaken by the department, is designed to yield a maximum amount of information regarding the populations of the various tunas. By interviewing the fishermen, details of the catch in time and area are obtained. By measuring the lengths of the fish in the catch, information is obtained on their age, rate of grow th and variation in abundance. For the yellowfin- skipjack fishery the gathering of this data was done on a cooperative basis with the Inter-American Tropi- cal Tuna Commission, effecting a saving in manpower for both organizations. Substantial progress was made in compiling the length frequencies for analysis which was started late in the biennium. Log Books Help The use of log books is an invaluable tool in the stud\- of fishery population dynamics. During the biennium a chart type log book was designed for the albacore fisher\'. The promising results obtained from the pilot trial late in the 1954 season encouraged the planning and initiation of a full scale program in 1955. The first season's returns, 1955, produced a response of 55 percent of the fishermen. The data obtained yielded one of the most complete pictures of the albacore fishery off California shores ever compiled. Field work at sea on survey vessels or from com- mercial fishing boats yields types of information not readil\' obtainable by other means. The occurrence of tuna in time, distance and depth, in areas and seasons not normally covered by the fishery is a case in point; measurements of the environment is another. Because costs are high, each cruise is designed to answer as many questions and problems as is practical. The de- partment's survey vessel, A^. B. Scofield, made three exploratory fishing cruises for tuna during the bien- nium. A fourth cruise was made by department per- sonnel on the University of California's research ves- sel, the Paolhia T. Albacore The albacore is the onl\' tuna that is taken in num- bers north of California. The three states, Canada, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service have all studied this species. There is vital need for these studies to FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 55 be properly coordinated and the Pacific Marine Fish- eries Commission has accepted the responsibility for this job, and is continuing to act as the clearing house for the exchange of albacore data among the interested agencies. SARDINES Sardines, virtually absent during 1952 and 1953, again appeared in Southern California waters. Cali- fornia's purse seine fleet took 64,000 tons during the 1954-55 season and 75,000 tons in the 1955-56 season. These landings, although a sizable increase over the two previous years of complete failure, were a far cry from even poor seasons during the "hey day" of the fishery. Optimism expressed in some quarters that California's sardines have once again returned home is not justified by the available evidence. Historically, from 1916 to the present, the Cali- fornia sardine industry has depended upon rather pre- dictable on-shore movements of adult fish after their off-shore spawning. During the peak of the industry this spawning occurred as far north as British Co- lumbia. After spawning, the adult fish moved in-shore and traveled south along the coast at \\ hich time they were available to the purse seiners. With the series of poor spawning years beginning in the late 1940's, coupled with a continuing heavy fishing pressure, the stock of fish north of Baja Cali- fornia was reduced progressively each year. The pinch was f.elt first in the north where the largest oldest fish w ere normally taken. The fisheries in British Columbia, Washington and Oregon failed in the late 1940's and by 1951, Mon- terey's once large industry was no more. By 1952 the San Pedro fishery was almost as completely dead as Monterey's. A purse seine net puller, developed and patented during the biennium, enables the fnherman to purse and pull an empty net in as little as 15 minutes, a task that formerly required as much as three hours, (Fish and Game Photo by Anita Daugherty) Aw€ ScUt CcUc^ Area (for 1965) Daily reporting bait boats No. pounds of live bait* No. of angler days by area I sport- fishermen)** Port Hueneme to Morro Bay . . 6 3 7 4 3 646,353 1,220,154 4,712,843 1,418,304 4,488,927 39,676 57,296 Los Angeles and Long Beach 101,601 Newport to San Clemente Oceanside to San Diego 67,664, 91,766 22 12,485,581 367,902 * Including sardines, anchoWes and young of other fish. ** These figures include Party Boat and Charter Boat .\nglers only. No Mexican Shift The California fish did not travel away from Cali- fornia waters to other geographical areas. There was no compensating increase in Mexico's sardine popula- tion to indicate that the sardines shifted bodily to the south. California sardines no longer existed, except in cans, meal and oil. Then in 1954 and again in 1955 fish from Mexico shifted northward and spawned as far north as Point Conception. By the time these Mexican fish moved inshore and south the fishing fleet was ready for them, even before they had spawned. Boats from the idle Monterey fleet moved south and joined the San Pedro boats. Airplane spotters had now joined to help the fleet and fish were taken both day and night. As vet there is no evidence that California's sardine population has become re-established. The young fish spawned in California waters by Mexican fish in the last two years do not appear yet to constitute even average size classes for this region. There have been no outstanding or even good spawnings of sardines in Baja California to compensate for the loss of Cali- fornia's fish. Actually, the sardine population for the coast as a whole is probably now not far above its lowest level. Sound Conservation Needed It becomes abundantly clear that sound conservation practices are needed in the sardine fishery if ever these fish are to return to their former abundance and range. Until the catch is limited to a reasonable percentage of what is available and until nature provides condi- tions for good spawning survival the fishery cannot improve substantially. The Pacific Northwest and even Monterey can expect no great fishery until Cali- fornia's offshore spawning population is once again re-established. During the biennium the California Cooperative Fisher\ Investigation research team has greatly in- \ creased knowledge and understanding of the sardine. Research techniques developed by the department's Marine Fisheries Branch as well as the other cooperat- ing agencies have begun to pay real dividends. A com- bination of egg and larvae surveys as well as preseason censuses on young and adult fish along the coast have contributed to very accurate catch predictions for the past three years. The research methods used in the in- vestigation of the sardine have become models for fish- eries investigators throughout the \\orld. Airplanes Aid Biologists In addition to the routine young and adult fish sur- veys along the coast the Marine Fisheries Branch has begun to use department airplanes to aid the ship- board biologists locate and assess fish concentrations. As a further aid in collecting fish samples at sea, the branch has been developing electro-fishing devices for the attraction and capture of samples of fish. Although this Mork is still in the developmental stage, the results thus far have been most encouraging. MACKEREL FISHERY During most of the biennium landings of Pacific mackerel and jack mackerel were almost completely respondent to market demand. Except for the first few months of the two-year period when there was an actual shortage of both species in local w aters, the supply of mackerel seems to have exceeded the con- sistently poor market demand. Before the opening of sardine fishing in October of 1954, and following two years of complete sardine failure, fishermen \\ere receiving as high as 185 per ton for Pacifies and ISO per ton for jacks. By 1955 the price had been reduced to |45 and $42.50 respec- tively and landings were held down by lack of orders and cannery-imposed tonnage limits for each boat. This failing market for canned mackerel is attribu- table to several obvious factors. In former years the product, inexpensively processed and marketed, pro- vided a cheap protein food for the lower economic groups in the United States and was well received in many countries of the Far East and South America. Since the steady rise of the American standard of liv- ing those families who may have bought canned mack- erel not out of choice but rather out of necessity can now afford meat or more expensive fish products. In the face of this diminishing domestic market has been the steady rise in costs for the canner and a serious increase in foreign competition for overseas markets. Competition Tough South African processors can deliver canned mack- erel to the Orient at a much more attractive price and the product is equal to the U. S. product in every re- spect. Until U. S. canners can make canned mackerel more attractive to the American consumer or devise means to meet foreign competition the industry will continue to be in a difficult condition. Blanket nef used by research vessels in obtaining samples of anchovies, sardines and mackerel. Used at night, the fish are attracted to the area by the suspended light. (Fish and Game Photo by Robert Collyer) In the case of Pacific mackerel, market conditions have had a profound effect on survival of the small one- to three-man scoop boats. This fishery which once supported hundreds of independent fishermen and from 1939 to 1952 supplied more fish than the purse seine fleet, is virtually nonexistent. The market is now casiK' supplied \\ith all the fish needed more economically and often in better condition, from the purse seine fleet. Prior to the 1954-55 season there was serious con- cern over the diminishing stocks of Pacific mackerel. The fishery was becoming more and more dependent upon the success of incoming year classes. The back- log of older mature fish in the population was at a seriously low level. Since 1947, between one-third and one-half of the total number of fish contributed by an\- single year class were captured before they had reached an age of two years and sexual maturity. Only se\en-tenths of 1 percent of the 44,800,000 fish caught during the 1954-55 season were older than 36 months. Market Decline The recent decline in market demand for mackerel may well prove to be the major factor in any future increase in the size of the Pacific mackerel population. The 1953 year class, which has dominated in the catch since before they were a year old, has been a rather successful one. These fish, since the demand on them is now low, are expected to reproduce successfully in numbers for future generations. E.xpanding knowledge on the jack mackerel indi- cates that this fishery is not now and has never been seriously threatened by man's demands. It has long been known that these fish which most commonly enter coastal waters— the two, three, and four year olds— represent only a fringe of the population. Enough isolated catches of very large old fish were taken annuall\- by both purse seiners and sport an- glers to show that there is a residual stock of mature fish be\ond the range of the fishery. Recent evi- FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 57 dence, eggs and larvae, gathered from plankton hauls off the Pacific Coast show that jack mackerel spawn in excess of 1,000 miles off shore. THE ANCHOVY Prior to \\'orld War 11 the anchovy in California was utilized primaril\- for live or dead bait. As a product for human consumption the demand for the species was negligible. However, beginning in the late 1940s and stimulated b\' the failure of the sardine fishers' the demand for a "substitute sardine" rose sharplw From a prewar annual average of much less than 1,000,000 pounds the conimeicial landings of an- chovies rose to a high of over 84,000,000 pounds in 195.^. This take, coupled with live bait landings in excess of 10,000,000 pounds led to serious concern by sportfishing interests that the anchovy, if open to unlimited demand, would go the way of the sardine. Commercial Take Down In 1954 and 1955 the commercial landings dipped to 42,000,000 and 45,000,000 pounds respectively. This decline was primarily due to a lessening market de- mand for the species. In spite of considerable effort on the part of industry to develop a low cost attrac- ti\e product, worldwide competition had increased to the point where inventories had piled up faster than they could be profitably sold. In addition the return of e\'en small numbers of sardines in 1954, and 1955 had decreased the demand for anchovies. In view of this lessening demand for anchovies and under a continuing pressiux for some restrictive measures, the Legislature, in 1955, enacted the fol- T^Cfc /^^am "T^cMt t^ ^icf^^ (^ame o^ ;4Ci This biennium saw the rebirth of a fascinating California whale fishery. Once again seafarers have put to sea to chase the elusive leviathan of the deep. But w hen the cry of "Whale Ho!" sounds over the deck of the modern whaling vessel, it is sung not from the briny lungs of some ancient mariner but from the scratchy, impersonal vocal cords of the ship's electronic in- tercom s\'stem. Progress, alas, is inevitable. The sailing ship of old has been replaced by converted World A\'ar II navy vessels, manned by relatively small crews of five men. At present there are two licensed whale catchers working out of San Francisco Ba\'. The Demiis Gayk\ which formerly based at the Fields Landing sta- tion, and the Dovna Mae began operations in the spring of 1956. Reports revealed good catches as the biennium ended. The hand harpoon has gone the wa\' of the sailing ship. To- day's harpoon consists of a 175- pound shaft tipped with an ex- plosive grenade-type head fired by a powerful gun mounted on the bou of the catcher boat While the minimum size of an ordinar\- fish is usualK' expressed in inches, the minimum size of the sperm whale (the whale of .Mob\' Dick fame) allowed b\ the International Whaling Com- mission, is 50 feet. The legal minimum size of the more com- mon humpback whale is 35 feet. A humpback whale of legal size would weigh approximately 25 tons. It is interesting to note that w haling crews are paid for their catch b\- the linear foot rather than by gross weight. After these large mammals are towed into the whaling station at Point San Pablo, the\" are winched onto a flencing deck. Each animal is measured and stripped of its blubber (which Harpoon cannon mounted on bow of whale killer vessel, Dennis Gayle. (Fish and C;amc Photo In ,1. B. Phillips) ---#'' is approximatel\' one foot thick, depending on the size and con- dition of the whale). This is done by crews of flencers armed with large machete-like knives. The whale is then decapitated and "filleted." Portions of the loin are used for animal food. The meat of the humpback whale is palatable and the taste not unlike that of beef. The car- cass is ultimately rendered dow n into oil, fertilizer and bone meal. The catcher boats and the land stations expect to catch and process from one to four whales a day during the whaling sea- son. The first catch, made on iVIav 9th, was a 36-ton humpback whale. In addition to utilizing the whales for meal and oil, it is believed that suitable parts of the whale meat will be chopped and frozen for mink or other animal food. This venture is the first attempt to catch and proc- ess whales in the United States since 1953. For catchers attached to land stations, the open season for ba- leen (blue, fin, humpback, sei, or minke) whales is May 1st - October 31st and for sperm \\ hales \piil lst-No\embei ^Oth Heiring fis/itng with a beat/t iei/)e iicuf Marshall, Tomales Bay. (Fish and Game Photo by J. B. Phillips) lowing: "During the period from September I, 1955, to March 31, 1956, the total amount of anchovies which may be taken or received for canning, includ- ing canned pet food, shall not be more than 21,000 tons. During the period from April 1, 1956, to March 31, 1957, the total amount of anchovies which may be taken or received for canning, including canned pet food shall not be more than 35,000 tons." In addition to this regulation on total catch, legis- lation was enacted to protect the young anchovy. The law now declares: "No anchovies less than five inches in length measured from tip of snout to tip of tail may be purchased for any purpose except for use as bait; provided that the allowable percentage of under- sized anchovies which may be contained in any load or lot purchased shall be not more than 25 percent by w eight of all anchovies in said load or lot." This and similar legislation on the California yel- lov\tail mark the first time that total annual bag limits have been placed on any commercially taken Cali- fornia marine fish. New Techniques During the biennium new techniques were insti- tuted to maintain a close check on the relative health of California's anchovy population. Since 1955, weekly samples of bait have been collected from the major sportfishing landings from Morro Bay to San Diego. Length frequency and age analyses of these samples have been found to reflect accurately the sizes and ages of the bait utilized throughout the year along the coast. Valuable information on the relative strength of incoming year classes in Southern Cali- fornia will now be available. In former years, young sardines formed an im- portant portion of the California live bait catch. The bait sampling program will also lead to accurate esti- mates of the relative numbers of juvenile sardines which move inshore each year to the Southern Cali- fornia nursery grounds. In addition to the bait sampling program, and per- haps more spectacular, is the recently instituted series of airplane spotting flights designed to assess the abundance and distribution of anchovies as well as sardines and mackerel in coastal waters. .'Mthough still in the developmental stages, this program of identifying and estimating abundance of various pelagic species shows great promise, both as a sup- plement to vessel surveys as well as a new research tool of its ow n. PACIFIC HERRING The Pacific herring fishery has alwa\s been of relativel\- minor importance in California. But, with the "disappearance" of the sardine from the coast of California, attention has been focused upon all other pelagic species, the Pacific herring not excluded. The herring catch that had remained around 300 tons yearly from 1920-1947 rose sharply to over 4,000 tons in 1948. From 1948 to 1956 the catch fluctuated w idel\-. .