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OCTOBER 1949

Vol. 11 ,No.10

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UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

J.A.KRUG, Secretary ALBERT M. DAY, Director
cy COMMERCIAL]

JY FISHERIES EVIE!

A REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS AND NEWS OF THE FISHERY INDUSTRIES
PREPARED IN THE BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES
A. W. Anderson, Editor
R.T. Whiteleather, Associate Editor
Wm.H. Dumont and J. Pileggi, Assistant Editors

Applications for COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, which is mailed tree to members of the
fishery industries and allied interests,should be addressed to the

Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Department of the Interior, Washington, 25, D.C.

The contents of this publication have not been copyrighted and may be reprinted freely; however, reference to
the source will be appreciated. The Service assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of material from outside sources.

CONTENTS

COVER: PLACING DRESSED AND CLEANED TUNA IN BASKETS
FOR PRECOOKING IN A WEST COAST TUNA CANNERY.

PAGE
INTERSTATE FISHERY COOPERATION AND CONSERVATION, BY ALBERT Me DAY «4 scccceccccccccceserssencees |
THE MUSSEL RESOURCES OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC REG! ONS - PART |1--OBSERVATIONS ON THE BIOLOGY AND
THE METHODS OF COLLECTING AND PROCESSING THE MUSSEL, BY L. W. SCATTERGOOD AND C. C. TAYLOR «. 8

se * eh ke ke Kk

PAGE PAGE
RESEARCH IN SERVICE LABORATORIES .escsccore ZI FOREIGN (CONT.): .. Beco ooooadaoo ZS
TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS: eeccccvecccsccoeccsese 29 ECGUADORMaia oeouereitee 0 pomduoooacsaoo, 45S)
ADDITIONS TO THE FLEET OF U.S. FISHING EGYIPTi vevcteis ic cle sieleiielate sicloxevolelclelster<Usioteieteletat iene meas)
VESSELSw cone en anise Suiheiee acetates GAMBIA (BRITISH WEST AFRICA) ......s0+0-5 44
ELECTRONIC SCALE DEVELOPED .ccceescceceee 23 GREEGE@ sic cies, cleiclnicisie-prelelioraleiste:cce\(sVejeteteial etal tetetammmme- ol
FEDERAL PURCHASES OF FISHERY PRODUCTS ... 24 NGELANDinc'c elevelarcictelinve (es ae ofeietelclolsvaretalateyenetetete tenets 274
ECA PROCUREMENT AUTHORIZATIONS FOR FISH- JRECAND® (EIRE) cece. Gao etae Da eee A
ny HrOOUGIS 4 adenooudoccoGodcuagananoce 4S UAIPAINE 7 eicicl cteneteteieversievevousveloterstelelaleheteretalelstaletalercmm SO
FANSHERYEB OLOGYNOTES Hs cjeiiclelelcrcieelsioteieiesieeet CO TEEBANON). arcrotsteterelclercvetetalereiceveveleterelelelaleieleleitatetemmnoll
GULF STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION MALAYA (BRITISH) ...cee. 52
ORGANIIZEDE te cteretereteteveyele cieieletevetastencleteimistelcpsi=/eir ai NORWAY ....- SsuvogaounddKd 52
|NDO=PACIFIC FISHERIES COUNCIL ACCEPTED PERE: 2.2 crass’ 6 acetate cleinvs oo svellstots lolepebeleusiteletelchetehe teams)
Eh? NNISUAN cidadodobadonbosocopodDoen ogg: eo REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ..eseccvecese D4
MEETING ON PROPOSED MEDITERRANEAN SEA POLAND eniclciettenioleiats sisveleie Sielete Sauepetetolskel pemmeto a
FISHERIES (COUNMEHE sodnauodcooboUeUCOoOGD CE ST. VINCENT (BRITISH WEST IMONES))Goondao BS
MICHIGAN'S GREAT LAKES FISHERIES PRO- SWEDEN) vais ie.s.e cieleiets )e 's1.0fel'e\ ve, sialetos aise tetate neta Neti
DUCTION, 1948 ...ecerensrccecerereseress SO TURKEY? ¥. is) eh ctwycheiatause: ela ele she’o offeheharek Renan steps teeta SIO!
N. C. JOINS ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISH- UNION: OF “SOUTH ARRINGA “s siec's cc cle = sielelelels/sienenn im
RES) COMMISSION: pasooodabnabcocooudeoda = 6) UNITED KNINGDOMiis csercteteyoccusnctepefelelsistaleistentclerei nemo
PACIFIC OCEANIC FISHERY INVESTIGATIONS .. 31 YiUGOSIEAV/WAliiarcnclotensils lel atelalelaselelle/otetetehovenelePobsnere ts immo
PRIBILOF ISLAND FUR-SEAL TAKE, 1949 ..... 33 TINTIERNAIT I ONAIL) 12) s) ecto 01/0) n0)(<) oxetelaialenoycletelevenetel oie team SIS
PRODUCT!ON OF SPONGES AT TARPON SPRINGS) FEDERAL AGTNONS? .\:o cic. os «cle mils atienhenitinsienmnOO)
RIGOR NDA MOA Bors veunlolereleieneicisielane shosoe 88} EIGHTY-FIRST CONGRESS (FIRST SESSION)
U.S. IMPORTS OF FISH MEAL AND SCRAP, AUGUSTO A iirc clsretenechelsracietcneieltcisrekehenetenenstarsmmmn CO)
VANUARY -JUNE QAO Wi1S)s 3). clelelelsicieleeicieieisisipievel OS GRAPHS2) sytiercvens: scsboteieie rei) satel voto olennialeleveiaisleneisteietemmOS!
U.S. PACK OF CANNED CLAMS AND CLAM PRO- LANDINGS HAND RECEIPTSiae sme Geisac ean eeieS
DUCTS aiO4O Meretars chs celeste eleleleisrs sipisiaisiersiels)-Po SO COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS AND FREEZINGS OF
U.S. PACK OF CANNED CRAB MEAT, ROA Beare yan SO SEIS FCDWICHS “shoo ddcundoonoodcoadcc.,. 4
U.S. PACK OF CANNED SALMON, 1048 Ue. ee eee ST, CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS ...cscceseeereses O65
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES SES lamas Adda kets) PRICES, IMPORTS AND BY-PRODUCTS .......+. 66
FOREIGN: ..... eiavebtevereisvors iol a noe teaisherecerone slalarsiovermeoo REGENT FISHERY PUBLIGATIONS! ...ccc5ecceses OF
AUSTINAEIE, ancebdbcdtoodsobanoedadoocaupod. Se) FISH AND WILDL1FE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS .. 67
BIVZONEGERMANNimetalteielercicieteierelelelniotalelsleleetetaiecem Oo ARTICLES BY FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
CANADA .eveverarereceres Aoogornondononade: Ce AUTHORS IN OTHER PUBLICATIONS ..esceeree O67

DENMARK wvcresscescsesoreeaens »» 42 | MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS ..e.eceeeceees 67

COMMERCIAL FISHER

"October 1949 Washington 2

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Vol. 11, No. 10

INTERSTATE FISHERY COOPERATION AND CONSERVATION

By Albert M. Day*

INTRODUCTION

With the signing of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Compact on July 16, 1949,
at Mobile, Alabama, and the formal organization of the Interstate Commission estab~—
lished by that Compact, it seems appropriate at this time to review the genesis of
the interstate compact idea as an aid to fishery conservation.

The Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission is the third such organization that
has come into being during the last ten years. The first was the Atlantic States
Marine Fisheries Compact approved in 1942, and the second, the Pacific States Marine
Fisheries Compact approved in 1947. If the device of interstate cooperation in the
consideration of fishery conservation problems of mutual interest had been a fail-—
ure in the instance of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the other
two would not have been established with the approval of the legislators of the
various States and with the consent of the United States Congress.

FISHERY REGULATIONS AND CONSERVATION BACKGROUND

The history of fishery regulation in the United States has shown that the un—
coordinated piecemeal-approach by individual States has largely been a dismal fail-
ure. The lack of respect for county, State, or National boundaries shown by the
individual species that make up the fishery resource is the main reason for that
failure. The shrimp resources of the Gulf of Mexico are common to all of the Guif
States; so is the menhaden resource. These same resources in the Gulf are contig-—
uous to the resources in the South Atlantic Ocean. Shad and striped bass range
along 2 big stretch of the Atlantic Coast—-so with other species. Some States have
attempted to regulate the fisheries in one manner, some in another, some not at all.

The late William H. Loutit, for many years Chairman of the Michigan Conserva—
tion Commission, once said in criticism of the manner in which fishery conservation
regulations were handled by most States, "The fish have at last found that politics
is a damn poor diet." His implication was that conservation regulations enacted by
State legislators with little or no factual knowledge of the fisheries themselves,
but on the basis of the representation of political pressure groups, were largely
unsatisfactory. Such regulations were merely a "stab in the darx” often designed
to meet some crisis in a particular fishery that had occurred some time previously.

The need for research as a foundation for fishery conservation was recognized
by the Congress of the United States in 1871 when it established the position of
Commissioner of Fisheries and gave him the responsibility of determining "whether
any and what dimunition in the number of food fishes of the coasts and lakes of the
United States has taken place; and if so, to what causes the same is due, and also
* Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, U, S, Department of the Interior.

NOTE: This article was adapted from an address ("Problems of Fishery Conservation") delivered
by the author at the signing of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Compact on July 16, 1949,
at Mobile, Alabama, For further details on the signing and organization of this Inter-
state Commission, see p.2/of this issue.

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

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THE GULF STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION AREA. THE GULF STATES ARE THE SOURCE OF THE
LARGEST SHRIMP FISHERY IN THE WORLD. OTHER IMPORTANT FISHERIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SPECIES
OF FISH AND SHELLFISH: MULLET (TAKEN LARGELY ON THE WEST COAST OF FLORIDA), MENHADEN, RED
SNAPPER, OYSTERS, AND CRABS. BECAUSE FLORIDA HAS TWO COASTS, |T BELONGS BOTH TO THE ATLANTIC
STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMiSSION AND THE GULF STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION. ALTHOUGH
MISSISSIPPi HAS NOT YET PASSED AN ENABiING ACT, IT 1S FORESEEN THAT IT WILL DO SO AS SOON AS
THE LEGISLATURE OF THAT STATE CONVENES NEXT YEAR.

whether any and what....omeasures should be adopted in the premises....-" It was

many years before the Federal Government geared itself into the real job intended

by Congress. A whole new science had to be developed to meet the need; personnel

had to be trained. Even after the new science had been developed to a degree that
it knew what it was doing and some competent men were available to engage in that

science, funds to support adequate researches were lacking.

One by one many of the States saw that they needed scientific research staffs,
and they came into being. This research alone did not solve the problem of fish-
ery conservation in the States. Federal research agencies and the state investi-
gators often have supplied the "when" and "how" of fishery regulation, within the
limitations of their perennially inadequate funds. The slow machinery of obtain—
ing legislation and the modifying influence on that legislaticn of pressure groups
and personal expediency frequently resulted in the enactment of a "too little" and
"too late" makeshift that was of little use in meeting the conservation problem.

Fortunately for fishery conservation today, many of the state legislators in
their wisdom have cast aside the device of fishery regulation exclusively by legis—
lative enactment. These legislators have vested regulatory authority in the fishery

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

Ww

administrative officials
or commissions of their
States. These men or
bodies can apply regula-—
tions in accordance with
the evidence and exactly
when they become neces—
sary. If experience shows
that a particular regu-—
lation can be relaxed or
needs to be strengthened,
no time need be lost.
Discretionary control
vested in the States?
officials is but one step
in attaining the goal of
good fishery management.

UNIFORM FISHERY
REGULATIONS

The desirability of
uniform regulations for
the same species of fish
in the States that share
the same resource in a
particular ocean, lake,
or river system has been
advocated and recognized
in many parts of the
United States. One of
the great fisheries where
such uniform regulations
have been needed for the
last 50 years or more is
located in the Great Lakes.
Federal and State fishery
research agencies fre—
quently have pooled their
talents and made recom—
mendations for such uni-
form regulations. On
some lakes uniformity has
been partially achieved,
but not in a very satis—
factory manner. TheState
whose regulations were
the most liberal-—which
permitted the capture of
the smallest fish, use
of the smallest size nets,
ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION AREA, THE most 1m- and gave the fish the
Seae'S Ge IEE] AN SU MMUETISEAG AITSSE SEES HIGH) Testa eu RR ee tar gael
WHITING, FLOUNDERS, MENHADEN, SHAD, ALEWIVES, STRIPED Bes. Oe BRE eld) Bae ee OD eee

CROAKER, BUTTERFISH, SCUP, SPANISH MACKEREL, SHRIMP, CLAMS, BLUE ity——became the standard
CRAB, LOBSTER, AND OYSTERS.

4 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

to which all of the regulations of the neighboring States tended to conform.

Fish do not conform to State boundaries, or to Federal boundaries for that
matter. Fishermen insofar as they must engage in interstate commerce to market
their product are handicapped by State "boundaries" in the form of different reg—
ulations for the same species in adjacent States. Such lack of uniformity for
the same species in the waters in adjacent States is the root of another evil.
Let me cite one example: Toledo as a marketing and distribution center for fresh—
water fish receives wall—eyed pike from various States where the minimum size
limit prescribed by regulation varies anywhere from 13 to 15% inches. The fish—
ermen whose State laws force them to return to the water all wall—eyed pike less
than 15% inches long are at an economic disadvantage in the same market with the
fishermen who may retain 13 inch fish of that species. At the same time, since
the Toledo market can legally receive wall—eyed pike as small as 13 inches, it
becomes an outlet for fish taken illegally in States whose minimum size limit is
greater than 13 inches. Since fish move to markets today largely by trucks and
airplanes, instead of railroads as in former years, inspection of shipments with—
in each State destined for out-of-state markets is a physical impossibility.

PARALLEL BETWEEN INTERNATIONAL AND INTERSTATE COOPERATION

Because the voluntary adoption by two or more States of uniform fishery regu—
lations based on scientific evidence has not been fruitful, the device of inter-—
state cooperation was suggested by the Council of State Governments some 12 years
ago. The device had been tried many years previously on the Columbia River in a
compact between Oregon and Washington but failed. That failure was not due to the
interstate compact idea itself, but to the machinery imposed upon the compact or—
ganization. No uniform fishery regulation recommended by the compacting officials
could become effective in one State until it had been made effective in the other.

International disputes from the time of recorded history have been settled
and international problems of concern to two or more adjacent countries have been
solved by international agreements. Fur—seal resources of the north Pacific Ocean
were almost totally destroyed by unregulated exploitation of various nations. In
1911, an international agreement to conserve the fur seals was negotiated by the
United States, Great Britain, Russia, and Japan. At the time the treaty went into
force, the herds on the Pribilof Islands, the principal rockery, numbered about
130,000 animals. By 1947 the herds numbered more than 3,600,000 animals.

The declining halibut fishery of the Pacific Ocean led to the establishment
of an international agreement between the United States and Canada in 1924. Under
regulations imposed by an international commission the halibut fishery is now pro—
ducing more than 10,000,000 pounds a year in excess of the annual production in
the years immediately preceeding the conclusion of the international agreement.

In order to deal with the problems of the sockeye salmon of the Fraser River
System, which fishery has shown a disastrous decline, the Governments of the
United States and Canada concluded a convention in 1937 which established an in-
ternational commission. Although this commission assumed regulatory authority
for the first time about three years ago, it has undertaken other measures to
improve the abundance of the resource. The fishery is in a much healthier state
new than at any time since 1913, and improvements may be forecast for futureyears.

The tuna fisheries of the Pacific Coast are one of the most important branches
of the industry. American boats range over waters from off the coast of the Pacific
northwest to the Galapagos Islands, or a straight-line distance of over 5,000 miles.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 5

Tuna fishermen depend for supplies of bait taken largely within the territorial
waters of Mexico and the Central American Republics. There have been signs
through reduced catch per unit of fishing effort that the tuna resources may be
fished too heavily. In recognition of the need for cooperative international
research on tuna, the United States concluded an agreement with Mexico on Jan-
uary 25, 1949, and one with Costa Rica on May 31, 1949, for the purpose of es—
tablishing international commissions empowered to conduct scientific investiga—
tions of the tusa and to make recommendations on conservation to Governments.

The whaling resources of the world have been under study pursuant to inter—
national agreement since 193]. The basic agreement has been changed from time
to time by incorporating certain minimum regulationd and providing for the gather—
ing of scientific information on whales. This type of international action was
not strong enough to do effective conservation work. As a result, on December 2,
1946, some 22 nations concluded an international agreement which established a
whaling commission empowered to conduct investigations and to regulate whaling
throughout all of the marine waters of the globe. This new international com—
mission held its first meeting in London early in June this year.

The fisheries of the northwest Atlantic Ocean have provided the battleground
for some of the thorniest international problems dating back prior to American
independence, There have been arbitrations from time to tine to settle various
disputes, but the basic problem of conserving and managing the resources has never
been attacked. Fishermen of the United States and Canada have opposed regulation
by their Governments alone on an individual basis because United States or Cana-
dian fishermen would be forced to operate under regulations that did not apply
to vessels of four or five other nations fishing in the same waters. Because of
the unmistakable signs of the decline in the yield of certain fisheries, ten
nations assembled at Washington last January. Their deliberations resulted in
the signature on February 8, 1949, of an international agreement providing for
the establishment of an international commission which is empowered to conduct
investigations and to develop regulations which will be implemented by the vari-
ous Governments signatory to the agreement. We now have a strong mechanism to
safeguard the northwest Atlantic fisheries.

If international agreements permit nations to work together on a unified basis
for the investigation and conservation of fishery resources, why can't States work
together under a similar arrangement? The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Com—
mission has proven that States can work together and develop recommendations based
on investigations and advice obtained from State research agencies and from Fed—-
eral agencies. These recommendations are carried back by the individual members
of the Commission to the States and are pushed through into regulation. One hun-
dred percent success has not been achieved, but there has been significant progress.
The first annual report of the Pacific Marine Fisheries Commission indicates that
in the first year that group has made considerable progress ard has reached agree—
ment on many fishery issues of common concern.

To the extent that the members of any Commission work as a unit in the inter-
est of better fishery management, they may expect to achieve success. That suc—
cess will be achieved by cooperation, by occasional concessions in the interest of
unanimity.

THE GULF STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION

The Fish and Wildlife Service is ready at all times to assist the Gulf States
Marine Fisheries Commission,or any other Commission, with advice and suggestions

6 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

Vol. 11, No. 10

based on its research and experience. Research activities in the fisheries of the
Gulf of Mexico on the part of the Federal Government have never been large nor

PACIFIC MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION AREA. THE PACIFIC STATES!
MOST IMPORTANT FISHERIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SPECIES OF FISH
AND SHELLFISH: SALMON, HALIBUT, SARDINE, TUNA, SHARKS (1IN-
CLUDING GRAYFiSH), FLOUNDERS, ROCKFISHES, LINGCOD, MACKEREL,
CRABS, OYSTERS, AND SQUID.

than by proceeding independently and unilaterally.

have they encompassed all
of the fishery problems.
The fate of recommenda—
tions resulting from re-
search that has been car—
ried on has been dis-—
couraging at times.

The creation of this
new interstate organiza—
tion dedicated to the in—
vestigation, conservation,
and development of the
fisheries of the Gulf of
Mexico is encouraging and
another link in the chain
of interstate fisheries
cooperation. Significant
of the growing recogni-
tion of the importance of
the problems surrounding
the Gulf fisheries is the
fact that this year the
Fish and Wildlife Service
acquired two research
vessels for use in the
Gulf of Mexico when the
President signed a bill
transferring them from
another Federal agency.
The program for those
vessels and the funds to
operate them should re—
sult, at least in part,
from the planning, recom
mendations, and initiative
of the Gulf States Marine
Fisheries Commission.
Good fishery research pro—
grams are expensive. Ap-—
propriations, whether by
the United States Congress
or State legislatures, are
difficult to obtain. By
peoling funds, facilities,
personnel, and other re—
sources under cooperative
arrangements bigger and
more adequate research
programs can be conducted

It is hoped that this Commission will consider asits first task the formulation of
an adequate fishery research program to meet the needs of the fisheries of the Gulf

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW if

of Mexico in which all States share. Insuch activities, representatives of the
Fish and Wildlife Service will be made available to advise the Commission, and
in carrying out the research program the Service will attempt to undertake what-—
ever portion it can. The representatives of each State might similarly insure
that their States contribute funds, facilities, and personnel toward a research
program that is badly needed.

REGULATORY AUTHORITY FOR INTERSTATE FISHERIES COMMISSIONS

As the work of these interstate commissions proves fruitful, vesting them
with additional authority, possibly some degree of regulatory functioning, event-
ually might be desirable. Some of our international commissions were originally
investigative and advisory but later acquired regulatory authority when they had
established the need for such authority and had proved their competence. The
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, after several years of investigative
and advisory action, is now seeking to acquire, in a limited way, some regulatory
authority toward amendment of the original interstate compact.

Canned Crab Industry of Japan

Japan was the first country to can crab meat successfully. Because
of the need for exportable goods, this industry was developed to the
greatest possible extent, and Japanese canned crab meat has been in
world-wide demand since 1924. The United States and England have been
the leading consumers of this product. From i924-41, 3,288,997 cases,
or 55 percent of the total canned crab export, were shipped to the United
States, and 1,648,812 cases, or 27.6 percent, were exported to England.

