| = Mull 1953 FEBRUARY Vol.15, No.2 Lu = > a Lu 7) Lu LL — (a) = aa) Cc © aE = LL ke als) hes Y wd = Y ais ad = Oo Sd i= Y = Sad = © Qo is) (an) Le) Y he © hd N oO Y = Cc ra U (a) c e) ad on £ —& n > UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE DOUGLAS MCKAY, SECRETARY ALBERT M. DAY, DIRECTOR co. 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 J. Pileggi and J. J. O'Brien, Assistant Editors Mailed free to members of the fishery and allied industries. Address correspond- ence and requests to the: Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington 25, D. C. Publication of material from sources outside the Service is not an endorsement. The Service is not responsible for the accuracy of facts, views, or opinions contained in material from outside sources. Although the contents of this publication have not been copyrighted and may be re- printed freely, reference to the source will be appreciated. The printing of this publication has been approved by the Director of the Bureau of the Budget, November 5, 1952. CONTENTS COVER: JAPANESE SALMON FISHERMEN RETRIEVING GEAR BY HAND ON THE WELL DECK OF A CATCHER BOAT OF THE 1952 JAPANESE NORTH PACIFIC SALMON EXPEDITION. (SEE P. 1 OF THIS ISSUE.) JAPANESE 1952 NORTH PACIFIC SALMON-FISHING EXPEDITION, BY FRANCIS Me FUKUHARA ccoccrcces 1 USE OF FISH IN NEW ENGLAND SCHOOLS INCREASED BY DEMONSTRATIONS, BY B. E. LINDGREN AND Rie Pel SEMNFERM \sicteclele vic ejels\ee\sjo\eiele/elie/eie(e o{e/sleielale(ae\siole\eisjole/elejele;sisloisiolsieloleielenelsicleis\elolelolelel:VolcoleyeretmenUS LOUISIANA SCHOOL=LUNCH PROGRAM USES MORE FISH, BY WILLIAM 1. CABANISS o+vesseerereroceces 23 EXPERIMENTS WITH A FISH PUMP, BY Je Ge ELLSON cceccrecccccosrecrcccrevecorcssscescseos 2/ oe ke PAGE PAGE RESEARCH IN SERVICE LABORATORIES: oeeeeee 30 | TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS (conTD.): PROGRESS ON PROJECTS, JANUARY 1953 .0e2e 30 U. S. AND HAWAI! CANNED TUNA AND TUNA= TECHNICAL NOTE NO. 24 = A PORTABLE LIKE FISH PACK, 1952 .wecoceccecce-eree 46 IIMMERSWONMEREEZER! ctoretelevelelcleleleveleicieleseie/cveili Se WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES: TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS: cecceceercoor+ce 30 WHOLESALE PRICES, DECEMBER 1952 eccooee 47 ANGLERS! FISHING-LICENSE SALES REACH RETAIL PRICES, DECEMBER 1952 wcescceeee 49 NEW)-HIIGH %e;creieiclelcleleiercvere cicleiclcrolerevclelerciclelelen i SD nl ROREMGN edi etereloleleleliciotevelcielelelelerelelelevereiciolatsiclelcvelommm oO) BIDS RECEIVED FOR LEASE OF FISH CANNERY INTERNATIONAL: IINGAMERIIGANTSAMOAleerslelsisieielsioieieroleleleieicielersneicO GREENLAND AND |RELAND CONSIDER EX- CALIFORNIA SARDINE 1952/53 SEASON WORST TENDING TERRITORIAL FISHING LIMITS .. 50 IINOHVSTORY. sic sicieccreccccsseccreresecice GO CANADA: CHESAPEAKE BAY OYSTER PHOTOGRAPHY cecee TUNA FASHERIES .cescccccccccccecscecen 20 PROJECT ABANDONED BY MARYLAND wocoeeee 37 BRITISH COLUMBIA HERRING FISHING CUR= DANISH FLOATING TRAWL TESTED OFF BLOCK TA EED) BY, PRINCE: DISPUTE) clereleicie(cicclelelooioe ISIEAND Exe) cic\elslorolelelsis/elolejelels cfcleveieilele\sisiele/aleier /O)7, BRITISH COLUMBIA WHALF PRODUCTION, FEDERAL PURCHASES OF FISHERY PRODUCTS . 38 MO SZivercleletelersloleleleielicle cleicie(clefeleloleielelsieicleleimos) FISHERY PRODUCTS MARKETING PROSPECTS COAST=TO-COAST TRUCKING SERVICE FOR 1953 AND REVIEW FOR 1952 wocceceee 38 INAUGURATED sceoccecccesccccescccceses OS IMPORTS OF GROUNDF ISH FILLETS REACH CHILE: NEWSEUGHE RUN GD 2ieieleveioleleicielcieicicistersielekvicter n+.) NEW FRESH FISH TRANSPORTATION METAL CANS--SHIPMENTS FOR FISHERY PROD- REGULATIONS ANNOUNCED cecocccecesceee OS UCTS, NOVEMBER 11952 2c cccevccecesoee Ail COLOMBIA: MICHIGAN: IMPORT RESTRICTIONS ON CANNED FISH STUDY OF SEA LAMPREY CONTINUED ...0.0+5 41 LIED ererelel elele cisleieliclelicvetovelalsfololeleielolslelsfelemmn Oat PROGRESS IN LAKE TROUT BIOLOGICAL TUNA FISHERY, | ciele sicie| sivle/e's @lelcleieje)e\elelaisleisis noo: SMUDVESI cyeseisrsioinieloie|e cjercleicieisiseleisieiciels cele Ae FISH CANNING INDUSTRY wecscccccreroeee DO PACIFIC GRAY WHALES IN WINTER MIGRATION EGYPT: TO BREEDING GROUNDS .cscrcccecccccccces 42 FAO TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PACIFIC OCEANIC FISHERY INVESTIGATIONS: FOR FISHING INDUSTRY ceccoscesecseres D0 ARTIFICIAL TUNA-BAIT TRIALS ecovcrccere 43 JAPAN: i. JAPANESE FISHERIES TRAINING SHIP TO LETTER OF ASSURANCE STILL REQUIRED VISIT HAWAI| cecvcererccccerccccscccvess 43 FROM U. S. FROZEN TUNA IMPORTERS 2-0 S57 TUNA SCOUTING METHODS STUDIED BY FROZEN TUNA EXPORTS TO U. S. !NCREASE 57 CHARLES H. GILBERT (CRUISE 6 AND POFI CANNED CRAB MEAT EXPORTS .o.cecce-eeee O7 Ele 2 ANOS) Gaducdodooconoco00bs . 4S) WHALING EXPEDITIONS DEPART FOR UNITED STATES AND ALASKA FISHERIES: ANTARCTIC wcwveccecccecccc-crescveres 09 LEADING FISHERY PORTS IN 1952 ...0e.00, 44 SOVIET UNION WILLING TO PERMIT CATCH OF IMPORTANT FISH AND SHELLFISH, JAPANESE FISHING OFF KAMCHATKA .«.ce-e- 58 NOS2seeisieleilelelefelaislelelelejololeleistetsroleleleryslelelolenn.>) PRIVATE FIRM SIGNS FISHING AGREEMENT WITH TWO COMMUNIST -CHINESE FIRMS ...- SQ CONTENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 87 February 1953 Washington 25, D.C. Vol.15 , No.2 JAPANESE 1952 NORTH PACIFIC SALMON- FISHING EXPEDITION By Francis M. Fukuhara* CONTENTS PAGE PAGE INTRODUCTION .cccrcccecseccrccercescccesee RED SALMON .ccccerscccgccrorcccevescsecce oi; SOURCES OF DATA os. cccccercccceccccrcccces SCHUM SALMON osiccecccc scores ceccsececss 12 = FUSING FLEES soboodo0d00dbbadKn6dsoooD0GS SPINS SALWON seoéedbo060bGdodnEsoo6cbOb0d5 1S) HES ENVORMARUMNO sp Sineleleleelelslelcveleteleleleleiclelerele 4 | KING AND SILVER SALMON .cccccceccceccess 14 FISHING! ARE clodooadocngddnd000Gdb000I000000 4 | SPECIES OTHER THAN SALMON .ecccecccsecee 14 GAUGH soodduccd00dddcboGaD0Db00D0000000000 ©) || PARASIUES: Gocabgd0g06 co5u0cabOD0DOD0b0000., v4! CATCH PER-UNIT-OF-EFFORT ccccccceccseveroe S| /OYNALIGH FISHING codsioGsebougodgboccnonoa. Md VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL DISTRIBUTION OF DATA PERTINENT TO A TAGGING PROGRAM .... 15 FUR ON MME CAVE ooodaccoc0qn0G000000000 . 7 NCONGLUSIONS coddgbodouecGoousooudadodaoo. ly INTRODUCTION Under the provisions of the International Convention for the High Seas Fish- eries of the North Pacific Ocean (signed at Tokyo May 9, 1952, but subject torat- ification by Japan, Canada, and the United States), Japan agrees to abstain from fishing for the five species of Pacific salmon east of a provisional line of de- marcation starting at the edge of territorial waters north of AtkaIsland, follow ing meridian 175° west longitude and the International Date Line to Bering Strait, and ending at Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska. A protocol to the Convention further. FIGURE 1 - TYPICAL CATCHER BOAT OF THE TENYO MARU NO, 3 FLEET. EF FISHERY BIOLOGIST, PACIFIC SALMON INVESTIGATIONS, BRANCH OF FISHERY BIOLOGY, U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, 2 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 provides for scientific investigation to determine if there is intermingling of Asian and American stocks of salmon. If areas of intermingling are found, there are to be further studies to locate a line which will best divide salmon of Asian origin from those of American origin. An initial step in determining the distribution of the salmon in the North Pacific Ocean was made possible by an invitation from the Government of Japanfor the United States Government to send a technical observer to accompany the 1952 Japanese North Pacific Salmon Expedition. This invitation was not required of Japan by any previous agreement with the United States, but was made as a gesture of good will and cooperation. In response to this invitation, the Pacific Salmon Investigations