-Xs the abundance of sardines and other pelagic fishes diminished, the demand for herring rose; and when other more preferred species, such as the anchovy and mackerel were abundant, the demand for herring decreased. The peak catch of herring came in 1952 when over 5,000 tons were landed. Unfortunately the herring processed for human consumption met serious sales resistance. Adult her- ring become soft and do not process well when sub- jected to cooking pressures and temperatures. As soon as this was discovered, several members of the indus- try applied to the Fish and Game Commission for permits to reduce herring into meal and oil. Short Term Study \'ery little was known about the status of the herring population in California so, in 1954, the com- mission ordered a short-term intensive stud\-. The information from this study would be used to deter- mine whether reduction permits should be granted. The stud\- was completed in 1955 and the results were published in early 1956. Generall\' the findings were as follows: The herring population in California waters is of relatively small magnitude compared to the vast herring stocks in Canadian waters where from 100-200 thou- sand tons are taken annually. Estimates based on the numbers of eggs deposited by the total spawning population during the spawning season (January to March) in Tomales and San Francisco Ba\s indicated a total population of around 16,000 tons. Admittedl_\' the data used to compute the California population are rough approximations, but the results do indicate a population of such small magnitude that excessive take of fish on the spawning grounds would threaten the resource. Herring Easily Caught Of primar\- interest in terms of management is the fact that prespawning schools of herring are easily caught in Tomales Ba>'. Boats equipped with round FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 59 haul nets are used in the deeper parts of the bay and fishermen using beach seines and gill nets operate along the beaches where the herring gather to deposit tlieir eggs. Herring entering San Francisco Bay to spawn, on the other hand, are much less vulnerable to fishing activity. Strong tides, tide rips, and rocky shore lines make it difficult for fishermen to catch the fish. The population entering San Francisco Bay to spawn was estimated to be about three times as great as the population entering Tomales Bay. Thus, even though tlie San Francisco Bay spawning population is much larger than the population entering Tomales Bay, increased markets for herring would bring about greater pressure upon the better fishery because of the easier availability of the Tomales fish. All Year fishing Pressure Where adult herring go after spawning in San F"rancisco and Tomales Ba\s was not fully disclosed, hut evidence indicates that considerable numbers con- centrate in the Monterey Bay area upon returning to sea. In 1952, over half of the \earl\' tonnage was taken in the summer months in Montere\- Ba\-. Thus, the adult herring spawning in Tomales and San Francisco Ba\s ma\' be subject to fishing pressure all \ear round. As a result of the surve\', the commission refused to grant reduction permits. MARINE RESEARCH COMMITTEE In 1955 the Legislature changed the composition of the members of the Marine Research Committee, and the membership of the committee now consists of nine men, of whom five represent the production phase of the fishing industry, one represents organized sportsmen, and one represents organized labor. .Marine investigations carried on under the coordi- nation of this committee were continued by California .Academy of Sciences, California Department of Fish and Game, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Hop- kins Marine Station, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under this study oceanic phases of the pelagic fish, including sardines, mackerel, anchovy, herring and squid, were investigated, bringing together addi- tional information concerning the pelagic marine fish- eries of the Pacific Ocean. Limited catches of the supporting fisheries con- tinued during the period, with, a small increase in the catch of sardines. BOTTOM FISHERIES During the past two years the otter trawl fishery continued to produce the State's major source of fish for the fresh fish market. Over 30 million pounds of assorted bottom fish are brought in each year by Cali- fornia's trawl fleet. These landings have continued at this high level in spite of increasingly strong compe- tition from imported frozen fish fillets. Although there has been little change in the pound- age of fish landed, there has been a marked change in the relative proportion of the various species in the catch. DOVER SOLE Dover sole is still the leading species, but bocaccio rockfish has increased rapidly and has taken second place from English sole. There has also been a marked increase in the combined landings of several other species of rockfish which are usually marketed to- gether. The relatively small fillet return from rockfish is offset b\' using the remainder of the fish as pet or mink food. The marketings of rockfish and flatfish "frames" along with varieties and sizes of fish now considered undesirable for human use, has made it possible for the trawl fishermen to operate at price levels which otherwise would be impossibly low. Research by the department on bottomfish has in- cluded mesh studies to determine the sizes of webbing which will do the best job of retaining marketable sizes of fish and releasing those which are too small. Part of this work has been done as a cooperative study under the coordination of the Pacific Marine Fisheries Commission. The latest such experiment was per- formed in 1956 and was carried out bv Washington State Department of Fisheries and California Depart- ment of Fish and Game men, working together on California's research vessel, the N. B. Scofield. Sampling Program A continuing program of sampling the trawl catch is being carried on at San Francisco and Eureka. Addi- tional information is obtained from the daily log of fishing activit\- which each trawl fisherman is required to turn over to the department. These logs and records of the daily landings of each boat are collated and checked. The combined information obtained from these processes has served to keep the management of A typical bag of boltam fish, invertebrates and debris taken during halibut tagging work near Long Reach. (Pierpont Landing Photo) this fishery in step with good conservation practices through knowledge of existing biological and industry relationships. ROCKFISH The rockfish or "rock cods" are abundant in Cali- fornia waters, wherein about 50 species are found. Adults of the many species of rockfish are taken from shallow water close to shore to well offshore and a depth of about 2,400 feet. Some of the forms occurring in California are dis- tributed from Lower California to Alaska, but others are more restricted in their distribution. A few species are small, hardly reaching 10 inches when fully grown, while some other species may attain a length of 36 inches. For the most part, rockfish are found oflF rocky coasts or over a rocky or gravelly bottom, but a few species occur over a hard sandy bottom. Rockfish were of commercial importance in Cali- fornia as early as 1875. In 1900, the catch was be- tween one and two million pounds. In 1918, the catch had increased to eight million pounds as a consequence of the increased demand for food during World War I. Following a postwar slump, landings increased CO 13 million pounds in 1945, reflecting World War II demands. Following another postwar slump, the annual catch has fluctuated between 1 2 and 1 3 million pounds since 1953. Sportsman's Take During the past 10 years, sport fishing in ocean \\aters has become well established and rockfish are now an important component of this catch. Party boat catch records for all California reveal that in 1947 about 2 \A million fish were landed by anglers, of which rockfish comprised about 10 percent; in 1955 slightly over three million fish were landed, of which half were rockfish. In addition to the catches made from the several hundred party boats operating in California ocean waters, rockfish are also caught by anglers operating from motor boats, skiffs, piers, and shore and are also taken by skin divers. Prior to 1943 most of the commercial fishery for rockfish was in southern and central California. The majority of the catches were made by means of set- lines, a series of baited hooks attached to a long line. During this period only about 5 percent of the annual total was landed by operators of the old-type drag net that was rigged for catching flatfish on the bottom of the sea. Dragnet Modified Late in 1943 a modified version of the dragnet, de- signed for capturing rockfish, was introduced into Northern California. This modification, termed a "balloon trawl," proved so successful that by the end of 1944 most of the catches of rockfish were being made with this type of gear in northern and central California waters. Although dragnet gear is now ac- A fureico longline vessel, the Franz Joseph, drifting 10 miles offshore while fishing for sablefish. (Fish and Game Photo by J. B. Phillips) counting for the bulk of the rockfish landed in Cali- fornia, there are still a few small boats that fish with setline gear, particularly along the section of the Southern California coast where dragnets are pro- hibited. Frozen Filleis For man\- years a large portion of the rockfish catch has been marketed in the form of fillets. During World War II the freezing of fillets was given a strong impetus because of military demands. A small portion of the catch is marketed in a fresh, dressed form. In previous \ears small amounts of rockfish have been salted. Experimental canning of rockfish has been tried but did not prove profitable. SABLEFISH Results of studies on the sablefish (black cod) which were carried on jointly by the fisheries departments of Alaska, Canada, VVashington, Oregon, and Cali- fornia were published by the Pacific A'larine Fisheries Commission in Bulletin 3, released late in 1954. Sablefish form the basis of a minor but steady fish- ery along the Pacific Coast, primarily because of the popularit\- of the product in a smoked form. Since 1946, the average annual Pacific Coast landings have been about 10 million pounds, with California account- ing for about 2 million pounds. The fishery is ex- ploited by both longline (setline) and otter trawl (dragnet) fishermen. Studies on the abundance of sablefish in California waters, based on an analysis of the commercial fisher\', indicate that the catch per trip has continued to remain fairly constant since 1941. Fluctuations in seasonal catches are quite closely correlated with economic fac- tors. Inasmuch as the greatest portion of the Pacific Coast catch is placed in cold storage for future smok- ing, a large cold storage holding in one year is asso- ciated with a relatively low catch in the ensuing year, and vice versa. Because the return per unit of effort is being main- tained and because there have been no new develop- ments in the utilization of this species, further regula- FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 61 tion of this fishery in California is not being proposed, for the present. Five-Way Study Studies on sablefish were made by California, Ore- gon, Washington, Canada, and Alaska. Additional data w as supplied by the International Pacific Halibut Com- mission. The work was coordinated by the Pacific Marine Fisheries Commission and culminated in the publication of the Commission's Bulletin 3. The work showed that the sablefish stocks are divided into sev- eral diff'erent populations, that California's populations appeared to be in good condition but that some of those farther north were not. Boat catch studies conducted since the publication of Bulletin 3 have indicated that California's sablefish stocks are still in good condition. RESEARCH VESSELS During the biennium the N. B. Scofield completed nine cruises in 412 operating days. These cruises cov- ered the coast between \'ancouver Island, British Co- lumbia and the Gulf of Panama and offshore to the Galapagos Islands on the equator. The vessel also w orked as much as 500 miles offshore from Southern California. Three trips were made into the waters off Mexico, and Central and South America to investigate sub- surface populations of yellowfin tuna by means of long-line gear. Two other cruises, in which long-line gear was used, were made oft" the Pacific Coast to determine the albacore's migratory routes. Three trips utilized trawl gear, two to investigate flatfish populations in the Northern California area and one to carry out exploratory work on shrimp off Central California. A cruise was conducted in South- ern California waters to tag and release abalones. Yellowfin The Yello\\fin completed 18 cruises during the biennium in 411 days of operations. All but two of these cruises were made to carry out pelagic fish investigations on the commercially important sardines, anchovies and mackerel. For the most part these in- vestigations were made in the coastal waters of Cali- fornia and Baja California, between San Francisco and Alagdalena Bay. Yellowtail and ahalone tagging were accomplished on the two "nonpelagic fish" trips. Pioneer experi- mental work in the development of electro-fishing collection devices were conducted aboard the vessel with excellent results. Fish were positively attracted from relatively long distances in salt water, presaging the advent of more efficient operation in marine surveys. In Ma>% 1956, extensive dry rot was found through- out the Yelloivfin, rendering the vessel unsafe for fur- ther offshore biological research. It was removed from offshore service and preparation made to decommis- sion and replace it. Mo/lusk The 26-foot diving boat Mollusk is designed for working close to rocks in shallow water where it can operate in rock\- areas which would result in the destruction of less maneuverable craft. The boat has been used exclusively in the abalone investigation. Equipped w ith compressor, diving stage and ladder, deep sea diving equipment, hose and underwater tele- phone, it enables department personnel to work in comparative safety while conducting underwater sur- veys and operations. Nautilus The primary function of the NmitUiis has been that of mothership and base operations for the abalone investigation. Because the Mollusk is small and has no accommodations to sleep or feed the necessary crew, the 50-foot Nautilus goes along whenever the investi- gation is so far from a port that it is not practical to return to harbor each evening. The Nautilus is equipped with an electrical gener- ating s\stem which is used to supply the power for underwater lights used by personnel in the study of night time habits of abalone and for underwater pho- tography. Occasionally, aqualung diving is conducted from the Nautilus but for the major portion of the underwater work conventional diving gear is used. The Nautilus is well equipped for other investiga- tional work and during the biennium was used in the following investigations: Herring: The herring schools in San Francisco Bay were charted with the electronic underwater gear. Gillnets and blanket nets were used in sampling the herring schools. Crab: Experimental crab traps were used to test the effectiveness of different sized escape openings for releasing undersized crabs. Beam trawls were used to collect crabs in the very small sizes. Shrimp and Prawn: Shrimp surveys and some ex- perimental fishing with prawn traps were carried on from the Nautibis. Survey vesse/ N B. Scofield h designed for use wifh many types of gear. (Photo by Claude M. Krcider) ■^1 '"iiiir ^ 1^ Ilk 62 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME SPECIAL ACTIVITIES Increased services to the investigations of the de- partment marked the 44th biennium in statistics. Dur- ing this time, replacement and addition of business ma- chine equipment enabled more detailed and more com- prehensive analyses to be made. Special tabulated reports of data, both biological and statistical, were prepared. Correlation of data from fish receipts, log books, questionnaires, and original source documents recorded by field scientists gave the basis for this information. Reports were likewise tabu- lated for the Inland Fisheries and Game Management sections. The acquisition of newer, improved tabulating equipment permitted the absorption of these additional duties through more efficient and versatile operation. Publications The stafi^ issued three publications during the bi- ennium. Statistical Circulars Nos. 29 and 30 presented the annual statistics of fresh and canned fishery prod- ucts for the years 1954 and 1955, respectively. Circular 30 had in addition a table of processed sport-caught fish— the first time sport processing has been separated in the records. Fish Bulletin No. 102 represented the complete commercial fish catch for 1953 and 1954, in- cluding the jack mackerel and sardine yield per area from California waters from 1946-1947 through 1954- 1955, illustrated by charts, tables and accompanying text. Since January, 1955, preliminary monthly landing figures have been published in cooperation with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This leaflet, recording preliminary figures, is printed in Washington, based on monthly landing figures supplied by the depart- ment and distributed both by the department and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Prior to this publica- tion, state-wide monthly preliminary figures were not circulated. Kelp Early in 1955, the California Fish and Game Com- mission recommended the formation of a committee of persons interested in the kelp problem to consider the history and the future of the kelp resource and advance a program to bring about a concerted attack on the problem by all interested groups. Two important results have come from committee efforts: (1) a working agreement between the kelp industry and the sport fishing industry was reached; (2) a five-year study of the relationships between fish and kelp, water conditions and kelp and other rela- tionships has been set up with the University of Cali- fornia. Preliminary financing of this project is under contract with the department. In the latter half of 1955 and the early part of 1956, the department resurveyed the commercial kelp beds off Southern California by airplane, with some addi- tional check by boat and from shore. New maps were drawn and these were compared to maps made in 1912. Four categories were used to assist in the comparison: heavy, medium, thin, and gone. Of 44 beds thus com- pared, five showed no change between the two sur- veys, 17 had declined in abundance, and 22 improved. The beds which shov\ed no change comprised 16 square miles, those which declined 35, and the im- proved beds 44 square miles. A number of the beds have declined to the point where they are practically nonexistent. All of these beds that have practically disappeared are located in close proximity to sewage outfalls with discharges in excess of 40 million gallons per day. These include: two beds near the outlet of San Diego Bay, three off White Point, and two in Santa Monica Bay. Seismic Explorations Department of Fish and Game personnel observed all offshore seismic oil explorations conducted by use of explosives during the biennium and reported all observed damage to marine life. Each seismic exploration crew is accompanied at all times by an official representative of the department, whose dut\' is to observe the operation and take what- ever steps are necessary to keep damage to marine life to an absolute minimum. Companies holding seismic permits from the Fish and Game Commission defray costs of the department observers. One seismic crew operating in Southern California waters from July, 1954, until March, 1955, detonated 1,382,826 pounds of black powder with an observed kill of 389 fish. A second, operating in the same general area between October, 1954, and May, 1955, detonated 1,148,985 pounds of black powder with an observed kill of 665 fish. No crews operated between May, 1955, and January, 1956. Seismic exploration recom- menced in the Santa Barbara area in January with 632,070 pounds of black powder detonated between Januar\' and June, 1956. A total of 860 fish was the observed kill. A fourth crew operated in the Santa Barbara area during the biennium and between June 11, and June 30, 1956, detonated 51,795 pounds of black powder, killing 56 fish. In all, four regular seismic crews operating in South- ern California waters during the biennium detonated 3,215,676 pounds of black powder which killed 1,970 fish. In addition, a series of experimental seismic shots were made in an effort to find a cheaper and safer sub- stitute for black powder that would do as little dam- age to fish life. Observations were made of the use of explosives in pier removal near Elwood and in sewer outfall construction at White Point. GAME MANAGEMENT A molber takes her ducklings for a rubber-necking tour around Honey Lake, State waterfowl management area. (Fish and Game Photo by \Vm. Anderson) Game management activities and services during the bienniuni were keyed to keep pace with the growing demand for hunting opportunities and to maintain game species and habitat in good, healthy condition. The department has made every attempt to provide a \\ ise use of the resource through research 'and sound management practices. As a result, game species are maintaining their numbers and in many cases increas- ing in spite of ever-increasing hunting pressures and record, or