From 1927-39, the Japanese canned crab industry attained an average
annual production of 445,102 standard cases of 48 one—pound cans, with
the maximum production of 613,089 cases in 1930.

Although this amount is not large comoared with other Japanese
canned products, the foreign exchange resulting from the export of prac—
tically the entire production of canned crab meat has made the industry
one of considerable importance to Japaricése economy.

All of Japan's crab canning factory ships were sunk during World
War II, and all crabbing areas except these immediately adjacent to
Hokkaido were lost at the cessation of hostilities. This once extensive
industry-is now confined to seven land-based canneries on the northern
and eastern coasts of Hokkaido.

—-Fishery Leaflet 314

8 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

THE MUSSEL RESOURCES OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC/REGIONS
PART |1- OBSERVATIONS ON THE BIOLOGY AND THE METHODS OF COLLECTING
AND PROCESSING THE MUSSEL
By Leslie W. Scattergood ** and Clyde GC. Taylor «7

INTRODUCTION

This is the second of three papers concerning the World War II efforts te
develop a mussel fishery in the North Atlantic region. The first article dealt
with the survey to discover whether supplies of mussels were great enough to sup—
port a large fishery. The present paper is concerned with biolcgical and techno-—
logical observations made during the mussel survey.

SIZES OF MUSSELS

Table 3 reveals some interesting characteristics of the size distribution of
the mussels on the beds. An examination of the table shows that there are many
localities in which there is
no well defined and distinct
mode indicative of the young
from the summer's set. Only
Pleasant River, Narraguagus
River, Winter Harbor, and Dux—
bury Bay have such modes. The
absence of distinct year—size
groups is even more apparent
in the areas below low tide at
Ingall's Island, Jim's Island,
Moon Ledge, Skiilings River,
Sheep Island, Mackerel Cove,
Maddaket Harbor, and off Brew—
Cry ee ster. In these eight local—

3 ie ities, between 92.7 and 100

percent of the mussels were
SOME OF THE MUSSEL'S ENEMIES: over two inches in length.
|. A SEA MUSSEL WHICH HAS BEEN PERFORATED BY ONE There is little information
OF THE WINKLES. A
2. THE OYSTER DRILL (UROSALPINX CINEREA). available concerning the growth
3. THE DOG a (PURPURA LAPILLUS) . of mussels under natural con—
4. THE WINKLE (LUNATIA HEROS). +45 . h c
5. THE STARFISH (ASTERIAS FORBESI1) ATTACKING A ditions oat che Nes
MUSSEL . SOs eeus Eanes region. Mossop (1921, 1922)
6. THE CONCH (BUSYCON CARICA). states that mussels grew 1C.8

mm (.43 inches) per year at
St. Andrews, New Brunswick, in the intertidal zone, while on a submerged reef the
growth was 14.8 mm (.58 inches). At Sorrento, Maine, in October 1946 the mussel
Spat averaged .13 inches in length and ranged from .01 to .34 inches.

It does not seem possible that lack of small mussels in many of the localities
during September, October, and November, can be attributed to rapid growth of the
year's spat to the three-or four-inch size. It would seem more likely that the
survival of the spat is variable from year to year. Lambert (1935) reported that

*
Fishery Biologist } Fi RB Fr wilaleeniseen
44 Formerly Biological Aia, Branch of Fishery Biology, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Note: Part I (The Survey to Discover the Locations and Areas of the North Atlantic Mussel
Producing Beds) of this series appeared in the September 1949 issue of Commercial Fisheries
Review, vp. 1-10.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 9

the production of spat from the Zeland mussel beds was very irregular from year to
year. Mossop (1921) stated that some years are poor spat producers in New Bruns—
wick, and Storrow (1940) cited the disappearance of 1936 spat and the failure of
any: successful spat formation in 1937 and 1938 at Whitby, Englend. Hobson, Storrow,
Leach, and Wright (1935) reported that the fall of spat at Blyth, England, was un-
important during two or three years prior to 1935, and that this condition was also
true at Budle Bay and Holy Island. Observations at Sorrento and Sullivan, Maine,
during 1946 revealed that, although no spat had set on the natural beds, a heavy set
of spat had occurred on brush which had been put on the flats in hope of encourag-
ing the successful settling of clams. This spat failed tc survive the winter ex-
cept for a negligible portion which set close to the mud. While mussels are reared
in the Baltic on harwood branches thrust into the mud, such a method of culture
might not be economically feasible in the United States because of labor costs.
Possible methods for cultivation of this species are given by Loosanoff (1942, 1943a).

On all ten beds from which mussels were taken both from below and above the
low-tide mark, the mussels from below were larger than those from above. (Figure 5
shows this difference in
size.) The larger size
of the submerged mussels
is characteristic of most
North Atlantic mussel beds.
Studies on the St. Andrews,
New Brunswick, mussels by
Mossop (1921, 1922), Coult-
hard (1929) , Newcombe (1935)
and Warren (1936) demon-
strated that the rate of
growth varied inversely
with the exposure between
tides. Another factor,
not yet tlearly evaluated,
is the possibility that 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 xy ey 350 375 400
there is a decreased mor-— peek Ea ae
tality among the submerged
mussels and they are able
to grow to a larger size.
No attempt was made during the survey to analyze the growth rate of the mussel
populaticns.

Below tow tide
----Above low tide.

ra
z=
w
°
«
w
a

FIGURE 5 - S1ZE OF MUSSELS FROM ABOVE AND BELOW LOW TIDE ON
TEN MAINE MUSSEL BEDS.

The mussel beds of New Brunswick, Maine, and New Hampshire are situated near
the low-tide mark. Very few mussels are found more than three feet below the low—
tide level. Huntsman (1918), Mossop (1921), Newcombe (1935), and Warren (1936)
remarked on the absence of New Brunswick mussels in depths of over a fathom, and
believed that predators, such as, starfish (Asterias vulgaris and A. forbesii),
sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus drobachiensis) , whelks (Buccinum undatum), cockles
(Polinices heros), and drills (Thais lapillus) were responsible. These predators,
in general, do not occur in less than a fathom.

In contrast, many beds in Cape Cod Bay, Buzzard's Bay, and other southern New
England localities are located in depths of over 40 feet. During dredging opera—
tions in Cape Cod Bay, starfish, sea urchins, and whelks (Table 2)1/were collected
with mussels. This would indicate that either these predators were in such small
numbers as not to prevent the establishment of beds in subtidal depths, or perhaps
factors other than predators influence the depth at which mussels growo
1/Appeared in Part I published in September 1949 issue of Commercial Fisheries Review.

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

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October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW iat

The upper limits of the beds are determined by the effect of exposure on young
mussel larvae, according to Mossop (1921). Undoubtedly, the larger mussels also
suffer considerable mortality from exposure to temperature extremes and to the ero-
sion of ice or storms. Crows, gulls, and ducks may also be important factors in
some regions.

MEAT YIELDS

The seasonal variation in the yield of mussel meats is of great importance,
both to those engaged in processing mussels and tc the conservationists. To har-

Table 4 - Pounds of Raw Mussel Meats per r Bushel at Various Localities ____

aine, Jonesport Section:

Indian River ssec.ccoccccsce
West River ..ccccccccvcccses
Cape Split Harbor eerteveceeee
Pleasant River, Reef Point..
Harrington River, Ripley Is,

’ Narraguagus River, Back Bay.

Pinkham Cove ...cccesccccere
Joy Bay eeccocecesercceeeeee

ne, East Ponsbsaot Bay Sec.
Winter Harbor c.cccccccccsce
Stave Island Harbor .......6
Hog Island re ee ee
Soward's Island ececereencee
Ingall'’s Island ececeeseoecn
Sullivan Harbor, Moon Ledge.
Raccoon Cove c.ccocosccccoce
Skillings River eoreeecvecce
Bar Harbor eeescceccrecseren

Maine, E, Penobscot Bay Sec.:

Herrick Ray .ecccccsccccccce
Centre Harbor ......ccc.ccce
Deer Isle, Fish Creek ......
Deer Isle, Greenlaw's Cove .
White Island ......cccccccce
Jim's Island ......cccccceee
Swan's Island, Mackerel Cove
Swan's Island, Atlantic
Har DOM slerelsleiciele/sielelejeleieiels.siele
Average ..ccercsesccccece

faine, W. Penobscot Bay Sec.:

Mascle Ridge Channel, Sheep
Island © 2000000 0c 00 00 eee ee

assachuse tts:

Cape Cod Bay, off Brewster .

Oct. 20,1942
do
Oct. 21,1942
Oct. 23,1942
Oct. 30,1942
Oct. 31,1942
Nov. 2,1942
Nov. 3,1942

Nov. 10,1942

Nov.11,1942

Nov. 7,1942

Nov. 6,1942

Nov. 8,1942
do

Nov.17,1942
do
do

do
Nov. 23,1942

vest the shellfish at the peak of their "fatness" is a sound practice, for the pro-
cessor is able to obtain a greater poundage of meats from a bushel, thus reducing
the cost of the meats; the cannery workers operate at greater efficiency by pro-
ducing more meat weight from the effort expended to shuck out a bushel; and the
harvesting of the mussel at its peak provides the maximum production from a given
quantity of mussels.

12 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

A difference in the meat yields between the Jonesport, Frenchman Bay and East
Penobscot Bay regions can be noted from Table 4. It is evident that the East Pe—
nobscot Bay mussels were fatter than those of the other two regions, and the Jones—
port section mussels had the poorest meats. However, to separate the effect of
season and location, samples would have to be taken throughout the year in various
sections of the coast. It is interesting to note that when the Maine fishery de—
veloped after 1942, the canners preferred the mussels collected from beds in French—
man Bay and Penobscot Bay due to the heavy yield of meats in those sections as com—
pared with the Washington County region.

In all eight areas where meat weights were obtained from mussels gathered from
above and below low tide, the mussels below low tide had heavier meats. The greater
meat yields of the submerged mussels and their larger size were the primary reasons
why many Maine canneries insisted that the fishermen collect mussels from below the ©
intertidal zone. ;

To determine the seasonal variation of mussel yields, two localities in Booth— ~
bay Harbor, Maine, were selected as sampling stations. Station A was located two

feet above the mean low-water mark and Station
Table 5 = Yield of Fresh Mussel Meats at
Boothbay Harbor, Maine

B was at the mean low-water mark. Due to un-—
en ae | Quantity of Meats per Bushel

usual ice conditions and the loss of the mus—
Date Station B
194

sels by freezing, Station B had to be abandon-—
ed in December. Tabie 5 shows the yield of
fresh mussel meats between October 1943 and
August 1944. From these data it is apparent
that Boothbay Harbor mussels reach their peak
condition in June and gain relatively little
weight during August through February.

The weekly yield of steamed meats at a
Maine cannery is shown in Table 6. The mussels
had been steamed 12 minutes at 212 degrees Fah-
renheit before being opened. The shellfish
were collected during the 1943-44 season from
the same region in Muscongus Bay; therefore,
the yields can be considered as representative
of that particular locality. During the per—
iod December 11 to January 22 the yields tend—
ed to decrease; but thereafter began to in-
erease to the end of the season on May 6, when
the cannery began experiencing difficulties in
handling the meats, which have a tendency to
break apart when the spawn is fully developed.

L/Mussels destroyed at Station B by
freezing during December,

To compare the fresh—-shucked yields with those of steamed mussels, it is nec-—
essary to apply a conversion factor of 0.5 to the fresh weights. This factor is a
rough approximation, for the yield of steamed mussels is inversely affected by the
temperature and duration of the steaming process, both of which shrink the fresh
meats.

MUSSEL PEARLS

White or bluish white pearls are commonly found in mussel meats. These pearls
are valueless, for their small sizes, lack of lustre, and irregular shapes preclude
their use in jewelry. As these pearls are usually very small, they are not general—

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW ag

ly noticed by the consumer to any greater extent than he would notice occasional
grains of sand in clams or oysters. However, if the pearls are over one milli-—
meter in diameter and very num-—
erous, they are not only annoy—
ing, but may cause damage to
Week |Operating| Bushels | Total Meat | Meat Yield | the consumer's teeth. On rare
Days occasions, pearls have been
19433 found which measure more than
six millimeters in diameter;
fortunately, most pearls are
less than one millimeter in di-
ameter. The presence of large
and numerous pearls might prove
to be a deterrent to the sale
of mussels; consequently, a
method of eliminating this nui-
Sance was sought.

The pearls are embedded in
the flesh of the mantle and can-—
not be seen easily when the go—
nads are approaching maturity in
the winter and spring. No prac—
tical method has been developed
to detect all the pearls in the
meats or to separate mechanically
the pearls from the mantle with—
out tearing the latter to shreds.
Often it is possible to discover
excessively pearly mussels as
they are oeing removed from the
shells, or while they are being weighed into the cans, and such meats should be
discarded. Several of the canneries have workers detailed to remove all conspic-—
uously pearly meats. The rejection of such meats is only a partial solution to
the problem because many of the embedded pearls would not be seen.

Number
80
4
Bi 3}
of
5
Zs)
4
2%| 6
5)
b)
5
5
i
} 108 14,113.0 |

During the survey, the quantities of pearls present in mussels collected from
various beds were determined by a simple laboratory method of maceration. Three
ounces of fresh meats were placed in a quart of boiling water and one ounce of
potassium hydroxide was added. The solution was then boiled for five minutes.
When the meats became thoroughly macerated, the pearls dropped to the bottom of
the container from which they could be easily removed. With one exception, no
attempt was made in the field to remove the tiny pearls of less than about .25mil-—
limeters from the mixture of sand and debris, for such pearls were so small that
their presence would hardly be detected by the consumer. In a later experiment,
to evaluate the effect of acetic acid on pearls, all pearls visible under a low
power microscope were measured.

Table 7 shows the numbers and sizes of pearls from each three-ounce sample of
meats taken from the various beds. Although all areas contained pearls to a greater
or lesser extent, the occurrence of the larger and most objectionable ones was
limited. At the end of the Maine survey in 1942, it was felt that, until further
study was made, mussels should not be taken from those beds whose samples showed
the greatest numbers.of large pearls. It was decided to consider as beds to be
temporarily avoided those areas whose samples had either more than nine pearls with

4 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

a diameter of one millimeter and greater, or more than three pearls with a 1.5 mil-
limeter diameter and greater in a three-ounce sample of fresh drained meats. By

use of such standards, about one-fifth of the total estimated mussel production
would be eliminated, but this quantity would not seriously interfere with the poten—
tial fishery. The areas which would thus be banned temporarily from the mussel
supply were: Back Bay, Skillings River, Ripley Islands, Long Point, State Island,
and Joy Bay, which had a total estimated supply of 60,000 bushels. Canners were
advised in January 1943 to avoid these areas until a further study was made.

_L = Number of Pearls from Commercially Important Mussel Beds=/

Dianeter of Pearls in oe ee ee Along Longest Be

Location PBS OO. By STS TTT ipa le Tar] 250 an 175 a 1.50 aft e/5 mm
of sie ie to | to to “is iooal
Bed ale A }1.99|2. over over

Maine : fey N No.
Mackerel Cove ....ccesc- = =
Pemaquid River ......000 ae Ue l§ = 1
Centre Harbor ...ccccocee 1 1 - 1
Hog Island @corecses0s ee 3 bowl 1 il
Hervick Baya slasieieielciieclele 2 = = 1 1 1
-Winter Harbor @ceececcceee oon eo 1 = 1 1
White Island e@seccere0ee 13 2 = ‘ae ot 2 es
Pinkham Bay2/ .......... 10 1 Seallkeest - 2 1
Cape Split Harbor ...... ay - 1 - i! - = = 2 1
Fish Creek e@ecevcvesccece 10 _ 1 =" 1 = mr i 2 1
Jim's Island ...ccccccce 3 1 1 - 1 = - = 3 1
Moon Ledge @cececearerce 13 1 = 2 =f = im 3 2
Raccoon Cove s.ccccsecce 4 ype a - - - 4 =
Goose Islands ....cccece 5 3 1 - - - 4
Indian Hiver! <-sisieciseiecie 5 4 - 1 = - - 5 =
Ingall's Island ........ 4 4 = eh Ld = 1
Greenlaw's Cove ...ccoc5 5 - 2 3 - - = 5 =
Sheep Island .......000+ L2e5}i52 alive oN 3) ives to = 5 =
Reef Points ais /sruissieiiete Sills Susie Lense Dadlagae il ed 9 1
Soward's Island ...cc0.- 19 A 2 1 1 - 1 9 2
Back Bay Coecesecocceeoe 18 1 2 4 re 2 9 = 2
Skillings River ..eceooe ity) 5 Py \\ Al - 1 12 5 1
Ripleyslslandsisneccs nce 0 1749.7 119 lion louie ial 17 2 1
LongePointh ac cclslelsie stele clean Pek oum | alal = =e a =
Stave Island ..cccccccce 53 | 10 4 | 6 2 = 22 O 2
doy Baynes areivees eeu sree ot delat Ca Ca Ro
assachuse tts: ”
ne. oe
Brews LOTustelsteleleiniclelsletcs 18 = 3 = =

l/Number of pearls from 3 ounces of mussel meats, Meats were obtained from mixed samples of
mussels collected from parts of each bed,
2/Includes Dyer Harbor,

It was realized that the problem of eliminating the pearls from the meats
would ove more easily solved if it were possible to dissolve the pearls in the
meats without seriously altering the flavor or texture of the meats. Examina-—
tion of canned vinegar—preserved mussels had revealed that pearls were absent
from the meats, although the mussels had been taken from the Narraguagus River
area where pearls are common and often large. It appeared that acetic acid might
be a pearl—dissolving agent.

In 1943, shortly after the Maine survey was completed, we performed an ex—
periment to determine the effect of acetic acid on pearls. A similar experiment

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW alts)

was effected by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration shortly thereafter. Eight
No. 1 picnic cans were each filled with six ounces of meats from steamed Cape Cod
Bay mussels. Four different 3—percent salt solutions were prepared——with 1 per-—
cent, % percent, + percent, and O percent acetic acid concentrations. Two cans

of meats were filled with each of these solutions, sealed, processed for 30 min-
utes at 240° F., and opened 10 days later. The flavor of the meats from those cans
containing l-percent and 4—percent acetic acid was slightly sour, but not unpleas—
antly so. The pearls were then removed from the mussels 7n each can by the potas—
sium hydroxide maceration method and measured with a stage micrometer on a low-
power microscope.

Table 8 shows the results of this expeximent. Each can contained six ounces
of steamed meats and, as the shrinkage of fresh meats under the steaming process

Table 8 - Effect of Acetic Acid on Mussel Pearls

Diameter of Pearls Measured in Millimeters
Along Longest Aah
1,00} 1.50) 2.00 | 2. ale
mya ins ee to ie
Solution 38 9} 2.49 | 2. 99 2913
a ~ 2 =
do

acs sul eel

in this instance was abcut 50 percent, each can had the equivalent of 12 ounces of
fresh meats, or four times as much as the samples shown in Table 7. The dissolving
effect of the acid on pearls is clearly indicated. While the acid-treated pearls
were being measured, it was noticed that the acid had completely softened the small
pearls, which would crumble when touched, and nad dissolved the outer layers of the
large pearls so that they were considerably reduced in size. The effect of time on
the dissolving action of the acetic acid was not shown by this single experiment.
It is probable that a longer storage period would have reduced further the number
of pearls.

After further investigation of this problem, the U. S. Pure Food and Drug Ad-
ministration advised the canners that a certain concentration of acetic acid should
be added to the canned mussels, Some canneries began using vinegar and continue to
do so, while others depend upon the ability of their help to see and reject pearly
meats.

Although there are a number of possible explanations for the presence of pearls
in mussels, they are believed generally to be the result of a parasite. Jameson
(1902) believed that most mussel pearls result from the encystment of an immature
trematode worm and the subsequent deposition of pearly matter around the worm. Herd-—
man (1904), also studying the pearls of English Mytilus edulis, found pearls very

16 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

common at Piel and likewise believed that the distomid trematode larva, Distomum
somaterias, is largely responsible for the pearls. Stafford (1912) stated that
pearls in considerable numbers can be found in Mytilus edulis on the Gaspe coast
of Canada, and larvae similar to Distomum somateriae are found in the mussel. The
adult form of the worm inhabits the intestines of the eider duck and the scoter
duck (Qidemia sp.) both of which are common on the New England coast. No attempt
was made during this mussel survey to ascertain the origin and study the formation
of pearls in the New England mussels.

GEAR

The equipment used in harvesting mussels varies with the nature of the beds.
In New Brunswick and Maine most of the mussels are exposed at extreme low tides;
however, the edges of the beds are usually under several feet of water at mean low
water. The submerged mussels are gathered easily by use of a long—handled clam
hoe or manure fork, and this gear is also used to collect the exposed mussels.
In some instances mussels have been picked from the beds by hand, but this method
does not permit the collecting of many mussels during the low-—tide interval.

One of the most useful tools for mussel fishing is the quahog rake. This im—
plement is about the size of an ordinary garden rake and has teeth three inches
long. A wire basket with a capacity of about eight quarts is attached behind the
teeth and holds the mussels which are raked from the bottom. Using this rake from
a boat, it is possible to gather mussels easily from depths of one to four feet of
water. If the fisherman is skillful, shellfish from depths of over ten feet can
be harvested in this way. A long—handled clam hoe or manure fork can be used in
a similar fashion but, as solitary mussels usually fall off the teeth, it has the
disadvantage of not being efficient, except in areas where the mussels are cluster—
ed and attached to each other. As the quahog rake has a wire basket, the mussels
can be washed free of mud and some shells, by vigorously agitating the basket in
the water before the mussels are dumped into the boat. It is impossible to wash
the mussels in such a fashion when the clam hoe or manure fork is employed. Due to
wartime conditions, quahog rakes were not available to fishermen, so this gear has
not been used in the Maine fishery.