of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service was directed to place abio- logist aboard the mothership of the Taiyo Fishing Company Ltd. fleet. It was in this capacity that I was detailed aboard the mothership Tenyo Maru No. 3, accom- panying the expedition from June 1 to July 18, 1952, Transportation from Adak, Alaska, to the Tenyo Maru No. 3 was provided by the U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Sweetbriar. Removal from the Tenyo Maru No. 3 at the end of the assignment and transportation to Adak, Alaska, was facilitated by the U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Storis. Communication to and from the Tenyo Maru No. 3 was made possible through the facilities of the Seventeenth Naval District. Data of importance to the assignment were also supplied by this organization, and travel in the Aleutian Islands was expedited by the kind attention of its various members. The hospitality extended, as well as the cooperation and aid rendered by the Chief Inspector of the Japanese Fisheries Agency and various members of the Taiyo Fishing Company fleet is gratefully acknowledged. In cooperation with biologists of the Japanese Fisheries Agency, who worked on their own vessels, observations were made with the following objectives: 1. Identification of fish landed aboard the mothership and recording the amounts landed. 2. Selection of random samples from representative landings of salmon. Re- cording the length, weight, and sex and obtaining scale samples. 3. Collection of representative specimens. 4. Interview of fishermen to determine point of origin of fish and amount of fishing effort expended. 5. Observation of fishing methods, with notes on the catches of fish other than salmon. 6. Recording of weather, sea conditions, and surface water temperatures. 7. Notation of obvious differences in appearance of salmon landed or any change in appearance as the vessel moved from one position to another. 8. Securing of all possible information on methods of capturing live fish which could be used in a tagging experiment. February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 3 SOURCES OF DATA Salmon catches aboard the mothership were checked periodically with an offi- cial of the company. Fishermen were interviewed daily to determine the point of origin of the fish. Point-of-origin data were secured from the fleet manager's office which received this information by radio from the catcher boats daily at 0600 and 0900 hours. Several trips were made aboard the catcher boats to observe fishing methods and to determine the distribution of the salmon in the high seas by observing their distribution in the nets. Notes on non-salmon species were made from ob- servations of these hauls and from observations of non-salmon fish brought to the mothership with the daily trips of the catcher boats. Morphometric measurements of salmon were made of approximately 1,800 fish during the entire journey. Although an attempt was made to select random samples from a representative day's catch, this was not always possible for all work con- cerning this assignment was conducted so as not to interfere with the fish-han- dling operations. Therefore, it was not always possible to allocate time to the measuring of specimens when catcher boats with representative catches unloaded. Scale samples from the measured fish were taken and are being analyzed. A separate report on the age composition of the catch will be prepared. A collec- tion of 160 salmon was frozen and returned to Seattle. The fish were collected aboard the Tenyo Maru No. 3, and when the three fleets were dispersed, specimens were collected aboard the motherships of the remaining two fleets. Meristiccounts of the respective species of this sample will be made and the results reported later. Information on methods of tagging fish were obtained in conversations with the Chief Inspector of the Japanese Fisheries Agency. All specimens measured were selected at random from the catches of single catcher boats. This greatly simplified the establishment of the exact position at which these fish were taken, but on some days it was obvious that at best the salmon selected were representative only of the catch of the particular catcher boat from which the fish were selected, and not at all representative of the en- tire catch of the fleet for the day. On these days the average size of the fish in the catches from various catcher boats differed noticeably, This situation occurred frequently between June 3 and June 13 while the fleet fished the waters south of Kiska Island and from June 16 to June 30 while the fleet operated in wa- ters south of Agattu Island and westward to 170°E. meridian, and was especially noticeable in the chum salmon. FISHING FLEETS Three Japanese salmon-fishing fleets sailed from Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan, on May 1, arrived at the fishing grounds on May 10, and began operations on Mayll, 1952. The largest of these was the fleet of the Taiyo Fishing Co. Ltd., whichcon- sisted of the mothership Tenyo Maru No. 3 and 30 catcher boats (fig. 1). Damages resulting from rough seas reduced the number of catcher boats to 27. Three explor- atory vessels left Japan five days in advance of the departure of the main fleet. The Nichiro Fishing Co. and the Nippon Marine Products Co. fleets each consisted of 1 mothership, 10 catcher boats, and 2 exploratory vessels, Catch data from the latter two fleets were secured, but precise data concerning operations and disposi- tion of those fleets were unavailable during the voyage. Three Japanese Government Fisheries Inspection vessels patrolled the fleets, and were also engaged in tagging operations and oceanographic investigations, 4 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol.115, No. 2 THE TENYO MARU NO. 3 The Tenyo Maru No. 3 is a 330-ft. whale-rendering ship, with a net tonnage of 3,689, and powered by Diesel engines with a combined rating of 2,250 hp. Three 50-ton compressors refrigerate the sharp-freeze compartments and the holds. Sharp- freeze compartments have a capacity of 54 tons per day. The total capacity of the four refrigerated holds is 2,225.94 cubic meters. The Tenyo Maru No. 3 was equipped with conventional navigating instruments: 1. Gyro-compass with repeaters on flying bridge, captain's bridge, and in the wireless room for use with the radio direction-finder. 2. Marine radar, which proved invaluable due to inclement weather and the nature of the fishing operation. 3. Although equipped with a loran receiver, reception was very poor in the area of operation and further complicated by almost unceasing transmission by the ship's wireless. Loran readings were, whenever possible, supplemented or confirmed by. ""sun-sights"-~sextant readings were taken at every opportunity, for with few exceptions, the weather conditions were such that extreme alertness was required of the officers on watch to get two or even one "fix" daily. 