near-record, bags taken during the bien- niuni. To preserve and develop existing wildlife habitat and to provide greater hunting opportunities, the de- partment has requested jurisdiction over 542,903 acres of public lands under the U. S. Coordination Act of 1946. This act provides that public lands owned by the United States may be placed under administrative control of the state which dedicates them for wildlife and recreational uses. Plans of the department call for habitat development and construction of access roads on these lands if funds for such purposes become available. During the biennium, 40 miles of access roads were constructed, opening many thousands of acres of pub- lic lands to hunters. Among other activities of the branch during the biennium \\ere active participation in the work of the Pacific Flyway Council on waterfowl and close cooperation with Oregon and Nevada on problems relating to the interstate deer herds. The council, made up of representatives of the western states, makes rec- ommendations to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service on seasons and bag limits and other waterfowl prob- lems of the flyway. PITTMAN-ROBERTSON PROGRAM During the biennium California received $1,146,271 in federal aid apportionments. California's contribu- tion, as required by the Pittman-Robertson Act, was 63 64 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME 1382,090, mjiking a total of 11,528,361 for carrying out the federal aid program in California. These funds are derived from excise taxes on sport- ing arms and ammunition levied at the manufacturer's level and apportioned to the states under the Pittman- Robertson Act for wildlife restoration purposes. In California these funds were allotted to 14 proj- ects set up for improvement and management of the resource, either through research or development and management of the game species and game habitat. Five of these projects were in the field of research and in\-olve gathering data necessary to solve the problems arising in the management of the game species. One coordination project provides general administration of Pittman-Robertson activities. Seven of the projects are devoted exclusively to development of waterfowl areas throughout the State and one is concerned primarily with springs develop- ment, quail, chukar and deer guzzler construction and maintenance, and brush manipulation b\- means of tractor operations, control burning, and chemical plant control. It is the department's largest single Pittman-Robertson project and is state-\\ ide in scope. DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Of the total federal aid mone\s received during the biennium, the largest share was spent on development projects (approximately 60 percent). Development projects on waterfowl management areas include land leveling, levee and irrigation s\'stem construction, building construction, production of w aterfo^\ 1 food crops and general operation and maintenance of the areas. The following is a list of waterfowl development projects carried on during the biennium, showing area size and food crop acreages: Gray Lodge Water^oii'l Management Area (6,735 acres). Waterfowl food crops include rice, barley, milo, and millet under cultivation; approximately 5,000 acres in crop producing area. Imperial Waterfowl Management Area (Finne\'- Ramer 2,064 acres; Hazard-Fleet, 535; Wister, 5,010 acres). Waterfowl food crops under cultivation in- clude rice, millet, barley, and sesbania; approximately 1,000 acres. Honey Lake Waterfoivl Manageiiient Area (4,819 acres). Waterfowl food crops under cultivation are barley, wheat, rye and clover; approximately 950 acres. Madeline Plains Waterfowl Management Area. The development work accomplished v\ith Pittman- Robertson funds here included construction of well and pump installations. Los Bancs Waterfowl Management Area (3,000 acres). Waterfowl food crops under cultivation in- clude millet and barley; cropland areas approximately 1,100 acres. Grizzly Island Waterfowl Management Area (8,600 acres). Waterfowl food crop under cultivation was barley; approximately 3,500 acres in crop lands. Mendota Waterfowl Managejnent Area (8,536 acres). Waterfowl food crops under cultivation include barley and millet; appro.ximately 1,800 acres in cropland area. Largest P^R Project Under the game habitat development project, most extensive in the program, a great many activities were undertaken throughout the State. Some of the more noteworthy accomplishments are listed below. 1. Twenty-one new guzzlers were installed and five were enlarged; over 2,600 maintenance checks were made on existing installations, and needed re- pairs made. 2. A total of 210 springs and wells were located, checked, or developed. 3. Over 5,000 acres in small plots were cleared of brush by burning, chemical spraying, or by mechani- cal means. By clearing small plots in planned locations, the area w hich benefits game is many times the area actually cleared. 4. A total of 2,470 acres of cleared or burned areas were seeded. 5. Browse plantings— 5,352 individual plants set out for game cover and feeding cover; 3,600 plants re- ceived for future plantings. 6. Ten miles of trails and access roads were con- structed. THE GAME HARVEST Game bags remained at a high level during the biennium, with record bags being reported on some species. Statistics on the game bag were compiled from hunter questionnaire surveys, count of birds taken on cooperative hunting and waterfowl management areas, and from a tabulation of deer tag returns. This /,200-go//on capacity tank, twice the size of a normal quail guzzler, is installed in Kern County in typical chukar country. (Fish and Game Photo by Harold Harper) FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 65 (^iimc KiU t94^-f955 Species Bear Chukar Partridge (first open season 1964) Doves Ducks Geese Jackrabbits Jacksnipes (first open season 1963). Pigeons Pheasants (cocks) Pheasants (hens) (first open season 1966) Pheasants (total) Quail Rabbits (cottontail-brush) Sage hens Tree squirrels Yearly average indicated bags 1948- 1963* 4,300 2,348,100 3,239,700 386,200 841,800 44,200 189,900 636,800 1,516,700 638,300 47,600 4,900 4,600 2,100 4,000 2,460,200 2,571,600 3,461,600 1 3,289,000 428,200 1.200,600 14,600 120,600 664,800 664,800 1,483,800 506,000 3,400 40,300 338,900 1,241,600 19,600 136,600 640,200 126,300 666,500 1,296,900 467,200 1,400 32,300 'As reported by hunters in statewide questionnaire surveys. The hunter questionnaire survey has been a standard procedure since 1948, \\ith questionnaires being sent to a 2 percent random sample of hunting Hcense buyers. The information obtained from these questionnaires is considered typical of the entire hunting public, and is projected mathematically to obtain a state-wide figure. This s\stem, however, produces somewhat exaggerated results. Factors leading to the exaggera- tion remain constant, so that the indicated trends from \ear to year of the game bags are considered reliable. A change in the questionnaire form prior to the 1954 survey contributed to the recording of a more ac- curate reported take. BIG GAME The deer population recovered from the severe losses of the winter of 1951-52 within two years, as was evidenced b\- the regular season reported buck kill of 75,602 in 1954, an all-time record for California. In addition a total of 2,326 deer were taken during special seasons that year. The deer kill of 1954 is all the more impressive when it is remembererd that northeastern California (District 1%) was closed to the taking of forked- horn bucks during 1954 and 1955 due to action of the State Legislature. In 1955, the regular season reported buck kill dropped off to 71,126 animals, still the second highest regular season buck kill in this State. In addition, a total of 9,460 deer were bagged during special deer seasons. The total deer bag (both regular and special seasons) in 1955 was 80,586 animals. An elk hunt was held in Owens \'alley, Inyo County, in 1955. A management plan for this herd of Tule elk was developed in 1952, after considerable discussion with intere.sted local sportsmen, ranchers, and business organizations and groups. The plan, which has general local support, stipulates that the elk herd will be held at a population of 125-275 animals. \\'hene\er the census shows that the popula- tion has exceeded the upper limit, a hunt is held to reduce the herd size to the lesser limit. The elk hunt held in 1955 was for this purpose. A total of 150 permits was authorized for a De- cember 3-11 season. The checked bag of 144 animals included 36 bulls, 79 cows and 29 unclassified elk. Spet.\vt\ Deer Seasons Twenty special deer seasons were authorized by the commission to relieve range and agricultural damage, or both, or to harvest surplus animals during the biennium. A total of 11,793 deer were reported taken. The bag included 2,099 males and 9,408 females and 286 deer designated as "unclassified" in the tabulation because tag returns failed tf) indicate sex. The law specifies a public hearing must be held in the area affected before a special hunt can be author- ized. The commission's policy has been to authorize a special deer hunt onh- when local support for such a hunt is demonstrated. The first special hunt for antlerless deer had been held in the winter of 1949-50 on Catalina Island. In June, 1950, the commission, after discussing the matter with sportsmen, ranchers and others throughout the State, adopted a policy of maintaining deer herds at BO-cfCiHx Vecx 'Kdi ^ecMd Year Kill Tag sales 1936 21,996 25,008 32,241 35,046 43,250 46,317 43,493 25,902 26,216 36,940 38,129 47,419 47,178 47,789 62,082 47,128 64,619 50,667 58,992 76,602 71,126 110,808 1936 126,865 1937 136,389 1938 141,598 1939 _ 162,924 163,286 1941 173,699 1942 116,121 1943 - 1944 147,795 178,260 1945 1946. 1947 1948 - 214,662 282,060 299,610 300,405 1949 309,829 I960 312,662 1961 342,900 1962. . 1963. 1964 1966 - 369,149 370,938 397,666 410,205 Proper care of this buck during coastal deer season assured good eating tor G. 5. McCain of Bakersfield. Scene is in East Liebre Mountain Camp, Los Angeles County. (Fish and Game Photo) their range carrying capacity by harvesting deer of either sex. There have been 38 special hunts, 20 of them in the last biennium. These helped establish the groundwork for a decision by the commission in May, 1956, to hold the first general antlerless seasons in the State. They were slated for the fall of 1956 in 34 counties. Widespread Interest Created These special hunts created such widespread interest among the sportsmen that a total of 85,610 applications were received for the 20,453 hunting permits allotted. The following is a summary of the various special deer seasons held during the biennium: Glemiville, Tulare and Kern Counties. Two special either-sex deer seasons were held on privately owned lands in the Glennville area primarily to relieve pas- ture damage caused by a high deer population. In 1954, 200 permits were authorized for the October 28th to November 2d season. A total of 174 deer (42 males and 132 females) was bagged. In 1955, 200 permits were authorized for a November 3d-8th season. A total of 160 deer was reported taken. The breakdown showed 43 males, 116 females, and 1 unclassified. San Benito, San Benito County. Two special antler- less deer seasons were held on privately owned and public lands to relieve alfalfa and pasture damage by an increasing deer population. In 1954, 330 permits were authorized for a September 18th to October 3d season. A total of 45 males and 128 females, was re- ported taken. In 1955, 250 permits were issued for a September 24th to October 2d season. A total of 104 deer was reported taken (27 males and 77 females). Barton's Flat, Fresno and Tulare Counties. Two special either-sex deer seasons were held on the Barton's Flat area to harvest surplus deer from a popu- lation which summers partially in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks and is unavailable during the regular hunting season. The repeated hunts, of which there have been four, may serve to demonstrate the effects of the continued harvest of deer of both sexes. The 1954 hunt (with 400 permittees shooting) was held during four periods in a November 17th to No- vember 29th season. The reported bag was made up of 82 males and 87 females. Another 400 permits were authorized in 1955 for a November 18th-30th season. The reported bag was 74 males and 89 females. During the four-year period, the bag for both regular and special seasons has increased from an average of about 200 bucks only to an average of about 500 deer per year. Camp Pendleton, San Diego County. Two special hunts for antlered and antlerless deer were held on the Camp Joseph Pendleton Marine Base to harvest surplus animals. Hunting was limited to service per- sonnel. In 1954, 260 antlerless and 45 antlered permits were authorized for use during 13 week-end hunting periods between August 7, 1954, to Januar}- 23, 1955. The Department of Fish and Game disease labora- tory personnel examined bagged deer for evidence of disease, parasitism, general condition, and reproductive rate during every second hunting period. The commis- sion authorized the take of an additional 40 deer dur- ing March and April of 1955 in order to fill out the scientific information. A total of 167 deer was taken, of which 38 were males and 129 were females. In 1955, 220 antlerless and 55 antlered permits were authorized for use during an October 1, 1955, to iMarch 18, 1956, season. A total of 31 males and 133 females was taken. The disease laboratory examined bagged deer once a month to complete the scientific study. San Joaqtiin River Unit, Fresno and Madera Coun- ties. An either-sex deer hunt was authorized in 1954 for 600 permits during an October 27-31 season to lighten range damage. A total of 360 animals was re- ported taken, including 83 males and 277 females. During 1955, 500 permits were authorized for a sec- ond either-sex deer hunt during a November lst-6th season confined to the portion of the unit in Fresno County. The reported bag of 198 deer included 43 males and 155 females. Sierra Foothills, Zone 1, Nevada, Placer and Yjiha Counties. During 1954 a special either-sex deer hunt was authorized in portions of Nevada, Placer and •.t^am .st7-?\it Center phofo shows bitferbrush leader growth, choice forage for deer. Flanking photos show damage done by deer to forage species. At I "hedged" bitferbrush which normally grows like bush in center but which has been misshapen by hungry deer. At right is a "high line" on a so-called because it is browsed to the moximom height reachable by deer. (Fish and Game Photos) eft is a ivniperf Yuba Counties, for 1,000 permittees during an Octo- ber llth-24th season. A total of 318 deer, 66 males and 229 females and 23 unclassified, was reported taken. The hunt was held primarily to relieve agri- cultural damage in the Sierra foothill area. Sierra Foothills, Xone 11, El Dorado, Placer, Sacra- mento and Amador Counties. A special either-sex deer hunt was held in 1954 primarily to relieve agri- cultural damage in this foothill ranch area. One thou- sand permits were authorized for an October 4th- 17th season. A total of 373 deer was reported taken, in- cluding 78 males, 280 females and 15 unclassified. Capay, i'olo County. In 1954, a special antlerless deer season was held in the Capay Valley area pri- marily to relieve agricultural damage. One thousand permits were authorized for an October 25th-Novem- ber 7th season. A total of 417 deer was reported taken. The bag included 79 males, 326 females and 12 un- classified deer. Devil's Garden, Modoc County. A third special antlerless deer hunt was held on the Devil's Garden interstate deer herd range in 1955 to harvest surplus deer and lighten range damage. Other special hunts were held in 1950 and 1951. A quota of 3,500 permits was authorized for a December 10th- 18th season. A total of 2,008 deer was reported taken, including 263 males, 1,732 females, and 13 unclassified animals. Lassen-Washoe Unit, Flinuas, Sierra and Lassen Coimties. A second special antlerless deer hunt was held on the interstate herd unit in 1955 to harvest sur- plus animals and decrease range damage. The first special season was held in 1951. A quota of 3,000 per- mits was authorized for a December 10th- 18th season. Hunters reported a take of 1,858 deer, including 246 males and 1,612 females. Tebania County. A special antlerless deer season was held in eastern and southwestern Tehama Count\- in 1955. Five thousand permits were authorized for a November lst-6th hunting period. The hunt was held primarily to allow harvest of surplus deer and lighten the pressure on the range. A total of 2,715 animals was bagged, including 444 males, 2,247 females, and 24 unclassified deer. Napa County. A special antlerless deer season was held September 24th to October 3d in 1955 in the central portion of Napa County primarily to relieve agricultural damage. One thousand permits were authorized. A total bag of 452 animals was reported. The bag included 34 males, 307 females and 1 1 1 un- classified deer. Mineral King National Wildlife Refuge, Tidare County. A first special either-sex deer season was held in this national wildlife refuge in 1950 to help cut down a heavy deer population and relieve a serious range depletion condition. It became necessar\- to authorize a second special season for this purpose in 1955. Five hundred permits were authorized for a September 29th to October 11th season. A total bag of 383 deer was reported, including 222 males and 161 females. During the second hunt it was found that fawns born in 1950 made up the third largest group of deer in the 1955 bag. Fawns born in 1951 made up the largest group and those born in 1954 the second largest. Carson River, Alpine County. A special antlerless deer season was held in this area in 1955 to harvest surplus deer and lighten range pressure during No- vember 5th-13th. Five hundred permits were author- ized. A total reported bag of 367 deer included 42 males and 325 females. West Walker, Mono County. A special antlerless deer season, with a quota of 500 permits for a No- vember 5th-13th hunting period, was authorized in 1955 in order to remove surplus deer and decrease range damage. A total of 380 deer was taken, con- sisting of 31 males, 435 females and 6 unclassified deer. Oil-ens Valley, Inyo and Mono Counties. A spe- cial antlerless deer hunt was held in the 0\\ ens Valley area in 1955 during a November 5th-13th season with a quota of 600 permits. The hunt was held to harvest surplus deer and lighten range damage. A total of 508 deer (42 males, 455 females and 11 unclassified an- imals) was bagged. INVESTIGATIONS Several former Pittman-Robertson projects were combined during the biennium into one big game investigations project which is comprised of related segments of various phases of big game activities. Public shooting grounds on the department's Imperial Waterfowl Man- agement Area in Imperial Valley yielded this bag of ducks to Glenn Leslie of Burbank. (Fish and Game Photo) One segment consists of big game management proj- ects throughout the State and the other of big game investigations. Both are coordinated regionally and state-wide. MANAGEMENT Field personnel of a former big game studies project were transferred to the various regions to work with other regional personnel in obtaining information needed for proper management of deer and other big game animals. The deer herd studies which were in progress under the former project have been com- pleted. Mimeographed final reports have been issued on the Inyo-Sierra deer herds, three Siskiyou County deer herds, an inner coast range deer study and a south coast range deer study. Four final reports are under preparation on harvest and yield of the Barton's Flat deer, the San Joaquin deer herds, deer of the Kern River drainage and two Yolla Bolla unit deer herds. One field man in Region I has been assigned to con- tinue the antelope investigation. This investigation aims at discovering and reducing the factors which have held down antelope productivity in this State. Findings of the former project have been published in a mimeographed report entitled "Northeastern California Antelope Studies." So far the results of the investigation indicate that neither predation nor dis- ease are important factors in the low survival of ante- lope kids. Indications at this time are that some range component on California's submarginal antelope range is in short supply. A survey of antelope stocking sites was made. No formal investigation of the state-wide status of bighorn sheep has been made, but information on this big game species has been gathered whenever the opportunity presented itself. A survey of possible planting sites in the Trinity Alps indicated that .suc- cessful introduction of bighorn sheep into this area would be extremely doubtful due to a lack of suitable \\ intering areas. INVESTIGATIONS Fquall\- important with the management phase of the project is the range investigations phase. It con- sists of probing the effects of brush removal on game ranges in California and stud\'ing the problem of game range restoration. The brush removal investigation is being conducted by the University of California under a service agree- ment with the department. The work is now focused on effects of brush management on deer of the San Joaquin (Aladera County near the north fork of the San Joaquin River) migratory deer winter range. Intensive studies are in progress on the effects of different types of brush treatments on forage produc- tion, deer numbers and movements, and over-all range condition. Information on deer movements already obtained from observations of, and returns from, 134 belled deer have changed former concepts about migration routes and summer ranges of this deer herd. Game Range Restoration. This part of the project is being continued under a service agreement \\ ith the California Forest and Range E.xperiment Station. Its purpose is to develop means of increasing desirable deer browse on depleted ranges. During the period, the investigation has progressed from small plot trials of bitterbrush seeding to experi- mental field plantings. Bitterbrush has been grown suc- cessfully with proper soil preparation and planting, but search for less expensive and more practical seed- ing methods is still in progress. The scope of the Trapping ducks for banding on Los Bonos Waterfowl Management Area. (Fish and Game Photo by Wendell Miller) ^M^^'' FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 69 IPu^Uc S^'(K^tc*t^ Atreages Open Year Acreages open State Federal 1954 1955__ 25,060 29,050 4,280 4,200 29,330 33,250 Hunting Results Year Number hunters Birds taken Average per hunter 1964 1966 32,601 34,819 81,054 99,244 2.5 2.9 in\estigation has been broadened to include other de- sirable deer browses adapted for planting at various elevational and precipitational levels. WATERFOWL Ducks have consistentl\- produced the greatest bag of an\- of the game targets. During 1954 and 19.