Tongs can also be employed for gathering submerged mussels, but this method is
quite slow. During the survey, tongs were sometimes used, but were found to be in-
efficient on mud bottoms where mussels usually live. Great difficulty was exper—
ienced in trying to remove from the tongs the mud and shells which were usually mix—
ed with the live mussels.

In Cape Cod, Buzzards and Narragansett Bays, and in Long Island Sound, mussels
of marketable size are found in deep-water beds and require the use of an oyster or
scallop dredge, altered to retain mussels of two inches or more in length. Such a
dredge will not be an especially efficient gear for releasing small mussels after
they have entered the dredge, for many mussels are found in clusters, rather than
as solitary individuals. Dredges are now sometimes used in Maine in localities
where this gear car. be operated over the beds at high water. On those bottoms where
the mussels are too thinly distributed to be profitably harvested by hoes, forks,
or rakes, the dredge can be operated to good advantage; thus it permits a more thor—
ough reduction of the marketable mussel population. What effect the dredge has on
the future productivity of the bottom is not known.

Because of the simple gear by which mussels can be harvested, there was no
shortage of mussel—fishing equipment. Neither was there an urgent need for new

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW a7,

boats, as the dories, skiffs, and small’ power boats engaged in lobstering, clam-—
ming, and dredging were generally suitable. The only innovation was the use of
smal] flat bottom shallow draft scows tc transport mussels from the beds to the
shore. In the Frenchman Bay area, where the mussel fishery was prosecuted active-—
ly, such scows were commonly employed.

CANNING FACILITIES

During the 1942 survey it was found that there were sufficient canning facil-
ities to pack millions of pounds of mussels annually. Twenty potential Maine mus—
sel factories were
located in the region ;
between Jonesboro and
Friendship. Of ten
cannery operators con-
tacted personally,
nine were very much
interested in proces—
sing mussels. At five
canneries it was pos—
sible to can sample
packs of mussels in
1942. The large sar-
‘dine factories at
Eastport and Lubec
were unfortunately
without a convenient
supply of mussels,
for no large quanti-
ties were found in
TLS AS al! eh a that region and adja—
THE CHARACTERISTIC POSITION OF LIVE SEA MUSSELS. THE ANTERIOR cent New Brunswick by
END BURIED 1N THE SAND OR MUD AND THE POSTERIOR OR SIPHON END the survey. In Mas—
PROJECTING WELL ABOVE THE LEVEL OF THE BOTTOM. sachusetts, several
Boston and Gloucester
canneries indicated
their interest in mussels and sample packs also were made there.

There was little or no seasonal conflict between the canning of mussels and
other types of processed foods. The peak months of fish and vegetable canning
are in the summer and fall seasons during which period mussel meets are relative—
ly thin and, therefore, less valuable for canning. Clams are packed during the
winter and spring months, but the supply of clams available for canning was only
sufficient to enable nine out of twelve clam canneries to operate in 1942 and
those nine had been at only 15 to 20 percent capacity for several years prior to
1942. The decrease in clam canning was due to the increased marketing of freshly—
shucked clam meats, and to a shortege of both clams and diggers.

The equipment necessary for canning mussels differs little from that employed
in clam canning. The same retorts, sealing machinery, and meat-washing devices
are used. Any fish cannery having sealing machinery for "round" cans would be
able to pack mussels also. All mussels should be washed in a cylindrical revolving
drum, and this apparatus was soon adopted by those canneries handling mussels on
a large scale. Thus; conversion to mussel canning was relatively simple.

18 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

LABOR SUPPLY

In 1942 there was a fairly adequate supply of female labor for mussel canning,
especially during the winter when other fish processing was at a minimum. Male
labor was not plentiful, but it was felt that the canneries would be able to secure
enough men if they could operate on a larger scale during the season of relative
inactivity. It was hoped that the mussel fishery would not only provide an addi—-
tional supply of protein food, but also supply employment for cannery help during
the slack season. This hope was realized as the fishery developed and the main-—
tenance of experienced cannery crews was aided by providing them with more regular
work.

In Maine, the clam diggers in the regions where mussels were abundant have
been able to increase their production of food per man by gathering both mussels
and clams. Some lobstermen were also mussel harvesters and prosecuted the mussel
fishery during the late winter and early spring months when the returns from lob-
ster fishing were low. In Massachusetts, where the mussels were found in deeper
water, the scallop, quahog and sea clam fishermen were able to dredge mussels with
little change in equipment. In all instances, there was an increase in the food
production per man when the fishermen shifted from other shellfish harvesting to
mussels.

PROCESSING

There are three forms in which mussels can be marketed:

1, Fresh, in the shell or shucked
2, Quick frozen
3. Canned

Mussels also can be dehydrated, but whether or not they would be acceptable to the
publie in this form is questionable. One disadvantage of marketing fresh mussels
is apparent--it would have to be limited to population centers not far distant

from the source of the shellfish, for mussels do not keep well except under spe-
cial conditions. It was felt that during the period when mussels were being intro-
Gueced to a greater segment of the public, it would be likely that gluts would occur,
and spoilage might have resultant bad effects on future sales.

Little study has been carried on concerning the possibility of marketing quick—
frozen mussels. The effect of long periods of storage on the flavor, appearance,
and nutritive values of frozen mussels is not known certainly, although samples of
mussels frozen for four months have been rather disappointing due to a slightly bit-
ter taste, dark color, and toughened texture. Until further technological studies
of this problem have been conducted, North Atlantic mussels probably will continue
to be marketed primarily as a canned product.

The marketing of canned mssels resulted in an almost unlimited range of dis—
tribution, with little if any opportunity for spoilage. During the course of the
survey, samples of mussels were shipped tc a number of canners who were interested
in the possibilities of mussel canning and experimental packs were prepared. The
following methods were found to be most satisfactory in the experimental work, and
were adopted by most of the mussel canners when the fishery later developed.

At the cannery, the mussels were washed in an apparatus similar to the cylin-
drical fish scaler used for redfish, herring, alewives, etc. The agitation of the
mussels, together with the force of the streams of water dirécted upon them, caused

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 19

any mud—filled shells to open and the mud to be washed out. The mud-filled shells
are difficult to detect otherwise, and, if not removed, will either break apart
during steaming or at the shucking table, with a resultant mixing of meats andmud.
When thus smeared with mud, the meats must be washed more vigorously and conse—
quently will often breah apart and produce an inferior pack.

A live mussel is much more difficult to open than a clam, and in the process,
the meat usually is torn. Steaming causes the mussels to open and makes it pos—
sible to pick the meats out rapidly. The loss in weight from steaming is an ad-
vantage since it prevents excessive shrinkage later in the cans when they are pro-
cessed. The mussels are steamed in a retcrt for eight to ten minutes at 240° F.

A shorter period of steaming does not open all the shells. A lcenger period tends
to toughen the foot and mantle.

The bouillon from the mussels can be included in the canned or frozen product,
as it adds slightly to the food content of the pack. Comparisons indicated that
the addition of bouillon did not seem to increase materially the flavor of the pro—
duct. This liquid from the steamed mussels, if used, should ne strained and cla—
rified, for it has a very cloudy appearance.

S

After steaming, the mussels were taken to the shuckers who removed the meats
from the shells and the byssus, or hair, from the meats. Preliminary tests show—
ed that the total time needed to prepvare a bushel of steamed mussels for canning
was one-half that required for soft clams. It is not necessary to remove a tough
siphon, as with the clams, and both the mantle muscles and the foot are tender.
Special care, however, must be taken to remove the byssal hairs, which have an
unpleasant appearance. In regions south of Cape Cod, mussels are often hosts to
the mussel crab (Pinnotheres maculatus). This small crustacean, about 4 inch long
lives commensally in the mantie cavity of the mussel end should be removed from
the mussel meats during the shucking operation. Although the crab is edible and
esteemed by epicures, its presence in mussel meats is not appreciated by the aver—
age consumer.

The shucked meats were washed in either salt or fresh water to remove any
small amount of mud which might be present. The meats then were weighed into
cans. The meats should not be soaked in either fresh or salt water prior to can-
ning. This procedure, which is sometimes used for clams, results in such a de-
cided loss of flavor within a few hours that the soaked meats are almost taste-
less. The soaking tcughens the mantle and foot muscles and furthermore softens
the reproductive organs to such an extent that they may crumble, Consequently,
with toughened and broken meats, the product is poor in appearance and texture.

Successful packs were processed by the canners at temperatures of 240° F. for
30 minutes in a No. 1 picnic can having a drained weight content of 6% ounces of
mussel meats. ‘Quick cooling of the cans after retorting seemed to be desirable.
Further studies on the technique of mussel canning have been carried out by the
technological laboratories of the Fish and Wildlife Service.

According to scallop fishermen, large beds of horse mussels (Modiolus modiolus)
exist along the Maine coast. In order to explore the possibilities of developing
a fishery for this species, an experimental pack was processed at a cannery in
Southwest Harbor, Maine, in July 1943. The mussels were dredged from submerged
beds lying in about 40 feet of water near Jonesport, Maine. Horse mussels aresel—
dom found in any abundance in depths of less than two or three fathoms. The lengths
of the mussels on the Jonesport beds ranged from four to six inches.

20 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

The horse mussels were processed in the same manner as that used for Mytilus
edulis, except that a retort time of about 17 minutes was necessary to open the
shells enough for easy shucking. The meats, which were reddish-orange and some—
what tough, were packed in No. 1 picnic cans. Ten to eleven meats produced a
drained weight of seven ounces after processing in the can. It was felt that this
product would appeal less to the consumer than Mytilus edulis and no attempt was
made to promote a fishery for Modiolus modiolus.

(Tis article will be continued in the November 1949 issue of this periodical)
\
Noe,
a
CONTRIBUTION TO THE BIOLOGY OF THE KING CRAB

If an abundant Alaska king crab population is to be maintained it
is imperative that the females be protected. There is no justification
for commercial utilization of the female king crab. Not only is the
yield of meat small, but she is carrying developing eggs all during the
year except for a short period of time just before and after moulting.

King crabs (Paralithodes camtschatica Tilesius) can be caught in
much larger amounts and more easily while concentrated in shallow depths
during the moulting and mating season. One of the most efficient methods
of fishing is to tow trawls along the floor of the ocean and scoop up
the schools of mating crabs. Observations made on board crab fishing
vessels operating during the mating season in Bering Sea in 194] clearly
show that trawl fishing caused great destruction of soft shelled crabs.
It was found that from twenty-five to nearly one hundred percent of all
females taken in trawls at this time were either killed outright or were
injured so severely they would die. Damage was extensive from the last
week in April, when Bering Sea was first entered, until the latter part
of May. After the first of June, the shell of the females had hardened
sufficiently so that trawling caused practically no damage.

Tangle nets, being a fixed gear, cause mich less damage than trawls
to soft shelled crabs. This is largely due to the fact that only as
crabs move about on the bottom are they caught in this gear, and since
moulting and soft shelled crabs are much less active than hard shelled
ones, they are much less likely to come into contact with the nets.
This gear catches large quantities of male crabs as they move about in
search of females during the mating season, but if of proper construction,
it catches and injures very few females.

—Fishery Leaflet 340

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 21

IN SERVICE LABORATORIES <

Ya LY Sa rer eprom

August 1949
College Park, Md.

At the end of nine months of storage, the striped bass fillets held at -10° F.
and at fluctuating temperatures between 0° and -10° F. have shown practically no
change over the previous monthly examination. The palatability scores, although
nearing the lower limit of acceptability, are changing very slowly. The score was
the same for both lots. A slight fishy odor was noticeable upon ARES Ba but the
fillets were reasonably satisfactory in appearance. The group held at O- F. fail-
ed to receive a satisfactory palatability score at this time, although the odor and
appearance upon thawing were not too poor.

%t

The frozen fish having different wrapping and glazing combinations have shown
practically no change in weight after five months of storage at 0° F. Slight
changes in appearance have occurred in some samples, however. The fish that were
first frozen, then glazed and wrapped in cellophane, showed slight desiccation in
the belly cavity. This is true also for the fish that were wrapped first and then
frozen without a glaze; and this lot also showed slight surface drying. The fish
that were first wrapped in vegetable parchment, then dipped in water, followed by
wrapping in cellophane and then freezing, were still in excellent condition. Al~
though the last method is intended primarily for locker—storage—plant use, it may
be adaptable to other types of frozen storage.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Pilot, plant trials of methods for production of oil by alkali digestion of
salmon cannery waste indicate that best recovery of oil and vitamin A is obtained
using 14 percent sodium hydroxide and cooking at 200° F. for 36 minutes. Diges-
tions at higher temperatures were difficult to handle and at lower temperatures
proceeded too slowly.

Hex

Over 800 pink salmon fillets were packaged, frozen and stored in the labora-
tory's controlled temperature cold storage to determine practical procedures for
commercial freezing of this species. Several antioxidants and packaging methods
are under test.

22 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, Now 10

Nearly nine tons of salmon cannery waste were prepared for use by the Experi-
mental Fur Station at Petersburg in its feeding tests with mink and foxes. A lit-
tle more than half of the material was frozen raw; the rest was ground and proces—
sed in four—pound cans.

Seattle, Wash.

Work was resumed on the project to improve methods for oil analysis of fish
meal. Although addition of pumice to fish livers was an aid in giving maximum oil
extraction, it was found that there was no advantage in its use in the analysis of
fish meal.

tet

Studies were begun on the freezing of sockeye and pink salmon for later can~
ning. In order to evaluate the factors on freezing and storage which have a bear-
ing on the quality of the canned product, fresh salmon are being frozen and stored
for various periods of time before thawing and canning.

%

Preliminary preparations were made for experiments on canning of salmon waste
to determine the effectiveness of this method of preservation in retaining the
various vitamins and nutritive factors contained in the viscera,

ke

Preliminary work was begun on development of methods for determining vitamin
Bio in hatchery foods and other materials.

PACKAGING FROZEN FISHERY PRODUCTS

Fish and shellfish may be classified arbitrarily into two
broad groups, depending upon the fat content of the muscle
tissue. The non-fatty fish comprise one group which includes
those fish the flesh of which contains less than 3% fat.
The fat or oil of these fish is generally stored in the liver;
haddock and cod are examples. The other group, which is made
up of fatty fish, includes those which store their fat in
the muscle tissues of the body. The flesh of these fish con-
tains more than 3% fat and in some species as much as 20%.
Salmon and mackerel are examples of fish included in this
group. Shellfish are classified as non-fatty, since their
flesh contains very little fat.

--Fishery Leaflet 324

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 23

Additions to the Fleet of U S. Fishing Vessels

A total of 124 vessels of 5 net tons and over received their first documents
as fishing craft during July 1949-—-8 more than in July 1948, according to the
Bureau of Customs of the Treasury Department. California led with 37 vessels docu-
mented, followed by Washington with 26, and Florida with 8. During the first 7
months of 1949, a total of 622 vessels were documented, compared with 682 during
the same period in 1948.

Vessels Obtaining Their First Documents _ as Fishing z Craft, July ALIAS TARA OAM ate

Section SAG 5 Bl a

New England @crecerscecscecesoce
Middle Atlantic ec ecceeccvecece
Chesapeake Bay .cccccccccccccre
South Atlantic and Gulf .......

Electronic Scale Developed

An electronic livestock scale which weighs quickly and accurately has been
developed by an aircraft corporation under the direction of the Production and
Marketing Administration of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, according to that
agency's August 1949 Marketing Activities. Employing electronic principles rather
than mechanical principles, the scale automatically registers weights on a large
dial and prints them on a ticket with the push of a button. This new, accurate,
automatic, virtually fool—proof and tamper-proof scale offers possibilities for
use in the fishing industry, or any industry requiring large-scale weighings, since
it is not affected by dirt, rust, or moisture.

The electronic scale virtually eliminates the shortcomings of the lever—type
scale, The heart of the new development——-the strain—gage cell with electronic
indicator—had been designed previously by the aircraft corporation. Four of the
compact cells are placed under the corners of a conventional platform. Each cell
electronically transmits its pressure impulse through an electric cable encased
in a flexible rubber—covered conduit. The measure of the pressure on the cells

2h COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

is translated into the recorded weight in an indicator unit, and registered ona
16-inch dial with two concentric graduated circles, the smaller divided plainly
at thousand—pound intervals to
a capacity of 32,000 pounds, and
the larger circle graduated in
5—pound intervals to 1,000 pounds
capacity. Two indicator hands,
corresponding to the hands of a
time clock, combine to register
a total that is clearly visible
up to distances of at least 10
feet. On the lower section of
the indicator assembly are red
and green signal lights which
show whether the unit is in op—
eration or locked for printing.

On the printer, the third

FOUR WEIGHING CELLS (CENTER)--THE SIZE OF PINT FRUIT ptement) Of bhe assent ame
JARS=-ARE THE HEART OF THE SCALE. A SMALL LIGHT BE- series of keys controls a set
LOW THE DIAL FLASHES GREEN WHEN WEIGHING AND RED WHEN Of type wheels arranged to re—
CONTROLS ARE SET FOR PRINTING OR ZEROING, THE PRINTER cord the number and species of
(RIGHT) CONTAINS ALL THE OPERATIONAL CONTROLS. imaiis. weilghed yas wellnaemene

initials of the selling agency. This unit is electrically connected to the indi-—
cator and it prints simultaneously: the registered weight on the dial, the species
and number of animals weighed, and the month, day, hour, and minute in which the
weighing is performed. Depending upon the size of the load, the weight value is
indicated in two to seven seconds.

Time required for installation is but a fraction of that required for the
normal lever—type scale. In the new device, the general compactness and the flex—
ibility of coupling between the cells and the indicator unit establish such a
degree of adaptability that the entire mechanism canbe installed in approximately
one hour where a lever system scale is replaced. All parts are replaceable as
units, so that "trouble shooting" and repair are distinctly simplified. Commer—
cial installation of the new scale was expected to begin in September.

Federal Purchases of Fishery Products

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, July 1949: A total of 1,457,729 pounds (valued at
$485,767) of fresh and frozen fishery - products was mieenesea by the Army Quarter—
master Corps during July 1949 for the U. S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air
Force for military feeding (see table). This is an increase of 12 percent in

ee Chases of Fresh and Frozen Fishery Products by Department of the Army
SS er ee (iy UU
ye ee ee ee

a Las [puta [aftalato Letos Loken Laat

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 25

quantity and 13 percent in value compared with the previous month,(1, 305,391 pounds,
valued at $430,175), but a decline of 4 percent in volume and 1 percent in value
with July 1948.

ARMY TO BUY FRESH AND FROZEN FISH IN JAPAN FOR OVERSEAS TROOPS: Ih line with
countries, it is learned that the Army's Quartermaster Corps, as of November 1,

will stop purchasing fresh and frozen fish in the United States for use by over—
seas troops stationed in Japan, and will buy from Japanese sources to meet the

needs of the occupation troops. This will result in a saving for the Army, es—
pecially on transportation charges. Fresh and frozen fish purchases by the Quarter—
master Corps in the northwest area of the United States for use by overseas troops
have approximated 20 percent of the total Army purchases in that area.

The Quartermaster Corps will continue to purchase fresh and frozen fish in
this country to meet the domestic requirements of the Armed Services.

ECA Procurement Authorizations for Fishery Products

Procurement authorizations for commodities and raw materials announced during
August 1949 by the Economic Cooperation Administration included $818,000 for the
purchase of fishery products (all from the United States and Possessions). com=

ECA Procurement Authorizations for Fishery Products, August 1949

—
Product Origin Counts Authorized
U,S._& Possessions

SES: eee
aa Brees German A56..000
615.000

U.S. & Possessions &
Fish, canned Canede
ta, ees Ford ple nates &U.S. & | Italy & Fr, West Indies
Ga aieslenay Yor Sep k,
ncaa obi nearer ola Ce

Oil, herring 1,694,000
3 een piext. (tire rel renee en OOO
Tati America except
sharks Tiver Argentine & Brazi! Ze 000
z U.S. & Possessions Bizone & Fr, Zone of
9 fish Gerns ny & Korea __846,000
", technical fish 100, 000
"| whale (incl ‘Wetherlands Belgiun, Austria, Bizone & Fr,
sperm oil = & U.S, Zone of eeace Se Bernany 056,150
" . whale and fish — | U.S, & Possessions —_i| z pe eset Korea a wise nym wu wa eG 162,000
Wit. A (Commercia e,| U.S. Netherland 67,0!
fitaincuitasdyneeeds jul Tren nisin aeeaesa| ae reuete W tail mors’ are Ze oe
Grand Total iatierteed © 00 0 000000 0 6 00 20 0 00 9000000000900 009000500000000000000 4 00,911

L/Unless otherwise indicated, the recipient country is the procuring agency, and the
government of the participating country or its authorized agents or importers do the
purchasing,

2/Dept. of Agriculture designated as procuring agency. Mostly menhaden oil,

26 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

pared with $550,000 during July 1949. The total amount authorized for the pur—
chase of fishery products during the 17—month period through August 31, 1949, was
$34,700,911.

During August, ECA cancelled an authorization of $139,000 for sperm whale
and fish oils which were to be purchased in the United States and Possessions for
delivery to the French Zone of Germany.

te.
Fishery Biology Notes

(August 11-19, 1949), the Albatross III's chief purpose was a census of the fish
populations on the Southern New England Banks and Nantucket Shoals, and in South

Channel, Cape Cod Bay, and Massachusetts Bay. During the cruise, half-hour tows

were made at 59 stations scattered over these areas. Hydrographic observations,

consisting of temperatures and bottom topography, were also collected.