4. A radio direction-finder was used for checking the bearings of the catcher boats, this being done only on very foggy days and on occasions when the mother- ship drifted extremely far out of position. No soundings were taken during the entire voyage, the only available instru- ment for this purpose being a sounding line, the use of which was unfeasable due to the great depths of the waters in which the fleet operated. The sounding line was utilized occasionally in lowering a reversing thermometer attached to a Nansen water bottle to determine subsurface temperatures. Drift was calculated by check- ing dead-reckoning position against observed position. FISHING AREA The fishing area of this expedition was designated by the Japanese Government, and limited the operations of the fleets to waters bounded by lat. 50° N. and lat. 55° N. and long. 177° W. and 170° E. (fig. 2). The catch in this area fell below expectation and consequently on July 3 the Japanese Fisheries Agency enlarged the fishing area to include waters bounded by the lines intersecting at the following points: lat. 53° N. and long. 170° E.; lat. 53°30' N. and 163° E.; lat. 48° N. and 156° E.; lat. 48° N. and 170° E.; lat. 50° N. and long. 170° E. Although the greater part of the area originally authorized lay in the Bering Sea, fishing was confined to the North Pacific Ocean. Fishing efforts were concentrated most heavily in two general areas. From May 11 to June 13 the three fleets fished the waters bounded by lat. 50°30! N.and lat. 51° N. and long. 177° E. and 178°20' E., the locus of which is400 miles south of Kiska. From June 5 to June 14 of this period a supply ship of the Taiyo Fish- ing Company Ltd., serving as mothership for seven catcher boats, fished waters southeast to southwest of the Near Islands. The fleets moved westward, and from June 15 to June 26 activity was concentrated in the waters south of Agattu Island bounded by lat. 519 N. and lat. 52° N. and long. 170° E. and long. 171° E. On June 26 the fleet moved westward. With the authorization of the new fishing area, fishing was conducted west of long. 170° E. between lat. 52°15' N. and 50°20! N, February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 5 CATCH A total salmon catch up to July 18 of 828,888 fish was reported by an offi- cial of the Tenyo Maru No. 3 fleet. However, computed by the addition of catch ay 7 Is Sie Kiska A & & Wf) ©\SHING AREA--MAY AND JUNE Ess FISHING AREA=-JULY @ sion, 170° e. FIG. 2 = THE NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN AND BERING SEA, SHOWING JAPANESE SALMON FISHING AREAS IN 1952. data transcribed from the catcher=-boat journals for June 1-July 18 and added to figures of the catch from May 1]1-May 31 obtained from another source, the total catch amounted to 750,265 fish (table 1). A discrepancy of 78,623 fish exists between the two totals. A small part of this discrepancy is accounted for by the occasional absence of entries in the journals of the catcher boats. The catch of the exploratory vessels is also excluded from this total, for no data was obtain- able from these vessels. The remaining part of the discrepancy has so far not been fully explained. The catches of the other two fleets operating in 1952 are given in tables 2 and 3. CATCH PER-UNIT-OF- EFFORT Drift gill nets were used exclusively. in the fishing operations. One unit of gear is called a "tan" (shackle) and has an area of .25 acres. The records of six catcher boats selected at random were used in the computation of the catchper unit of effort (table 4). On some days the operators of these catcher boats neg- lected to enter part of the data, and in the computations these days were excluded. In the 48 days for which data on these vessels are available, none omitted entries on more than 5 days. The number of hours fished per set is considered to be the period between the time the first "tan" entered the water, initiating the set, to the time the last "tan" was out of the water, terminating the retrieving of the gear. 6 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 Table 1 - Daily Salmon Catch, Tenyo Maru No. & Fleet, 1952 “Red | _Chum | Pink| King] Silver | Total | MS SNMis)oleleleleleieiclers @eeeseeereeeec0e @ceeveeceeeereecve ©ecereereeeve0e @eererereoeeeco @ee®reeereen0 eee @eeeeeGreseceoe @eoreecececce @ceeeceoos @eerecere0eeeo e@ceeaeeseeseecve @e@sereerec @ceereresrereoece @eeeeeoeeevevece @e007028202 00 Ce e@ceoesee8eceoeee ° e@eceereeereceeen eeceeeveerese0e0e @ere®ver2e2e20e00 000 aL 1 1 4 2 3 6 1 4 al 2 3 5 e@eece2eeecereccee e@eeeeeceeeer ec ee e@eeeeeeereereeoe @eereererereee @eceeceeceeveseeceve @eeeerereere00e 6 4 3 Y 4 5 5 2 18 @eeeeeeeoeoeveoce0 (3) Mise a giMe earainis 2 11,596 siaid oleate é 2 15,922 February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW i The unit of effort used in the calculations is the tan-hour. The average number of tans per set is 134.5, obtained by dividing the total number of tans by the total number of sets (table 4). Multiplying this by the total number of hours fished (table 4) gives the total number of tan-hours, which is 456,139. Dividing the total catch for the 6 boats of 128,538 fish by the total number of tan-hours gives .2818 fish as the catch per tan-hour. The average number of hours fished per day was 14, so that the catch per tan-day was 14 times .2818, or 3.95 fish. The catch per unit of effort probably would have increased noticeably after July 14, but due to the wear of the gear resulting from frequent fouling and the consistency with which the catches occurred on the upper half of the net, the ef- fectiveness with which the mesh retained fish was considerably reduced. Larger runs were known to have occurred from the middle of July, for catches of 20 fish per unit of gear per night's set were made by catcher boats with new gear. In the hauling of the worn gear, fishermen reported many fish lost. The runs encountered at this time were primarily pink salmon, and due to their smaller size the failure of the worn mesh to retain fish was more pronounced, VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL DISTRIBUTION OF FISH IN THE CATCH Within the limits of the depths fished by the drift nets, salmon occurred during the hours of darkness in greatest abundance near the surface, decreasing in numbers with increasing depth. Cold winds or turbulent seas appeared to force the salmon to seek greater depths, but the tendency to remain near the surface persisted. In all hauls observed, about 85 to 90 percent of the catch occurred from the float line down to 10 meters. Reports from the fishermen throughout the entire operation confirmed this finding. A wide dispersal of salmon in the high seas was indicated by the horizontal distribution of the fish in the gear. From May 11 to June 14 little grouping of salmon was reported by the fishermen, the fish being distributed at random across the entire length of the net. Distinct grouping of the salmon later became appar- ent in fish taken from the waters south and southwest of Agattu Island. Observations of two hauls in this general vicinity were made. The entire catch of one haul was taken on 75 of the 100 units of gear set. Fourteendistinct groups of salmon occurred at irregular intervals, each group composed of 10 to 15 fish spread widely over a unit of gear. These groups were not often homogeneous as to species. A second haul at another location was made from a power launch drifting 20 units of gear. The entire catch of this haul was taken on the upper half of the net and the fish were distributed horizontally at almost regular intervals--approx- imately three fish to a "tan." The five pink salmon captured in this set were found to be distributed on one "tan" of gear. No noticeable grouping of red salmon was observed. RED SALMON (Oncorhynchus nerka) The daily catch of red salmon by the Tenyo Maru No. 3 fleet is shown in fig- ure 3. Red salmon predominated in the catch from the waters of the area south of Kiska Island. The bulk of these red salmon presented a slender appearance. The average length of specimens measured between June 3 and June 9 was 21.77 inches; the average weight of these same specimens being 5.3 pounds. The stomachs of all fish taken from these waters were markedly distended. Superficial analysis COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 Table 2 - Daily Salmon Catch, Fleet X, 1952 e@eGrercecereeere0ee @eereeveeoereeso0eece e@eeerererercereeccoee Ce @eer27@202009202 G08 000 @eeeveree2e20eee0000 @e2Ce2 G82 CLO 2e2 PLO @eeceareereeerereree CO @exereesereree2ee0eneee @ereseercerer2e0000 e@eereceeresoee2ere2eee @eee@oeeseeeee20000 @ere27esee2ee22ee 00 oo @ee2ree2er0eeererece @ceecereeer0eeeeece @ece2eereerserr ee ee eo ee @ceerecvere22eere 