^5 the population of waterfowl wintering in California re- mained high and was reflected in a good harvest each Near. The number of geese bagged remained high, but hunting was best during 1954. During 1955 many hunting areas were inundated, and were not accessible to hunters. Both ducks and geese used these isolated areas as natural refuges. This condition was especiall\- prevalent in the Sacramento \'allev, and here hunter success fell below the previous year. MANAGEMENT AREAS There are 19 waterfowl management areas totaling 202,017 acres, located throughout the State. Of these, 10 areas totaling 52,027 acres are state-owned or leased and nine areas, totaling 149,130 acres, are na- tional wildlife refuges. Of the nine federal areas, four are managed for public hunting b\' the department under commission regulations. All of these areas provide feed, resting and nesting for upland game as well as for waterfowl. During the period of this report waterfowl depredations have been at an all-time low, evidence that these areas pla\' a major part in the control of crop damage. During the biennium the Wildlife Conservation Board purchased additional land (4,194 acres) for the e.xpansion of Gray Lodge and also acquired the Men- dota Waterfowl Management area of 8,536 acres. .Another 5,523 acres in the Wister area was added to state property in Imperial \'alle}'. Waterfowl public shooting was conducted on all state areas and on those federal areas purchased with Lea Act funds. A fee of |2 per da\' was charged to all hunters using the area in order to defray the ex- pense of operating public shooting. Pheasant hunting was also conducted on waterfowl areas. During the 1955 season these areas issued per- mits to 9,302 hunters who bagged 5,351 birds, for an average of 0.57 birds per hunter. INVESTIGATIONS The v.aterfowl section gathers information used by the Fish and Game Commission, the Pacific Flyway Council and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service in formulating policies and establishing regulations. There are five main activities of the section which are financed partially b\' Federal Pittman-Robertson funds. The\- are listed below. Winter hivevtory. Inventories of waterfowl are made annually to determine the numbers of water- fowl w intering in California, the most important win- tering area on the Pacific Fhway. Populations are de- termined through aerial photographs of concentra- tions and aerial estimates that are made of scattered flocks. Five airplanes and a U. S. Coast Guard heli- copter are used to conduct the inventory. Results are indicative of the numbers of birds that will return to Harry Sfouffer (left) of Montrose and James Jones of La Canada smile over limits taken on the department's co-op pheasant bunting area near Lancaster, Los Angeles County. (Fish and Game Photo) the breeding grounds. In January, 1956, over 5,000,000 ducks were tallied, the highest number recorded in recent years. Brcedhig Gromids Survey. The major waterfowl breeding grounds within the State are surveyed each spring to determine the local production of ducks and geese. Mallards and Canada geese are the important species breeding in California. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses this information, along with that obtained from surveys made in other states, Can- ada and Alaska, to determine the hunting regulations each year. In 1954 the survey revealed a total of 339,750 young and old ducks and 21,070 geese. These figures slipped to 289,120 ducks and 14,810 geese in 1955. September hiventory . Each year during mid-Sep- tember an aerial inventory is made of the central val- ley. The number of birds and areas where they are concentrated is determined during the time of crop depredations. In 1954 the inventory showed 541,000 ducks and in 1955 it showed 724,000. Waterfowl Kill. Information is gathered annually concerning the hunting season kill by mail question- naire, by hunter checks on public shooting areas and by kill records from representative duck clubs. Total waterfowl kill, areas where the kill is made, and the species predominating in the kill is then determined. In 1954 hunters shot 3,461,600 ducks and in 1955 thev bagged 3,312,700. Banding Operatiojis. The waterfowl banding pro- gram is conducted on a state-wide basis from Tule- lake to Imperial Valley. Information obtained from this study is used to determine mortality rates, popu- lation turnover, and the migration patterns of the various species. During the past two years 67,496 ducks, 12,038 geese and 6,940 coots were banded. As an aid to the migration studies some of the geese were color-marked. UPLAND GAME Introduction of a game bird new to California hunters, the chukar partridge, liberalization of pheasant hunting regulations, a change in game bird club regu- lations, and near-record bags of nearly all upland game species resulted in two banner years for hunters. PHEASANTS During 1955, pheasant hunting regulations were liberalized, extending the season from 10 to 16 days, and allowing one hen in the seasonal bag limit. This liberalization in pheasant hunting regulations resulted in increasing the total bag of pheasants by 20 to 25 percent. Indications during the spring of 1955 led to the conclusion that the regulated take of hens left an ade- quate breeding stock and predictions for another good year in 1956 were in prospect. Alf Hunter Merv McClure brings down a pheasant in the Nafomas district of Sacramento County. (Fish and Game Photo) During the biennium the department's game farms released 92,584 ringnecked pheasants. These birds were generally held to maturity and released just prior to or during the pheasant season, in accordance with policy. Working in cooperation with the depart- ment's game farms were sportsmen's pens which reared and released 62,303 ringnecked pheasants throughout the State. In addition 4,948 chukar par- tridges v\ere reared and liberated by the department. Results of studies of major pheasant management problems led to legislative changes in the licensed game bird club program in 1955. Changes Enacted Changes included zoning of the State into natural pheasant habitat areas (Zone A) and nonhabitat areas (Zone B). Clubs operating in Zone A were under much the same restrictions as in effect formerly, whereas clubs operating in Zone B had the benefit of lesser restrictions. Fees for "commercial" clubs (open to the public on a daily fee basis) were increased from |50 to |100 annually. Fees on "private" (open to members only) clubs were hiked from |50 to $100 for those over 500 acres and from |25 to |75 for those under 500 acres. There was also an increase in the price of depart- ment meat seals for each bird from 3 cents to 5 cents. A department inspection fee of 5 cents a bird was added during the biennium. The 75-day season in existence throughout the State remained the same for Zone A, but a six-month season (September 1st to February 28th) was set for Zone B. Percentage of liberated birds allowed for each club in Zone A was reduced from 70 percent to 65 percent, State Trapper Ed Saytes takes chukar from trap and places it in carrying box for transplanting to new areas. (Fish and Game Photo) with no birds being released prior to August 1st in Zone A for the current season. Clubs in Zone B were permitted to take 100 percent of the birds liberated. For the past two years there has been a steady in- crease in the use of the department's cooperative pheasant hunting areas. In 1954 the department operated 22 cooperative areas, with a total of 189,885 acres open to hunting, accommodating 92,237 hunters, who by actual count bagged 34,480 birds, for an average of 0.37 birds per hunter. Community Areas During 1955, 18 areas were operated with 161,417 acres open to hunting; 97,158 hunters used the areas, taking 34,990 birds, for an average of 0.36 birds per hunter. There has been a steady increase over the past two years in the number and acreage of so-called com- munity areas. These are operated by members of local communities on land donated by local landowners. A dail\- fee or seasonal fee is charged. The net profit is then turned over to community service projects. Indications at the end of the biennium were that expansion of licensed game bird clubs and community areas would materially reduce the prime pheasant hunting acreage in the co-op areas for the 1956 hunting season. (?^ci4a^u "Ptcutted Location No. of birds 19S4 1955 Peso Creek, Kern County 149 Callente, Kern County. _ 247 Lower Kern River Canyon, Kern County 372 98 197 61 Panoche Hills, Fresno County Griswold Hills, San Benito Co Mercy Hot Springs, Merced Co. 186 Total 716 663 QUAIL Weather conditions were near normal in 1954 and 1955, except for the record precipitation in December of 1955. This was reflected in a quail take slightly above normal in 1954 and slightly below normal in 1955. The lower take in 1955 probably was a result of bad weather keeping hunters indoors, and scatter- ing the birds, rather than a decrease in quail populations. Wherever habitat development for quail has been carried on, consisting mostly of guzzler construction and spring development, they have responded well and good populations are found in all these areas. Twenty-one new guzzlers were installed throughout the State and another six enlarged. Routine mainte- nance checks were made on another 2,604 guzzlers. The department located and developed 188 new springs during the period. Doves take a morning nip at a quail guzzler. (Fish and Game Photo by Wally McGregor) ' ^rma ; »«; .a^.iSi 'm •^'%* The burglar sfealing these eggs during a nesting study of Sacramenfo Valley ducks is a spotted skunk, one of a number of predators who annually take a large toil of eggs. (Fish and Game Photo by Wm. Anderson) CHUKARS Chukar partridges, introduced in California in 1928, became well enough established in some of the arid regions of the State at the beginning of the biennium to permit the first open season in the fall of 1954. Results of hunter questionnaires in 1954 and 1955 revealed approximately 2,100 of the birds were taken in the first season and almost double that figure (4,000) in 1955. The birds provide excellent sport to those hunters hardy enough to pursue them. The rearing of chukars on game farms has been dis- continued, as it is far more economical to trap the necessary birds for brood stock from wild populations. During the period of this report, 1,369 chukars were trapped in Inyo County and transplanted in suitable habitat in Kern, Fresno and San Benito Counties. A chukar investigation was completed in 1956. This study was undertaken to determine the areas in which this recently, introduced game species had become es- tablished, to obtain information for management, and to learn whether a hunting season was advisable. There have been two brief hunting seasons to date and the 1956 season was set to be the same length as the quail season in the same areas. In cooperation with regional management personnel, 1,369 chukars were trapped on the Naval Ordnance Testing Station land in the Coso and Argus Moun- tains of Inyo County and transplanted into apparent chukar habitat where no chukars were known to exist. Reproduction has been successful at or near all of these areas. DOVES Doves continued to be a highly rated hunter target during the biennium, with both 1954 and 1955 pro- ducing near record bags. The second in importance among all game birds, doves were topped only by the combined take of all species of ducks. In spite of the seemingly heavy pressure, band re- turns provide a solid indication that hunters are not the dove's worst enemy. Bands indicate that hunters take only a token harvest. Department records show a return by hunters of only 3 percent of the bands placed on birds, compared to a state-wide average of 18 to 20 percent for waterfowl tags. The department undertook a study of doves in 1955 to determine the extent of California's dove range, production and survival of voung, migration and hunters' bag. This data is important in formulating management practices on any species. In 1955 over 1,600 nidurning dove nests were under observation b\' project personnel. In 1956 a total of 1,030 mourning dove nests was under observation as the biennium closed. Dove wing examinations during 1954 and 1955 hunt- ing seasons showed that, on a state- wide basis, 64 per- cent of the 3,506 wings checked in 1954 were from young birds of the year and 62 percent of the 3,858 wings checked in 1955 were from young birds of the year. This indicated the State's dove population to be in a verv healthy condition. PIGEONS The pigeon take was below normal in 1954 and 1955. This was due to the distribution of the birds during the hunting season, rather than any decrease in the pigeon populations. In 1955 many birds from northern sec- tions of the flyway did not move into the State until after the hunting seasons were over. Information obtained bv trapping indicated that there was better than normal reproduction in 1955. Large populations of pigeons were present in agricul- tural areas from Januar\' through March of 1956, and pigeon depredation complaints increased during this period. A band-tailed pigeon investigation was completed in 1955. It was undertaken to determine the status of this game species by obtaining data on reproduction, range, migration, and hunters' bag, upon which the recommendations for management could be based. A total of 26 nests was under observation. It was found that the nesting season extended from early February to the middle of October. It was also deter- mined that in at least one case three nestings in the same nest, by color-marked adults, were successful out of four attempts in one year. Over 2,000 band-tailed pigeons were banded by project personnel in order to determine the extent and routes of migration. Pigeons banded in California were taken from British Columbia to the Mexican border. Of the 4,660 pigeons banded in the west within the last 20 years, 313 bands have been returned, 139 of w hich were from birds banded in California. The find- ings of the stud>- have been published in part. FUR RESOURCES During the biennium 1,316 licensed trappers took 199,990 pelts with an estimated value of |244,768 at the raw fur price. The 1955-56 trapping season showed a decrease of 28 percent in reported catch. This decrease was at- tributable to the heaviest rainfall in the history of the State occurring during the height of the muskrat trap- ping in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys. The buyer demand has remained for the short-haired species, muskrat, mink, otter and beaver. Oscar Brunef/J, Gome Management Lab Chief, conducts an investigation, (Fish and Game Photo) PREDATOR CONTROL During the biennium, 3,171 coyotes, 1,592 bobcats and 7,849 lesser predators (skunks, coons, possums, etc.) for a total of 12,612 were taken by department predator control men. The department's policy is to trap predators, when- ever such trapping will benefit management of game. As a consequence particular effort is exerted on preda- tor control on deer faw ning areas, antelope kidding grounds, waterfowl and upland game nesting areas and areas where public access to hunting is allowed. Although there is no direct evidence to support the contention, the excellent hatch in upland game in the Marvsville area this year can be attributed in some measure to the late 1955 floods which wiped out countless thousands of small predators which might have pre\ed on eggs or chicks. MOUNTAIN LION CONTROL During the biennium 344 mountain lions were bountied, 75 by state lion hunters, 268 by private indi- viduals. Of this total 183 were taken in 1954 and 160 in 1955. The bounty is |50 per male lion and $60 per female. There were three department lion hunters during the biennium. FISH AND GAME LABORATORY During the biennium, investigations continued on wildlife diseases, wildlife food habits and nutritional requirements so that epidemics might be anticipated and effective control measures applied, and knowledge of food habits and nutrition might be effectively used as management tools. Botulism There were on!>' a few scattered and minor out- breaks of botulism during the biennium, with losses of insignificant proportions. 