The Southern New England Banks south of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, and
west of Nantucket Lightship (out to 40 fathoms) wer2 found to be a nursery ground
for scrod haddock. A large concentration of l-year old haddock was found 30 miles
WNW. of Nantucket Lightship. It is apparent, from the large numbers of l—year old
haddock caught during this and the previous cruise, that 1948 was a successful year
for haddock spawning.

Large haddock and redfish were found in commercial quantities in 80 to 120
fathoms in South Channel (the area bounded by latitudes 41° 51' and 42° 20! and
longitudes 68° 50 and 69° 40°).

During the first three days of the cruise 191 drift bottles were released,
in cooperation with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, in an attempt to
determine the speed and direction of ocean currents, at twelve different stations
located between Muskegat Channel and Fishers Island in Block Island Sound and from
50 to 70 miles offshore. To date nore than 30 of these bottles have been returned
from Rhode Island beaches and the eastern end of Long Island.

Two of the yellowtail flounders tagged on the previous cruise have been re—
captured. One was landed at Woods Hole and the other was caught by a New Bedford
dragger. Both fish were recaptured near the point of release,

Ketek st

BLUE CRABS TAGGED IN RAPPAHANNOCK: The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
tagged 330 blue crabs in the Rappahannock Estuary between February 28 and March 4,
1949. By June 30, none of the 83 male and 72 female immature crabs had been re-—
turned; 27 of the 72 male and 35 of the 113 female mature crabs were returned.

The returns from male crabs, in agreement with previous observations, were en-
tirely within the Rappahannock Estuary; the predominant number of returns from
male crabs, in agreement with previous observations, were entirely within the
Rappahannock Estuary; the predominant number of returns from female crabs was
from the main Chesapeake Bay and south of their area of release, A slightly high—
er portion of males was taken.

Beereereaet

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 27

SERVICE'S BEAUFORT LABORATORY REACTIVATED: On June 28, 1949, the Service's
Beaufort Laboratory, .relatively inactive for several years, was given fully active
status again within the research program of the Service. It is under the juris-—
diction of the Middle and South Atlantic Fishery Investigations of the Branch of
Fishery Biology. Summer irvestigators will be encouraged to use the laboratory.
Built before 1910, the laboratory is on an ll-acre tract of Pivers Island and con-
sists of seven major buildings. It vrovides an opportunity to observe and study
fish and related marine conditions in the area.

HHHRKK

On a cruise off northern California and Oregon completed on August 18, the Black
Douglas, research vessel of the Service's South Pacific Fishery Investigations,
located albacore schools in the vicinity of 44° 20" N. 126° 30' W. This infor-
mation was relayed to commercial fishermen, fishermen's unions, canneries, and
other interested groups in Astoria, Coos Bay, and Portland. Fishermen were able
to reach the designated area in time to fish the schools. Albacore specimens
were taken by biologists aboard the Service's vessel.

Stations Occupied and Observations: The vessel occupied 40 stations between
Cape Mendocino and the Columbia River and up to 450 miles offshore during this
cruise. At each station observations included a plankton haul, temperature, sa—
linity, oxygen and phosphate determinations, phytoplankton collections, and
seccni disk readings.

Operations Are a Cooperative Program: The operations of the Black Douglas
are part cf a cooperative program on pilchards involving, in addition to the Fish

and Wildlife Service, the California Academy of Sciences, the California Division
of Fish and Game, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Cruises of the
Black Douglas are carried out simultaneously with cruises of the Scripps vessels,
Crest and Horizon. Earlier, the California Fish and Game vessel, N. B. Scofield,
also participated. The area thus surveyed each month extends from the Columbia
River in the north to the middle of Lower California in the south. The results
of these surveys will be of great importance, not only in the studies of the sar-—
dine, but for any present or future studies of other fishes in this area.

Gulf States Marine Fisheries Gommission Organized

On July 16, 1949, the Governor of Alabama placed his signature upon the first
official document of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Compact at Mobile, Alabama,
on board the State yacht Dixie, according to the Commission's report. Due to prior
commitments and other pressing affairs of State, the governors of Florida, Louisiana,
Texas, and Mississippi were unable to attend the formal signing. Thus, after sev—
eral years of tireless efforts on the part of the Continuing Conference Committee,
the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission came into existence as a joint inter-—
state cooperative arrangement between the Gulf States to "promote the better utili-
zation of the fisheries, marine, shell, and anadromous, of the seaboard of the Gulf
of Mexico, by the development of a joint program for the promotion and protection of
such fisheries and the prevention of the physical waste of the fisheries from any
cause",

28 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

Later, the same day, the first business session of the Commission was called
to order. One of the speakers traced the Compact through its formation and of its
ultimate ratification as Public Law 66 of the 8lst Congress, which was approved by
the President of the United States on May 19, 1949. Florida, Alabama, Louisiana,
and Texas had passed Enabling Acts, in that order, and it is foreseen that Missis—
sippi will come in as soon as the Legislature of that State convenes next year.

The Director of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service discussed "The Problem of
the Marine Fisheries". He called attention to recent Federal action assigning two
research vessels to tne Gulf of Mexico, and these vessels should be in operation
in the Gulf by next year. The Director expressed the hope that the Commission would
consider among its first tasks the formulation of an adequate fishery research pro-
gram to meet the needs of the fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico.

The Special Assistant for Fisheries tothe Undersecretary of State, Washington,
D. C., spoke on "Participation by Interstate Fisheries Commissions in Treaty and
Convention—Making". He pointed out that regional commissions formed by states are
a big help to the efforts of the Department of State in Washington; and that the
work of the State Department embraced the protection of the rights of American
fishermen on the high seas.

The Conservation Commissioners of the five Gulf States submitted the official
list of three Commissioners from each State to serve for that State during the
first year. The Conservation Commissioners are ex-officio members of the Commission
and the listings were given as follows:

ALABAMA

Mr, Bert EB, Thomas, Director, State Department of Conservation;
Mr, Thomas A, Johnston, III, Member appointed by the Legislature;
Mr, James H, Faullmer, Representative appointed by the Governor,

FLORIDA
Mr, George Vathis, Supervisor, Florida State Board of Conservation;
Mr. William J, Hendry, Member appointed by the Legislature,
Mr, Bryant G. Patton, Representative appointed by the Governor,

LOUIS! ANA

Mr, Ernest S, Clements, Commissioner, Louisiana Department of Wild
Life and Fisheries;

Mr, E. J. Grizzaffi, Member appointed by the Legislature;

Judge Leander H, Perez, Representative apnointed by the Governor,

TEXAS

Mr, Howard D, Dodgen, Executive Secretary, Texas Game, Fish and
Oyster Commission;

Mr. Jimmy Phillips, Member appointed by the Legislature;
Colonel L. A. Kurtz, Representative appointed by the Governor.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 29

The second phase of the conference involved the permanent Organization. Mr.
Bert E. Thomas of Alabama was unanimously elected and chosen as the first Chairman
of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission for the ensuing year, and Mr. Howard D.
Dodgen of Texas as Vice—Chairman.

The Commission discussed rules and regulation; named the Council of State Govern—
ments as temporary secretariat and treasurer of the organization until a permanent
secretary and treasurer could be secured; and passed a motion that the temporary of-
fice of the Commission be the office of the Chairman until a permanent office is
selected at the next meeting.

Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council Accepted by Pakistan

The Government of Pakistan's acceptance of the Agreement reached at Baguio, Re-
public of the Philippines, on February 28, 1948, for the formation of an Indo-Pacific
Fisheries Council, was received by the Food and Agriculture Organization on August 1,
1949. (See Commercial Fisheries Review, May 1949, pp. 22-25.)

EE

Meeting on Proposed Mediterranean Sea Fisheries Council

All Member Governments of the Food and Agriculture Organization were notified
of the proposal to establish a Regional Council for the Study of the Sea in the
Mediterranean Sea and contiguous waters, and a meeting was called in Rome (Septem—
ber 19 through September 24, 1949) by that agency.

The purpose of the meeting is to consider an agreement for the establishment
of a regional council for the scientific exploration of the sea in the area of the
Mediterranean Sea and contiguous waters, similar to that drawn up for the Indo-
Pacific Fisheries Council (See Commercial Fisheries Review, August 1948, page 17).

Invitations to attend this meeting were sent to all Member Governments of
FAO who are interested in the area in question, and also to governments who are
not members of FAO but who were members of the International Commission for the
Scientific Exploration of the Mediterranean Sea. The United States was also in~-
vited, and an officer from the staff of the American Embassy at Rome will act as
observer.

The establishment of: Regional Fisheries Councils is in accordance with the res—
olution passed by the Third Session of the Conference of FAO at Geneva in Septem—
ber 1947 "that FAO should take action to initiate the formation of Regional Councils
for the scientific exploration of the sea in the parts of the world not now actively
served by similar bodies, giving primary consideration to the following areas:

North Western Atlantic, South Western Pacific and
Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous waters,
North Eastern Pacific, South Eastern Pacific, Western
South Atlantic, and Eastern South Atlantic and Indian
Ocean.

30 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

Michigan's Great Lakes Fisheries Production, 1948

The commercial production of fishery products in the State of Michigan waters
of the Great Lakes during 1948 amounted to 30,193,292 pounds, the highest since
1935. The increase was attributed to the larger catches of whitefish and herring,
according to the Division of Fisheries of the Michigan Department of Conservation.

Commercial Production of Fishery Products in Michigan State Waters of the Great Lakes 1948L/ ai
Total

cee fer) tee ee
pecies perior Huron Erie 1948

Blue pike @cececec200eCoevccn THIS Uy oe ceca ane oe See ©) eee, Gh 559" 0,0 lak 599° ee @ 1°300

Bowfin COCCHCTCCHE SLA HSOAOSESEOA2e We ox 10, 220 8, 076 18,301 19,600 ;
Bullheads CeceeseccOeeeececs ce = 54, "332 44, 373 107, 865 125 , 500) ;
Burbot ...cice sence eseoetee oc "i 563 843 508 146 13,060 8,300 d
Carp access ceorecereceuueses 63 ae 4 1,474,354 535,245] 2,073,016 | 1,825,900
Cates ah alate hes eekly ay, ai - 188,729 27,111 216, 685 313, 800 j
Ghubsimconenicecuicuitesisee osm asO7taon 15,057 154,027 5 2, 240,345 | 1,524,300) !
Gizzard shad .occccesscececes 27,705 - 27,795 500
Goldfish SPeeoe@oeereseesse0000 = 49 49 = i
Lake herring eeeeeceeoreeoeoce 2, 886, 235 4, 515, 076 1,641,324 2 9,042, 635 6,490, 700!
Lake trout Ccceescerecce0000@ 590 ,063 2 +158, 89 97 2 Abo - 2,7 » 104 3,152,600
Pike, northern or pickerel ,, 16,751 48, 882 10,439 76,072 19,100
Rock bass @eeeesO@O2eose0ee20oe eo 1, 61 al 15,747 7,939 ,168 21 ,000) i
Sanger .....ccccceseccccccecs 1,684 157 2,277 3,919 ,037 28,000 ‘
Sheepshead ...cscsccccccsccce 6,432 - 4,102 80,585 91,119 119, 000)
Smelt CeOceeePoeb2o0eCo0or0000 624 ,028 31 1,231 Ce 625, 290 339,100
Sucker, longnose o.occccccece 105,871 19,040 62, 236 3 187,150 2

Sucker, white & redhorse .... | 1,112,840 28,734 |1 246, a 41,983 | 2,430,117 | 2,270,100
White bass Srcoecccecccesce °° — R 32, 865 5} , 066 rege
Whitefish, COMMON seeccesee eo 4, 272,00. 474,432 2 SPSS 948 9,491 7,727,875 753 3,000
Whitefish, Menominee ........ 103,99 17,061 26,107 = 147,166 152, 800
Yellow perch eicleisiciselomneacies Sore 5, 255 693, one 17,480 | 1,014,988 598, 500
Wel Vows ices leiecisicisisieiec cveiereiele 2,102 402,907 | 1,226,080 | 1,1 00

Eg otal sie cscuaeiswals uae ne 1,773,088 [7, Bo. 110 [6,850,684 [i 40, 210 | 30,103, 292 245, 500
1/Subject to slight revision, 2/Included with white and redhorse sucker.

North Carolina Joins Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

The Governor of North Carolina recently signed the Atlantic States Marine
Fisheries Compact as authorized by an Act passed during the 1949 session of the
legislature of the State, according to the July 1949 Maryland Tidewater News of
the Maryland Department of Research and Education. North Carolina's action
brings together all of the Atlantic States in a single body whose functions are
to consider any and all problems of the fisheries submitted to it by member states,
and to bring to these problems the best available information bearing on their
solution, whether they involve technology, fishery biology, or further interstate
cooperation and coordination.

The Chesapeake states, Maryland and Virginia, have been members of the inter-—
state group since its organization some six years ago. Among the local problems
that have received its attention are the maintenance of high levels of crab pro-
duction, the shad situation and certain aspects of game fish depletion, especially

the drum or channel bass.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Bil

Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investigations.
CONTINUED TUNA RESEARCH IN JUNE: The staff of the Pacific Oceanic Fishery

Investigations, Honolulu, T. Hes in the Hawaiian, Leeward and Line Islands, con-
tinued observations in June on the catch composition, areas of fishing, and pro-—
duction rates of the local long—line tuna fishery. During this month, the catch
of yellowfin tuna increased while that of big-eyed tuna decreased, a regular
seasonal occurrence. By regular visits to the local wholesale market, staff bi-
ologists obtained length and weight frequencies of the catches. Big-eyed tuna
in the late June catches were all spent fish, while yellowfin were in very ad-—
vanced stages of sexual maturity.

In late June, a biologist of POFI went to Saipan to observe local fishing
methods and to gather biological data on the skipjack taken in the local fishery.
He is particularly interested in morphometric data for comparison with similar
data from Japan and Hawaii for the solution of the pregram of racial distribution
of the skipjjack.

The large landings of skipjack at Kewalo Basin during June made it possible
to gather a good series of morphometric data from 51 big-eyed, 50 yellowfin, 67
skipjack and 12 albaccre. Analysis of these data, similar data from the last
year's cruises of the Oregon, and data taken by the Territorial Division of Fish
and Game awaits completion of these series. Preliminary calculations have been
completed of regressions, characterizing the yellowfin and skipjack from the
Society and Marquesas Islands, based on measurements of fish landed in Honolulu
in April.

HAWAIIAN TUNA FISHERY - July 1949: The Hawaiian tuna fishery was quite
variable during July, according to observations made by the POFI staff. From
time to time bait shortages were an impediment to both long—line and pole fish-—
ing. The long-line bait supply was particularly critical. Since the importation
of frozen sardines was impossible because of shipping difficulties, fresh long-
line bait cost as much as 80 cents a pound.

The long-line catch was largely yellowfin tuna in contrast to the predomin-—
ance of big-eyed tuna several months ago. The average catch of 12 vessels in-
terviewed during July was 2.2 fish per 100 hooks per set, This is somewhat low—
er than the average earlier in the year. Aku fishing fluctuates from very good
to very poor. Although probably not the best catch, one sampan started fishing
at 8:00 a.m., caught9,909 pounds of skipjack, and returned to the dock for un-
loading by 9:30 aom.

SAIPAN TUNA FISHERY: One of the biologists of the Pacific Oceanic Fishery
Investigations went to the Marianas Islands in July to aid in establishing 4
fishing industry at Saipan and to take morphometric data from the tunas. Although
skipjack are present there in commercial quantities, the fishery is at a low ebb.

TUNA GEAR: Several trips were made during July by members of Pacific Oceanic
Fishery ry Investigations on Hawaiian fishing vessels to observe the types of gear in
use, the methods of operation, the types of bait-catching gear, metheds of catch-
ing bait, and behavior of the tunas for the dual purposes of providing the staff
members with experience in the local fisheries and establishing a basis for the
design of gear for use by POFI.

TRIP TO KONA COAST: A trip was made to the Kona Coast of Hawaii during July
to observe the gear and methods of the flag—line fishery and to test various types

32 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

of trolling lures. A series of tests were attempted with various lures, but no
tuna were present during the week of the tests; even the existing commercial gear
gave very meager returns. However, considerable information was obtained on the
types of gear in use, which will be of value in future operations.

TUNA—FISHING GEAR AND BAIT: On the basis of practical fishing conditions,

certain experimental types of flag—line tuna gear were designed for testing by the
vessels of the Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investigations.

During August, observations were made on the methods of catching bait. A trip
was made to the Kona Coast of Hawaii to assist in and observe the results of a co—
operative testing of a light baiting net obtained from Japan. This net was tested
on the Territory vessel, the Makua. Information was obtained on the performance
of this net and hanging proportions; and observations were made which should be of
value in rigging the Investigations! night baiting nets.

U. Se FISHERY TRAM COMPLETES STUDY OF JAPANESE JAPANESE TUNA FISHERIES: In November
eer wed in Japan to study the tuna and other pelagic fishery resources of Japan.
The third member of this team departed for Honolulu on July 9. The other two
members completed their assignments and left Japan March 1.

The objectives of this team were to (1) obtain morphometric measurements and
other biological data on Japanese tunas and allied fishes for the purpose of de-
fining the stocks of these fish in the Pacific Ocean, (2) complete a bibliography
of Japanese tuna publications, and (3) gather information on Japanese fishing and
processing methods and research techniques. ~

Although highest priority was given to the collection of morphometric data,
they could not obtain as much information as desired because of the abnormally
late tuna fishing season. However, 117 fish of seven different species were mea—
sured, Japan is the only country known to have conducted research on tuna and
related fishes in the western Pacific before World War II; therefore, public and
private libraries were surveyed in order to prepare a list of Japanese publications
relating to these fishes, and a bibliography of about 500 titles was compiled.
Whenever possible, copies of publications were obtained, and about 350 other publi-
cations were recorded on microfilm. Many publications were translated into English.
(See Commercial Fisheries Review, August 1949, page 23.)

The team inspected Japanese tuna canning and processing methods, and the Photo
Division, 7lst Signal Service Battalion, took moving pictures of tuna long-line
fishing. Other fisheries also were observed and recorded.

In addition, the team obtained samples of fish gear, which include a model bait
retainer, tuna long-line gear, a shackle of tuna gill net, and a blueprint of the
spray system in use on the skipjack boats.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 33

Pribilof Island Fur-Seal Take, 1949

A total of 70,891 fur-seal skins were taken this year in the Government—
administered sealing operations on Alaska's Pribilof Islands, the Fish and Wild-
life Service announced on August 25. This year's yield was 749 skins more than
in 1948. The annual season for taking fur seals skins began on June 10 and con-
tinued on a daily basis from June 17 through July 27.

Two daily record kills were reported, one on July 22 with 5,329 skins (the
largest kill in more than 60 years); the other on July 17 with 4,950 skins.

Under the provisions of the 1944 Alaska Fur—Seal Law, 20 percent of the
annual take of skins become the property of the Canadian government. Approx-
imately 60 percent of the world's fur seals come to the Pribilof Islands to
breed.

The 1949 fur-seal census has not been reported but last year it was
3,837,000 animals. The seal population of the Pribilofs increased from a low
of 132,000 animals in 1910 to its present size under Federal conservation and
management ©

After being dressed and dyed by a fur company in St. Louis, the furs are
offered for sale at public auction, the net proceeds going to the Treasury of
the United States.

Valuable byproducts of this year's fur-sealing are the 350 tons of fur seal
meal, 1/,,000 gallons of carcass oil and 33,000 gallons of blubber oil. These
products are made in a Government-operated plant on the Pribilofs and will also
be offered at auction.

Pelagic sealing (the killing of seals while they are at sea) is prohibited
by an international agreement between Canada and the United States. At one time
pelagic sealing nearly brought about the extinction of the animals,

——

Production of Sponges at Tarpon Springs, Florida, 1948

During 1948, 12,000 bunches (approximately 72,616 pounds) of sponges, valued
at $465,938.02, were produced and sold over the Tarpon Springs Sponge Exchange,
Inc., compared with 23,030 bunches (approximately 158,304 pounds), valued at
$1,741,883-03 in 1947. This was a considerable decline in production as well as
value in 1948.

For many years the sponge industry of the United States was confined to the
shoal waters cf the Key Grounds (between the Florida Keys and the mainland), and.
Key West was the center of the sponge trade. However, with the exhaustion of
these grounds and the introduction of machine diving in the deeper waters of the
Bay Grounds (beginning near Johns Pass, a few miles north of Tampa Bay, and
extending without material interruption as far as St. Marks), Tarpon Springs soon
became the largest sponge market in the world, and in normel times about 90 per-
cent of the_United States sponge catch is landed there. Most of the catch is sold
on the Tarpon Springs Sponge Exchange, a nonprofit organization established in
1908. Some of the sponges sold at Tarpon Springs are obtained by the hooking
method, but most are taken by machine divers.

34 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

TARPON SPRINGS SPONGE EXCHANGE BUILDING

Reports indicate that in 1948 less than 70 boats were engaged in this fishery,
compared with 200 boats operating prior to 1939. Because of the shortage of
sponges, many of the diving boats have been converted for other types of fishing
and some of the experienced divers are seeking other employment.

Production of Sponges at Tarpon Springs, Fla., Quantity (bunches and ounds) and Value, 1947-48
Type ORS als 1 2.
of Total |Avg.Price Total Avg.Price
ponge bE Quantit Value Per Lb. Quantity Value Per Lb.
No, Bunches(est. bs. (est, 3 3 No. Buncheslest.) Lbs. (est.