2208 Cx @eceeeereeseveovesee0 @eererevreserer0e000 @eeeeeoeerereerevre0cece e@ee@rerereereceerececo ee @2@e202 ec 22 eee @eoeo0eeseeerseeeseere @eoceeeseeeereesese @eevseeeoereerereercee0e @eeeeeereeceseer0ece @002FF C2227 eP2 CL LOCOCO @eeeeereerceecece2eecc eoeereeeerereer ers eee @eeeereereeerseerGocee eeeeeereeeeoverrererce @eeoseeeeceeerve0e00e0 e@cerceceeeeceveeeoe @oceeeereeeecr2ereece @cereerereregereevece0e @ee®eFererGee2evnse0e oe eo ercorceorceroroecco + @0@80e20000 Grand Total secceoe L/BREAKDOWN BY SPECIES NOT AVAILABLE. - NONE. NO CATCH SHOWN FOR JULY 16. NOTE: February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 9 Table 3 - Daily Salmon Caten, Fleet ¥, 195% @eeor>eeereesseeen eeceevereeeeeceooeexe @rc@eereeereeesrece clolaletoleloleseleleielelclele @eeveeoseceeereene0e @eeeeeoeereevcsece @eeoevoeeeerveseved eeereeerseceosece ©eeecevereoeeee0e00 @ooreevoeereeReoeeen eeeeereereeereovce e@eecereeesecececen eeercseoeererereeece e@eeeeceseoeces eee @e@eeeseovee702 080080 @ooereeeereeeere @coeoeesecereeones e@eerererseeceeseoce Ce eeocccec core vee @eereeccrece eo eC eeeceee e@eoeeeereenveee000 ©0020 200200 02020 eeeerecreeceee2oveces - ©@©LCSSCCFZ2COLCCOLCEe eeeceeseceereeeeon @eeeeoecreeeseeee @e2e0e00200 82020200 eaeereseecreeerere @eeeeeserere2e0e000 @eereereeeeerev0eee @eeeonevreeese s+ ee CO o00000000D000050 @eeeeveerereeceeos CO On OO eoeveereereeseovoees @ecoeeeeeeeoee2000 8 eoeeeneoeescoeoe e@eceerereeroe2ee0es ee2reeee@ereevecvve eoeneeeseoero0ece eoceccercccescce = 496 ot 430 E 540 Ce |_1,688 _| 1,378 , 198 otal June 1-July 17 127,870 | 98,452 Grand Total «+++. a a 0 tw DoT w two Ww Pe JOON PRIN GW Ww NO CATCH SHOWN FOR JUNE 21. 10 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, Noe 2 showed that the stomachs of the red salmon contained squid up to five inches in length, adult lantern fish (family Myctophidae) up to five inches in length, lar- val lantern fish with yolk sacs still attached, and several species of adult and larval crustaceans. Data obtained from interviews with fishermen indicated a considerable random- ness of movement of the fish in this area. Throughout the month of May the fish r) B 3 3 - N FIGURE 3 - RED SALMON CATCH OF TENYO MARU NO, 3 FLEET, JUNE 1-JULY 18, 1952 (IN NUMBERS OF FISH PER DAY). were frequently caught in equal numbers on both faces of the net, regardless of the direction of the set. From June 1 to June 8, randommess was still evident, the fish approaching from the N., NE., ENE., ESE., S., SW., and W. From June 9 the direction of approach of the fish was from the south to the east. On June 14 the composition of the catch changed, with the number of red salmon decreasing and the number of chum salmon increasing (fig. 4). Also, an abrupt dif- ference in the body proportions of the red salmon was noticed. Red salmon caught on that day were noticeably stouter and deeper-bodied than those previously en- countered. The average length between June 14 and June 20 was 22.15 inches and the mean weight 6.2 pounds. Red salmon showing greater depth through the body from dorsal to ventral surface persisted in all catches until July 5. Red salmon taken on June 14 and 15 were feeding very lightly or not at all. Heavy feeding was indicated in all of these fish landed from June 16 to July 18. Stomach contents of these fish showed a marked decrease in squid, and lantern fish were no longer seen. Many of the stomachs of salmon taken in the fishing areasouth of Agattu contained juvenile cod (species unknown). February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW an On June 28 red salmon regained predominance over the chum salmon and retained it until July 19. A decrease in the number of the stouter-bodied red salmon was noticeable with thischange in catchcomposition., No detailed study concerning the —— TOTAL CATCH ---- RED SALMON CHUM SALMON _—— PINK SALMON x ) Ww Le fo) Q fa) Zz = oO =) fe) I = FIG. 4 = TOTAL CATCH OF TENYO MARU NO. 3 FLEET, JUNE 1*JULY 18, 1952 (1N NUMBERS OF FISH PER DAY BY SPECIES). sexual maturity of these fish was attempted, but a great variation in the extent of ovary development was observed. Ovary lengths were from 7 cm. to 12 cm. and the diameter of: single eggs ranged from 1.1 mm. to 4 mm. No fully mature specimens were encountered at any time. In the areas fished south of Kiska Island and south of Agattu Island, red salmon12 inches long and un- der were occasionally taken. Although few of these were brought aboard the mother- ship, all specimens were Table 4 - Salmon Catch-Effort Data for Six Selected Catcher Boats aie Peer ee of/Total No. of|No. of "Tans"| No. of Boat Sets |Hours Fished| of Gear Set | Fish Caught males, the gonads of which 1 41 571.42 werenoticeably undeveloped, 2 38 514.25 presentingthe appearance of 3 40 5359.11 a string. On the evidence 4 44 644.42 of the few specimens examined 5 39 535.75 these fish were juvenile rath- 6 40 586.42 er than precocious males. 3,391.37 12 Nae COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 CHUM SALMON (Oncorhynchus keta) A peak in the catch of this species occurred on June 22 (fig. 5). No dif- ference in the general appearance of the chum salmon was detected as the fleet moved from one fishing area to anovher. Variation in the size of the chum salmon x 2 we un ro) o ra) 2 fe) x f- aa = ict ee aealle a fe ries (eee (234 567 89 1011 '2 13 1415 16 17 1819 2021 222324 252627282930! 23456789 1011 i2! 1617 18 FIG. 5 - CHUM SALMON CATCH OF TENYO MARU NO. 3 FLEET, JUNE 1-JULY 18, 1952 (1N NUMBERS~OF FISH PER DAY). caught was striking in the area south of Kiska Island. On June 19 the variation in size became less noticeable. Average size of the fish (average length 21.1 inches and weight 4.1 pounds) appeared to be less than that of the chum salmon taken previously in waters south of Kiska Island (average length 22,1 inches and weight 5.1 pounds). Beginning July 1 a great variation in the size of the fishin the catch became apparent, and although small chum salmon were still present, the number of salmon with a length greater than 23.6 inches increased. The average length of the chum salmon measured from July 5 to July 16 was 19.8 inches and the average weight was 5.0 pounds. All stomachs examined showed evidence of heavy feeding until June 26. On superficial examination, stomachs were found to contain large amounts of mysida- ceans with lantern fish and squid occurring less frequently than in the stomachs of the red salmon. Almost no food was evident in most specimens taken fromJun= 27 to July 4. A great variation in size of chum salmon was evident in the catches from July 1 to July 18; there was seemingly 2 greater proportion of large specimens (23.6 inches or longer) on days when the catch of chums was relatively large. February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 13 Invariably the stomachs of larger specimens were empty or nearly so, while those of the smaller specimens contained large amounts of food. As with the red salmon, great variations in the degree of gonad development were evident in the chun salmon taken in waters south of Kiska between June 1 and June 14. The degree of sexual maturity of chum salmon taken from waters south of Agattu Island from June 26 to June 30 was uniform. Ovary lengths during this period measured approximately 12 cm, and the diameter of the eggs ranged from 1.5 mm. to 3 mm. PINK SALMON (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) The differences detected in the external appearance of the pink salmon were due to the lateness of the season and corresponding maturity rather than specific differences related to the locality in which they were taken. Pink salmon did not appear in the ca*ch until May 30 in the area south of Kiska Island. Their relative numbers in the catch were low and fluctuated from day to day. No sec- ondary sexual characteristics were apparent in the fish taken south of Kiska Is- land between June 1 and June 14. As the fleet moved westward to the fishing area south of Agattu Island, the catches of pink salmon increased (fig. 6). A sudden increase occurred on June 26, and the increase continued until on July 14 they predominated, making up more than half the catch on July 15 and July 18. z : u& 3 2) (=) Zz < ” 2 fe) Ps ra 2232425 26272829301 234 5 6 7 8 9 IOI 1213 1415 1617 18 FIGURE 6 - PINK SALMON CATCH OF TENYO MARU NO. 3 FLEET, JUNE 1-JULY 18, 1952 (IN NU”BERS OF FISH PER DAY). 