74 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME Laboratory and field studies on the disease indicated the importance of aquatic insect life and the role of fly larvae in the epidemiology of the disease. It was found that a single fly maggot could contain enough botulinus toxin to cause illness in a pheasant, and three to cause death quickly. That ducks do consume maggots has been shown by examination of the gizzard contents of ducks sick or dead from the disease. A high percentage of shore birds found infected have fly larvae in their gizzards. This indicates that the carcasses left in a botulism area are a factor in the continuation and spread of the dis- ease. One of the vital procedures followed in botulism control is the removal of these carcasses from the area. This is particularly important in outbreaks among game farm pheasants. Fowl Cholera There were three minor outbreaks of fowl cholera during the biennium. In the delta area, 406 swans by actual count were victims of the disease. Just outside Gray Lodge Refuge about 1,000 birds, primarily coot, succumbed. On the Colusa Federal Wildlife Refuge an- other 2,000 birds, of which 1,800 were coot and 200 were widgeon, pintail and mallard, were lost. Control measures consisted principally of removal of carcasses. It was found that infected gulls, swans and geese were instrumental in spreading the disease to other areas because of natural resistance which enabled them to survive long enough to fly consider- able distances. Department personnel could not have created a bet- ter clinical laboratory test of this than one they ob- served in the field. As they watched a flight of snow geese, one set its wings and glided to earth at Honey Lake, Lassen County. The bird was penned and died in about four hours. Game laboratory diagnosis tabbed the cause of death as pasteurellosis— fowl cholera. It \\ as the first case ever found at Honey Lake, an area not considered endemic to fowl cholera, indicating the bird came from an infected area, possibly from the delta which experienced an outbreak at that time. Aspergillosis The largest outbreak of aspergillosis, a disease in- volving pneumonia-like symptoms, was discovered near Woodland where 400 ducks were victims. The department laboratory traced the outbreak to a rice hull dump where the ducks had fed on moldy rice remaining in hulls. The dump owner agreed to burn his hulls continuously as he dumped them. After the burning there \\ as no repetition of the disease. Trichomoniasis During the biennium outbreaks of trichomoniasis in doves were investigated in the vicinity of San Diego, centered in the metropolitan area. Incidence of infection was as high as 10 percent of the population. The infection appears in the spring and dies out bv fall. Prophylactic medication with the drug enheptin was applied in the late spring of 1956 in dove concen- tration areas. Economic Poisons During the biennium investigations were begun on the problems of economic poisons on wildlife. These studies v\'ere mainly field investigations on incidence of losses. Contact was made with agencies employing poisons and sprays, and attempts were made to cor- relate losses with the use of these agricultural sprays and poisons. With the increased use of these insecti- cides and poisons, problems continue to arise in re- gard to their effects on wildlife. Nutritional Studies During the biennium comparisons were made of the relative eflfects of net digestible protein and digestible carbohydrates and fats and their impor- tance in deer survival. An expanding program is being undertaken to study the effects of environment on deer. These studies include the effects of weather and climate on the deer and their movements, as well as the effects of these and other stresses on the well-being of the herds, and the interrelation of all of these fac- tors, including nutrition, on the problem of deer losses during the w inter. Food Habits of Wildlife Continuing studies were made of the food habits of game and predators. This knowledge of the food preferences of the game species becomes a valuable management tool in assessing range conditions. In addition, food habits determinations were made for the game departments of several western states. This service has been paid for by these states on a cost basis. WILDLIFE PROTECTION A gome warden looks over a pori'ion oi the terrain he must patrol. (Fish and Game Photo) Continuing efforts of the department to provide optimum hunting and fishing success for California's sportsmen have directly affected work performed b>' members of the WildHfe Protection Branch. Steadily rising prices for goods and services made it mandatory that the department critically examine its functions and strive for greater efficiencv of operation in those areas where increased economy could be realized. Harvesting surpluses of wildlife without damaging breeding stocks is the fundamental concept of \\ise management upon which the entire program of the department is based. Basic to this concept is the neces- sity to safeguard these breeding stocks. To this end wardens fulfilled their primary function of protecting fish and game from being taken during closed seasons, in excess of prescribed bag limits or by means which afford little or no chance for the species sought to escape. Despite a steady growth in the number of California residents, with a proportionate increase in hunting and fishing license bu\'ers, there was no commensurate ad- dition of badly needed wardens. In Jul\-, 1954, the department, cognizant of the need for a basis upon which to judge the effectiveness of the Wildlife Protection Branch, as well as to deter- mine current and future staffing requirements, re- quested that the Alanagcment Analysis Section of the Department of Finance conduct an administrative sur- ve\' of the branch. The survey was completed in late November, 1954, and a report was transmitted to the Division of Budgets and Accounts, Department of Finance. [75I 76 DEPARTMENT OE FISH AND GAME /innc4t4^ Type of violation Number arrests 1964-66 1966-66 626 379 120 481 1,462 897 296 1,321 273 2,163 178 690 722 382 178 693 1,876 888 183 1,364 234 2,063 243 711 Waterfowl _ __ Dove and pigeon Inland fish - -.-.-. Ocean shellfish Commercial fish. . , __ _ Loaded gun in car . _ _ Co-op trespass: - - _..__ . Angling, no license . Hunting, no license, . _ Totals 8,776 9,427 'pctieA cutd Settte4€CCA 1964-6S 1966-66 Fines Jail terms (days) , ,- $274,803.88 8,068 $299,792.22 3,062 Certain key recommendations were included in tlie report whicii suggested that: "1. Positions of Fish and Game Warden be budg- eted on the basis of one such position for each 7,500 angling and hunting licenses sold, this ratio to be exclu- sive of supervision. "2. Positions of Patrol Captain be budgeted on the basis of one such position for each nine warden posi- tions. "3. The use of warden personnel to staff certain types of nonenforcement activities be critically re- viewed by the Department of Fish and Game. "4. A training program be established for wardens, both at the time of entering the service and on a refresher basis. "5. The Department of Fish and Game develop and install a method of time and activit\' reporting which will reflect the time devoted to the major phases of the enforcement program." In accordance with these recommendations, the de- partment asked the 1955 Legislature for an additional 75 wardens and 10 patrol captains. Operating capital for the positions \\ould have derived from the State's share of pari-mutual horse racing monev. While agree- ing that an increase in personnel was justified, the Legislature considered it unwise to commit monev from the horse racing fund to other than capital out- lay items, therefore turned down the request. Meanwhile, the steady growth of California's hunt- ing and fishing public had resulted in constanth- greater demands on the wardens' time. By 1955 each warden was committed to the recreational pursuits of 10,392 license bu\'crs. \Nardens Added A request was made in the 1956-57 Fiscal Year budget for 25 fish and game wardens and five patrol captains. Recognizing the need for additional person- nel, the Legislature authorized an increment of 30 wardens and six captains. Plans were made for the new personnel to join the department in the 1956-57 Fiscal ^ ear, and a wardens' training program was under- taken. Departmental in-service training began in March, 1955, at the wildlife protection supervisor level. By the close of the biennium training had been given through the warden level, and training classes, com- prised of personnel from the various branches, had been inaugurated. Plans were formulated for the training of new wardens and captans authorized in the 1956-57 Budget. Consideration was given to a method of time report- ing w hich would reflect the amount of time spent bv w ardens in carrying out various components of their jobs. It is anticipated that the labor distribution system drawn up will be put into use early in 1957. ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES Arrests for violations of fish and game laws in- creased over those made during the previous biennium by 15 percent. The tendency of the public to travel greater distances in search of hunting and fishing recre- ation, the opening of formerly inaccessible areas through construction of logging roads and unimproved thoroughfares and the increased use of rugged vehicles capable of penetrating into remote places all had their impact on the arrest record. Some of the persons apprehended had violated fish and game law s apparently only because they had trav- eled a long way from home and wanted to return with amounts of fish or game in keeping with the effort thev had expended in reaching their chosen hunting or fishing area. Others found themselves in almost virgin hunting and fishing areas where compe- tition w as light and populations of fish or game heavy. Thev succumbed to temptation. Since it is true that fish and game law violations are committed by a small minority of the hunting and angling public, the number of hunters and fishermen afield during the biennium is evidenced by the arrest figures: 8,775 in the 1954-55 Fiscal Year, 9,427 in 1955-56. California courts assessed an average individual fine of S31.57 during the 1954-56 biennium. Total fines collected during the two-year period of this report amounted to 1574,596.10, a decline of 2.4 percent from fines of the previous biennium. The number of cases dismissed b>' the courts, or in which the defendant was found not guilt\' after a trial, amounted to 172— only .94 of 1 percent. LOADED GUNS TOP OFFENSES \ table in this section lists fish and game offenses b\ t>pe during the biennium. Although arrests for angling without a license were the largest single type of offense, as usual, it is noteworthy that loaded guns in motor vehicles accounted for the appearance of 2,67.'> persons in court. Incredible as it ma>' seem, an average of more than three persons each day during the two-year period deliberately risked their lives and the lives of others for the doubtful expediency of convenience or haste. Sales by public auction of hunting and fishing equip- ment ordered forfeited by the courts as a result of con- \iction of fish and game violations, as well as revenues derived from the sale of confiscated fish, totaled $39,- 257.71. Of this amount, $20,623.15 was received from the sale of fish and lobsters taken illegally, while an additional $2,612 was deposited in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund as the result of the sale of nets seized in Southern California waters and later awarded tfi the Department of Fish and Game by superior court action. Neither arrest records nor statistics of fines, jail sentences and other penalties give an adequate view of the work of California's wardens in the law en- forcement phase of their activities. Program cost figures developed in 1955 showed that wardens devote approximately 70 percent of their total work load to law encorcement. The Department of Finance showed that wardens in 1954 worked an average day in excess of 1 2 hours, without compensation for any time given in excess of the required eight hours. There has been no change in the wardens' activities which would account for a reduction in the number of uncompen- sated hours put in since that time. On horseback, in autos, by boat and airplane, wardens covered hundreds of thousands of miles, many of them in remote and uninhabited areas, in making their rounds of Cali- fornia's fish and game areas. Much of the time the warden was necessarily alone, performing his job creditably under often difficult conditions. FISH PATROL Significant changes occurred in the habits of Cali- fornia's fishermen during the biennium, and peremp- tory attention was focused on ultimate development of the State's water resources. New fisheries, length- ening of the seasons and enlargement of areas in which anglers could successfully pursue their sport, gained rapidly in popularity. Critical water shortages in Southern California, coupled with that area's huge increase in hunting and fishing license holders, resulted in changed patrol pat- terns bv both land and marine wardens. Marine warden in acfion in Southern California. CFish and Game Photo) As a number of reservoirs and streams dropped to such low water levels that fishing activities were either curtailed or halted, land patrol effort was shifted to newly developed reservoirs and more stable existing impoundments where new angling pressures built up. MARINE ACTIVITIES INCREASE Marine patrol acquired additional burdens as many Southern Californians turned from the dwindling in- land waters to the ocean for their fishing recreation and the increasing dollar value of some scarce com- mercial fish species spurred the catch efforts of the commercial fishing fleet. Large ocean areas off the south coast, where the use of nets is either restricted or banned, required constant attention by patrol craft. Market conditions in the tuna industry made the landing of undersize tuna attractive to boat and can- nery operators, but heavy patrol was maintained and over 200,000 pounds of undersize tuna were seized and given to charitable and public institutions during the biennium. Many Southern Californians who turned to ocean sport fishing were new residents from states where ocean angling is not available or where an ocean an- gling license is not required. This unfamiliarity with California law by newly arrived citizens caused ma- rine w ardens to spend a large amount of time in the enforcenient of angling license laws. In Southern Cali- 78 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME fornia, 1,957 convictions were obtained for angling license violations alone. LOGGING SURVEY In order to rehabilitate potentially good spawning streams, the value of which was destroyed through stream obstructions, debris accumulations and other poor logging practices, wardens in the northern part of the State assisted materially during the biennium in the survey of all streams in Regions I and III to determine the effect of logging on fish habitats. Spe- cial periodic surveys of the Klamath River were made to check on the operation of log dumps. Bark traps were inspected and log rafts watched for possible effects on fishlife. Section 482.5 of the Fish and Game Code provides that "No person shall cause or permit to exist any log jam or debris accumulation * * * in any stream ♦ * * in Del Norte, Siskiyou, Trinity, Humboldt, Mendo- cino, Sonoma, and Marin Counties, which will prevent the passing of fish up and down stream or which is deleterious to fish * * *." In certain critical situations arrests were made for violations of 482.5 and success- ful prosecution followed. To aid in the maintenance of present good spawn- ing streams and in the restoration of others which had become impassable to migrating steeihead and salmon because of man-made barriers, wardens conferred with timber operators in an effort to reconcile the needs of spawning fish with the demand for more lumber to meet requirements throughout the mush- rooming State. While much remains to be done, prog- ress was made in safeguarding streams vital to the future of steeihead and salmon. The Striped Bass Problem In the years following the end of World War II, fishing pressure for .striped bass in the Sacramento- San Joaquin Delta region has more than doubled in intensity. In the same period, the striped bass popula- tion has been on a slow and steady downward trend. To safeguard this important fishery, the Fish and Game Commission in February, 1956, raised the mini- mum legal length of striped bass from 12 to 16 inches. Wardens in the delta area intensified their patrol of rivers and sloughs to insure compliance with the length requirement. At the same time, inspections of fish markets and restaurants were stepped up to discourage the illegal sale of stripers, and netting operations were closely watched to prevent the retention of this fish which may not be taken commercially. During the biennium a game fish long overlooked by anglers gained rapidly in popularity. Shad, present in the State since 1871, at last began to attract interest by a large number of fishermen. One favorite method of taking shad is by means of dip nets during night hours. Since shad is the only species of game fish which may be so taken, wardens directed their attention to adequate patrol of this expanding sport, in order to protect other species of fish present during shad runs. Pollution Laws Enforced Increasing industrialization of the State resulted in expanding water pollution problems. In the San Fran- cisco and Los Angeles areas particularly, pollution problems are chronic. One warden in the former city and two in the latter are assigned primarily to enforce- ment of antipollution laws. During the biennium they remained constantly busy in the investigation of com- plaints, attendance at conferences and regional water pollution control board meetings, and prosecution in court of wilful violations of laws designed to main- tain the purity of state waters. Protection of salmon, the most important sport fish taken north of Monterey, accounted for heavy patrol effort. In 1955 the Fish and Game Comnussion changed sport salmon regulations so that it was no longer permissible for ocean anglers to retain one salmon under the minimum length of 22 inches. Wardens concerned themselves with inspections on sport fishing boats to insure that the legal length was observed. The mounting popularity of salmon fishing both in ocean waters and in the Sacramento River system required wardens to maintain constant vigilance over spawning beds during the autumn and winter months. Many hours on foot, by car or boat, or aloft in the department's aircraft were expended to insure that salmon would not be molested during the critical period. GAME PATROL Changes and additions to game seasons did not alter the wardens' work patterns during the biennium as noticeably as did conversions in fishing habits. How- ever, the opening of seasons on some previously un- hunted species and special hunts to reduce deer and elk herds in certain areas affected the over-all work load of the Wildlife Protection Branch. checking a hunter's bag is only one of the many duties of a game rden. (Fish and Ciame Photo) First Chukar Season In autumn of 1954 the first open season on chukar partridges in California began, extending for four days. Because of the tendency of this bird to frequent semi- aiid mountainous regions, hunters were dispersed and patrol was necessitated over a wide area. In 1955 the chukar season was increased to 16 days, coinciding \\ith the state-wide pheasant season. Because of the critical need for patrol of pheasant habitat, especially cooperative hunting areas, during the open season, it has proved fortunate that the chukar is not taken with- out a great deal of hard work by the hunter. A two-day sage grouse season occurred in Lassen and Modoc Counties in both autumns of the biennium. Because the inland deer season had not yet begun in either year, little conflict with the need to patrol deer areas resulted, except to watch the activities of those w ho might be inclined to take deer illegally because their shooting w ould be masked b\' gunfire of grouse hunters. During 1955 a special elk hunt was held to remove surplus animals from Inyo County. There were 150 permits issued, and wardens were assigned especially to patrol the county during the term of the hunt. Special winter and antlerless deer hunts conducted during the biennium required an intensive patrol by wardens assigned to this duty. In 1954 some 3,625 permits to take anterless deer were issued; in 1955 permits approximated 16,170. Hunts of this type give rise to a number of violations by a small minority, and w ardens were active in insuring game law observance. Operating procedures on state cooperative hunting areas were changed during the biennium. The changes resulted during the 1955 season in a decrease in the number of wardens assigned to the areas