87,345.00] 10.95 1,038 12,456 349,629.54| 28.07
69,364.58] 10.94 2, 245 15,715 310, 550. a 19.76
109,244.48) 8.34 12,426 {99,408 |{ 977,926.20|{ 9.84

SO CCE OW ES 8,106.59] 12.84

Eeteacneds »med. ,& eal
Fags, laxee ecccccce
id.

82 3,546 2,640 11, 220 aoe .0
Catsatsss[ase | psa] sor 6.44 | 3.38
Grands Totalucsnwnmscctstes _ Se 11.00

iL/Sales over the Tarpon Springs See Exchange, = \Approximately $50,000 of sponges were sold outside the Exchange

Byoneksse of sales reported by the Tarpon Springs Sponge Exchange, Inc, and a sponge cooperative (cooperative did not overate
n

U.S. Imports of Fish Meal and Scrap, January-June 1949

: The United States imports of fish meal and scrap for use in feeds and ferti-
lizers during the first six months of 1949 amounted to 30,982 short tons, valued
at ¥4,523,387--an increase of 36 percent in quantity and 57 percent in value when
compared with the corresponding period in 1948.

Canada was the leading shipper of fish meal and scrap, accounting for 60.6
percent of the January-June 1949 total imports, compared with 48.8 percent of the
imports for the first half of 1948, and 64.1 percent of the imports for the year
1948.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 35

U. S. Imports of Fish Meal and Fish Scrap, January-June 1949 and 1948, and the Year 1948

Country of
Origin

Jan.-June 1H

canada -..
hvew found La:
Jmexico .,.
Venezuela
reru ...
Uruguay
argentina
tcoland

3,407,687
204,454 -
48,774 05
63,405 64
2,870 | 1,017

82,404 442
612,073, -

100,454] 1,295] 125,746

458 | 43,432 998 | 123,173
- 1,055,978 | 7,691 | 1,055,978}

4,547

eortumuese Guino:
New Yealend .
inion of Sout

Totals .

or
so

2,860,005 | 41,124 | 5,050,854)

U.S. Pack of Ganned Ciams and Clam Products, 1948

The 1948 pack of canned clams and clam products amounted to 1,179,774 cases,
valued at $8,329,639 to the canners. This was a decline of 6 percent in the number
of cases packed and 4 percent in value compared with the previous year.

Table 1 - Pack of Canned Clams & Clam Products, By Type of Product & By Area, 1948 (Quantity & Value to Canners)

i : Whole and Minced Chowder, Juice, Broth, & Nectar Total
Product, State and td. Avg.Price ‘otal Std. Avg.Price Total Std.
Number of Plants Cases per case Value Cases per case Value Cases Value

) Clams:

NES (G12) 'Gagodsadooodos: lk lolna! $10. $1,098, 86 166,521 | $5.68 $ 945, 204 698} $2,044 06
rane a Oa eo cree rere eae 4 | 2/9 090) $2,044 , 067)

Washington (4) ..eseeee-- | 9,393 17.17 161,312 = 5 - Spee y WSlssh
MEA (Mh) Baggosseewecs 9 17.9! 494,402 = o = 9g AA. AO

otalerazoriclamsy s)10)-) Milian 3 aie mun ayy ii MO) 7/12 nae i | SN | EGS a |S 3589310) OO

Hara ee Reel (os 3 > Sass ri Toca ;

Mass,(1), R.1.(1),N.¥.(6) | 19,332 8.53 164 , 843 er 012 5.33 357,631 404 522,474
N.J.(1), Pa.(1), Ma.(1).. = | - - 770,685 | 6.47 4,989,857} 770,685) 4,989, 857
Wash (Ae erase cen el hs QRGTON Vado 108, 684 2,100 | 3.2 6,856! 11,779 eee
Mean, (GO) Cee he senenane 18, 6' : 1,380 00 6

Totel hard clams ..... 27/4, 97] | L

Grand total (43) ..... 2
bi Tpetaip the pack of surf clams in New York,
Note: "Standard cases" represent the various-sized cases converted to the equivalent of 48 No, 1 cans, each can

of whole and minced clams containing 5 ounces of meat; drained weight; and each can of chowder, juice,
broth, and nectar, 10 ounces, net weight,

The pack of whole and minced clams amounted to 173,194 standard cases
(2,597,910 pounds, drained weight, of clam meats), valued at $2,029,484, while
the production of clam chowder, juice, broth, and nectar totaled 1,006,580
standard cases (30,197,400 pounds net weight), valued st $6,300,155.

The production of canned whole clams totaled 61,850 standard cases, valued
at $760,126; minced clams, 111,344 standard cases, valued at $1,269,358; clam
chowder, 983,584 standard cases, valued at $6,219,480; and canned clam juice,
broth, and nectar, 22,996 standard cases, valued at $80,675.

36 COMMARCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

Table 2 - Pack of Canned Ghee & Clam Products, By Type of Product, 1939-48
antity & Total Value to Gunrers

Chowder, Juice, ; :
Broth, and Nectar |

jl/The production of canned surf clams in Maine has been included with the pack of
soft clams,
2/Includes pack of surf clams in New York,

U.S. Pack of Canned Crab Meat, 1948

The 1948 pack of canned crab meat amounted to 220,802 standard cases, val;
ued at $4,846,494 to the canner, an increase of 58 percent in volume and 79 per-
cent in value compared with the previous year. The 1948 pack was the largest in
history, exceeding the previous record (established in 1946) by nearly 22,000
cases. The increase in production occurred on the Pacific Coast where the pack
totaled 187,420 cases, a gain of over 81,000 cases compared with the previous
year, Crab meat for canning was obtained from three species of crabs in 1948--

Table 1 - Pack of Smred Crab Meat, By State & penes, 1948

tity & Vi lus to Cann 5
yee a Table 2 - Pack of Canned Crab Meet, By Size of Can
cles 5 Ze Total & Container, 1948

State Crab Used Value
i Sa erabm ASO Sea feeTs (Quantity & Value to ee Ee
Ga, ,Ala.,& Miss. ....|Blue 361, 200 an, é Actual Avg.Price
ligpeictiemm ev eeeesccros Blue 220,67
Washington ..e.cee-eee Dungeness y 2, 295,905
OrennceCalifesrccicccisies Dungeness 1,338,349
ay Dungeness
Piboehey Gasooabponeduad King 1 i ne 8 ounces cans) o- 45)
Se ed a | [2,057 |= 446494
Note: "Standari cases" represent the various-sized cases ee [includes ajsnallispack of h7- ounce scat .iracm ta
verted to the equivalent of 48 cans to the case, each can ED E250
containing ounces of crab meat,

Pacific Coast Dungeness crabs (169,798 cases), Atlantic Coast blue crabs (33,582
cases), and Alaska king crabs (17,622 cases).

Grab meat was canned in 6 plants in Louisiana, 21 in Washington, 9 in Oregon,
10 in Alaska and 1 plant each in Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia,
Alabama, Mississippi and California.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 357

Atlantic Coast and eee States

Gulf States aska Ve TOmnsb eet
Avg.Price Total eee Total Avg.Price Total
Cases Per Case ms sae Per Case Value Gases. we see aver
78 $17.43 | $381 $22.75 |$4,24,
Ol 7 "187

U.S. Pack of Canned Salmon, 1948

The 1948 pack of canned salmon in the Pacific Coast States and Alaska amounted
to 4,824,966 standard cases, valued at $120,537,196 to the canners. Compared with

-———

Table 1 - Pack of Canned Salmon, 1948, » scien and Area (Quanti

ee) :
Saase__|per case. ba eae mt ol Seal "e
Cases a Ee Talus Gases ea aE Value Cases é
7,888 | 20.

"51319,477 | 1,058,048

"bgocgaen Gon oeG 116,651 | 1,308,960 25,658, 633
Red or sockeye eee 5 47,616, 589
Silver or coho .... BA, a pee
Steelhead ......... 40 3
Motel weeemeeene OIE BEL oa 1 96,508 740 [BOOT

Standard cases" represent the various-sized cases converted to the equivalent of 45 are=souTdle cans each can

containing 16 ounces).

1947, this was a decline of 14 percent in volume, and 0.1 percent in value. Alas-
ka accounted for 84 percent of the 1948 pack; Puget Sound, 9 percent; the Columbia
River districts of Washington and Oregon, 7 percent; and the coast areas of the
Pacific Coast States, 1 percent.

Table 2 - Pack of Canned Salmon, 1939-48 (Quanti bai bi serena a |

Rn AT cars 7kita 1 [in . Pacitic Comstustatessnta=| Siesta ee 1
Std. Avg. Pescilncieicouun Std, Avg.Price Total Total
Cases per_case ee per_case PRT

RO 3 2 5 BDO. ie B24, a6 cg “$31.9 3
12, 286 256 38" 269° ie 5

53, Ab 194

WW LOW O}
&
Wort
es}
a
o@

11,199,317
6, 1219s 176

31,474,492
A.441,122

38 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No- 10

Salmon were canned in 35 plants in Washington, 14 in Oregon, 4 in California,
and 123 in Alaska.

c

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES

The wholesale index for all foods, which for the past two months had risen
slightly, again started to decline and on August 16 was 161 percent of the 1926
average--1.9 percent less than .on July 19 this year and 15.7 percent below Au-
gust 17, 1948, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of
Labcr.

Wholesale and Retail Prices

Canned salmon, Seattle:
Pink, No. 1, Tall
Red, No, 1, Tall

Cod, cured, large shore,
Gloucester, Mass.

Fresh, frozen and canned
Fresh and frozen
Canned salmon:

Pink

Canned salmon wholesale prices increased substantially in August. Canned
pink salmon prices were 5.4 percent higher in August than in July this year,
but were still 13.7 percent below August 1948. Canned red salmon prices were
6.1 percent over July this year, but were still 9 percent below August a year
Ago.

Average retail food prices increased slightly and were 0.4 percent higher
on August 15 this year compared with the previous month, but 6.5 percent below
August 15; 1948. The retail fresh and frozen fish index increased 1.5 percent
over mid-July this year and was equal to mid-August 1948. The combined fresh,
frozen and canned fish index was 0.4 percent above mid-July 1949 and 1.5 per-
cent higher than in mid-August 1948.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 39

THE WHALING INDUSTRY ACT 1949: The "Whaling Industry Bill 1949" was intro-
duced in the Australian Parliament on May 20, 1949, and after passage by both
Houses, received Royal Assent and became law on July 12. This permits the Govern-—
ment to establish a shore station for whaling in Australia, according toa July 20

report from the American Embassy at Canberra.

The Bill provides for the establishment of a whaling commission consisting
of a chairman, a deputy-chairman, and one other member, to be appointed by the
Governor General. The Commission will have very broad powers, its functions being:

1. To engage in whaling in Australian waters

2. As an aid to the economic and stable operation of its whaling
activities in Australian waters, to employ in whaling in the
vicinity of any Australian waters, vessels not required for
the time being for whaling in Australian waters

The Commission is empowered to maintain and operate chaser ships, shore bases and
factory ships, to process whales, manufacture any produc* derived from whales, and
to sell either the whales or products derived from them. There are also a number
of incidental powers, such as the right to lease, charter, purchase and sell ships,
and to use such ships in foreign or coastal trade when they are not needed for
whaling. (Also see Commercial Fisheries Review, August 1949, page 31.)

SS

Bizone Germany

CUTTER FISHERIES: While steam trawlers now catch most of the sea fish consumed
in Germany, the so-called high-seas and coastal cutters are also of importance, ac—
cording to an August 2 American consular report from Bremerhaven. In 1938, for ex-
ample, cutters landed about 15 percent of the total German catch of sea fish of over
700,000 metric tons; in 1948, the cutter's share amounted to 22 percent of a total
German catch of 373,000 tons. The place of the cutter as a supplier of quality
fish to a free, well-balanced market is shcwn by the fact that the average price
for cutter—caught fish in 1938 was 137 percent of the average price for trawl fish
in the same year.

The German fishing industry classifies fishing vessels into 3 major types:
trawler (fischdampfer), logger, and cutter.

The cutter is distinguished from the other two types by its smaller size and
by its use of a sail as an auxiliary means of propulsion and as a means of main-
taining stability when heaving the net. Two classes of cutters are recognized.

|
|
|
|
|

40 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

The high-seas cutter (hochseekutter) is at least 52 feet in length. A com~
mon type of high-seas cutter is the 65.6 feet, 120 hop. "KFK" cutter, built dur—
ing the war by the German Navy to serve as a minesweeper, taken over after the
surrender by the occupying powers, and subsequently turned back under various
arrangements to the German economy for refitting as a fishing craft. A 5- to 7-
man crew is carried. Such a vessel usually makes trips of not more than 12 days,
but has at times gone to the fishing grounds off Iceland and has remained at sea
as long as 20 days. In 1938, 173 high-seas cutters were in operation in all
Germany; at the end of 1948, 417 were registered in Western Germany. The 92 United
States—owned and 118 United Kingdom—owned KFK cutters largely account for the in-
crease in the cutter fleet.

The coastal cutter (kustenkutter) is less than 52 feet in length. A typical
one is 32.8 feet long, has a 40 hop. diesel engine, and a crew of 2. Coastal
cutters fish in rivers or occasionally in the waters around the Frisian Islands
and remain out of port for 24 hours. Before the war, about 10,500 coastal cutters
were registered in all of Germany; it is estimated that about 5,000 now are in
use in the British and American zones.

The cutter fishers are now experiencing a financial crisis. From April
through July this year, the ex-vessel prices for cutter fish have dropped along
with the prices for trawl fish. Since the cutters for the most part are owned
or chartered by individual operators who have little accumulated capital, the
cutter fisher has felt the effect of continued low prices more quickly than the
trawl fisher. The Land Bremen Fisheries Administration has estimated that cut—
ter fishers are in debt $900-#,,500.

Among those fishers who have chartered United States—-owned KFK cutters from
the Fischdampfer Treuhand, a certain amount of ill-will towards the United States
has arisen. In their minds, the United States seems to be playing the role of
Shylock, demanding high charter fees and insurance premiums at a time when fish
prices have dropped so much that they can hardly cover their operating expenses.
The truth of the matter is that the United States did turn over the cutters to
the Fischdampfer Treuhand without compensation and receives nothing from the char-—
ter fees or insurance premiums, The cutter charter fees, 10 percent of the ship's
catch or a minimum of $1,500 per year, were set by the Fischdampfer Treuhand as
the minimum needed to amortize in 15 years or less the cost of converting the
minesweepers to fishing craft. The United States has required that the cutters
be insured at full replacement value, but this insurance-is written by German
companies. And to further refute the idea that the United States is driving the
KFK cutter fisher into debt, it should be noted that the KFK cutters can be turn—
ed back to the Treuhand if the charterer so desires.

Most charterers have held the replacement value of the cutters for insurance
purposes to be too high. The conversion costs also are thought to have been too
high, especially in view of the fact that the KFK cutter has a hull made of soft
and not too durable wood. Although the United States retains title to all im-—
provements and repairs made to the cutters, no one in Bremerhaven fisheries cir—
cles expects the United States to take the boats back and consequently no one
accuses the United States of having had costly repairs for its benefit made at
the expense of the charterers.

In contrast to the proceedings in the American zone, the British had the cost
of converting the 118 KFK cutters which fell to them as war booty charged to the
occupation. Consequently, the charterers of fishing craft from the British do not
bear the same amortization burden as do their American zone counterparts.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 41

That the cutter fishery now is facing a financial crisis is evident. Because
of the greatly increased number of high-seas cutters presently in operation as com—
pared with 1938, the advisability of attempting to mitigate the effects of the
economic forces at work is questionable. It would seem that sooner or later, the
ratio of trawler landings to cutter landings will have to rise at least to the pre—
war value, caused partly by an increase in the size and number of trawlers and
largely by a decrease in the number of cutters. The disposition of the 92 KFK
cutters owned by the United States after the vessels have ceased to have any value
as fishing craft is a matter still to be faced.

KHKHH KE

FIRST Ue S. FISHING TRAWLERS ARRIVE: The first 5 of the 12 trawlers purchased
in Bremerhaven, according to a July 26 report from the American Consulate at Bremer-
haven. The purchase of these ships by: the United States has not met with universal
approval in Bremerhaven fisheries circles. The rapid improvement in the German food
supply starting in the spring of 1949 has decreased the demand for fish so much that
it is not possible to market at a profitable price all fish brought in by the pre—
sent fleet. Some of the less economic trawlers have had to be withdrawn from ser—
vice. Under these conditions, ship owners are inclined to move cautiously in ac-—
cepting new vessels and especially so when these new vessels have features never
before used in a German trawler.

It was first planned to distribute the ships strictly in proportion to war los-
ses suffered. This plan has not been held to for several reasons, one being the re-
luctance on the part of the largest companies to take over any of the vessels. Also,
the GHG (Gemeinwirtschaftliche Hochseefischerei Genossenschaft), the union—sponsored
trawler—owing corporation, is to be given 2 of the 12 ships on charter, although
having been founded after the war, it suffered no war losses whatsoever. Of the re-
maining 10 ships, 5 are to be chartered to small Bremerhaven firms, 2 to Cuxhaven
firms, 2 to Hamburg firms, and 1 to a Kiel firm,

Because the new trawlers are constructed along lines differing from German

trawlers, certain conservative elements have opposed accepting them. Old-—time fish-
ing vessel personnel, familiar only with
steam propulsion, do not relish the intro-
duction of diesel propulsion, and have be-—
_littled the new trawlers. Since the German
fishing vessels remain at sea longer than

is customary in the United States, the
‘quarters for the crew on the new trawlers

are considered by the Germans to be sub-—
standard. It is customary in the German

_ : fishing fleet to clean the catch and to

NEW ENGLAND-TYPE LARGE TRAWLER PUR- extract the livers at sea. For this pur-

ee

CHASED IN THE UNITED STATES BY THE pose a special room is needed where the
U. S. ARMY FOR USE BY THE GERMAN F
FISHING INDUSTRY. livers may be chopred up, cooked, and where

the oil can be separated. No provision for

such an installation was made in the Amer-—
ican-built trawlers. The small size of the new trawlers (average capacity 3,500
baskets of fish) furnishes another ground for complaint, as the local fishing
companies prefer much larger vessels.

Certain features of the trawlers have met with approbation by unbiased experts,
such as the low oil-consumption, the refrigerated storage space, the recording

42 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES. REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

marine sounder, and the good condition in which they arrived. However, even if
the vessels were well suited to German conditions, and no spare parts problem
existed, the wisdom of bringing them to Germany is questionable, since the aver—
age coat ($270,000) is little, if at all, under the cost of building a new trawl-
er of the recent German 1,00—ton series.

Canada
NEW _SEINER—PACKERS LAUNCHED ON WEST COAST: Typical of the continued develop—

ment in the type "of vessels participating in Canada's fisheries are the several
new boats now in operation on the British Columbia coast, according to the atte

1949 Trade News of the Canadian Fisheries Department.

Recently, five vessels of the seiner—packer type were launched in the Van—
couver area.

Three of these were built at a cost of about $55,000 each, and are designed
for both salmon and herring fishing.

One of these vessels has a length of 64 feet and a beam of 17 feet; a 150 h.p.
main Diesel engine with a speed of 11 knots; a registered tonnage of 47 tons, a
gross of 59 tons; and accommodation for eight berths. The vessel's seine table,
winch, and anchor are driven by hydraulic power, while auxiliaries are used for
the 32-volt lighting plant, air, and water pumps.

The two others are 65 feet in length, with beams of 17 feet; seiner—packer
type; 150 h.p. Diesel capable of 10.25 knots; gross tonnage of 54 tons and re—-
gistered tonnage of 37 tons; accommodations for eight berths; auxiliary power
operates each vessel's 32-volt lighting plants, air and water pumps; and both are
equipped with 50-watt radio transmitters.

¥2

Denmark
DANISH EISHING IN BARENTS SEA : During the summer of 1948, a Danish fishing

and flounder in the Barents Sea, according to a May 23 report from the American
Embassy at Copenhagen. Results were highly satisfactory, and the vessel brought
home a catch valued at approximately $8,335.

This year five Danish ships visited the same area. All are modern fishing
vessels of postwar construction and of 50 to 60 gross registered metric tons.
On May 8, 1949, four of the ships reported by radio that they expected to land
their catches in Aberdeen, Scotland within a few days. The radio reports fur-—
ther stated that each ship would bring in from 25 to 30 metric tons of frozen
flounder tentatively valued at $10,419. The grounds are located,about 220 nau—
tical miles southeast of Vardo, Norway, and about 50 miles beyond the Russian
maritime jurisdiction. The most effective equipment was the Danish seines
(trawls were tried but found to be unsuited to that particular type of sea bed).

ae

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 43

The Faroe Islanders are known to fish the Barents Sea for cod, and although
little information is available concerning their methods and catches, it is be-
lieved they employ the trawl.

The captain of one of the vessels considered the expedition highly success—
ful for all vessels engaged in it, and he predicted that "several hundred" Danish
fishing vessels would sail for the Barents Sea next year.