14 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 Pink salmon with humps began to appear on July 1, but in relatively small numbers at that time. Beginning July 4, an increase in the number of humped-back specimens occurred. The pink salmon taken after July 7 with few exceptions were humped, and scattered individuals showed crimson mottling on the pelvic and caudal fins. Feeding was extremely heavy in all specimens examined throughout the period of observation. Only 14 of the 345 specimens measured and examined were females. Gear with smaller mesh, set by the Fisheries Inspection vessels, caught a rela- tively larger number of females thanthe fishing fleet. This indicates the pres- ence in the area of females not taken in the regular catch because of the selec- tivity of the gear fished. Females only 10 to 12 inches long were also taken oc- casionally on hand lines with hook and bait. KING AND SILVER SALMON King salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) from the start of the fishing opera- tion were caught in sniall numbers throughout the season. Those taken in May and in the early part of June were large, weighing up to 35 pounds. The average weight of immature specimens taken subsequently was approximately 15 pounds. No measurements or other observations were made of king salmon for they occurred in relatively small numbers and the handling of them was such that they were not al- ways recognizable when mixed with a large load of red salmon or chum salmon. Silver salmon (os kisutch) occurred in the catches only erratically after June 18; they were few and hardly noticeable in the landings. As in the case of the king salmon, no special observations were made of the silver salmon. SPECIES OTHER THAN SALMON Several species of fish other than salmon were taken but never in great quan- tity for an extended period. Mackerel sharks (Lamna nasus) were taken occasion- ally. These sharks averaged approximately 5.5 feet in length and whenever caught did extensive damage to the gear. Greenlings (Pleurogrammus sp.) were taken in small numbers ir the waters south of the Aleutian Islands, but occurred frequently and in considerable numbers in the gear of catcher boats fishing in waters close to the Near Islands. One arrow-toothed halibut (Atheresthes stomias) measuring 20 inches was taken in a drift net fishing south of Kiska in waters roughly 3,000 fathoms deep. Ragfish (Acrotus willoughby) were taken occasionally in widely scattered areas. One species of cod (Theragra chalcogramma ) occurred in the catches while the fleet fished west of 170° E. longitude. No accurate record could be kept of the relative abundance of these species for all but the ragfish were uti- lized as food by the fishermen; consequently, they rarely arrived aboard the mothership. PARASITES No tapeworms were found in the stomachs of the red, chum, and pink salmon until July 5. The number of specimens infested with tapeworms increased sharply within a few days. On July 16 a total of 80 red, 80 chum, and 80 pink salmon were examined. About 30 percent of the red, 50 percent of the chum, and 100 percent of the pink salmon were infested. DAYLIGHT FISHING Occasionally gear was set during the daylight hours. Little or no success resulted from operations until July 16, when some of the vessels were operating in the western area. Catches of seven fish per "tan" were made in this area dur- ing the daylight hours. Possibly perception of the gear by the salmon accounts for the low catches made in daylight sets. On moonlight nights fish were seen grouped on one side of the gear, swimming along its length and avoiding the net. February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 15 Similar occurrences were reported by many fishermen, some of whom made attempts to drive the fish into the nets on these occasions. Observations and reports of this nature occurred only after July 5; weather and sea conditions before this would not permit such observations. DATA PERTINENT TO A TAGGING PROGRAM Biologists on vessels of the Japanese Fisheries Agency conducted tagging operations. Great difficulty was encountered in capturing salmon in large enough quantities and in good enough condition to tag and release. Initially fish were captured with gill nets, but the fish were in too weak a condition to release. Attempts were made to patrol the net and remove the fish within a short timeafter capture, but due to rough seas and darlmess this procedure was abandoned. Most fish captured for tagging by the Japanese were taken on long lines, set during the daylight hours, using salmon meat as bait. Few fish were cantured by this method: only 2,000 fish were reported tagged and released up to July 18, or 29 fish per day. Records of the exact number of each species were unobtainable. The amount of effort expended in the capture of fish for tagging or the time de- voted to it was not learned, although the fishery biologist in charge expressed concern over the lack of fish taken for tagging. Although the long line did not take fish in great quantity, the fish taken were said to be in much better condi- tion for release than those taken by gill nets. Few fish taken in the hauls of the catcher boats were in suitable condition for tagging. In one operation, 89 red salmon, 456 chum salmon, and 47 pinksalmon were taken on 100 "tans" of gear. All pink salmon were dead or nearly so when landed. Chum salmon were alive, but all were exhausted and 60 seconds after land- ing the only signs of life seen were in an occasional movement of the operculum or quivering of the pectoral fin. Roughly 80 percent of the red salmon in this haul were in a weakened condition. But 20 percent of the red salmon of thiscatch were extremely lively, vigorously resisting the fishermen's grasps and flipping with considerable vitality for 90 seconds after landing. Ten injured fish were taken in this haul. Injuries seemed to have been in- flicted by sharks and sea birds, both of which were frequently caught in the nets. Three fish were brought aboard with heads completely bitten off. Injuries to the remaining seven consisted of stabs or gashes on the abdomen in the region near the caudal peduncle. The webbing seemed to cause little or no injury to the oper- culum or gills, but the smaller fish (all of which were snared at the anterior insertion of the dorsal fin) were invariably weak or dead when landed. In subse- quent hauls observed aboard other catcher boats, all fish taken were unsuitable for tagging. In calm seas and in good weather a power launch from the Tenyo Maru No. 3 fished waters within five miles of the mothership, setting 20 "tans" of gear. In one haul 56 fish were taken consisting of 50 red salmon, 5 pink salmon, and 1 chum salmon. The pink and chum salmon were unsuitable for tagging, for all were near death. The 50 red salmon in the catch were all lively, with more than 50 percent in good condition for tagging and release. Catch records indicate the need for the setting of at least a mile of net to capture 60 fish. From observation it could not be determined during which hours the salmon were actually ensnared. On two occasions, while the catcher boat in- spected the set, salmon could be seen striking the gear near the float line. On two other occasions no fish encountering the