in 1954. Although the changes did not decrease the total number of enforcement personnel in the areas (since department employees other than wardens were as- signed to perform law enforcement duties), it was possible for more wardens to effectively patrol the State at large during this particularly busy period of November hunting. OTHER ACTIVITIES Of each warden's day, some 30 percent is spent in wildlife conservation activities other than nominal law enforcement. Critical review of operations b\- the de- partment during the biennium, aimed at rendering greater service for the same amount of money per license bu\er, resulted in the addition of a number of tasks to the warden's variety of duties. During 1955 wardens added to their back-country patrols the responsibility for inspection and opera- tion of stream flow maintenance dams. This job, pre- viously done by Inland Fisheries personnel, could more economically be performed by wardens while Warden E. C. Fullerton models the standardized uniform adopted dur- ing the biennium by the department. (Fish and Game Photo) patroling the remote lakes and impoundments. In- spection and maintenance of the dams include the removal of debris from spillways, adjustment of water flow and the rendering of reports on the need for dam repair. Performance of this job by wardens while on rou- tine patrol did away with the need for Inland Fish- eries personnel to schedule valuable peak-season days to this activity at a time when tourist demands for pack stock are heavy and available stock is corres- pondingly scarce. V -» • umli^ ^ft . Reserve Warden Ronald Ailey checking an angler's ilcense. (Fish and Game Photo) Many Duties In other fields of wildlife conservation, wardens contributed appreciable assistance in fish rescue work, cleaning and inspection of fish ladders, stream im- provement, census taking, reporting of fish and game population trends, and appearances at public gather- ings where a strong interest in fish and game mat- ters is apparent. One of the principal facets of a warden's job is his public service activities. Because of his extensive knowledge of the area in which he works, he is fre- quently called on to aid in finding persons lost in the mountains. He is expected to render his services when- ever the public welfare so dictates, and he does so as a natural adjunct of his assigned duties. Additional emergencies during the biennium such as fires, floods, drownings and other tragedies found the wardens rendering notable assistance to a number of public agencies as well as to private individuals. RESERVE WARDEN PROGRAM The number of reserve wardens in Southern Cali- fornia and the Sacramento Valley declined by 25 per- cent during the biennium. Raising of the requirements for qualification to compete in civil service examina- tions for the position of State Fish and Game War- den contributed to a degree to the drop in veteran reserves and potential replacements, since the require- ments ruled out many of those who hoped to gain a civil service appointment. Despite this attrition, ac- tivation of three new reserve units in Central Cali- fornia enabled the force to maintain its strength. Reserve wardens fill a distinct need in buttressing the work of the Wildlife Protection Branch. This is FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 81 particularly true of certain critical periods such as opening days of various seasons and heavily pressured week ends, when the regular wardens need help. Applicants desiring a commission as a reserve war- den must attend weekly training classes for 10 weeks and pass an examination before gaining an appoint- ment. Receiving neither salary nor expenses, the\' team up on their tours of duty with regular wardens. Failure to conduct himself with consideration, cour- tesy and helpfulness toward the public is justification for immediate dismissal of a reserve from the program. Tours of Duty By terms of their appointments, reserve wardens are required to perform one tour of duty a month. Generally this service is conducted on a week end, although many reserves generously donate time far in excess of requirements. Consideration of the personal expense borne by each reserve warden leads to the conclusion that the ranks are filled only ^\•ith men who are genuinely interested in the welfare of Cali- fornia's fish and game. At the close of the biennium 1 1 reserve ^\•arden units, comprising 242 men, were active within the State. Units were located at Sacramento, Stockton, San Francisco, Fresno, Sonora, Tulare, Merced, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Terminal Island (marine) and San Diego. HUNTER SAFETY PROGRAM At the beginning of the biennium Section 424 of the Fish and Game Code became effective. This statute, designed to reduce the number of hunting casualties, required that hunters under the age of 16, other than those having held a hunting license in prior years, be trained in proficiency with firearms as a con- dition of obtaining a hunting license. Upon satisfac- tory completion of a minimum four-hour course in the safe handling of guns, enrollees in these classes are issued a certificate of competence which, when pre- sented to a license agent, furnishes proof of compe- tence upon which issuance of a hunting license is based. Much of the work of disseminating information, re- cruiting instructors and organizing training schools fell upon the Wildlife Protection Branch. Wardens worked prodigiously to assure success of the program. Most wardens gave cheerfully of their own free time to show films and speak to sportsmen's clubs and civic organizations concerning the need for safety with firearms. At the close of the second year of the hunter safety law 41,740 youngsters had been granted certificates of competence and 4,654 adults had been certified as instructors by the department and the National Rifle Association, the organization with which the depart- ment has worked closely in carrying out the mandate of the Legislature. During the biennium a schedule of marksmanship training for wardens was inaugurated. Ammunition allowances were provided and wardens were required to regularly submit a report of their scores. In the spring of 1955 a five-man team was sent to the California State Championship Pistol Matches in San Diego. This team won two state championships in the sharpshooter class and took nine individual medals. EQUIPMENT Because Department of Fish and Game radios were assigned to an operating frequency used by the Divi- sion of Forestry, communications in the past were often unavoidably unsatisfactory. Peaks in work loads of both agencies occur during the summer and autumn, with a resultant heavy demand on radio facilities. During the period of this report a complete new radio sv^stem was installed by the land and marine pa- trol of Region V. This included 82 mobile units in patrol cars, boats and an airplane, 10 land-based sta- tions and seven relay stations. Now operating on a frequentl\" assigned to exclusive use of the department's A\-ardens, this system has been an invaluable asset to law enforcement. To further improve the efliciency of the depart- ment's radio system, a budget request for 1 186,000 was made in 1955, so that a complete departmental radio system might be installed. The request was approved by the Legislature, and at the close of the biennium pians had been completed for early installation of the SN'stem. MARINE PATROL Two new patrol boats were acquired during the period of this report. One of them replaced the 25- foot Gninion, based at San Diego. The Gnmion, which had been in operation continuously since 1947, was incapable of performing its duties further with- out undergoing an expensive overhaul. The new ves- sel, christened Skipjack, is 30 feet in length and is capable of a speed of 25 miles an hour. Based at San Diego, the Skipjack is used for patrol of the heavy sport and commercial fishing activities in that area. In the spring of 1955 the Rainbow HI was added to the patrol force in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Replacing the Rainbow II, which had outlived its usefulness, the new boat is also 30 feet in length. Purchased in October, 1954, its primary function is patrol of the striped bass and sturgeon fisheries and commercial boats netting salmon in the Carquinez Straits. The Rainbow III is based at Crockett. Radar was installed during the biennium on the 32- foot patrol boat Yellowtail, operating out of Port Hueneme. Addition of this electronic equipment ap- preciabl\- increased the effectiveness of the boat. DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME 'ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY . . .' Department of Fish and Game field personnel rescued approxi- mately 100 persons from im- mediate danger of drowning during the floods of 1955 and assisted in the evacuation of hun- dreds of others. But their greatest over-all con- tribution in averting further dis- aster was the fact that in many areas, including Yuba City and Klamath, Fish and Game war- dens provided the only com- munication with the outside world for a period of several days during the height of the emergency. At Yuba City Wardens Ross Waggoner of Yuba City and Edward Dennett of Wheatland foresaw the possibility of an emergency and when the floods struck, had set up an emergency radio communication system. Dennett gave the first warning of the Shanghai Bend break, and Waggoner relayed the warning to the sheriff's office. Robert Paillaix, Yuba City levee commissioner, credits them with preventing a staggering loss of life. Crews under the direction of Patrol Captain Don Davison of Paradise, and Assistant Game Manager Albert Naylor of Gray Lodge, Butte County, rescued approximately 50 persons in the Yuba City area. Warden Jack Ferges of Roseville uarned of the Nicolaus levee break, assisted in rescue and evacuation work, and maintained continuous radio communications. In the stricken town of Klam- ath, Del Norte County, War- dens Otis Wright and Ralph Schlitzkus were the first law enforcement personnel in the area, and had the only radio contact with the sheriff's office. In the Eel River Valley War- dens Lyle Null, Robert Perkins and Larry Werder rescued 16 persons and assisted in the evac- uation of the town of Weott, brought in medical supplies and food, maintained radio com- munications and patrolled evac- uated areas against looting. Warden Jack McKerlie of Pt. Arena directed a dangerous res- cue of 17 persons, including 15 children, cut off and in danger of drowning in the raging Gualala River. McKerlie for two da\s maintained the only communica- tions into Pt. Arena. In the Fernbridge area of Hum- boldt County Warden Robert Wor(/ens Q\\ Berg, leff, and Hal Mefford in acfion during rescue operations of height of Yuba City flood, (Fish and Game Photo by Capt. Don Davison) Burge was the first rescue party to reach the area, and in addition helped evacuate the town of Orick. Warden Anderson Smith acted as rescue coordinator in Hayfork, Trinity County, for 24 straight hours, and had the only communication with outside. In Scott Valley Warden Robert Fraser maintained the only com- munication, and assisted in sev- eral rescues. Warden Forrest McDermott served continuously for five days in the Santa Cruz emergency, and at one time had the only communication in the entire county. Wardens Davis, Owen and White, working as a team with cars and boats, rescued 40 per- sons in the Visalia area. Wardens Becas and Burnett rescued six people in the Lemon Cove area, and then Becas returned to his own flooded home and evacu- ated his family and several neigh- bors. Burnett for a time provided the only radio contact with the Tulare County sheriff's office. Scores of other fish and game people assisted in levee patrol, radio communication, patrol against looting, and directing rescue. In none of the cases were the Fish and Game men ordered to this duty, the men accepting re- sponsibility voluntarily. Fish and Game boats and radios and other equipment in many cases were on the scene before actual flood- ing took place and their use helped prevent damage and loss of life. At least 75 department men contributed efforts far beyond the normal call of duty during this emergency period. IIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIinillllllllllllllltltMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII APPENDICES Shasta Dam, which backs up the headwaters of the Sacramento River. SALMON MARKING AND RECOVERY/ 1950-1956 (U. S. Bureau of Reclamation Photo) TABLE 1 Fins removed^ Brood year Where released'- * Date of release Number released Ocean recoveries River recoveries^ Grand 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 Total 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 Total total KIKG D-LV 1949 1951 1952 1949 1950 SR BC BR BC BC KR KR MR MR DNH DNH Feb.-March 1950 March 1950 May 1950 March 1952 Sept. 1952 April 1952 May 1952 June 1952 Dec. 1953 May-July 1951 May-July 1951 235,248 235,466 132,734 505,933 41,850 199,392 213,608 99,300 12,100 1.772 164,423 1 1 17 490 4 17 128 9 1 6 1 23 7 ""u 4 36 625 14 41 26 7 80 19 "'46' 6 202 11 214 2 9 19 465 55 D-RV 1,090 An-LV 14 KING D-Ad 15 16 4 55 13 3 3 2 11 2 4 6 3 2 13 2 54 D-Ad-LV 28 Ad-LV (near mouth) 1 7 Ad-RV (above High- 35 97 5 137 217 way 99) Ad-An 19 KING D-Ad-RV SILVER Ad-LV-RV SILVER Ad-RV 42 42 30 30 72 2 511 197 56 103 21 S90 40 208 259 52 102 5 666 1,556 ' Actual number of recoveries not weighted by sampling efficiency. Ocean recoveries include those taken off British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California in random samples only. River recoveries include those made by spawning area survey crews and hatchery personnel. 2 Abbreviations as follows: D — dorsal; V — ventral; L — left; R — right; An — anal; Ad — adipose. 3 Eggs or flsh were taken from the same stream in which they were released, with one exception. Those released in Big River, Mendocino County, were taken from Mad River. * Abbreviations as follows: SR— Sacramento River; BC— Battle Creek: BR— Big River. Mendocino County; KR — Klamath River; MR— Mad River; DNH — Del Norte and Humboldt Counties. 5 1956 river data incomplete. TABLE 2 FISH AND GAME PRESERVATION FUND SUMMARY OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND SURPLUS 1954-55 Fiscal Year 1955-56 Fiscal YeM 1954-55 Fiscal Year 1955-56 Fiscal Year Total state revenue — all sources $7,030,445 7,240,601 3,839,712 (800.6) (835.8) (101.9) (119.0) 2,487,458 263,735 —251.027 J7,333,2H 7,798,252 4,159,061 (822.5) (867.4) (111.1) (120.0) 2,711,240 233,204 —277,540 Sub-division of expenditures — Continued J400,879 207,574 62,318 969 127,882 16,500 84,601 -1-82,799 5,244,185 -127,357 1425,168 204,959 71,341 Sub-division of expenditures: 14,333 142,732 Number of positions: 17,600 96,654 Filled -1-51,419 Federal aid Filled 4,830,066 Operating deficit (includes prior year adjustments) Operating expense. -414,119 Less reimbursements [83] 84 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME TABLE 3 FISH AND GAME PRESERVATION FUND STATEMENT OF REVENUE 1954-55 Fiscal Year 1955-56 Fiscal Year 1954-55 Fiscal Year 1955-56 Fiscal Year Department of Fish and Game, License Sales Angling Commercial Hunting Club Commercial Hunting Club Operator Deer Tags Fish Breeder . Fish Importer Fish Canners and Processors Wholesale Fish Dealers and Preservers Fish Tags - - - Fishing Party Boat Permit Boat Registrations -. Salmon Tags Game Breeders Game Bird Club License. Game Bird Club Tags.. Game Tags Migratory Game Bird Feeding Hunting --. Kelp Harvesters Commercial Fishermen Trapping.- Guide Licenses Deer Meat Permits— Locker Plants Deer Meat Permits— Wardens Controlled Hunting Area Permits Pheasant Tags Special Big Game Hunts Bass Tags Napa Marsh Permits Colorado River Permits Perch Tags Abalone Boat Registration Shellfish Cultivators Live Freshwater Bait Fish N utria Breeders Totals, license sales. $3,835,168 900 320 401,820 2,070 15 4,875 8,628 11,957 2,502 46,120 128 8,980 3,075 1,154 2,116 790 1,804,402 40 112,663 882 1,800 11,301 2,565 51,222 221,621 9,286 22 3,093 1,048 $6,550,563 $3,902,154 1.225 400 414.842 5,300 10 4,800 8,325 10,929 2,223 43.770 102 10.310 5,950 1,308 1,875 560 1,843,762 40 98,258 916 1,930 11,116 2.065 66.462 219,587 80,906 23 1,578 10.702 64 3,480 20O 1,990 5,750 $6,762,902 Less; Commissions retained by agents selling licenses . Net revenue from license sales Court fines Taxes; Fish packers and fish dealers tax . Salmon tax Kelp harvester tax Oyster tax Miscellaneous revenue. Total Marine Research Committee, Taxes: Sardine Mackerel --. Anchovies... Herring Squid Total, Marine Research Committee Total revenue excluding interest on investments. Interest on investments Total revenue $—316,048 $6,234,515 144,615 327,215 51,742 4,878 66,075 $6,829,040 $66,088 23,459 25,312 820 5,742 $121,421 $6,950,461 79,984 $7,030,445 $—321,639 $6,441,263 135,349 367,569 66.790 6,984 356 74,205 $7,092,516 $74,172 45,684 24,282 1,277 4,433 $149,848 $7,242,364 90,850 $7,333,214 TABLE 4 FISH AND GAME PRESERVATION FUND 1954-55 FISCAL YEAR EXPENDITURES 1955-56 FISCAL YEAR EXPENDITURES State Federal aid Total, state and federal State Federal aid Total, state and federal $1,914,090 1,605,440 1,110,077 214,242 48,802 15,856 $1,914,090 1,605.440 1.110,077 856.970 195.208 63.425 $2,106,698 1.860.991 1,245,374 213,347 55.726 18,774 $2,106,698 Inland Fisheries 1,860,991 1,245,374 Federal aid— research and development: $642,728 146.406 47.569 Federal aid— research and development: $640,041 167,178 56,322 853,388 Inland Fisheries Inland Fisheries Marine Fisheries 222,904 75,096 $278,900 794,419 531,143 427,355 241,216 98,272 44,298 22,463 12,618 $836,703 $1,115,603 794,419 531,143 427,355 241,216 98.272 44.298 22.463 12,618 $287,847 856,584 410,262 406,482 240,619 90,624 42,086 19,565 15,307 $863,541 $1,151,388 Marine Fisheries- Regional management 856,584 410,262 406,482 Staff management services Fixed charges; Staff management services Fixed charges: General administrative charges 240,619 90,624 42,086 Automobile insurance Attorney general services Total fixed charges Conservation Education Commission Totals 19,565 Attorney general services 15.307 $177,651 129,072 31,239 $177,651 129,072 31,239 $167,582 178,111 38,202 $167,582 178,111 38.202 Totals $7,240,602 $836,703 $8,077,305 $7,798,752 $863,541 $8,662,293 'Includes Marine Research Committee Expenriitures of $84,601 and Pacific Marine Fisheries Commission of $16,500. ■-' IiK'hides Marine Research Commiltee Expenditures of Fisheries ^Commission of $17,600. 6,654 and Pacific M;irine FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT TABLE 5 HATCHERY REARED WARMWATER FISH PLANTED Species Largemouth black basS- Smallmouth black bass- Golden shiner Fathead minnow , BluegiU sunfish Pumpkin seed sunfish. - Redear sunfish - - Total . Number 197.655 4.000 34.640 169.760 406,001 358,585 10.800 3,345 494,752 680 13,548 32,444 914.154 TABLE 6 TROUT AND SALMON PLANTING TRENDS Fingerling Subcatchable* Catchaljle "Vear Number Pounds Number Pounds Number Pounds 1949-50-.-. 1950-51-..- 1951-52..-- 1952-53--- 1953-54-.-. 1954-55--- 1955-56.- - 16,290,943 14,918,164 11.815.287 13.452.418 13.512.282 10.294,133 18,119,846 70,542 61.901 40.182 40.826 46.747 49.261 85.020 2,501,182 2,833,599 3,675,305 4.580.840 5,261,740 7,599.905 7,584,721 417,855 468,339 539.554 747,721 796,384 1.191,428 86.535 7.416 1,240.576 * 1955-56 First year subcatchables were separated. TABLE 7 FISH SALVAGED AND TRANSPLANTED Warmwater Fish Striped bass .- Largemouth black bass.. Smallmouth black bass. Warmouth bass Bluegill sunfish Green sunfish — Redear sunfish Black crappie White crappie Sacramento perch Viviperous perch Golden shiner Fathead minnow Threadfin shad Channel catfish White catfish Brown bullhead - - Red Plains shiner Total. Salmon Silver - King.. Total - 46 945,950 57,128 13.000 98,763 2,613 13 76,330 292 225 120 15,408 16,000 2,132 1,232 4.452 7,125 1,240,829 13,203 153,900 Trout Rainbow Brown Eastern brook. Cutthroat Steelhead Total - Others Shortfin corvina Grangemouth corvina. Northern anchovy Tortuava Total GRAND TOTAL. 