Such a development will offer new incentive to the Danish fishing industry.
However, the Danish market will hardly be able to absorb any considerable in-
crease in fisheries products, either in direct consumption or in the canneries.
But possible markets such as England and Western Germany, are near at hand, de-
pending, of course, upon import policies adopted by these countries.

a

Ecuador

INTERPRETATION OF TERRITORIAL WATERS: With regards to territorial waters
Article 582 of the Ecuadoran Civil Code states:

"The water adj ining the Ecuadoran coast seaward for a distance of
one marine league~ measured from the water line at lowest tide is ter
ritorial sea and under national domination; but the right of policing
these waters for matters concerning the safety of the nation and for
observance of fiscal laws extends seaward for four marine leagues meas-
ured in the same manner,"

Ecuador interprets its law to mean that its territorial waters extend 12
miles from the western-most extension of the mainland, which is the peninsula
of Santa Elena, according to a July 28 report from the American Embassy at Quito.

‘The same interpretation is applied to the waters surrounding the Galapagos Is-

lands. :
1/A marine league is equivalent to 3 nautical miles, or 20 to the degree (one degree equals

111.111 meters),

Egypt

REVIEW OF THE FISHERIES: The sources of Egypt's fish supply are a coastline
of more than 1,500 miles, lakes having an area of some 1,000,000 acres, and the
Nile River and its tributaries, according to an American consular report from
Cairo. The fisheries of Egypt have not yet been extensively developed; however,
the Egyptian Government is studying modern techniques in fishing, preservation,
and processing, and plans are being developed to improve and expand the industry.

It is roughly estimated by Egyptian Fisheries Department officials that 40,000
metric tons of domestic fishery products are consumed annually in Egypt. Of this
total, 25 percent represents the marine catch along the Mediterrean and the Red
Sea; 60 percent, lake production; and.15 percent, that taken from the waters of
the Nile and its tributaries. The Red Sea fishing grounds furnish about 4,000
metric tons of the marine total, with a value at landing points of $826,600.

44 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 109

Egypt imports over 10,000 tons of fishery products from all sources, and ex—

ports (principally in the form of supply to ships' stores) between 500 and 600tons.
Note: Values converted on the basis of 1 Egyptian pound equals $4,133 U. S.

KHHH

SPONGE FISHERY, 1949: The sponge fishing season starts in May and ends in
November of each year in Egyptian waters. Because of litigations between the
Egyptian and Greek sponge fishing interests, the production during the 1947 sea-
son was only fair, and was even less in 1948. By January 1949, all stocks on
hand in December 1948 were sold, according to a July 18 report from the American
Consulate General at Alexandria.

Early in May 1949 an agreement was signed between the Egyptian sponge com—
pany (sole holder of all Egyptian Government permits to fish sponges in Egyptian
waters) and the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Egyptian Government grant—
ed the Egyptian sponge company 5 more fishing permits, which brings the fishing
permits to a total of 20 instead of 15 (18 of these were given to Greek fishers,
i.e., 17 sailing vessels carrying crews equipped with diving suits and 1 vessel
carrying a crew of 80 without diving equipment; 2 permits were reserved for
Egyptian fishers) .

Sponge fishing started on June 23, 1949, with a total of 45 fishing boats
and a complement of 560 greek fishers and 90 Egyptians. It is stated that the
Egyptian sponge company has already sold 70 percent of its share of the 1949
total sponge production to the Greek captains of the sponge fishing fleet.

It is estimated that the production will be about 44,000 pounds, divided as
follows:

Honeycomb...ececee 33,000 pounds
Turkey cup..cecc.s 8,900 pounds
ZAMOCCAr cocccccece 2, 200 pounds

ea

Gambia (British West Africa)

STATUS OF THE FISHERIES: In an effort to increase the catch of sharks and
to experiment with deep-sea fishing for the purpose of augmenting the Gambian
diet, a fishing vessel ordered from the United Kingdom was expected to arrive
during July 1949. It will be suitable for fishing some 40 to 50 miles at sea.
Byproducts of the catch will be used as feed for poultry in the form of ground
bones and fish meal, according to a June 20 report from the American Consulate
General at Lagos, Nigeria.

Sharks are plentiful off the coast of Gambia, and exports of some 2,500
pounds of livers to the United Kingdom are expected this year. The meat of the
shark is sun<dried for eating, most of it being shipped to neighboring French
Senegal because the Gambians do not like it. Each year about half a ton of
shark fins are exported to China to be used in soup.

Most of the fishing is done from native canoes with nets, the ennual catch
being about 1,000 metric tons. It is believed that the catch could easily be
doubled as there is no evidence of overfishing.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHZRIES REVIEW 45

Greece
SPONGE FISHERY AND MARKET, 1948: Fishing Fleet: Accordirg to the Greek In-

spector of Fisheries, Ministry of National Economy, the 1948 sponge fishing fleet
consisted of approximately 250 fishing boats of all types and sizes and 80 auxil-
lary boats, or 330 vessels of all kinds. The number of divers and crew members
was 3,526——divers, 1274; sailors, 1,652; auxiliary boat crews, 600. Thisis a
slight reduction in the number of boats, and a ccnsiderable reduction in the num—
ber of men, compared to 1947, according to a May 4 report from the American Em-—
bassy at Athens. This reduction is probably due to

1G = 1948 delay in getting the Greek sponging fleet equipped and launched
n 3

2. the large stocks of sponges on hand from the 1947 harvest;

3. the conditions under which fishing licenses were issued Greek spongers
by the British authorities in the former Italian colonies in North
Africa, which may have discouraged some sponge fishermen; and

4. the fact that the 1947 figure of 4,200 men engaged in the sponge fish=
ery may have included not only divers and the crews but also persons
engaged in sponge processing on shore,

1947 Harvest: The 1947 sponge harvest, which the Greek trade estimated would
reach 450,000 pounds, was originally reported as 331,000 pounds, but according to
the Inspector of Fisheries actually amounted to 352,700 pounds, The latter is a
revised figure.

1948 Harvest: Due mainly to the two months! delay in the sailing of the sponge
fishing fleet, the 1948 harvest produced only between 309,000 and 320,000 pounds

(Table 1).
Table 1 - Approximate Greek Sponge
wae noduction, By Grades, 1948

The 1948 harvest consisted of 286,594 pounds of
honeycomb; 11,027 pounds of Turkey cup and Turkey 2 : ——
S.

toilet; 11,023 pounds of zimocea and elephant's ear;
and 11,023 pounds of Grade D and scrap, distributed
throughout all species collected. Around 209,000
pounds of the honeycomb were collected off Cyrenaica;
77,000 pounds were collected from Greek waters. The | __———sTotal ........
Turkey—cup and Turkey-toilet catch was unusually

small because unfavorable restrictions placed on Greek sponge fishers by the Egyp—
tians discouraged Greek fishing in Egyptian waters. Greek sponge fishermen were
prohibited from working in the Tripolitania
waters during 1947, and permission was granted
in 1948 only after considerable delay. The
smal] zimocca and elephant's ear catch is said
to have been due to the fact that only three
Greek boats fished sponges in the Tunisian
waters during 1948.

Prices: The average price differed only

4
All prices are quoted
port, slightly from prices in 1947 (Table 2).

Turkey cup and Turkey toilet averaged between 10 and 12 percent higher than
Bengazi honeycomb; zimocca and elephant's ear, about the same; and Greek honey—
comb, from 8 to 10 percent less than Bengazi honeycomb.

46 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

The prices of grade D and scrap sponges were approximately one-half the price
of the preceding grade, and prices varied according to the degree of damage done
the sponges during or subse—
quent to their harvest—usually
being about one-half the dif-—
ference between their original
grade price and the price of
the next lowest grade in the
Same species, but closer to
the price of the original grade.

Market: The local demand
for sponges is nil; probably
due to the fact that sponges
are one of tne few badly need—
ed export items of Greece, and —
the merchants hold them for |
this source of foreign ex-— {
change rather than attempting :
to attract any large domestic
demand. The chief buyer of
Greek sponges has, since World 7
War II, become the United
States.(Table 3).

ZIMOCCA SPONGE SPECIMEN FROM MEDITERRANEAN SEA (TOP VIEW) Stocks on Hand: There

were reported to be 198,000
pounds of sponges on hand as of December 31, 1947. However, all 1948 exports of
sponges were from the 1947 harvest. It would appear, therefore, that there were
around 142,800 pounds of the 1947 catch still unexported as of December 31,1948.
This balance of the 1947 crop, plus the entire 1948 catch, would show a balance
on hand as of the close of 1948 of between 452,000 and 462,000 pounds. This ex—
ceptionally high figure for stocks on hand as of December 31, 1948 is unrealistic.
Export figures quoted were obtained from. the Greek Customs Administration, and
do not reflect the quantities of sponges that have alrcady been sold, but not yet
delivered, or quantities on which trade bargaining had been opened but not yet
consummated at the time these data were compiled by Customs. The export statis—
tics quoted above probably do

now being held in anticipa~ [fable d= Greek Exports of Sponges, Quantity & Value 1948

tion of their exchange for Qua
commodities. under barter pistediis tate Sie eleleleisteleicieieieleisrelslelecicicle
agreements made, or underne— [Germany ....c.ccecesereseccsssveccecs
gotiations, with various Inited Kingdom ..c.cccccccccsccceroes

stocks on hand, unconsigned Czachoslovalksiajeijsisicleielesieisietctarcie cieieieiele
Bel er limivercietcieicioleleiersiciolelensicvalcioteteleieieieietatc

Canada S@eoeeoeeoeeeosneeseee2e2 GeoGeSe8e00e@
Swed enw cieicvarclevevcleleelsleleleie cieiolsteveleisiaisciote
Other countries ..cccce.e-

European. countriese.sActuall palltalyn asics secnce cle cciecaceeneteaene 6, 240 |

and not otherwise earmarked,
according to the Inspector
of Fisheries, are so small
as to have negligible econo-
mic importance.

Qutlook for 1949: It was the opinion of the Inspector of Fisheries and other
sources consulted that the 1949 sponge harvest would be the same as that for 1947
(close to 352,000 pounds). Greek sponges, in spite of their high prices, will

a ai

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 47

to be in demand throughout the world because of the varicus measures taken by
Greek sponge merchants to safeguard the favorable position of Greek sponges on
the world market.

The sponge fishing
season extends from April
through September in the
Mediterranean area, and a
large number of Greek fish—
ing boats are reported to
have set out for the sponge
beds along the northern
coast of Africa in pursuit
of the 1949 sponge harvest.
There is no reliable es—
timate yet available of the
number of boats and men
engaged in Greek sponge
fishing activities this sea—
son, but the industry got
under way approximately
two months earlier than it
did last year.

ZIMOCCA SPONGE SPECIMEN FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
(SIDE VIEW).

Iceland
1y47 BUDGET CONTINUES TO PROVIDE FOR PAYMENT OF FISHERIES SUBSIDIES : The

passing on May 17 of the national budget bill for 1949) stated, with reference
to fisheries, that during the last few years, the motorboat ishing industry was
going heavily into debt primarily because of poor herring runs.

To maintain the motorboat fleet in operation, financial assistance was re—
quired and provided for in the Anti-Inflationary Act passed in December 1948.
The law provided for a guaranteed price on deliveries of fresh fish to the fac—
tories and on exports of frozen fillets and salt fish. It also provided for the
creation of a State Inflation Fund, the proceeds of which are to be utilized in
rendering financial assistance to the fishing industry. (See Commerical Fisheries
Review, February 1949, pe 45, and March 1949, Pe» 53.)

The present budget bill is an attempt to bring the budget as close to balance
as possible. However, a general lowering of world prices of frozen fillets and
salt fish may compel the Government to increase payment of subsidies on these ex—
ports. The Government's financial situation will depend to a great extent on the
outcome of this year's summer herring catches, which to date have been very poor.

KEHHHE HE

TO BUILD TEN NEW TRAWLERS: On July 8, 1949, the British Minister of Finance
signed an agreement whereby a | a London bank will extend to the Icelandic Government
a loan (stock certificate) amounting to 1,250,000 pounds sterling (approximately

$5,037,500), according to a July 25 report from the American Legation at Reykjavik.

48 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

This is the first foreign government loan permitted by the British Government since
World War II. The proceeds of the loan will be used to cover almost the entire cost
of constructing 10 new Icelandic trawlers contracted for in the United Kingdom. The
actual cost of the trawlers is estimated to be approximately $6,045,000 and they
will be completed furing December 1950-September 1951. The effective rate of inter—
est on the loan will amount to approximately 5 percent; the nominal rate, 43 percent.
The loan runs for a period of 20 years, Payment of annuities will commence in 1953.
In order to meet the yearly payments, a portion of the earnings of the new trawlers
is to be set aside. Priority to purchase trawlers will be extended to Icelandic
municipalities and corporations rather than to individuals.

ONE OF A NUMBER OF TRAWLERS BUILT IN BRITAIN FOR ICELAND IN 1948-49. HAS SEVERAL OUTSTANDING
FEATURES |NCLUDING ALUMINUM FISH HOLD.

The agreement concerning the loan was worked out in June 1949. The British
Government approved the extension of the loan to Iceland. The Icelandic Parlia—
ment (Althing) likewise sanctioned the loan by the passage of appropriate legis—
lation. Final details and formalities were worked out in Reykjavik where the
agreement was signed.

Several Icelandic newspapers voiced concern over the construction of a large
trawler fleet in view of the recent lowering of the prices of iced fish (exported
solely to the United Kingdom and Germany), and the depletion of fishing off the
coasts of Iceland. In addition, British trawler owners have taken strong excep—
tion to the construction of the Icelandic trawlers.

ee

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 49

Ireland (Eire)

FISHERIES REVIEW, 1947: Production and Prices: The Irish Minister for Agri-
culture states that sea fish landings during 1947 were less both as to quantity
and value than those for 1946, due to the abnormal weather conditions inthe early
months of the year. Figures compiled to date for 1948 show a great improvement,
according to a May 5 report from the American Legation at Dublin.

The total value of fish and shellfish landed in 1947 was $2,628,067, compared
with $2,772,152 for 1946.

The value of shellfish taken during 1947 was $428,383, as against $509,820
for 1946. The main decline was in scallops, which dropped almost 50 percent. The
value of crabs, lobsters and oysters was also down.
On the other hand, the returns for crayfish and Table 1 - Irish Landings of Fish
periwinkles showed substantial improvement. The (Do Not Include Salmon & Shell-
principal landings in order of value were lobsters, | fish), Quantity & Average Prices,
periwinkles, oysters, and crayfish. ; LS

P¥ear | Quantity | Avg. Prices

Fishing Fleet and Employment: The difficulties
experienced in recent years in obtaining supplies of
boats, engines and fishing gear were not reduced
during 1947. However, the number of persons engaged
in commercial sea fishing, either full time or part
time, tended to rise. Full-time fishermen increased.
from 1,936 in 1946 to 1,955 in 1947, while the part—
time men rose in number from 8,226 in 1946 to 8,277 in 1947. The number of ves-—
sels of all types used totaled 3,502 in 1947, as against 3,460 in 1946.

Through its marketing service for members, the Irish Sea Fisheries Associa—
tion disposed of 8,170,288 pounds of fish and shellfish in 1947 as compared with
7,916,048 pounds in 1946.

Inland Fisheries: The unfavorable weather conditions which adversely af—
fected the sea fisheries, also seriously restricted the potential output of those
engaged on the inland

fable 2 = Irish Fish Landings by Principal Types, fisheries. The catch

Quantity & Average Prices, 1946-4 of salmon and trout was

Type or somewhat better than in
Species e} 1946, despite the severe

P weather early in theyear.

The price received for
salmon and trout export~

ed to Great Britain in

1947. showed some improvement compared to the previous years.

The British Ministry of Food purchased the entire exportable surplus of the
country's salmon catch in 1947, as had been done in each of the preceding five
seasons. The terms were rather more favorable for the producers than previously.

Investigations into the life history of the Irish salmon were continued dur=
ing the year, and investigations were also carried out on salmon, sea trout, and
brown trout in various localities, Towards the end of the year arrangements were
being made for an investigation into the life history of the Atlantic salmon.

NOT: Values converted on basis of 1 pound sterling equals U. S. $4.02,

50 COMMERCIAL FISHSRIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

Japan

BONIN ISLAND WHALING OPERATIONS, 1949: Whaling operations in the Bonin Is—
lands by the Japanese have been completed for this season, February 20-May 22, 1949.

Bonin Island Whaling Catch, Feb. 20--May 22, 1949

a Oe AU May 22, 1949
|_Species Number Products Quanti ty

Metric Tons

Sperm DOC TC PSCC OE eOOLCCOLODEO8RC8 Meat for food eccccccses
Humpback aoe oes cen secede Whale oil @eoeeeoecesGon
Sei SCOSCSF COGS Se HeB2H9SSO9HA2Ge2STZHSBC8 Blubber for food @eoerece
sLioibetllin areletataleiolaioieieleielarertelcsieteie Blubber for leather ....

Bone) men lei veryesiaieiieiecies

Sperm blubber ......000.

Others!) Meneses nee

Total

@e8eren Soe0280
He HH

FINANCING DIFFICULTIES OF FISHING INDUSTRY: Since November 1948, the Japanese
fishing industry in general has had increasing difficulty in obtaining funds to
finance seasonal operations, preparation for which, in some fisheries have to be
started many months before actual fishing operations, according to the June 4 Weekly
Summary of SCAP. The financial situation of fishermen has been affected by the
recent reduction in activities of the Reconstruction Finance Bank as a loaning
agency of the Japanese Government. No adequate substitute plan of financing has
been installed for the fisheries, The principal source of funds is from local
banks, which reportedly already are heavily loaded and are opposed to assuming ad—
ditional credit obligations.

Ke HH Ht

Ue Se AID TO FISHERIES: The Japanese fishing industry, which suffered sever-
ly during World War II, rapidly is being restored through the assistance provided
from United States relief and rehabilitation funds, according to the July 30 Week—
ly Summary of SCAP's Natural Resources Section. Fish production in 1949 will reach
an estimated 7 billion pounds and will again place Japan far ahead of all other
fish=producing nations.

Japan’s requirements for skillful fishermen, fishing boats, and adequate sup-—
plies of fishing materials (such as, nets, rope, and fuel oil) far exceed those
of any other nation. Increased 1949 production will require about 1,250,000 fish
ermen operating more than 450,000 boats, and a tremendous amount of raw materials
for fishing equipment. Present annual requirements for maintaining fishing gear
and operating boats amount to about 39 million pounds of manila fibers, 26 million
pounds of cotton, and 3% million barrels of petroleum.

An extensive boat—building program and repatriation of fishermen rapidly made
up the losses of fishermen and boats resulting from World War II. However, the
most severe shortages occurred in fishing materials, such as nets and ropes, which
were made almost entirely from imported raw materials. As a result, large quan—
tities of supplies were needed in 1948 to replace old, worn-out gear. That year
86 million pounds of manila (or substitutes) and gotten fibers were obtained, in
addition to 24 million barrels of petroleum for operating the boats. As a result
of these extensive imports in 1948, many of the cumulative needs of the fishermen
were met, so that 1949 imports will be reduced to 65 million pounds, and to 62
million pounds in 1950.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW o1

The recovery of the Japanese fisheries has meant a substantial increase of
indigenous food for the Japanese people. Aquatic products supply 85 percent of
the animal protein of the Japanese diet, and the purchase of such products makes
up 8 to 12 percent of the Japanese family budget.

Lebanon

SPONGE FISHERY, 1948: Production: Sponge production in Iebanon in 1948 was
double that of 1947 because of the introduction of new sponge equipment imported
from the United States and Great Britain, according to a March 30 American Con-
Sular report from Beirut. The capacity of the industry is stated to have been
increased to four times that of 1947, but increased production, decreasing foreign
demand and falling exports have caused a price drop of about 24 percent since
early 1948, which will probably hold 1949 production to the 1948 figure or below.
The increase in capital investment during 1948 was encouraged by the heavy foreign
demand for sponges in 1947.

Consumption and Stocks: It is estimated that about 880 pounds per year are
consumed locally, The total quantity of sponges of all varieties and grades now
in the Lebanese market is approximately
2,200 pounds.

Foreign Trade: Foreign trade sta-
tistics are prepared by the Council Su-
perieur des Interets Communs for the
Syro-Lebanese Customs Union as an en-
tity, and therefore no separate official
figures for Lebanon alone are available.

Foreign trade totals for the first
nine months of 1948 show that the Syro-Lebanese Customs Union imported 2,430 pounds
of sponges valued at $4,860, as compared with 175 pounds valued at $307 during
the whole year of 1947. Beirut trade circles state that this vast increase in
imports was the result of large purchases by Syrian merchants of sponges from
Italy, Transjordan and France. Local importers ard exporters state that these
exceptionally large imports are no Jonger in the Lebanese half of the Customs
Union.

A check of consular invoices shows that in 1948 Lebanese merchants shipped
2,180 pounds of sponges valued at $17,000 to the United States alone. A total
of 2,500 pounds of sponges were exported in 1948 as compared with 3,637 pounds
in 1947.

Market Situation and Prices: The drop

Table 2 - Wholesale Prices of Sponges) ; ; A ;
Tieberens Meron’ 18: 1949 in foreign demand and the increase in local

production in 1948 have combined to depress
the market price of sponges and to reduce the
activity of the local market. Present whole-
sale prices average 24 percent below those of
May 1948 ®

e00ee0e e070 oe
@eee2e8ec00

C
Honeycomb A) evecoe
oeccce Outlook for 1949: If demand existed, the
C) osceee Lebanese sponge fishers could gather about

52 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

11,000 pounds of sponges in 1949, according to trade circles. The sponge beds :
are reported by these same circles to be able to supply this quantity without ;
undue exhaustion, since modern equipment was first introduced in 1948. On the
other hand, with prices falling, wages for divers will be lower and it appears

unlikely that the total 1949 production will exceed that of 1948.
NOTE: Values converted on the basis of 3.50 Lebanese pounds equal U. S. $1.00.