gear were apparent during the inspec- tion run and it was evident from the vitality of many of the fish landed in these hauls that they became ensnared during the early morning hours. Therefore, the Vol. 15, No. 2 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 16 *S3NI7 NO MOVIS d3ay OL G3NDIY SNLVYEVddVY YadWNe, -LHOIY &3M01 *NOILIGSdX3 JHL AG AVSAISNIDXS G3ISN YV3ID 4O AdAL SIHL “ONIHSI4S NOWI1VS YO G3aSN LAN 1119 L41yd asanvdvt jo wySovia - Z aynol4 SLHOISM uv3e ivog OL S3NI1 Y3SHILVS OL Aons dg3LH9INn aN ovat / NO SUANNIS IS " Qgyva7 " 0 w %GG w 0 3NIN LWO1d LV HLON3ST JO SSS OL G3INSHLVS SWOHLV4 O9 ONISSSM asl 3N!I7 1vO14 SA458 00 NO S1VO13 08 ges INIML INVY S/2) = S3HS3N 8S Ges [Sk 'S HS3W O3HIL3BYLS ‘a on ee) i&——NI 5 Se February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW aly/ possibility of good results from retrieving a mile of drift net fished for short hours without inspection of the gear is questionable. But as mentioned previously, inspection of gear can become difficult during inclement weather with heavy seas, and would be further complicated by the necessity for conducting all operations during the hours of darkness. CONCLUSIONS The observations made on this assignment were limited by the nature of the facilities and the necessity for conducting the biological study incidentally to a commercial fishing enterprise. It would be premature to venture a firm opinion as to the origin of stocks encountered on the basis of studies for a singleseason. Nevertheless, several observations indicate a mixing of stocks in the vast expanse of the area fished. Diverse degrees of gonad development were consistently observed in red and chum salmon examined in daily landings throughout the duration of the assignment, These degrees of development seem to indicate distinct stocks or age classes of salmon, rather than deviations within a common stock. The chum salmon taken in waters south of Kiska before June 14 were relatively small and feeding heavily. The appearance of a greater percentage of large chum salmon on days when the total chum salmon catch was relatively large suggested a migrating stock of large chum salmon passing through an area in which a stock or stocks of smaller chum salmon were feeding, for the percentage of feeding in- dividuals on these days was noticeably less and invariably the stomachs of the larger chum salmon were found to be empty or nearly so. Red salmon constituted the largest percentage of the landings from the waters © south of Kiska Island. On June 14 as the fleet approached the waters south of Agattu Island, the catch composition changed abruptly, and chum salmon predominated in the catches. The small amount of research into the biology of the Pacific salmon in its oceanic habitat and the limited facilities with which the duties aboard the Tenyo Maru No. 3 were conducted leaves only recourse to theories. The rate of gonad de- velopment of salmon in the oceanic habitat has not been determined. Therefore, spawning in the current year by individuals possessing immature gonads is possible but improbable. The nature of group behavior of salmon in the high seas is unknown. The pre- supposition that a stock of salmon maintains its identity as a group throughout the entire duration of oceanic migration might well be erroneous, for the appar- ently great dispersal of the salmon as evidenced by their distribution on the gear gives no marked indication of schooling. It is possible that the indication of dispersal of salmon in the high seas from observation of the pattern of the catch on the gear may be misleading, for the disturbance created by fish snared in the gear alters the distribution of the other fish. 18 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Wolk, US, Wes 2 USE OF FISH IN NEW ENGLAND SCHOOLS INCREASED BY DEMONSTRATIONS By B. E. Lindgren* and R. P. Seifert** BACKGROUND Since fish is a traditional food in New England, it is not surprising to find that it is widely used in the area's school cafeterias. However, even New England dealers may be surprised to learn that surveys show a large proportion of their schools are now serving an average of 900 pounds of fish (round weight) per school year. Effectiveness of the 38 fish-cookery demonstrations which were presented in the area during 1950 and 1951 by the Commercial Fisheries Branch ‘a of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service . is demonstrated by the increase in fish consumption in those schools represented at the meetings. These fish-cookery demonstrations for school-lunch personnel in New England were given in Maine, New Hampshire, Ver- mont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Presented as a part of the Service's na- tional program to develop markets for fishery products, they affected the eating habits of nearly 90,000 children, or 60 percent of those eating in the school lunchrooms of these five states. FIG. 1 = SCHOOLS ARE A MARKET FOR FISH. To determine the value of the programin these states in increasing the use of fish in the schools represented, a comparison was made between periods before and after the demonstrations, As a control,asimilar comparisonwas made in schools not represented but otherwise comparable. FISH CONSUMPTION INCREASED It was found that before the demonstrations the av- erage school represented at the meetings in these five New England states served fishl.7 times per month, After the demonstrations, these schools increased their use of fish to 2.7 times per month--a 59-percent increase. In the same period, schools whose personnel had never seen a demonstration showed only a 14-percent increase, raising their average number of times fish was served per month from 1.4 to 1.6 times. Thus, the over-all result of the ; i 4 : TIONS PER MILLION POPULA- demonstrations in the five states was a net gain of 45 tion. percent in the frequency with whichfish wasused by those HH 10.0 DEMONSTRATIONS 706 schools represented. OR MORE PER MILLION POPU- LATION. t A : FIG. 2 = CONCENTRATION OF Even the increasesin the useof fish inthose schools DEMONSTRATIONS IN NEW which were not represented ata demonstration can be par- ENGLAND STATES. FU SS A AGU Tete Hae { EDUCATIONAL AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT SECTION, e BOSTON, MASS. BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES, 3 COMMODITY |NDUSTRY ANALYST, U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE. WASHINGTON, D. C. 1/DURING 1949 A SIMILAR PROGRAM OF DEMONSTRATIONS WAS PRESENTED IN MASSACHUSETTS. A REPORT ON THE RESULTS APPEARED IN COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, APRIL 1951, PP. 34-6. February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW ills) tially attributed to the program, according to the school-lunch directors of sev- eral states. After the demonstrations, all of the state directors did more to en- courage the use of fish. no. Fishrecipes especially T!ME cas designed for school use ( —— ——_—" were provided by the mmogo i] all trials were for 10-hour periods between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. All trials, except a single l-hour test, resulted in the taking of fish. Catches consisted of individuals from 1 inch to 5 inches in length (see figure 5). The ny ers of in- dividual fish taken in the tests were as follows: 0, 61, 12, 23, 5 i 11, 1,000 (estimated), 226. The catches were composed mostly of email smelt (1 to 2 Gaches in length) and herring (44 to 9 inches in length), and only small numbers of other varieties were taken. Usually when fish were caught, there were good indications of small fish in the area. Several small herring (approximately 43 to 6 inches) reached the receiving tank in a living state. These fish were quite active and appeared to have been 1/\NCLUDES THREE SMALL SQUID. February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 29 FIGURE 3 - VIEW OF INTAKE PIPE AND UNDERWATER LIGHT ASSEMBLY. A - PIPE, GALVANIZED 1RON, 18 INCHES LONG, 4 INCHES INSIDE DIAMETER, WITH 1=!NCH FLANGE WELDED ON. CHECK VALVE. C - HOUSING FOR UNDERWATER LIGHT, MADE OF TWO SECTIONS OF 20-GAUGE STAINLESS STEEL FASTENED TOGETHER WITH SCREWS AND NUTS AS SHOWN, AND Hose) TO PIPE Oo 1 BY A STEEL BRACKET MADE OF 2-1 NCH STRAP STEEL. CONTAINS UNDERWATE SEALED-BEAM LIGHT. D - BOLT AND NUT ARRANGEMENT TO PERMIT AD- JUSTMENT OF LIGHT DIRECTION. E - HOISTING CABLE, FOR HOISTING AND LOWER- ING THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY FROM THE BOOM WHICH IS SWUNG OUTBOARD. 