167,103 1.554 293 500 2 799,212 1955-56 238 599,282 82.410 205 39,521 2,008 8,766 2,515 1,626 266 6,626 25,700 185 19,642 73,827 17,433 2,000 881,639 24,955 2,857 801,561 114 4 5,000 .5.118 2.214,611 7.812 1.3,216 1.578 323.401 538.195 1.968 56 2,032 1,449,678 TABLE 8 1954-55 FISCAL YEAR EXPENDITURES Support Salary and wages . $23.886 . 00 Operating expenses 11,160 00 Equipment. $35,346.00 Contribution to Retirement System 1,666. 00 Total Support.. $37,012.00 Capital Outlay Projects Fish hatchery and stocking...... *"^'5^"-Js^ Warmwater and other fish projects ^^ n^'/S Flow maintenance and stream improvement... ^5'^'nn Fish screen and ladder... 7,064.00 Game farm - ',:,n'?i?i' Upland game.. „~"Hx-XX Waterfowl .- ...- ''^OSS General ^,500. 00 Total Capital Outlay $2.009,756.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $2,046,768.00 TABLE 9 1955-56 FISCAL YEAR EXPENDITURES SuDDort Salary and wages.. $28,294.00 Operating expenses - ^^"^I^'!^ Equipment 173. 00 $49,645.00 Contributions to Retirement System .- 1£58^0^ TotalSupport- ..-.- $51,403.00 Capital Outlay Projects Fish hatchery and stockmg projects 'f ,, o,? ' m Warmwater and other fish projects 7ci,im Flow maintenance and stream improvement .- IS'XA^ nn Fish screen and ladder -. 42,000.00 Game farm upi^d^^me :-:::;:-::::-:::;: m8oi:6o- Genera? '''SS™ Total Capital Outlay $1,177,534.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $1,228,937.00 TABLE 10 FARM PONDS July 1, 1954 to June 30, 1956 (Inclusive) Region Number of applications Number of ponds stockedt I 60* 121 128 96 123 40 11 95 III 74 IV 72 V 95 Totals 528* 376 t Includes ponds stocked with fish purchased by owners from priiate breeders. TABLE 11 INITIAL STREAM AND LAKE SURVEYS July 1, 1954 to June 30, 1956 (Inclusive) Region streams Lakes I 32 35 40 88 102 10 41 3 II Ill IV V 107 244 86 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME TABLE 12 CREEL CENSUSES July I, 1954 to June 30, 1956 (Inclusive) Name of water County Name of water County REGION I Castle Lake Siskiyou Medicine Lake Siskiyou Klamath River Siskiyou and Del None Shasta River _ Siskiyou Scott River Siskiyou Eagle Creek Trinity Cedar Creek _. Modoc Big Sage Reservoir Modoc Big, Stone, Freshwater, and Clam Beach Lagoons Humboldt Eel River, South Fork Humboldt Sacramento River and tribs. (Mill, Battle, and Deer creeks) Shasta and Tehama Trinity River.. __ Trinity Smith River Del Norte REGION II American River Sacramento Nimbus Reservoir _.. Sacramento Folsom Reservoir Sacramento and Placer Ross Reservoir Calaveras Hunters Reservoir Calaveras Licking Fork , Calaveras Schaad 's Reservoir Calaveras Love Oeek Amador Tabaud Reservoir,-. Amador Angels Creek Amador Benner Creek __ Plumas Cold Stream Creek Plumas Indian Creek Plumas Eureka Lake Plumas Lost Creek Plumas M ud Creek Plumas Oregon Creek Yuba Poplar Creek Plumas Prosser Creek Nevada Rice Creek Plumas Upper and Lower Scotts Flat Reservoir Nevada Slate Creek- Yuba Spanish Creek Plumas Little Truckee River Sierra Warner Creek Plumas Big Creek Plumas Fall River Butte Canyon Sierra Dry Creek Yuba Alder Creek El Dorado Silver Creek El Dorado Gerle Creek El Dorado Webber Creek El Dorado Rubicon River EI Dorado Pilot Creek El Dorado Long Canyon Creek Placer Duncan Creek-. ._ Placer Bullion Creek Placer Shirttail Canyon Creek Placer Forest Creek Calaveras Blue Creek Calaveras Lakes Basin Recreation Area (8 lakes) Plumas and Sierra Butte Creek Butte Sacramento River Glenn, Butte, Colusa American River (South, Middle, North, and Silver Forks) Placer and El Dorado Mokelumne River (Middle, South, and North Forks)-. Amador and Calaveras Feather River (North. Middle, and South Forks; East and Hamilton Branches) Plumas, Butte, and Sierra REGION III Alameda Creek _ Alameda San Lorenzo River Santa Cruz Gualala River Mendocino and Sonoma San Vicente Creek _.. Santa Cruz Russian River and tribs Mendocino and Sonoma GazosOeek San Mateo Lake Merced San Francisco Dennison Creek Reservoir San Mateo Higgins Creek Reservoir San Mateo Lexington Reservoir Santa Clara Stevens Creek Reservoir Santa Clara Alpine Lake M arin Lagunitas Lake Marin Bon Tempe Lake Marin Kent Lake _ Marin Rodeo Lagoon Marin Upper Blue Lake Lake Lake Pillsbury Lake Rector Reservoir... _ Napa Rice Fork _ Lake Eel River Lake Salmon Creek Lake Squaw Creek. Lake Pescadero Creek . _ San Mateo Conn Creek Napa Eel River, Middle Fork Mendocino REGION IV Brush Creek Tulare Pine Flat Reservoir Fresno Don Pedro Reservoir _. Tuolumne Merced River Mariposa Sequoia Lake _ _ Fresno Shaver Lake __ Fresno Hume Lake Fresno Kern River Kern and Tulare Strawberry Lake Tuolumne Los Banos Ponds Merced San Joaquin River Fresno and Madera Kings River Fresno Huntington Lake Fresno REGION V Colorado River Riverside and Imperial Sabrina Lake Inyo South Lake . Inyo Bishop Creek Inyo Little Rock Reservoir Los Angeles San Gabriel River Los Angeles Convict Lake Mono June Lake Mono Mary Lake ___ Mono Rock Creek Lake Mono Silver Lake Mono Twin Lakes (Mammoth Creek) Mono Twin Lakes (Robinson Creek) Mono Convict Creek Mono Mammoth Creek. Mono Rock Creek Mono Rush Creek- Mono Arrowhead Lake _ San Bernardino Gregory Lake San Bernardino El Capitan Reservoir San Diego San Vicente Reservoir San Diego Cachuma Reservoir Santa Barbara Matilija Reservoir Ventura Big Bear Lake San Bernardino Sutherland Reservoir San Diego TABLE 13 APPLICATIONS TO APPROPRIATE WATER July 1, 1954 to June 30, 1956 (Inclusive) Region Number of applications Number of special field inspections made Number of protests filed I 132 468 193 168 110 29 35 43 16 39 n. . 49 Ill . IV V. 11 Total 1,071 167 92 PREDATORY BIRD BOUNTIES PAID BY DEPARTMENT FABLE 14 Number bountied County Crows Magpies 19S4 19M 1954 1955 Contra Costa 180 66 20 Glenn Inyo S« Lake 119 25 Lassen 326 Modoc. ... 270 7 48 8 San Bernardino. . 341 23 38 792 770 Shasta 40 Ventura Yolo 568 Totals 2,210 827 270 390 FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 87 TABLE 15 WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT AREA OPERATIONS Area Acreage oper to hunting Scheduled seasonal shooter capacity •Actual number hunters using area Number waterfowl bagged Average bag per hunter 1954 1955 1954 1955 1954 1955 1954 1955 1954 1955 2,080 3.000 4,280 1,100 1,060 5,000 960 1,500 1,500 3,750 2.000 3.000 5.000 1,100 1,100 5.000 1.000 1.530 1,500 4.520 5.280 4.950 1.840 1,840 1,725 16.500 1.200 l.a.'iO 3.300 12.450 1,700 4,500 2,600 2,080 1,280 11.500 2.000 2.900 2.800 12.700 918 2,237 2,996 2,496 2.281 8.223 826 1.889 3.698 4.567 250 742 3.138 2,948 1.953 9,824 1.615 2.613 3.110 5,525 2.018 2.737 9.604 8.316 5.622 24,853 1,280 3.821 10.810 8.578 548 2.423 10.960 10.990 5.907 33.448 3.712 4.497 9.246 11,381 2.2 1.2 3.1 3.3 2.4 3.0 1.5 2.0 2.9 1.9 ■1 1 3.3 3.5 3.7 Sutter -- 3.0 ■S.4 2..? 1.7 3.0 2.0 1,500 5.600 1.380 3.150 8.38 1.632 1.276 2,139 1.6 1.3 MaKWpIl 7.500 4,350 3,101 6,132 2.0 Totals - 31.330 33.250 55,295 48,410 32.601 34.845 81.054 99,241 2.5 2.9 * Actual number of hunters may exceed scheduled capacity due to hunters using areas as replacements of original hunters who have left the area. t Includes Hazard. Pumice, Poe. Finney-Ramer, Wlster and Imperial National Units. TABLE 16 HATCHERY REARED TROUT AND SALMON DISTRIBUTION 1954-55 FISCAL YEAR Catchable Rainbow Trout Fingerlings Salmon Fingerlings County Rainbow Steelhcad Cutthroat Brook Brown Golden Silver Kokanee King 27,450 1153,887 70,972 112,707 58,650 13.415 172.711 91.375 19.740 17.500 1,920 2.013 324,128 175.962 207.596 2,584 400.168 490.603 1.040 75.180 177.418 117.207 20.250 350.687 106.380 17.500 192,120 Humboldt 202,802 114.338 515.581 207.099 56.268 97.801 318.418 37,400 175,065 73,679 32,67-! 50,739 n,351,112 78,590 57,954 141,083 12,400 143,467 258,068 136.410 55.434 427.514 27,600 Kern Lalie 285.672 37,826 450.000 1.666 '205. i 06 152.345 291.373 59.945 4,800 117.795 4,800 31.780 283.315 108.360 240.435 264,035 289,904 13,200 Napa 47.995 30,000 5.460 90.2 i 6 r>i 290.187 74.783 24.000 4.000 158.280 7.500 r lumai 3.150 200.240 46.270 775.532 80.390 93,397 1.000 20b'.666 365,818 494.210 San Luis Obispo... 80,067 73.992 53.165 78.981 90.513 332.737 139.591 223.S19 10.058 212.1.30 17.313 265.359 325.713 176.777 3.340 399,732 Santa Clara 229.008 74.185 112.549 36.160 30.000 20.095 4.200 108.301 202.650 26.000 263.754 105.229 225.722 10.005 44.141 10.175 71.985 2.100 13.920 13,800 Yuba... 7.599.905 6.730.975 526.930 438.628 1.361.446 855,354 272,160 898,490 210.150 1 1.386 Cutthroat. -' 3.250 Brmin. DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME COOPERATIVE PHEASANT HUNTING AREA OPERATIONS TABLE 17 AcreaRe open to hunting Scheduled seasonal shooter capacity .\ctua! number of hunters using area Number of pheasant bagged Average birds bagged per hunter 1954 1955 1954 1955 1954 1955 1954 1955 1954 1955 Gazelle ---. McArthur.-- -.. Butte Creek 6.160 6.580 4.140 5.268 3,431 19,143 6.750 6.396 10.496 6.323 11.230 8.315 11.797 5.047 6.273 13.560 15.076 20,500 5,800 5.400 5.200 7.000 5.775 5.860 4.249 5.460 4.414 17.901 6.000 7.000 4.140 5.130 2.750 18.200 5.000 3.820 9.500 3,960 6,500 5,500 10.000 1.850 3.250 6.120 7.2S0 S.OOO 4.000 4.000 3.000 6,000 8,000 8,000 6,688 8,688 4.320 24,000 1.882 1.371 4.190 3.300 2.015 4,533 1.714 3.020 8.600 4.265 3.928 4.049 4.820 3.482 3.508 3.877 5.293 5.880 5.119 6,211 4,268 6,912 1,590 1.055 4.577 4.126 3.147 •13.377 •756 691 795 1.433 1.477 464 1.810 660 1.577 2.000 1.411 1,467 1,574 2,310 971 1,200 1.007 2,195 2.553 2.509 2.067 1.949 2.360 743 905 557 2.367 442 2.014 0.37 0.58 0.23 0.44 0.22 0.39 0.38 0..36 0.22 0.32 0.36 0.38 0.49 0.27 0.33 0.25 0.40 0,42 0.47 0.33 0.46 0.34 0.41 0.86 0.35 College Citv 0.59 0.40 0.64 Maxwell {Welchi 11.661 5.228 11.193 7,400 16,000 5,296 11.200 8.000 12.337 4.379 4.915 4.809 2.156 1.926 2,033 1,934 0.50 0.46 0.42 0.41 Twitchell Island 4,690 6.554 13.506 16,826 21.000 8,500 6.000 5.200 3.760 6.240 10.400 12.000 12.800 6.400 8.000 6.400 4,525 4,543 5.225 7.360 5,375 5,157 14.014 5.891 1,467 2.007 1.339 3.546 2,755 2.072 4.020 2.707 0.33 0.45 0.26 Yolo 0.49 0.54 0.41 0.29 0.46 189.885 161,417 131,000 165,892 92.237 97.15S 34,480 34,990 0.37 0,36 ' Daily permits. • Se;ison;tl peimits. TABLE 18 HATCHERY REARED TROUT AND SALMON DISTRIBUTION 1955-56 FISCAL YEAR Catchable Rainbow Trout Fingerlings Salmon Fingerlings County Rainbow Steelhead Tut throat Brook Brown Golden Silver Kokanec King 28,197 182,551 69,914 109,515 69,931 13,530 26,985 236,792 133.730 62,020 20,960 2,000 80,940 2,002 253,330 143.815 377,143 2,530 1,772,832 444,692 1.508 126.168 245.920 233,115 32.805 332,896 141,113 99,500 93.735 103,731 4.012 17,020 59.932 '618,489 227,485 68,892 47,823 239,320 82,584 107,894 66,875 13,602 29.791 n, 644,780 86.967 46,470 226.035 18,780 19.975 "180,746 100,390 179.676 15,200 50.000 11,637 100,800 243,000 16.260 118,292 237.600 457.576 58,931 Marin 15,855 170,700 479,952 47,713 381,013 73,640 248,100 95,239 476,830 31,530 \- J 164,879 34,200 147,699 150,275 1,278,406 456.254 31,535 90.221 16.588 240.108 2,560 2,205,626 649.020 61.200 152,305 81,410 88,346 16,070 56,154 95,933 274.673 q27,148 n76,280 25.490 4,000 766,962 San Luis Obispo 290,410 58,296 1,050 28,338 121,327 213,162 26,240 750 30,000 5.005 =63.4 17 97,340 '900 129,000 35,000 2,599,863 Sonoma 4,096 161.743 7,225 321,080 '364,844 172,985 2,795 «43,025 109,427 86,117 326,864 30,009 40.959 85.273 27,966 57.020 5,000 Yuba Totals 7,627,331 8,452,897 577,111 757,756 1.341,506 808,844 176,130 103,857 660,235 5,285,435 1 7.430 Brown. - 7,430 Brown. •> 10 • 80( 610 Subcatchab Brown. les. s •1 20,513 Splake. 840 Brown " Subcatchable * Subcatchable s. s. "26,000 S ibcalchables. FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 89 TABLE 19 TOTAL ARRESTS FOR PERIOD OF 54 YEARS 1902-1904 550 1930-1932 5 237 1904-1906 774 1,192 1932-1934 3,795 1006-1908 -- 1934-1936 4,535 1,771 1936-1938 6 382 1910-1912 2.063 1938-1940 1940-1942 1942-1944 7,444 1912-1914 1,993 7 262 1914-1916 2,087 4 298 1916-1918 1,797 1944-1946 5.902 1918-1920 1,891 1946-1948 1948-1950 1950-1952 1962-1954 11 331 1920-1922 2,258 12.947 1922-1924 2,715 12,802 1924-1926 3,207 16,271 1926-1928 ._ 4,390 5,388 1954-1956 18,202 1928-1930 TABLE 21 SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME LANDS 1955 GAME MANAGEMENT TABLE 20 CALIFORNIA REGULAR SEASON DEER KILL (ARCHERY TAGS INCLUDED) County of kill Alameda Alpine Amador Butte Calaveras Colusa Contra Costa Del Norte El Dorado Fresno Glenn Humboldt Imperial Inyo Kern Kings — Lake Lassen... Los Angeles Madera Marin Mariposa M endocino Merced Modoc Mono Monterey Napa Nevada - -. Orange Placer Plumas Riverside Sacramento San Benito San Bernardino San Diego San Joaquin San Luis Obispo San Mateo Santa Barbara Santa Clara Santa Cruz Shasta Sierra Siskiyou Solano Sonoma Stanislaus Sutter Tehama.. . Trinity Tulare Tuolumne Ventura Yolo - Yuba Not given State-wide totals Deer tag sales Yearly average 1927- 1951 348 523 198 448 288 350 59 30 801 1,508 642 1,233 5 424 372 13 1,379 1,398 690 494 486 221 2,267 101 1,922 557 1,017 685 601 90 431 1,507 390 6 460 247 455 24 677 111 657 611 110 1,115 658 1,843 69 906 147 1 1,372 905 1,150 616 578 237 96 3 34,532 1952 627 1,277 322 849 413 541 200 28 937 1,949 740 1,792 16 .308 655 29 2,056 1,962 572 665 832 232 4.252 388 1,794 1,442 1,.825 1,220 972 129 531 1,671 658 IS 1,174 628 719 43 1,115 167 708 1,051 118 1,940 795 2.187 126 1.553 371 2 1.623 1.045 1.087 956 856 334 167 763 1.638 485 1.040 497 356 232 33 1.185 2.407 606 2.323 23 593 1.032 30 2.146 1.519 629 745 885 248 4.394 388 1.076 2.098 2.023 1.161 1.277 173 671 2.285 354 21 1.408 455 792 60 1.503 139 994 1.172 166 2.566 1.032 2.768 113 1.679 471 2,932 1,220 1,174 1,447 784 349 244 188 58,992 911 1,765 550 1,229 694 592 311 46 1,637 2.S50 687 3.055 5 606 965 54 2.549 2.643 926 939 1.04S .328 5.232 355 2.151 2.565 2.685 1.3.86 1.750 171 833 2.762 417 18 1.662 476 904 64 2.077 140 1.314 1.695 257 .3,423 1,322 4,036 139 1,979 608 4. ISO 1.242 1.662 1.705 894 537 368 203 75.602 639 1.896 418 1.158 636 548 175 55 1..394 2.526 780 3.408 14 493 1,118 36 2,479 3,366 977 842 901 336 4.587 341 2,535 1,899 2,577 1,329 1.149 207 686 2.543 412 26 1.513 561 1.306 71 1.9.33 157 1.307 1.434 219 3.167 1.014 4.220 143 1.5S6 451 2 3.1.37 1.811 1.594 1.256 1.065 392 205 96 71.126 400.000 Percent change from 1954 -30 -1-7 -24 —6 —8 —1 —44 -1-20 — 15 —11 + 14 + 12 + 180 — 19 +16 —33 —3 +27 +6 — 10 — 14 + 12 — 12 —4 + 18 —26 —4 —4 —34 +21 —18 —8 — 1 +44 —9 + 18 +44 + 11 —7 + 12 — 1 — 15 -15 —7 —23 +5 +3 -20 —26 +200 —25 +46 -4 —26 —19 —27 —44 —53 Leased lands Acreage Cost Waterfowl Manacement Areas Honev Lake. Lassen County 4.819.70 5,176.10 320.00 6,735.51 8,600.00 1,887.00 3,000.00 8,536.57 190 784 09 1.034.00 1.044.297.77 659.929.42 71 875 50 Gray Lodge. Butte and Sutter Counties Suisun. Solano County 1.071.675.49 San Luis Wasteway. Merced County 2,886.95 2.064.43 535.24 5.010.00 88 405 05 Hazard Fleet, Imperial County 47 775 52 Wister area. Imperial County 3,880.00 954.589.08 Totals 6.766.95 46.684.55 13.502.91 42.896.90 $4,181,960.52 $37 807 76 Winter Deer Ranoes Doyle, Lassen County 212 518.86 Totals 56.399.81 14.00 12,00 11.00 72.00 $250,326.62 State Game Farms Gift Gift $4 294.00 Chico, Butte County 0 00 0.00 Yountville, Napa County 0.00 Brawley, Imperial Couuty- part of Finney- Ramer WMA 0.00 Los Serranos, San Bernardino County Gift 29.00 0.00 Totals 138.00 46.684.55 56.399.81 138.00 $4,294.00 TOTALS Waterfowl Management Areas 6.766.95 4.181.960.52 250.326.62 4.294.00 GRAND TOTAL 6.766.95 103,222.36 $4,436,581.14 ' Some of tlii^i acieage used for general departmental uses other than game farni>. GAME BIRD RELEASES Liberation of Game Farm Birds January 1 December 31, 1955 TABLE 22 1954, through +0.6 County Ring-neck Reeves Chukars Total 678 220 6.417 4,002 20 67S 220 Butt* 6,417 Colusa 4.002 20 Del Norte 92 92 9.471 135 230 10.144 6.13S 10.494 1.203 556 2,255 2,900 2,011 85 12,613 130 100 3,697 803 342 1.047 3.533 12.064 8,344 5,356 9,632 85 326 2,293 3.911 9.255 3.631 4.636 593 3,601 9,471 Glenn 135 230 1,409 11.553 6.138 Kern 10.494 1.203 Lake 556 2.255 2.900 64 2.075 85 12.613 l.TO 100 3.697 Napa 803 342 Placer 1.047 1,705 5.238 12.064 1,616 9.960 5.356 9.632 85 •Santa Clara 326 2.293 Siskiyou 3.911 9.255 32 3.663 Sutter 4.636 593 Tulare 3.601 30 .30 9,406 2.532 9.406 Yuba - 2.532 Totals 154.889 188 4,760 159.837 90 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME TABLE 23 CHEMICAL CONTROL OF UNDESIRABLE FISH POPULATIONS July 1, 1954 to June 30, 1956 (Inclusive) Name of water REGION I West Valley Reservoir Kelley Lake___ Duncan Reservoir. . . Pine Creek - - RECJON II Lower Loch Leven Lake - Weaver Lake Round Lake. , Long Lake Little Island Lake_ .. Island Lake -. Lilyput Pond Shotgun Lake Upper Crooked Lake Middle Crooked Lake Lower Crooked Lake Big Bear Lake- . . . . . Little Bear Lake Grassy Lake Long Lake.- Upper Cascade Lower Cascade Little Catfish Lake. . Echo Lake __ Silver Fork Log Pond Crystal Lake Devils Peak Lake Dan Lake Frog Lake _ . Campbell Lake Long Lake Grassy Lake Saddle Lake Lower Bucks Lake... Upper Angora Lake.. Lower Angora Lake.. Woods Lake Elephant Rock Lake. Summit Lake Upper Lindsey Lake. Lower Lindsey Lake. View Lake REGION HI Mackaye Radio Pond Giannini Pond McCreary Reservoir . Deitert Reservoir Russian River, West Branch Forsythe Creek Mill Creek .__. Akerman Creek Robinson Creek McNab Creek Feliz Creek. Pieta Creek Coleman Creek Cumminsky Creek.. . Sulphur Creek Middle Creek County Modoc Siskiyou Modoc Lassen Placer Nevada Nevada Nevada Nevada Nevada Nevada Nevada Nevada Nevada Nevada Plumas Plumas Plumas Placer Placer Placer Nevada Plumas El Doradd Plumas Placer Placer Alpine Plumas Plumas Plumas Plumas Plumas El Dorado El Dorado Alpine Alpine Alpine Nevada Nevada Nevada San Mateo San Mateo Lake Lake Mendoci Mendocino Mendocino Mendocino Mendocino Mendocino Mendocino Mendocino Mendocino Mendocino Mendocino Mendocino Surface area in acres At time of treat- ment 605 9 60 6 mi. II 67 4.S 3.9 6.5 ;i4.4 1.8 5.7 2.7 2.0 7.4 24.6 4.1 11.0 10.7 27.5 14.0 7.4 29.0 .5 11. 1 3.6 1.6 6.0 6.8 14.6 7.3 9.0 15.0 14.6 8.3 16.0 7.3 12.5 15.0 21.0 2.7 1 1 90 30 11 mi. 7 mi. H mi. 6 mi. 5 mi. 3 mi. 7 mi. 5 mi. Mmi. 3 mi. 2 mi. 2 mi. When full 1.000 9 200 U 104 4.8 3.9 6.5 52,2 1.8 8.6 2.7 2.0 7.4 24,6 4.1 11,0 10.7 H4.0 34,5 7.4 29.0 .5 11.1 3.6 1.6 6.0 6.8 14.6 7.3 9.0 130,0 14.6 8.3 16.0 7.3 12.5 22.0 29.0 4.4 1 1 100 70 Date Nov. 1955 Oct. 1955 Oct. 1954 Oct. 1954 Oct. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Aug. May Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept, Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Nov. Nov. Oct. Oct. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Species restocked Cutthroat trout Eastern brook Rainbow trout Eagle Lake trout Eastern brook trout Rainbow trout Rainbow trout Rainbow trout Rainbow trout Rainbow trout Rainbow trout Rainbow trout Rainbow trout Rainbow trout Rainbow trout Rainbow trout Eastern brook Rainbow trout Rainbow trout Rainbow trout Eastern brook Eastern brook Eastern brook Eastern brook Eastern brook Cutthroat Eastern brook Eastern brook Eastern brook Rainbow trout Cutthroat Cutthroat Rainbow trout Eastern brook Eastern brook Eastern brook Eastern brook Eastern brook Largemouth bass Largemouth bass Largemouth bass Largemouth bass .Nonet Nonet .Nonet Nonet Nonet Nonet Nonet Nonet Nonet Nonet Nonet Nonet Name of water REGION lll-Contd Green Valley Creek Porter Creek Aa'itin Creek Mark West Creek . Santa Rosa Creek . Laguna de Santa Rosa Creek Windsor Creek Russian River Dry Creek Putah Creek Pope Creek Bucksnort Creek REGION IV Los Banos Pond. Setjuoia Lake. . . Dallas Warner Reservoir t Catfish Lake.-- Yosemite Lake_ REGION V San Dimas Reservoir _ Puddingstone Reservoir..- Yorba Linda Reservoir Tuffree Reservoir- Farm Pond Bridgeport Reservoir, Hodges Reservoir Mockingbird Reservoir-. Surface area m acres County At time of treat- ment When full Sonoma Sonoma Sonoma Sonoma Sonoma 7 mi. 1 mi. 6 mi. 9 mi. 11 mi. Sonoma Sonoma Mendocino and Sonoma Sonoma Lake and Napa 6 mi. 2 mi. 85 mi. 15 mi. 35 mi. Napa .Napa 6 mi. 4 mi. Merced 10 10 Fresno 85 85 Stanislaus 280 3,800 Tuolumne 4 5 Merted 150 500 Los Angeles 12 16 Los Angeles 80 490 Orange Orange San Diego 38 8 2 87 10 2 Mono 400 3.000 San Diego 250 1,317 Riverside 15 20 Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. 