CE

Malaya (British)

: RESTRICTS FISH IMPORTS: The Controller cf Imports and Exports at Singapore
has stated that until further notice, applications for licences for imports from
dollar countries will be considered only for a few specified goods which do not

include any fish or fish products, according to the August 1949 Trade News of the

Canadian Fisheries Department.

Norway
NORWEGIAN=BRITISH DISPUTE OVER NORWAY'S SEA BOUNDRIES: A Norwegian-British

disagreement over Norway's sea boundaries may soon be placed before the Inter—
national Court of Justice at The Hague, according to a report released the first
week in August by the Norwegian Foreign Ministry. The official statement notes
that negotiations, which began in London in January of last year, brought forth

a proposed solution which the Norwegian Parliament has not been able to accept.

On July 19, the Britisn Government replied that it was of decisive importance
that the matter be placed before the International Court and asked whether it
should be submitted jointly or by the British Government alone. Norway, on
July 2°, recommended that the latter course be followed and agreed to a British
proposal to continue negotiations during the period that the case was before the
Court. Should an agreement be reached before the Court decides the matter, both
parties would request the Court's permission to withdraw the case.

In the interval, Norway will continue to enforce fully the fishing boundaries
established by the Norwegian Royal Resolution of July 12, 1935.

HHH

PACKS SARDINES IN HERRING AND OLIVE OILS: According to a statement made by
packing of sardines has proven successful, as reported by the August 1949 Trade
News of the Canadian Fisheries Department. Under the current trade agreement
with Great Britain, 500,000 cases of Norwegian canned fish packed in herring oil
are to be shipped. French canneries are also importing Norwegian herring oil in
bulk to use for their own products.

While herring oil has, apparently, been acceptable also in the U. S. market,
there is a preference in the U. S. for fish packed in olive oil and a consequent
denand for that product from Spain and Portugal. The Norwegian canners have now

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHSRIES REVIEW 53

suggested a plan by which they would obtain larger quantities of olive oil from
Spain in exchange for increased exports of Norwegian dried fish, vecause they
have decided that next year they will pack their sardines in olive oil.

HHEHEHH

POLLOCK FISHERY: Pollock purse seiners completed their season off Griptaren,
Norway, with catches doubled over last year, due to the use of echo sounders in
locating the schools of pollock. Experiments with pollock purse seines and the
Danish floating trawl off of West Greenland have begun, according to the July 21
issue of Fiskaren.

TUNA FISHERY: Two large tuna purse seines have been used in Lovoyfjord with
varying results. One took 28 large bluefin in one haul while the other took only
4, and had 18 tears in the seine. It is yet too early to say whether the large
expensive seines are a success, but their operation is being observed with inter—
esto

FISHING INDUSTRY,
1948: The fishing in-
dustry of Peru contin-
ued to show a substan—
tial production in 1948,
although export ship-
ments declined slightly,
according to a recent
American Consular report.

For the period Jan-
uary—November 1948, ex-
ports of canned fish-—
mainly solid packed bo-
nito and tuna—-totaled
3,423 metric tons, val-—
ued at approximately
$1,750,000, compared

TYPICAL COMMERCIAL FISHING CRAFT (BALSAS) USED BY FISHERMEN with 4,618 tons, valued
(MOSTLY INDIANS) OF LAKE TITICACA IN PERU (THE HIGHEST NAVIGABLE at $2,294,000 in 1947.
LAKE IN THE WORLD) OPEN TO COMMERCIAL FISHING THE YEAR ROUND. There were 28 fish—can-

THE BALSAS ARE MADE OF TOTORA. : 5
ning plants in oper-—

ation during 1948.

Exported for the first time in late 1948 were 250 tons of frozen tuna and
414 tons of frozen swordfish, with a total value of $132,000.

pee. be
iba = (aaa

54 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

Republic of the Philippines

LEYTE GULF YIELDS POOR FISHING: The Philippine Fishery Program vessels, the
Theodore N. Gill and the David Starr Jordan returned to Manila on August 19 from
an exploratory voyage to Leyte Gulf
and the Samar Sea. The vessels ex-
amined the possibilities of new drag—
ging grounds for the otter trawl fish—
ery and demonstrated fishing techni-
ques to the fishing industry of Tac—
loban and Catbalogan.

Exploration with the otter trawl
produced but limited quantities of
fish, indicating that grounds within
the 30 fathom curve of Leyte Gulf are
not overly fertile and contain but
few of the types of bottom fishes
taken with trawling gear. Results of
the work also indicate that the ex-
plored portions of this Gulf are foul
with war debris and other obstructions
which will prevent successful dragging.

The otter trawl demonstration in
the lower Samar Sea also produced buta
few hundred pounds of small fish. While
this is not indicative of the productiv—
ity of the whole Samar Sea, the demon—
stration drags suggest that this area
has been overfished.

BRINGING THE OTTER TRAWL ABOARD THE M/V
THEODORE N. GILL. The Service's Administrator of the

Philippine Fishery Program said that,
in his opinion, the small catches made by the vessels could be due in part to the
extensive use of explosives, and that the Philippines will soon be faced with seri-
ous depletion of its fishery resources unless efforts to curb illegal fishing are
intensified.

Poland

CARP AND CRAB FISHERIES: The artificial water reservoir in Gaje (a suburb of
Sluzewiec) is the property of the Central Fish Organization, according to a May 18
news release in Rzeczpospolita and reported on June 21 by the American Consulate
at Warsaw. It is connected by canals with a network of concrete basins which con—
stitute a transitory dwelling place for carp. More than 200 metric tons of fish
passed through these basins last year, and were purchased by Warsaw. Motor-—truck
tanks bring the fish from various localities in Poland. The full fish season is
September through December.

In the spring season, the Central Fish Organization deals with crabs. Empty
fish basins have been utilized for the storage of crabs, and Gaje is gradually

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 05

becoming a crab export center. Two types of crabs are handled: "American" and

"Polish". American crabs, having a very hard shell, lend themselves exclusively
to. processing, and a canning plant for processing American crabs will be estab—

lished this year.

Polish crabs are not only distributed among local retail trade centers, but
also exported alive. They are exported from Warsaw to Paris by airplane. The
cost of the Polish crabs delivered to Paris is 61 cents a pound. Belgium and
Switzerland will also receive Polish crabs.

These export plans call for organized crab breeding, and the use of small

water areas for this purpose.
NOTE: Values converted on basis of official rate of exchange of 400 Polish zlotys equal

$1.00 U. Se
op

St. Vincent (British West Indies)

FISH IMPORTS CUT: In view of the serious dollar situation, the Government of
St. Vincent (British West Indies) has found it necessary to make a 20 percent cut
in fish imports the next five months, This was announced in the St. Vincent Govern-
ment Gazette of July 15, 1949, according to the August Trade News of the Canadian
Fisheries Department. The issue of all new licences for import from the dollar
area will be withheld until further notice.

a

Sweden
BUILDING FISHING VESSELS FOR RUSSIA: A Russian Commercial Delegation was in

Stockholm in June and ordered a series of 25 motor-driven fishing vessels from
Swedish shipbuilding yards, according to the June 18 issue of the British publi-
cation, The Fishing News. These vessels will be of the "Swedish West Coast" type,
75 feet long, 35 metric tons, and are to cost aporoximately $84,000 each. They

will probably be ready for delivery in October this year.

It is known that other Swedish yards have recently delivered about 50 motor-—
driven vessels to Russia at a total cost of about $1,700,000.

KHz K

SWEDISH-ICELANDIC TRADE PROTOCOL: On July 15, 1949, a new Swedish—Icelandic
Trade Protocol covering the period April 1, 1949, through March 31, 1950, was
signed in Stockholm, according to a July 22 report from the American Embassy at
Stockholm. The Swedish Government, within the framework of its general Import
Plan, will license the importation from Iceland of salted, sugared—and-salted,
and spiced herring. The other traditional Icelandic export commodities, such as
cod roe and mutton, will be imported "to the usual extent". Iceland will adjust
its imports from Sweden according to the level of Swedish imports from Iceland.

56 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

Turkey

SPONGE PRODUCTICN AND TRADE: Production: Turkey's present and potential

production of sponges is handicapped by two factors:

1, Sponge-fishing boat owners have insufficient financial means from
off-seasonal activities to prepare properly for the fishing season,

2, There are insufficient firms having the required personnel for the
processing and exportation of Turkish sponges to permit healthy
competition to flourish.

Under these circumstances, sponge fishers find themselves obliged to dispose of
their produce through a limited number of concerns holding the market under a
virtual monopoly, which prevents the development of the
industry and market, accordingtoa March 19 report
from the American Consulate General at Istanbul.

Estimated Turkish Sponge
19

Over—all sponge production for the year 1948, ex—
cludirg low grade "sharta" sponges, amounted to 31
metric tons as against some 29 tons for the previous
year (see table).

Turkish cups ....
w solids ..

oneycomb ....c..
nlite) GGaGoGdcoCed
MOL Vets srcicyo.c pic .cic
Grassijesiss scisecut
Totalsecies

Methods of Fishing: Fishing methods vary in
the various areas. In the Marmara—Dardanelles area,
divers operate from small boats without diving e-
quipment. In the Bodrum area two methods are used—
dredging and diving with a mask. In the Marmaris and Cesme area three methods are
used—divers with suits, divers without equipment, and dredging.

Consumption: Trade estimates
place domestic consumption of
Sponges during 1948 at 5,280 pounds.
These sponges were of low grade.
About 3,080 pounds of this amount
was purchased for the Turkish Army,
Navy or other State-owned indus—
trial organizations. The balance
was consumed through regular mar-
«et channels.

Stocks: Market circles esti-
mate present stocks of sponges at
some 6 metric tons, of which 11,550
pounds are in the hands of merchants
and exporters.

Foreign Trade: According to

TURKEY=CUP SONGE SPECIMEN FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. well informed trade circles, ex—
ports of the 1948 crop and stocks

of the previous year totaled 72,000 pounds. The bulk went to Great Britain (35,274
pounds), followed by United States (19,841 pounds), and Netherlands (11,464 pounds).

Qutlook: Fishing for sponges starts about the first of April, and market cir—
cles anticipate a substantial demand on the part of regular foreign purchasers.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 57

Germany is also expected this year to enter the market with substantial purchases.
This has resulted in preparations for the season by a much larger number of sponge-
fishing boats. Furthermore, at least one export firm has decided this year to ad-
vance funds to a number of sponge—fishing boat captains to help them better to
equip themselves for the coming season. Consequently, it is expected that this
year's crop will reach and may even exceed 40 metric tons.

ath.

he
Union of South Africa
BUILDS PRIVATE FISHING HARBCR AND PLANTS: South

Africa's first private fishing harbor has been under
construction since November last year at Yzerfontein,
between Cape Town and Saldanha Bay, 15 miles from
Darling, and will be finished by December 1949. It
will be used as a base for pilchard and tuna fish—
Union eries, to supply a canning plant and fish reduction
RO sours plant (daily capacity of 96,000 pounds), according
QizeRrontein Pian: to the British periodical, The Fishing News, of Au-

gust 13, 1949.

)\O LAMBERT'S BAY

The project (to cost approximately $1,200,000)
is based on American experience, and the company will
use California—type boats and purse-seine methods,

SOUTH AFRiCAN COAST WHERE A

CONSIDERABLE EXPANSION OF THE The reduction and canning plant will be in full pro-
FISHERIES HAS TAKEN PLACE DUR- duction in 1950, wnile a 15-ton—an-hour shark liver
INE Wie (NST UbINIS Wahi factory is already in operation.

YZERFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA, WHERE A PRIVATE FISHING HARBOR AND NEW FISH MEAL, OIL, AND CANNING
PLANT 1S NOW BEING ERECTED. A SHARK LIVER OiL PLANT IS NOW IN OPERATION AT THIS SITE.

58 ‘i COMMERCIAL FISHZRIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

Se ee

United Kingdom

EXPANDS FISHING FLEET: The president of the British Trawler Owner's Federation
stated that British trawler owners have under construction or on order 80 new trawlers
of the most up-to-date type, according to the July 16 British publication, Fish Trades
Gazette. The cost (approximately $32,240,000) is being found by private enterprise
without any Government loan or backing. These new British trawlers will bring the
catching capacity considerably over that of prewar, and the Federation is already pre-
paring a scheme to keep the vessels in port in rotation to prevent glutting the market
with unsaleable supplies of fish.

Kt HHH

pounds, valued at approximately $2,100,000) originated in the Soviet Union, ac—
cording to the August 27 Foreign Trade of the Canadian Department of Trade and Com—
merce

KKH HK H

PURCHASES CANNED SARDINES FROM YUGOSLAVIA: Agreement has been reached in Lon—
don with representatives of the Government of Yugoslavia for the purchase by the
British Ministry of Food of 80,000 cases (8 million cans) of sardines (1949 pack),

according to an August 2 report from the American Embassy at London.

The first shipment will leave Yugoslavia in September 1949 and supplies will
be on sale in the United Kingdom next year. The sardines will be packed in the
popular quarter-club can containing 44 ounces net weight.

Yugoslavia

TECHNICAL FISHERIES SCHOOL: Upon the initiative of the Croatian Ministry of
Fisheries, the first Yugoslav technical school for fisheries will be opened shortly
at Zara (Zadar), according to a June 29 American consular report from Belgrade.

The course of study will last three years.

During their first year, all students will pursue the same courses. In the
two succeeding years students will specialize in one of several branches: fishing,
scientific testing, the fishing industry, domestic and foreign trade in fishery
products, etco

In addition to their classroom work, the students will participate in fishing
expeditions and oceanographical investigations, and will be given practical exper—
ience in canneries and in factories manufacturing fishing equipment.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be granted a diploma
as fishery technicians and will be qualified for leading positions in the fishing
industry. Graduates will also be entitled to avply for commissions as reserve
officers of the Yugoslav Navy.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 539

International
SALTED COD-—-WORLD STUDY OF PRODUCTION AND MARKETING: The first in a series

of fisheries studies, Salted Cod and Related S ecies, was issued in August by the
Food and Agriculture Organization (see review of this publication on page 70 of
this issue). This commodity study of salted cod and related species covers world

landings, production, imports, exports, craft, fishing grounds, etc.

The report shows that in the interwar period 1920-39, the world's production
of salted cod and related species averaged 259,000 metric tons (dried weight) an—
nually. Four of the producing countries (France, Iceland, Newfoundland, and Nor-
way) accounted for the bulk of salted fish production; the Latin. countries in
Europe and the Americas are the main consumers. Approximately 90 percent of total
production entered international trade.

Fisheries in general play an important role in the economies of these coun-
tries, and salted fish forms a significant part of their fisheries industry. Thus
their whole economy has always been very sensitive to changes in the salted fish
trade.

_ Production of salted cod and related species is confined mainly to fish caught
off the eastern and western shores of the North Atlantic Ocean. Smaller quantities
of salted fish are also produced from similar species caught in the Pacific Ocean,
mainly by the United States and Japan, but this production is not considered in
this study. The term "salted fish" comprises fish preserved by means of salt (sodium
chloride) and includes the following species: cod (Gadus morrhua); haddock (Melano—
grammus aeglefinus); hake (Merluccius merluccius); cusk or tusk (Brosme brosme) ;
pollock, saithe, or coalfish (Pollachius virens); and ling (Molva molva). The pro-
ducing countries are of two main types: those that base their industry almost en-—
tirely on exports (Canada, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Newfoundland, and Norway), and
those that produce solely or mainly for domestic markets (France, Portugal, and
Spain) .

The outbreak of World War II in 1949 disrupted the salted fish industry. World
production of salted cod and related species declined rapidly, and in 1943 and 1944,
it totaled only about 1/3 of the average for the immediate prewar years. The main
reason for the decline was the diversion to fresh and frozen products. However, by
1947, salted fish production was back to the 1938 volume. Total production for that
year was 253,000 tons, somewhat more than the high 1938 production. The 1948 world
figure is some 40,000 tons less than in 1947.

During the 1920's and 1930's, fish prices fluctuated greatly. In spite of quad—
rupled prices, postwar demand for salted fish has been high. Temporary gluts, how-—
ever, emphasize the instability of markets.

Many salted fish exporting countries are expanding their fishing capacity, and
landings are likely to increase further. If the present expanded markets for fresh
and frozen products contract, some of the raw material now being utilized in these
forms will be processed as salted and dried fish, and so add further to the substan-
tial quantities which are already being produced.

There are many questions about production and distribution policies in relation
to the salted fish industry to be solved for the future. Action coordinated through
an international approach has yet to be tried. Even national approaches to these
problems have been difficult because of diversified ownership of the tools of pro-
duction and geographical and administrative decentralization in processing operations
and the export trade.

60 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

Rae FEDERAL
aa? 4 ACTIONS

Eighty-first Congress (First Session)
AUGUST 1949

Listed below are all the public bills, resolutions, etc., introduced and
referred to committees, or passed by the Highty-First Congress and signed by
the President during August 1949 (unless otherwise specified), which affect in
any way the fisheries and fishing and allied industries.

PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS INTRODUCED AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEES:

House of Representatives:

H, R, 5867 (Tollefson) - A bill authorizing certain works for the improve-
ment of navigation, the control of floods, and the conservation and util-
ization of the waters of the Columbia River and its tributaries, and for
other purposes; to the Committee on Public Works,

H. BR, 5896 (Sheppard) - A bill to provide for research, studies, investi-
gations and experimentations into the problems of aquatic weed and other
water plant infestations; to the Committee on Agriculture.

H. R, 5967 (Donohue) - A bill to raise the minimum wage standards of the
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; to the Committee on Education and Labor.

H. R, 6000 (Doughton) - A bill to extend and improve the Federal Old-Age
and Survivors Insurance System, to amend the public assistance and child
welfare provisions of the Social Security Act, and for other purposes;
to the Committee on Ways and Means, (Coverage for the fisheries in the
present Social Security Act includes "service performed in connection
with the catching or taking of salmon or halibut, for commercial purposes,
and service performed on or in connection with a vessel of more than ten
net tons ..." but this bill adds self-employed individuals if "net earn-
ings for the taxable year are less than $400.")

H, R, 6063 (Peterson) - A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior
to carry out a research and development program with respect to natural
sponges; to the Committee on Public Lands.

H, R, 6064 (Peterson) - A dill providing for a study by the Bureau of
Standards of the relative merits of natural and synthetic sponges;
to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce,

The following bills introduced prior to Avgust 1, 1949, were not previously
reported under this section:

H, R. 4880 (Scudder) - A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1948 by
adding thereto a new section to establish an average parity price for
fats and oils and to aid in maintaining such parity price to producers;
to the Committee on Agriculture, (Introduced May 26, 1949.)

Cn MRSS saps 2

Sr

“October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIZW 61

H, R. 5804 (McDonough) - A bill to prohibit the establishment of a valley
authority in any State that would be substantially affected thereby until
the people of the affected areas of such State have voted affirmatively
for such valley anthority; to the Committee on Public Works,

Senate:

s. 2489 (Pepper and Holland) - A bill to authorize the Secretary of the
Interior to carry out a research and development program with respect
to natural sponges; to the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs,

S. 2490 (Pepper and Holland) - A bill providing for a study by the
Bureau of Standards of the relative merits of natural and synthetic
sponges; to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce,

RATIFICATION OF THREE INTSRNATIONAL TREATIES:

Treaties ratified by the Senate on August 17 include the International
Convention for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries (Executive N), the
Convention Between the United States and Mexico for Establishment of
an International Commission for the Scientific Investigation of Tuna
(Executive K), and the Convention Between the United: States and Costa
Rica for the Establishment of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Com
mission (Executive P).

RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
Investigation of Merchant Marine and Fisheries of the United States:

H. Res, 122 (Bland) - Investigations, Merchant Marine and Fisheries,
funds (H, Res, 215). Passed the House on April 1, 1949.

H, Res, 215 (Bland) -. Investigating certain matters pertaining to the
merchant marine and fisheries of the United States, Passed the

House on May 31, 1949.

H. Res. 233 (Bland) - Authorizing expenses of conducting investigation
of certain matters pertaining to the merchant marine and fisheries
of the United States. (H, Res, 215) Passed the House on June 23, 1949.

Alaska Delegate to Serve on Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee:

H, Res. 294 (Bland) - To amend the Rules of the House to provide that
the Delegate from Alaska shall serve on the Committee on Merchant
Marine and Fisheries. Passed the House on August 2, 1949.

BILLS PASSED AND SIGNED BY TH! PRESIDENT:

H. R. 2740 (P. L. 249), Signed August 18, 1949 - Sec, 1 authorizes the
Secretary of the Interior to establish and construct rearing ponds
and a fish hatchery in the vicinity of Millen, Georgia, and in the
Upper Peninsula of Michigan, at a cost of not to exceed $250,000
and $350,000, respectively; to rehabilitate and expand the rearing
ponds and facilities at the fish cultural station at Cape Vincent,
New York, at a cost not to exceed $70,000; and to rehabilitate and
place in efficient operating condition the rearing ponds and cultural
facilities at Leadville, Colorado, at a cost not to exceed $90,000.