1, 000-w. FIGURE 4 - A FISH BOX 48. INCHES LONG BY 24 INCHES WIDE BY 12 INCHES HIGH WAS USED AS A RECEIVING TANK. BUNT WEBBING, #-1NCH MESH, STRETCHED MEASURE, WAS USED to PRE- VENT WASHING AWAY OF THE SMALL FISH. THIS IMPROVISED ARRANGEMENT WAS USED, SINCE THE JOHN N. COBB WAS PRIMARILY ENGAGED IN O- CEAN TRAWLING MAKING IT UNFEASABLE TO CAR- RY A MORE SUITABLE TANK DURING THIS CRUISE. THE TURBULENCE AND WATER PRESSURE ACCOUNT- ED FOR THE CONS! DERABLE DAMAGE TO THE FISH. little affected by going through the pump. However, the majority of fish were dead, apparently having been injured by the pumping process or by the force of the water in the receiving tank. Fish that were examined showed injuries in the region of the head. A num- ber of the l-inch to 2-inch smelt were seen alive, but it was diffi- cult to determine their condition, and these fish may have died with- in a short period. The improvised receiving tank (described in fig- ure 4), the force and turbulence of the discharge water, and the absence of deck lights during ex- perimental periods made close ob- servation difficult. Further tests are planned, using an improved larger receiving tank, to ascertain the ability of FIGURE 5 - DIFFERENT KINDS OF FISH CAUGHT BY THE puup, these fish to survive the pumping A - CYMATOGASTER aes (SHINER). B = HYPOMESUS PRETIOSUS (SILVER SMELT). - ALLOSMERUS ATTENUATU: Rs eGAIT) - ENGRAULIS MORDAX (ANCHOVY). MICROGADUS PROXIMUS (TOMCOD). LOLIGO OPALESCENS (SQUID). CLUPEA PALLASI| (HERRING). Onmoa 1 process. If results warrant, ad- ditional experiments will be car- ried out with a larger size pump and several types of fish attrac- tors, such as rheostat-controlled lights of varying intensity and electrical fields. 30 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 IN SERVICE LABORATORIES N 2 Y : y IN? 5 Progress on Projects, January 1953 ANALYSIS AND COMPOSITION: Composition and Cold-Storage Life of Fresh—-Water Fish: Proximate composition of 16 carp and 6 lake trout was determined. Results are presented in the following tables: Composition of Edible Portion of Car Weight of |Fillet Yield ole from Whole Length Round Fish} Round Fish Centimeters Grams Percent — Proximate Composition of Edible Portion Moisture] Fat |Protein| Ash Percent |Percent | Percent |Percent 28.0 28.6 29.5 293 Bula 5) 27.0 32.0 31.7 Carp P65) srs (Cyprinus 31.5 Bar 1.41 ee 50.5 27.0 12.50 535 31.0 8.60 54.5 29 0 8.60 51.0 30.0 345 50.5 25.0 9.53 52.0 29 0 10.29 50.0 26 0 9.68 | 53.0 30.0 10.66 52.0 25.0 ional: 32,20 8 1/ CAUGHT IN LAKE BENTON, MINNESOTA, IN AUGUST 1952. Composition of Edible Portion of Lake Trout Proximate Composition of Edible Portion (Seattle) He K KK February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 31 REFRIGERATION: Freezing Fish at Sea, Defrosting, Filleting, and Refreezing the Fillets: VESSEL OPERATION: Inclination tests were carried out on the re- search trawler Delaware by representatives of a commercial boat-building concern to determine the vessel's stability under various load conditions. Results of the tests indicated that the addition of the proposed modified brine-freezing equipment will not materially affect the stability of the vessel. LABORATORY: Effects of brine concentration on haddock and scrod haddock fil- lets during the brine-dipping process are being studied. Tap water and sixbrine solutions (with concentrations of: 0.8, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, and 26.0 percent sodium chloride by weight) have been used. Sixty pounds each of scrod haddock fillets (separated into seven 8.5-pound groups) and haddock fillets (separated in- to seven 8.5-pound groups) were used. Under controlled conditions, each group of scrod and haddock fillets was immersed in one of the brines. Immersion was for exactly 20 seconds in all cases. Each group was allowed to drain on a screen for two minutes, weighed, wrapped in moisture-vaporproof cellophane, boxed, and fro- zen in a plate freezer (-50° F. on the plates). After several weeks in frozen storage determinations for salt, free drip, press drip, total solids in press drip, and toughness will be made on representa- tive samples from each group. The effect of salt absorption upon the palatabili- ty of the fillets will also be studied. Preferences of the taste panel for the cooked samples will be scored to give information as to the individual taste threshold for salt, and to determine the relativesaltiness ofthe niggas Gace Boston) SOURCES OF INFORMATION CONCERNING THE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES Fishery Leaflet 362, Sources of Information Concerning the Commer- cial Fisheries, was recently issued. Various publications from which information on commercial fisheries (especially of the United States) may be obtained are listed in this 23-page leaflet. It is not meant to be a complete bibliography; therefore, only principal contributions or bibliographies are listed. References are listed under the following major categories--byproducts, canning, freezing, gear, marketing, sta- tistics, consumption, cookery, directories, employment, salting, sanita- tion, smoking, spoilage, technical journals, trade journals, and visual aids. Basic sources are indicated. For free copies of this leaflet write directly to the Division of Information, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington 25, D. C. 32 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 TECHNICAL NOTE NO. 24--A PORTABLE IMMERSION FREEZER REQUIREMENTS Evaluation of the commercial feasibility of freezing "round" fish at seafor subsequent thawing and processing into frozen fillets ashore is one of the projects for the Boston Laboratory of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The fish are being frozen by immersion in a cold (5° to 10° F.) sodium-chloride brine onboard the research trawler Delaware (Magnusson, Pottinger, and Hartshorne 1952). Rep- resentative samples of the fish frozen at sea are analyzed in the laboratory to determine extent of salt penetration into the fish. Tests at the laboratory have shown that salt penetration into fish by the freezing medium has been proven of minor concern. However, to formulate methods of freezing which would further minimize penetration, knowledge of the factors which govern penetration is necessary. The strict control of immersion time, brine temperature, and brine concentration necessary for such studies is not prac— ticable in the large freezer on board the vessel. Furthermore, small scale stud- ies on the suitability of immersion-freezing media other than sodium-chloride brines would seriously interfere with the scheduled operation of the larger freez— er aboard the vessel. For these reasons, a portable immersion freezer, having a relatively wide temperature range and affording accurate control at a giventem- perature, was constructed. The freezing apparatus, built somewhat along the lines of a laboratory con- stant temperature bath (Tappel 1951), was designed to fill the following require- ments: Insulated Refrigerant Tank Baffle with Screened Opening 8) 1) i rn 7g DW ir sh) y) @ H rae 7). p>). ye 4 H.P Motor —Insulated Freezer Tank FIGURE 1 - DIAGRAM OF THE PORTABLE IMMERSION FREEZER. February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 35 1. Allow rigid control of immersion time of the fish and brine temperature during the freezing process. 