1954 1954 1954 1954 1954 Oct. 1954 Oct. 1954 Nov. 1954 Aug. 1955 Sept.- Oct. 1955 Sept. 1955 Sept. 1955 Feb. 1955 Sept. 1954 Nov. 1964 Aug. 1955 Dec. 1955 Aug. 1954 Oct. 1954 Feb. Feb. July Nov. Jan. 1955 1955 1955 1955 1956 Mar. 1956 Species restocked Nonet Nonet Nonet Nonet Nonet Nonet Nonet Smallmouth basst None* Smallmouth bass Largemouth bass White catfish Brown trout None Brown trout Bluegill sunfish Largemouth bass Fathead minnow Green sunfish Rainbow trout Largemouth bass Bluegill sunfish Black crappie Fathead minnow Brown bullhead White catfish Eastern brook (jiro- posed) Largemouth bass Black crappie Bluegill sunfish Fathead minnow Rainbow trout Largemouth bass Channel catfish Threadfiii shad Redear sunfish Largemouth bass Largemouth bass Largemouth bass Bluegill sunfish Rainbow trout Brown trout Largemouth bass Bluegill sunfish White crappie Catfish Largemouth basa * Not suitable habitat for game fish. t Restocked naturally through steeUiead spawning. X Sixteen miles of canal above and below Dallas Warner Reservoir also treated. GAME FARM UNITS AND YEARLY CAPACITY TABLE 24 Game farm County Yearly capacity Shasta 3,500 Chico Butte 5,500 6,500 Sacramento -. 10,000 Yountville 15.000 3,500 Fresno. Fresno 8,500 3,500 Castaic 2,500 Los Serranos 6,500 Valley Center 3,000 Brawley 6,000 Total 73,000 FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 91 TABLE 25 NUMBER OF MOUNTAIN LIONS BOUNTIED BY DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME TABLE 27 ABALONE LANDINGS Comity Total bountied 1907-1952 Yearly average 1906-1952 Number bountied aimually 1953 1954 1955 Alameda 37 3 27 82 62 92 1 221 236 209 276 1,097 2 26 481 1 518 14 196 107 3 157 720 10 6 53 712 4 38 16 119 20 108 1 68 178 283 2 264 1 451 169 4 729 43 567 1 2 2 5 i 1 5 49 1 2 1 2 1 Butte 2 85 Calaveras - . . 62 Colusa Contra Costa 1 1 1 6 1 6 1 2 3 Del Norte El Dorado. 5 5 5 6 24 2 226 237 Fresno. Glenn 5 4 10 3 21 3 223 302 Humboldt 1,116 Invo 1 10 11 37 Kern 10 11 509 Lake 11 3 3 10 534 Lassen 14 Los Angeles 5 2 4 1 200 17 2 1 3 4 Mariposa 3 16 2 6 162 Mendocino 6 2 736 12 Modoc. 6 Mono 1 15 3 23 11 23 67 Monterey 12 770 Nevada . .. 1 38 1 17 Placer 3 1 120 20 2 7 1 116 Sacramento 1 1 4 6 1 69 San Bernardino... 1 1 179 San Diego San Joaquin . 2 I 5 291 3 6 ' 278 San Mateo I 2 10 4 4 3 455 Santa Clara Santa Cruz 7 7 1 5 186 5 Shasta 16 1 12 17 9 760 43 Siskiyou 15 26 9 617 Sonoma 36 26 1 452 989 533 187 178 3 46 1 1 36 Stanislaus 2 1 29 Sutter 1 Tehama . 10 21 12 4 4 5 10 21 1 5 16 1 9 29 459 Trinity Tulare Tuolumne 1,013 599 187 Ventura . 14 4 5 201 Volo 3 Vuba ... 1 46 Total.- 10,865 236 181 160 184 11,390 TABLE 26 CALIFORNIA JACK MACKEREL LANDINGS BY SEASONS Season (May 1-April 30) Pounds Season (.May 1-ApriI 30) Pounds 1926-27 365,245 425,197 556,550 673.936 310,894 672,679 465,351 1,106,317 1,653,549 9,849.115 5,757,158 8,242.112 3.925.278 1,117,895 1,749,646 1941-42 1,917,129 1927-28 1942-43 9.794.416 1928-29 1943-44 8.454.883 1929-30 1944-45 13.742,894 1930-31 1945-46 9.280.072 1931-32 . 1946-47 31 146.258 1932-33 1947-48 142.660,570 1933-34 1948-49 55,690,542 1934-35-... 1949-50 64,987,587 1935-36 1950-51 136,374,757 1936-37 1951-52 74 990.835 1937-38 1952-53 151,470,361 1938-39 1953-54 35,061,944 1939-40 1954-55 18,834,458 1940-41 - 1955-56 59,347,100 Year Pounds Year Pounds 1948 3,228.927 3.599,998 3,954.791 4,084,115 1952 4 784 033 1949... 1953 . . 4,719,504 1950 1954 4,099,525 1951 1955 4,185,875 TABLE 28 PACIFIC OYSTER LANDINGS Year Pounds Year Pounds 1933 68,762 50,240 299,375 310,683 680,081 1,207.421 1,659,355 1,292,505 1,717,781 609,233 741,105 636,686 1945 309,738 1934 1946 88,006 1935 1947 46,035 1936 1948 166,524 1937 1949 235,134 1938 1939 1950. 1951 143,612 133.700 1940 1941 1942 1952 1953... 1954 180,141 161,520 460,620 1943 1944 1955 1,635,067 TABLE 29 PACIFIC MACKEREL LANDINGS BY SEASONS Season (May 1-April 30) Pounds Season (May 1-April 30) Pounds 1926-27 3,593,962 6,455,033 39,405,114 56,694,637 12,805,751 15,152,465 10,850,403 72,873,851 113,464.209 146.387.327 100.745.270 70.445.621 76,064,647 99,960,747 107,553,929 1941-42 71,754,709 1927-28 1942-43 48.220,187 1928-29 1943-44 1944-45 1945-46.... 1946-47 1947-48 77.853.106 1929-30 80,785,356 1930-31 52,002,734 1931-32 58,896,372 1932-33 39,627,373 1933-34 1948-49 38,202,903 1934-35 1949-50 50,061,684 1935-36 1950-51 33,890,004 1936-37 1951-52 31,904,919 1937-38 1952-53 18,761,833 1938-39 1953-54 7,612,679 1939-40 1954-55 27,210,207 1955-56 26,896,627 TABLE 30 POUNDS OF LIVE BAIT TAKEN BY THE VESSELS SUPPLYING THE PARTY BOAT FLEET Y'ear Pounds Year Pounds 1947 7,701,000 9,145,000 9.065.000 11.058.000 13,228,000 1952 14,365.000 1948 1953... 12,978,000 1949 1954 13,672,000 1950 1951 1955 12,486,000 TABLE 31 ALBACORE LANDINGS AND SHIPMENTS IN POUNDS Year Fishing boat landings Shipments Total 1948 36,460,157 44,006,280 61.745,994 30.915.342 49,802,791 33,834,626 26,107,290 29,001,631 1,149,632 284.040 4.378.420 17.520.891 22.525,248 46,186,816 38,466,383 44,844,675 37,609,789 1949 44,290,320 1950 ... 66,124,414 1951 48,436,233 1952 72,328,039 1953 80,021,442 1954 64,573,673 J955 73,846,.306 92 DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME TABLE 32 BLUEFIN TUNA LANDINGS AND SHIPMENTS IN POUNDS Year Fishing boat landings .Shipments Total 1948 1949 6.528,807 4.389,390 2.738.963 3.S62.394 4.576,685 9.772.855 21.024.820 13.609.177 168,180 6.696.987 4.389.390 1950 ..., 1961 - 1952 107.878 2,112 2,846.841 3,864,506 4.576,685 1953 1954 62,447 838,286 343,346 9,835,302 21,663,106 13.952,523 1955 TABLE 36 RESIDENCE OF LICENSED COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN Region of residence Number of fishermen, 1954-1955 Number of fishermen, 1955-1956 Eureka SH6 460 1,292 S San Diego . , . Alaska, Washington and Oregon fishermen licensed in California.- . , Other registry 13 Totals 11,647 10.277 TABLE 33 YELLOWFIN TUNA LANDINGS AND SHIPMENTS IN POUNDS TABLE 37 CALIFORNIA FISHERIES PRODUCTION Year Fishing boat landings Shipments Total 194S 191.723,801 184,972,285 182.315.834 160.246,175 178.437,493 132,086,346 119,401,795 122,291,864 191.723,.801 1949 639.809 8,130,632 13,422,415 7.080.197 8.458.606 29.701.898 40.526,143 1950 190 446 466 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 185,517,690 140.544.952 149,103.693 162 818 007 TABLE 34 SKIPJACK LANDINGS AND SHIPMENTS IN POUNDS Year Fishing boat landings .shipments Total 1948 58.770,706 78,521,918 124,779,419 115,886,848 84,736,126 122,306.183 153,766.190 101.837.635 1,364 52,739 3,261,659 2,750,824 4,155,541 8,347.736 15.707.756 1S.687..364 58,772,070 78.574,657 128,041.078 118,637,672 88.891.667 130,653,919 169,463.946 120.524.989 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 __-_ TABLE 35 COMMERCIAL FISHING FLEET Homeport 1954-55 1955-56 Eureka 417 195 792 417 212 1,611 728 530 478 San Francisco Monterey. , 749 467 Los Angeles 1.342 678 San Diego Alaska, Washington, Oregon.. _ 294 4.902 4.450 1954 1955 Total Total landings and shipments, pounds... Cases of fish tanned _ _ _ 71.3.068.917 13.960.379 30.278 1.408.245 17.298 710.216.480 13,797,287 30,706 1,602,797 14,979 1,423.284.397 27.757.666 Gallons of fish oil produced (lallons of liver oil produced 2.911.042 32.277 TABLE 38 SALMON LANDINGS IN POUNDS 1916 1917. 1918, 1919 1920, 1921 1922. 1923. 1924. 1925. 1926. 1927. 1928. 1929. 1930. 1931. 1932. 1933. 1934. 1935. 1936- 1937- 1938. 1939. 1940. 1941. 1942. 1943. 1944. 1945. 1946. 1947. 1948. 1949. 1950. 1951. 1952. 1953. 1964- 1955- Ocean caught 1.592,216 ,086 997 ■,933,346 208,382 066,190 483,105 338,317 736,924 374,573 481,6.36 863.677 ,921.600 444.306 ,033.660 ,085.650 ,666.841 ,649,194 ,657,661 ,921,530 773,112 ,093,475 934,996 170,921 238,755 160,403 ,945,994 ,063,306 ,285,527 ,021,848 ,912,754 134,472 ,080,780 ,829,377 ,530,674 ,856,850 ,840.984 ,500,390 ,973,227 ,697.663 ,658.820 Sacramentfl- San Joaquin Rivers 3.450.787 3.975,487 5.938,029 4,529,222 3,860,312 2,511,127 1,765,066 2,243,945 2,640,110 2,778,846 1,261,776 920,786 553,777 581,497 1,213,698 941,605 1,264,987 454,253 397,572 888,868 949,179 974,871 1,668,376 496,933 1,515,588 844,963 2,562,944 1,296,424 3,265,143 5,467,960 6,524,991 3,403.808 1,9.32,493 898.364 1.150.313 1.243..395 702.352 865.723 900.961 2,.320.746 Othe; 1.896.591 999,097 1,221,813 1,408,123 1,207,317 996,700 1.131.741 1.109..39I 1.000,686 1,265,371 958,626 669.543 480.483 429.714 703,546 686,065 703,990 446,520 Total poujids 10,939,594 11,060,581 13,093,188 13,145,727 11.133,819 7,990,9.32 7,235,124 7,090,260 10,015,269 9,526,753 6,084,079 6,511,929 4.478,566 5,044,871 6.002,894 5.294,511 4,618,171 4,558,434 4,319.102 5.661.980 5.042,654 6,909,867 3,839,297 2,735,688 6,675,991 3,790,957 6,616,250 6,680.961 10.286.991 13.380.714 13.659,463 11,484,588 7,761,870 6,429,038 7,007,163 7,084,379 7,202,742 7,838,950 9,498,624 11,979,566 The commercial catch of king and silver salmon in California has not been sepa- rated. Occasional samples and partial separation for a few areas are available for a few years. The recent samples indicate that the silver salmon constituted about 9 percent by weight of the ocean catch in 1939-1942. Silver salmon are nut taken by the Sacramento-San ,Joaquin fishery. 1 Eel, Klamalh, Mad and Smith Kivers were closed to commercial fishing in 1934. FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 93 SEASONAL CATCH IN TONS TABLE 39 OF SARDINES ALONG THE PACIFIC COAST-EACH SEASON INCLUDES JUNE THROUGH THE FOLLOWING MAY British Columbia Washing- ton Oregon Total Pacific northwest California Grand total Reason Floating plants San Franeiseo Monterey San Pedro Sgn Diego Total California percent of total 1916-17 7,710 23.810 35.750 43.040 24.960 16.290 29.210 45.920 67.310 69.010 81.860 98.020 120,290 160,050 109.620 69.080 89.60(1 152.4.SO 230,860 184.470 206.710 104,930 180.990 227.870 165.700 250.290 184.400 213.620 237.250 145.520 31.240 17.630 47,830 130.990 19.100 640 10 17.380 41.340 32.530 16.580 11.740 19.220 33,170 35.040 96.330 61.990 64.720 67.900 119.250 140.540 38,490 42.660 83,600 125.050 178.820 138.400 138.110 109,950 146,400 101,820 175.590 148.910 201.510 135.310 178.290 173,110 194,720 101,150 131,860 187.260 318,350 127,030 5,680 4,140 66,770 73.990 2.440 7.360 6.810 6.410 1.520 910 2,620 2.780 8.820 5.710 2,110 4,650 1,420 2,620 80 260 60 1,750 4,860 10,650 4,590 380 2.780 110 1.200 1.580 2.870 2,690 2,770 950 4,770 2,460 3,920 3.280 2.910 1,.350 30 320 490 27.530 72.580 75.540 67.030 38.450 36.500 65.110 83,930 173.020 137.270 152.210 187,260 254,4,80 325,170 1.85,120 164,650 250,680 383,440 595,580 560,500 726,120 416.560 575.260 542,250 460.580 587,370 504,660 478,130 554.910 403.680 233.600 121,330 183,720 337.620 353.090 129.100 5.720 4.460 67.270 74.460 27.530 72.660 79,1.80 70,310 42,850 37,490 66.130 84.900 174.390 153.220 200,710 255,690 334.990 411.510 260.190 238.2.50 295.030 387,490 638,580 632,060 791,330 498.400 670.530 587,860 493..320 680.370 573.070 579,1.30 614.050 440.380 247.690 130.110 189,090 337,620 353,090 129.100 5.720 4.460 67.270 74.460 1917-18 80 3,640 3,280 4.400 990 1,020 970 1,370 1,5,950 48,500 68,430 80,510 86,340 75,070 73,600 44,350 4,050 43,000 45,320 44,450 48.080 51.770 5.520 28.770 60.050 65,880 88,740 59,120 34.300 3,990 490 80 3.640 3.280 4.400 990 1,020 970 1,370 15,950 48,500 68,430 80,510 86,340 75.070 73.600 44.350 4,550 43.000 71,560 65,210 81,840 95,270 45,610 32,740 93.000 68.410 101,000 59.140 36.700 14.090 8.780 5.370 70 450 1,000 230 80 110 190 560 560 3,520 16,690 13,520 21,960 25,970 21.610 18,630 36,340 69,000 76,150 141.100 133.720 201.200 212.450 118.090 186.590 115.880 126,510 136,600 84,100 2,870 90 110 16,090 12,730 80 100 95 95 90 97 98 1918-19 1920-21 19''2-23 1924-25 99 1926-27 76 1927-28 1930-31 10,960 31,040 58,790 67,820 112,040 150,830 235,610 67,580 43,890 71 1932-33 85 1933-34 1934-35 93 1935-36 . . 10 6,560 17.100 26,480 17.760 810 17.100 580 10.440 20 2.310 6.140 1.360 50 26,230 14.200 16.660 17.020 22.330 3.160 15.850 1.950 1,820 89 1936-37 92 1937-38 . ... 84 1938-39 --- 86 1939-40 92 1940-41 93 1941-42 - . 86 1942-43 88 1943-44 83 1944-45 90 1945-46 90 3.960 6,930 5,320 92 1946-47 94 1947-48 93 1948-49 97 1949-50 100 1950-51 100 1951-52 100 1952-53 100 195.3-54 100 1954-55 10 470 100 1955-56 100 n;ita for British Columbia were supplied by the Canaciian Bureau of Statistics and the Province of British Columbia, those for Washington by the Washington De- paitmeiit of Fisheries and for Oregon hy the Fish Commission of Oregnn. Tu::nages delivered to tlie floating plants were compiled by the Vnited States Fish and Wildlife Service fmm the hooks of the companies operating olT tlie Califoinia Coast. California landings were derived from the records of the Cali- fiirnia Hepartment of Fish and Game. TABLE 40 SUMMARY HATCHERY REARED TROUT AND SALMON PLANTED 1954-55 FISCAL YEAR Fingerling Catchable Total Number Pounds Number Pounds Number Pounds RESIDENT FISH Trout: 5,730,975 1,361.446 855.354 272.160 314.285 39,989 4.302 1.544 143 739 7.595.269 1,186,963 13,326,244 1,361,446 858,604 272,160 315,671 1,226,752 4,302 3,250 1,000 2..544 143 Cutthroat (Lahontan) 1,386 3,465 4,204 8.534.220 898,490 46.717 290 7.599.905 1,191,428 16,134.125 898,490 1,238,145 Salmon: Kokanee 290 9,432,910 526.930 124..343 47,007 1,268 696 7,599,905 1,191,428 17,032,615 526,930 124,343 1,238,435 ANADROMOUS FISH StpplhpaH 1,268 Cutthroat (Coastal) 696 651.273 210,150 1.964 290 651,273 210,150 1,964 Salmon: King. 290 Anadromous total 861,423 2.254 861,423 2,254 C.R.WD TOTAL 10,294,133 49.261 7,599.905 1,191,428 17,894,038 1,240,689 94 DEPARTA/IENT OF FISH AND GAME TABLE 41 SUMMARY HATCHERY REARED TROUT AND SALMON PLANTED 1955-56 FISCAL YEAR Fingerling Subcatchable Catchable Total Number Pounds Number Pounds Number Pounds Number Pounds RESIDENT FISH Trout: 8.452.897 808.844 654.025 1.320.993 176.130 20.513 62.095 1.078 1.550 3.942 115 105 42,610 3,510 7,571,821 12,900 1,239,500 1,076 16,067,328 821.744 654,025 1.32U.993 176.130 20.513 1.305,lC,i 2,154 3,942 Splake 105 Total--.- - 11.433.402 660.235 ' 68,885 342 42,610 3,510 7,584,721 1,240.576 19.060,733 660,235 1,312,971 Salmon: 342 Resident total 12.093.637 577.111 103.731 69.227 5.630 579 42,610 3.510 7.584.721 1,240,576 19,720,968 577,111 103.721 1 313 313 AXADROMOUS FISH Trout: 5 630 Cutthroat (Coastal) 579 Total 680.842 5.285.435 59.932 6.209 8.234 1.350 680,842 5,285.435 103.857 6.209 8 234 Salmon: King - 43,925 3.906 5 256 Total 5.345.367 9,584 43,925 3.906 6,389.292 13,490 6.026.209 15.793 43,925 3,906 6,070.134 19,699 C.RAVD TOTAL - 18.119,846 85.020 86,535 7.416 7,584.721 1,240.576 25.791.102 1,333,012 TABLE 42 ANCHOVY LANDINGS IN POUNDS Year Commercial Live bait Commercial and live bait 1916 531.209 528.753 868.161 1.609.548 569.774 1,946,881 652,516 307,074 346,951 93,071 60,157 368,201 357.470 382.445 319.561 307.494 299.217 317.292 257.505 178.970 195.122 226.229 735.144 2,147,901 6,317,797 4,105.382 1.694.290 1.570.803 3.891.029 1.616.880 1.921.627 18.940.521 10.835.930 3.322.273 4.878,687 6,954.852 55.782.870 84,503.703 42.410.214 44.691,582 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 19.30 1932 1933 1934 1935 :. 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 .- .. 7.450,993 5.604,735 7,647,640 10,283,730 13,620,879 12,783,016 13,372,042 12,250,890 18,286,923 1949 8.927.008 1950 12.526.327 1951 1952 17,238.582 69 403,749 1953 97 286 719 1954 55.782,256 1955 56.942.472 TABLE 43 POUNDS AND VALUE ' OF COMMERCIAL FISH LANDINGS AND SHIPMENTS INTO CALIFORNIA Yellowfin tuna.-- Skipjack Albacore Salmon Sardine Bluefin tuna Sole Crab Jack mackerel — Anchovy Pacific mackerel-. Rockfish Spiny Lobster Abalone Squid White sea bass--- Sablefish - - Barracuda California halibut Lingcod — Ocean shrimp Swordfish Bigeye tuna Black sea bass Bay shrimp - All other - Totals 1954 Pounds 149.103.693 169.463.946 64,573,673 10,094.658 136.509.767 21.663.106 19.732.179 7.828.208 17.333.547 42.410,214 25,392,604 12,650,541 901,400 4,099,525 8,155,105 1,206.551 2,804,918 1,588,611 662,139 947.343 296,797 23.055 1,249.937 409.653 744.868 13,560,208 713,406,246 Valu 125.559,675 25,680,987 13.142.936 3,031,839 3,701,222 3.655.684 1.144.770 1,146,261 661.209 850,527 808.592 553.756 409,537 376,924 177,223 250,804 253,225 235,484 138,499 68,741 26,950 12,341 155,742 55,551 52.812 1.100,221 $83,251,512 Pounds 162,818.007 120,524,989 73.846,306 12,418,619 145,607,749 13,952,523 17.894.493 6,119.320 35.754.707 44,691.582 23.311,211 12.681.697 859.125 4,185.875 14.271.968 906.617 2.497.177 1.137.670 481.511 964.926 827,733 135,740 512.534 365.487 693.654 12.710,358 •10,171,578 Value $24,483,408 15,979,588 12,173,046 4,088,293 3,088,260 1,984,876 1,035,106 976,291 710,579 696,613 531,803 513,699 433,722 423,341 234,264 216,177 204.439 176.919 103.167 71.484 70.973 58.520 56.507 54.010 51.671 755,045 $69,071,801 I Value lo the Bshermen. FORTY-FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT 95 TABLE 44 TOTAL ANNUAL LANDINGS AND SHIPMENTS INTO CALIFORNIA OF COMMERCIAL FISH, MOLLUSKS, AND CRUSTACEANS Includes Sardine Deliveries to Reduction Ships During 1930 Through 1938 Year Pounds Year Pounds 95.002,695 ! 209,876.670 261,134,265 266,270,240 222,004,376 135.347.826 182.343,333 253.874,581 340,445,919 437,502,232 394,964,393 487,166.143 583,526.751 856,854.055 702,188,795 502,389,875 556,139,053 821,805,007 1,390,798.650 1,448.016.584 1936 1,764.900.136 1937. 1,362,983,717 1938 1.310,595,651 1919 1939 1,486,534,906 19'>0 1940 1,297.517,441 1941 1,529.147.645 jq^o 1942. 1.173.414.078 1943 1.234.049.119 1994 1944 1.459.445.859 1945 1,216,467,433 1946.. 919,850,476 1927 1947.. 795,498.998 1948 900,499.994 1929 1949. .. 1.135,338.504 1950 1,366.677.048 1951 904.099.052 1912 1952 694.978,340 1953 617,329,389 19'J4 1954 713.409.605 1955 710.171.57S 1 TABLE 45 SALMON AND STEELHEAD COUNTING STATIONS KLAMATHON ROCKS, KLAMATH RIVER, SISKIYOU COUNTY Year 1954-55. 1955-56- King salmon 2.032 14.946 SHASTA RIVER RACKS, SHASTA RIVER, SISKIYOU COUNTY Y'ear 1954-55- 1955-56- King salmon 2.624 1.807 SWEASEY DAM, MAD RIVER, HUMBOLDT COUNTY * Year 1954-55- 1955-56.. King salmon 403 390 Silver salmon 59 Steelhead 2.372 148 BENBOW DAM, SOUTH FORK EEL RIVER, HUMBOLDT COUNTY Year 1954-55- 1955-56- King salmon 5.406 3,974 Silver salmon 6,016 6,054 Steelhead 14,000 11,443 CLOUG DAM, MILL CREEK, TEHAMA COUNTY Year 1954-55. King salmon (fall run) 2,901 1.722 King salmon (spring run) 2,967 2,233 Steelhead 1.481 1.208 1955-56 - WOODBRIDGE DAM, MOKELUMNE RIVER, SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY Year 1954-55.. 1955-56.. King salmon 3.941 2.193 Steelhead 34 30 PARROT-PHELAN DAM, BUTTE CREEK, BUTTE COUNTY Year 1954-55- 1955-56. King salmon (spring run) 245t No count » December, 195.5, floods dam^iged ladder to point where fish could not ascend it. King salmon count was believed to be completed before damage, t Partial count. TABLE 46 DEER BAG IN SPECIAL HUNTS Year Male Female Unclassified* Total 1949-50 246 1.996 563 311 929 451 505 1.594 231 477 1950-51 1950-51 1,433 2,914 775 401 1,580 7.828 1.996 1951-52 3,225 1952-53 228 12 50 236 1,932 1953-54 864 1954-55 2,135 1955-56 9,658 * ruclassihed. Information insufficient to determine sex. TABLE 47 STREAM IMPROVEMENT July 1, 1954 to June 30, 1956 (Inclusive) Name of water aod county* Number of pool forming devices Number of fish screens installed Number of fish ladders built Flow mainte- nance dams built Barriers elimi- nated REGION I 1 1 Shackelford Creek. S 3 1 1 4 1 1 2 1 Cottonwood Creek S Mill Creek S Deer Creek T 1 Mill Creek T Swift Creek Tr REGION II 1 1 7 Taylor Creek ED 2 4 1 1 REGION III 1 1 Zvante Creek SCz 2 3 Mill Creek Son 1 1 Rean Creek SCz 1 1 1 1 1 REGION- IV 2 Cherrv Creek Tuo 9 3 1 REGION V Rip Rork Creek TA 1 15 3 9 4 6 3 1 Rliif- Tflv Crppk SBd 1 Citv Creek SBd 9 Cra-SK V'allpv Creek SBd 1 9 3 27 2 1 13 45 45 2 T ittip Rpflr Creek SBd Pinf Vallpv Creek SD Wi Intt- Crppk SB Ventura River. North Fork, V_.. Upvp TO (S c Q O c O Q IS (t Q. > 1 1 ^ c/> 1 •sj m Z — 1 m z -H m — 1 o n o o O -n ■D_ -n _J o_ O .(». > < Tl > {/) ^ n > (V 3 C X -n O -n A > z O z > TO z o > 5: ^