Sec, 2 authorizes the Secretary to undertake; through the Fish and
Wildlife Service, a comprehensive and contiming study of the shai

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

of the Atlantic Coast for the purpose of recommending to the Atlantic Coast
States, through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, measures
to be taken to arrest decline, increase the abundance, and promote the
wisest utilization of such shad resources at a cost of not to exceed
$75,000 per annum for a six-year period,

Sec. 3 amends joint resolution of August 8, 1946 (60 Stat. 930) and av-
thorizes and directs the Director of the Fish and “Wildlife Service to
prosecute investigations of the abundance and distribution of sea
lampreys and their effects on fishes, experiments to develop control
measures, and a program for the elimination and eradication of sea
lamprey populations of the Great Lakes; survey of the Great Lakes
area to determine fish hatchery locations, if and when establishment
becomes necessary; and report to Congress not later than December 31,
1950. Cost of this section shall not exceed $359,000 for the first
year and the sum of $216,000 per annum thereafter.

Sec. 4 authorizes the necessary funds required under this Act, (Omnibus
bill on fisheries which incorporated H, R, 961, H. R, 2501, H. R. 3046,
and H, J, Res, 202.)

Transfer of Vessel "Black Mallard" to State of Louisiana:

H. R, 5365 (P. L. 237), Signed August 16, 1949 - Authorizes transfer
of vessel Black Maliard to State of Louisiana for use and benefit
of Department of Wildlife and Fisheries of such State.

Transportation on Canadian Vessels in Alaska:

H. R. 2634 (P. L. 258), Signed August 22, 1949 - To provide trans-
portation of passengers and merchandise on Canadian vessels be-
tween Skagway, Alaska, and other points in Alaska, between Haines,
Alaska, and other points in Alaska, and between Hyder, Alaska, and
other points in Alaska or the continental United States, either
directly or via a foreign port, or for any part of the transportation.

\\y

LY *.

x “4
“ 5

OUR OYSTER INDUSTRY
DO YOU KNOW...

That the domestic pack of canned oys-
— ters amounted to more than 357,000 standard

cases (48 No.l cans, 4-2/3 oz. net weight)
during 1948, valued at more than 5 million
dollars to the packers .. »

ae SRS ls

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 63

LANDINGS AND RECEIPTS

In Millions of Pounds

MAINE - LANDINGS MASSACHUSETTS - LANDINGS
BOSTON , GLOUCESTER , NEW BEDFORD , & CAPE COD a

NOT INCLUDING IMPORTS

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. PEC.

NEW YORK CITY-RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH CHICAGO - RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH

SALT-WATER MARKET WHOLESALE MARKET

HELLF ISH CONVERSION. FACTORS IN 1949 BASED ON WEIGHT OF MEATS
ONLY, WHILE IN 1948 THEY ARE BASED ON WEIGHT OF MEATS AND SHELL:

0
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV DEC.

GULF - SHRIMP LANDINGS SEATTLE - RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH
rex) HEADS OFF - FOR ALL USES WHOLESALE MARKET , LANDINGS , & IMPORTS 6
10.5)
9.0
/'\947-48
75 T—~'948-49°7

JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR.MAY JUNE JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

n Thousands of Tons
CALIFORNIA - PILCHARD LANDINGS CALIFORNIA- TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH

DOES NOT INCLUDE SUMMER OR OFF-SEASON PRODUCTION

NIEZIS)
Z SS

case aa

ULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

¢eeeeeee ESTIMATED

64 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIZw Vol. 11, No. 10

COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS and: FREEZINGS: of FISHERY PRODUCTS

In. Millions. of Pounds

U.S. & ALASKA - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH U.S. "& ALASKA -- FREEZINGS

to)
2 JAN. FEB.MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

NEW ENGLAND - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH ‘ NEW YORK CITY - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH
45)

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

CHICAGO - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH GULF - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH

to) to)
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. . |

WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND ALASKA -
HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH CALIFORNIA - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW

CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS

In Thousands of Standard Cases

MAINE - SARDINES , ESTIMATED PACK UNITED STATES - SHRIMP

—T947-45,_1 INLY. PL
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, SEA-
FOOD INSPECTION SERVICE.

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC.

CALIFORNIA - TUNA CALIFORNIA - PILCHARDS

DOES NOT INCLUDE SUMMER OR OFF-SEASON PRODUCTION

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

CALIFORNIA - MACKEREL ALASKA - SALMON

(0) i=

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

WASHINGTON - PUGET SOUND SALMON

STANDARD CASES

Variety No.Cans Can Designation Net. Wat.
SARDINES 100 1/4 drawn 3 1/4 oz.

SHRIMP. 48 No.1 picnic 7 oz.
TUNA 48 No. 1/2 tuna 7 oz.

PILCHARDS 48 No. 1 oval 15 oz.

MACKEREL 48 No. 300 15 oz.

SALMON 48 l-pound tall 16 oz.

oe — a
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

io}
JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR.MAY JUNE

fo)
JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR.MAY JUNE

66

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

PRICES , IMPORTS and BY-PRODUCTS

BOSTON - WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE
ON NEW ENGLAND FISH EXCHANGE IN ¢ PER POUND

0.
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

In Millions of Pounds

U.S. - IMPORTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FILLETS
OF GROUND FISH, INCLUDING ROSEFISH:-

(0)
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

IN MILLIONS OF POUNDS

U.S.- IMPORTS OF CANNED TUNA
AND TUNA-LIKE FISH

0
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

U.S. & ALASKA - PRODUCTION OF FISH MEAL
IN THOUSANDS OF TONS

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

MAINE - IMPORTS OF FRESH SEA HERRING
IN MILLIONS OF POUNDS

wena a = :
JAN. FEB, MAR, APR, MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

U.S.- IMPORTS OF FRESH AND FROZEN
SHRIMP FROM MEXICO

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

U.S.-IMPORTS OF CANNED SARDINES

(Include in oil and not in oil )

JAN. FE8. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC.

U.S. & ALASKA - PRODUCTION OF FISH OIL
IN MILLIONS OF GALLONS

a
JAN. FEB MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 67

“FISHERY PUBLICATIONS —

Recent publications of interest to the commercial fishing industry are listed
below.

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS

THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FREE FROM THE DIVISION OF INFORMATION, FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE
INTERIOR, WASHINGTON 25, 0. ©. TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS ARE DESIGNATED AS FOLLOWS:

CFS - CURRENT FISHERY STATISTICS OF THE UNITEO STATES AND ALASKA.
FL - FISHERY LEAFLETS.
ASSOCIATIONS, ETC.
MDL - MARKET DEVELOPMENT SECTION LISTS OF DEALERS, LOCKER PLANTS, ’
SU - STATISTICAL SECTION LISTS OF DEALERS IN AND PRODUCERS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS AND BYPRODUCTS.

SEP.- SEPARATES (REPRINTS) FROM COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW.

Number Title

CFS-492 - Packaged Fish 1948 (Annual Summary)
CFS-490 - Massachusetts Landings, May 1949
CFS-493 - Fish Meal and Oil, July 1949
CFS-A9A - Frozen Fish Report, September 1949

FL-350 - The Use of Rotenone as a Fish Poison

Firms Canning:
SL-111 - Clam Products, 1948
SL-113 - Crab Meat, 1948
SL-101 - Salmon, 1948

Sep. 237 - E Value Ratios for Grayfish, Soupfin Shark, Sablefish, and Halibut
Liver Oils Produced in the Pacific Northwest

ARTICLES BY FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE AUTHORS IN OTHER PUBLICATIONS

“The Clam and the Crab," by James Wharton, ‘The Commonwealth, July 1949, vol. XVI,
no. 7, pp. 7-9, 26, illus, Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, Richmond, Va.,
15 cents per issue, This article, which completes a series dealing with Vir-
ginia’s seafood resources, discusses historically the clam and crab fisheries
of Virginia,

"On the Food Selectivity of Oysters," by Victor L, Loosanoff, article, Science,
July 2, 1949, vol. 110, no. 2848, p. 122, single copies 25 cents, American
Association for the Advancement of Science, Washington, D, C, A study on
whether or not oysters show some selectivity in feeding. The author states
that, at least in some instances, oysters can select their food not only
quantitatively but also qualitatively.

MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS

THE FOLLOWING PUBLICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED, IN MOST !NSTSNCES, FROM THE AGENCIES ISSUING THEM.

Aid to States in Fish Restoration and Management Projects, (H.R, 1746), Report
No, 891, August 11, 1949, 2p., printed, Senate Committee on Interstate and
Foreign Commerce, Eighty-First Congress, First Session, Committee reports
favorably on H, R. 1746 and recommends that the bill be passed. Discusses
the purpose of the bill, which is to inangurate a program of Federal aid to
the States for the restoration and management of their fishery resources,
and what it will accomplish,

68

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW . Vol. 11, No. 10

Bulletin of Fisheries Research Laboratory, 1948, 140 p., in Greek, printed. Fisheries
Directorate, Ministry of National Economy, Athens, Greece, 1949, This booklet dis-
cusses the Greek fisheries research laboratory. I+ contains chapters on the ob=
servations on the experimental oyster farm of Salamis; D. D, 1, effects on the
fishes; fish farming and its new development on mrine fish cultivation; possi-
bility of fishing in the Atlantic; the fish markets; the damage to the fishery
economy in 1941-45; the fishing situation in 1947; the fishery economy in 1948;
and the regulation of the marine fishery. Each of these chapters has an abstract
in French or English,

"Canada. and Newfoundland Sold Much Fish to Greece Last Year," by T. J. Monty, article,
Foreign Trade, August 13, 1949, vol. VI, no. 137, pp. 282-A, printed, single issue
TO cents. Foreign Trade Service, Department of Trade and Commerce, Ottawa, Canada,
Reviews the 1948 Greek fisheries production and prices, imports by type and coun-

try, and per capita consumption,

Distribution of Chitin in Crawfish, by C, L. Southall & Dr, N. J. van Rensburg,
Progress Report No. 6, 4 p., processed. Fishing Industry Research Institute,
Cape Town, South Africa, June 1949. Gives the results of tests carried out
by the Institute to determine the amount of chitin present in crawfish and
its distribution within the shellfish,

Fats and Oils Situation in the United Kingdom, 1948-49, by William Kling, Foods
and Related Agricultural Products, World Trade in Commodities, vol. VII, Part 6,
7, and 8, July 1949, suv. no, 38, 12 p., processed, Office of International
Trade, U. S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D. C. (Available to non-sub-
scribers by purchase only at 5 cents per copy.) Reports on the United Kingdom's
production, consumption, imports, and exports of fats and oils, including fish
and whale oils.

Fish Commission Research Briefs, August 1949, vol. 2, no. 1, 30 p., printed, free.
Fish Commission of Oregon, Portland, Oregon. Contains short reports of the
current studies of the Commission's staff and the basis for conservation
measures, The reports are: The Development of Artificial Propagation of
Selmon in the West; Application of Ultraviolet Light to Fisheries Technology
(discusses use of ultraviolet light for candling fish and detecting shell in
crab meat); Willamette River Spring Chinook Sport Fishery of 1948; Observa-
tions on the Effect of Intertidal Blasting on Clams, Oysters and Other Shore
Inhabitants; and An Incident of Furunculosis in Salmon at a Coastal Hatchery.

Fishing Eels - A Profitable Side Line, by L. BR. Day, Circular, General Series, No, 13,
December 1940, 3 p., illus., printed, Atlantic Biological Station, Fisheries
Research Board of Canada, St. Andrews, N. B., Canada. Describes the common
or American eel (Anguilla bostoniensis), how eels are fished, set—net eel
fishing, eel-pot fishing, eel spearing, holding eels alive, maintenance of
gear, and marketing.

The Food Manufacturing Industry in Germany during the period 1939-1945, edited
by H. G, Harvey, British Intelligence Objectives Sub-Committee Overall Report
No. 14, 134 p., printed, 2s6d (approximately 50 cents), Published for the
British Intelligence Objectives Sub-Committee by His Majesty's Stationery
Office, York House, Kingsway, London, W, C. 2, England, 1949. ‘his work
is a critical summary of almost every branch of the German food manufacturing
industry, including fishery products. The major aim of the bulletin is to
give special mention to novel features and to suggest, wherever possible,
applications and improvements to their British counterparts, Of the 19
sections which comprise this report, the first 18 review different branches
of the German industry from the British standpoint, while the remaining
section assesses German developments in relation to the Australian food
industry. One section is devoted to fish and fish canning and covers
freezing and cold storage, smoke-curing, mechanical smoking devices,
marinating, other unprocessed canned products, shrimp processing, fish
meal and oil manufacture, albumen from fish, polymerized fish oils, flavoring
materials from fish proteins, canned fish, and special cannery and filleting
equipment.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 69

Fourth Report to Congress of the Economic Cooperation Administration (For the period
January T-April 2 ok 49), 146 p., printed, 35 cents, U. S, Government Printing
Office, Washington, D. C., August 1949. The report covers activities under the
Economic Cooperation Act of 1948 and the China Aid Act of 1948, as well as the
program of economic aid to the Republic of Korea under the provisions of the
Foreign Aid Anpropriation Act of 1949, Although fishery products are not
mentioned specifically, it will be of interest to members of the fishing
industry interested in the ECA program,

The Mortality of Herring at Mud , March, 1949, Circular No. 18, 3 p., processed,
Pacific Biological Seta Fieri Research Board of Canada, Nanaimo, B, C.,
August 1949. A discussion and report on a large compact body of dead herring
discovered on March 20, 1949, in Mud Bay, located one-half mile south of Big

Bay in Chatham Sound, B, C,

Natural History of Marine Animals, by G, E, MacGinitie and Nettie MacGinitie,

"485 p., illus. with photographs and drawings, printed, $6.00. McGraw-Hill
Book Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., 1949. Although scientific in treatment,
this book in a relatively non-technical style gives a general understanding
of the ocean as an environment, and of the natural history phenomena of the
animals that live there, In the first part of the volume, the authors dis-
cass the ocean as an environment, comparing the living conditions of land
animals with those of ocean animals, and the food available to the latter,
Then the book takes up the animal kingdom by groups, proceeding from the
simple to the complex, and describes in detail lmown natural history
phenomena of many animals,

Preliminary Report to the Legislature (1949 Regular Session) on Fish and Game
by the California Senate Committee on Fish and Game (Created Pursuant to
Senate Resolution No, 1093), 119 p., printed, California Senate Committee
on Fish and Game, Redding, Calif., May 1948, This report has been prepared
as the basis for a comparative study of the administration of fish and game
problems in California with those of the other States of the United States,
and contains a brief analysis and compilation of the laws and regulations
in existence as of May 1, 1948, in each of the States,

Production of Fish in the Colonial Empire, C, F, Hickling, Circular No. 237,
14 p., printed, dd (approximately ; cents). His Majesty's Stationery
Office, London, 1949, This is a review of the present and possible future
production of the fisheries of the British Colonial Empire. There is consid-
erable scope for increasing the Colonial fisheries production which can be
absorbed by the Colonies themselves, with the exception of Aden, Hong Kong,
Mauritius, and the Seychelles areas which may be able to produce some ex-
portable surplus, ‘he increase in production is mainly dependent on the
mechanization of fishing vessels and methods, and the training of adequate
personnel, These handicaps are slowly being overcome, but fishery develop-
ment will be costly to the Colonial Governments, The establishment of a
fish-culture training and research center will provide another valuable
source of fish. Marine and fresh-water research is being provided for
by a chain of stations in West Africa, the Colonial Great Lakes, East
Africa, Malaya, and Hong Kong. ‘The development of byproducts is not
being overlooked,

Reef Fishing, by Agustin F. Umali and Herbert E, Warfel, 36 p., illus.,
processed, free, U. S, Fish and Wildlife Service, Philippine Bureau of
Fisheries, in cooperation with the U, S, Information Service, Manila,
Philippine Islands. The contents of this pamphlet fully explain and
describe the many types of reef fishing--comparative landings of reef
species, commercial reef species of fish, and fishing methods employed
such as explosives and poisons, diving and spearing, fish pots, lines,
reef drag seine, trap n2t, Bohol trap net, and Japanese trap net,

70

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 10

Regulation of Whaling (Hearing before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Inter-
state and Foreign Commerce, United States Senate, Eighty-First Congress, First
Session, on S. 2080, a bill to authorize the regulation of whaling and to give
effect to the international convention for the regulation of whaling, July 2,
1949), 58 p., printed. Available only from the Senate's Committee on Inter-
state and Foreign Commerce until exhausted. Contains the text of S, 2080 and
the international convention, statements by the Chief Counsel of the Fish and
Wildlife Service, the Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of State for
Fisheries and Wildlife, the Directer of the National Museum, and reports from
the Department of State and the General Accounting Office.

Report on the Fisheries of Cyprus, by C. F, Hickling (with Notes by 1. J. S.
ittlejohn), ] pe, printed, ls ( proximately 20 cents). Department of
Agriculture, Nicosia, Cyprus, 1948, Discusses the sea and lagoon fisheries
of Cyprus, as well as fish culture,

Salted Cod and Related Species, by G. M, Gerhardsen and L. P. D, Gertenbach,

-—_"-¥AO Fisheries Study No. 1, 208 p., illus., printed. $2,00, Food and
Agriculture Organization, Washington, D, C., July 1949. This booklet is
a commodity study of salted cod and related species covering world landings,
production, imports, exports, craft, fishing grounds, etc, Included, in
addition to numerous appendices, are chapters on Volume of World Trade;
Operational Features of the Salted Fish Industry; Institutional Factors--
Influence of Government Action on Salted Fish Trade, 1920-39; Prices Obtained
and Their Economic Consequences; Salted Fish Industry Since the Outbreak of
World War II.

A great part of the information contained in the study consists of
detailed tables, since similar data for the period under consideration
1920-48) have never been compiled and collated on an international basis.
(See abstract of this publication appearing on page 59 of this issue. )

Statistic Tables of Fishing Vessels (as of the end of 1948), General Report
No, 1, 257 p., printed, graphs, in Japanese and English (not available
for general distribution), Japanese Fisheries Agency, Tokyo, Japan.

This is the second anmal report which lists the various types of data
on the Japanese fishing fleet as obtained by a fishing vessel registration
system, Statistics cover tabulations by type of fishery, vessel and

boat, gear, principal prefectures; and include numerous comparisons,

The Story of the Maine Lobster (Homarus americanus), by Robert L. Dow,
bulletin, 20 p., illus., printed, Department of Sea and Shore Fisheries,
Augusta, Maine, July 1949. ‘This bulletin gives-a history of the Maine
lobster industry; discusses lobster conservation, culture, distribution
and marketing, methods of capture; and the biology of the Mains lobster.

Tide Tables Atlantic Ocean, 1950, Serial No. 722, 352 p., printed, 25 cents.
Coast and Geodetic Survey, U. S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D, C.,
1949. Contains full daily predictions for 65 reference stations and dif-
ferences and constants for about 2,400 stations on the Atlantic Ocean and
tributary waters. It contains alsc a table for obtaining the height of
the tide at any time, a table of local civil time of sunrise and sunset
for every fifth day of the year for different latitudes, a table for the
reduction of local civil time to standard time, a table of moonrise and
moonset for 8 places, and a table of Greenwich civil time of the moon's
phases, apogee, perigee, greatest north and south and zero declination,
and the time of the solar equinoxes and solstices,

printed, 25 cents. Coast and Geodetic Survey, U. S. Department of Commerce,
Washington, D. C., 1948. Abridged edition of the publication reviewed
immediately above.

October 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Tes

50 cents. Coast and Geodetic Survey, U. S, Department of Commerce, Washington,
D. C., 1949. Contains the same type of information as that reviewed on page 70
for the Atlantic Ocean except that the daily predictions are only for 37 ref-
erence ports and differences and constants are for about 1,000 stations in
North America, South America, and the Hawaiian Islands.

Trading with Germany (Revision of July 1, 1949), 5 p., processed, free. Areas
Division--European Branch, Office of International Trade, Department of
Commerce, Washington, D. C. Purpose of this publication is to provide
U. S. foreign traders with up-to-date information on trade regulations in
effect in Germany, Contains detailed data on trade rules and regulations
in effect in the Western Zone of Germany and the Western sector of Berlin;
a brief section dealing with foreign trade in the Soviet Zone of Germany
and the Soviet sector of Berlin,

Executive Rept. No, ll, July 25, 1949, 6 p., printed, Senate Committee
on Foreign Relations, Eighty-First Congress, First Session. Discusses
the purpose, background, cost, advantages, implementation, and necessary
international action of the two tuna conventions between the United States
and Mexico and Costa Rica, Includes a summary of the main provisions of
these two conventions,

Processing -- Miscellaneous Service Division

Hlustrator -- Gustaf T. Sundstrom Compositors -- Jean Zalevsky, Carolyn Wood

64119

GROWTH OF SOUTH AFRICAN FISHERIES

Fishery Leaflet 347, "Growth of South African Fisheries," is a sum-
mary of the fisheries of South Africa and South West Africa.

This 10-page report discusses the regrouping of fisheries interests
in this area of Africa (giving the names of the companies involved); the

\\ increase of the catch (giv—

ing quantity, landed value,
AFRICA

and number of vessels and
fishermen engaged) ; avail—
ability of fish, together
witha list of the species
(giving the common and
scientific mame, annual
catch, and approximate
value); and the area of
the fishing grounds.

WALVIS. BAY

- LUDERITZ 4

= LAMBERTS BAY
ST. HELENA BAY
os =-SALDANHA
CAPETOWN Os

A In conclusion, this
—@ PORT ELIZABETH. ~—~—Cw port states in part that
©. cape AGULHAS. ~=~=~=~=~——CS the’ fishing industry in
Eo UESEEBEEE ee the Union of South Africa
is developing very rapidly today and the development on the whole seems
to be sound and healthy.

Copies of Fishery Leaflet 347 may be obtained upcn request, without
charge, from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington Poe Dic Cis

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