2. Facilitate easy and rapid changes in concentration or com- position of the freezing medium. 3. Be easy to transfer from laboratory to vessel and be capable of operation at either location. 4. Have sufficient capacity to lower the temperature of the freezing medium to -40°F. and to maintainthe temperature to within +1° F. when 4 or 5 haddock (approximately 12 pounds) are immersed in the medium. 5. Have a relatively low initial cost. oO - Have a low electric power demand, since power eXreeieiolko on the vessel is limited. 7. Be easy to dismantle for cleaning. A survey of available literature on low-temperature baths had revealed that the use of mixtures of solidified carbon dioxide (dry ice) and alcohol afford an efficient means of attaining and holding the desired temperatures. The vaporiza- tion of the pieces of dry ice is accomplished by extraction of heat from the al= cohol. By use of sufficient quantities of dry ice, the temperature of the alco- hol may be reduced to values approaching that of the sublimation temperature of carbon dioxide (-109° F.). Chilled in this manner, alcohol serves as an excel- lent cooling medium. DESCRIPTION OF APPARATUS The apparatus consists essentially of two insulated tanks (fig. 1). One, the refrigerant tank, contains the alcohol dry-ice mixture. The other, the freezing tank, contains the immersion-freezing medium and a coil of finned tubing. A ro- tary positive displacement pump, powered by a #-hp. motor, circulates the chilled alcohol from the refrigerant tank through the coils in the freezing tank by means of a piping system suitably equipped with valves and flexible connections. Two laboratory stirrers are mounted on the freezing tank to agitate the freezing me- dium. The tanks, fabricated from stainless steel, fit snugly into plywood casings which are insulated with four inches of glass wool. The refrigerant-tank casing is equipped with an insulated hinged cover. The refrigerant tank, 18 inches square by 16 inches deep, is divided into halves by a vertical removable baffle which is fitted with a screened opening. The inlet for warmed alcohol from the freezing tank is on one side of the baffle and the outlet for chilled alcohol on the other. Since the dry ice is added only on the inlet side, the baffle insures adequate contact of the warmed alcohol and the cold dry ice. Also, the baffle screen prevents passage of the dry ice to the outlet side and thence through the coil system. The inlet and outlet fittings on the refrigerant tank can be removed to facilitate dismantling of the tank fortrans- portation and cleaning. ; The freezing tank coil, fabricated from #-inch finned copper tubing and having a total heat exchange area of 60 square feet, clears the sides of the 30 x 14 x l4- inch freezing tank by 34-inch on all sides. The coil, a self-supporting unit, can be easily removed from the tank. 34 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, Now 2 The circulating pump is rated at 8 gallons per minute against a 20-foot head. It is powered by either an a. c. or ad. c. 110-volt motor. The d. c. motor is used when the freezer is operated on board the vessel. A flexible coupling onthe drive shaft affords easy interchangeability of the motors. Unions in the $-inch piping system permit the tanks, coil, and pump to be disconnected for ease inhan- dling. The 3-foot flexible pipe connections between the tanks provide freedom in positioning the various parts of the apparatus to conform to the restricted space available on board fishing vessels. Piping and valves are connected in such a manner as to allow optional bypass- ing of the coil in the freezing tank. This provides flexibility in controlling the flow of alcohol and eliminates the necessity of stopping the positive dis- placement pump when no flow is required. The chilled alcoholis circulated through the bypass during periods of "no demand" in the coils. Such a system insures that the pump and its intake pipe will be kept sufficiently cold to prevent "flashing" of the dissolved gaseous carbon dioxide and consequent failure of the pump dueto "vapor lock." The temperature of the freezing medium is controlled by regulating the flow of chilled alcohol through the coils. Whereas hand valves, requiring considerable attention for proper temperature regulation, are used on the present apparatus, the system would lend itself well to automatic thermal control devices. During the initial tests, an average cooling rate of 220 B. t. u./minute (1.1 standard refrigeration tons) was produced in the freezing medium. With the media used to date, an over-all coefficient of heat transfer of 10 B. t. u./hr./ft.*/de- gree F. was indicated for the 60 square-foot surface area of the freezing tank coil. Temperatures of the medium, upon placing four haddock (average weight of three pounds each) in the freezing tank, were maintained to within +1° F. of the desired temperatures. This portable immersion freezer has been used in the laboratory and on board the trawler Delaware during two cruises. It has thus far been wholly satisfactory in performance. LITERATURE CITED MAGNUSSON, Ho. W.; POTTINGER, S. Re; AND HARTSHORNE, Je Co 1952. FREEZING FISH AT SEA = NEW ENGLAND: PART 2 = EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES AND EQUI P- MENT. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, VOL. 14, NO. 2 (FEBRUARY 1952), PP, 8-15. TAPPEL, ALOYS L. 1951. A BATH FOR CONSTANT LOW TEMPERATURES. THE CHEMIST ANALYST, VOL. 40, NO. 3 (SEP- TEMBER 1951), PP. 69-70. I --C. GP. Oldershaw, Mechanical Engineer, John A. Holston, Chemist, and S. R. Pottinger, Fishery Products Technologist Fishery Technological Laboratory, Branch of Commercial Fisheries, U. 5S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Boston, Massachusetts. > COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 35 February 1953 DEVEL AND = 3 OPMENTS = Anglers’ Fishing-License Sales Reach New High The popularity of fresh-water fishing in the United States reached a new high during the year ended June 30, 1952, withthe record sale of 17,127,896 anglers' li- censes, the Secretary of the Interior was FISHING LICENSES SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES —— July 1, 1951,to June 30, 1952 Th aor “ANGLERS" d i - — — coe Laan “try | advised by the Director of the Fish and Wild fea 168, 589 13,099 181, 688 s 203] Life Service on February 5, 1953. The gross rizona 67,817 17,020 84,837 255,185 rkansas 257,759 90, 308 348, 067 630,137 |California 1,047, 739 11,628 1,059, 367 3,217, 004 \Colorado 273, 269 71, 653 344, 922 1, 080, 399) [Connecticut 89,375 4,643 94, 018 326, 824| Delaware 6,624 1, 760 8,384 21, 480] Florida 191,219 90, 709 281,928 770, 266) Georgia 348, 336 4,115 352,451 233,421 idaho 168,578 53,205 221,783 577,598) Mlinois 720, 154 30,814 750, 968 794, 706) indiana 511,729 34,353 546,082 611,333 owa 380,071 12,518 392,589 560, 169) Kansas 265,032 4,753 269, 785 413,447 Kentucky 318,060 76,523 394, 583 650, 658 Loulslana 76,516 12, 621 89,337 121,589) Maine 123,226 63, 738 186, 964 569,000 Maryland 84,613 16,699 Lot, 312 161,261 Massachusettes 207,779 7,436 215,215 563,275 Michigan 841, 913 282, 425 1,124,338 2,153, 445. Minnesota 644, 046 286,510 930,556 2,062,805 Miseiesippi 113, 122 50,110 163,232 246, 633 Missouri 613,223 41,045 654,268 1,114,888 Montana 176,238 29,592 205,830 372, 912 lebraska 195,267 8,234 203,501 309, 686 jlevada 21,637 21,459 43,096 167,291 jew Hampshire 93, 873 44, 306 138,179 399, 460 lew Jerecy 133,056 11, 788 144,844 483, 960 lew Mexico 69,059 36,512 105,57) 353,953, lew York 758,651 35, 785 794,436 1,783, 149, lorth Carolina 277,564 45,696 323,260 533,174 jorth Dakota 68,887 707 69,594 36, 564 hio B34, 463 40,447 864,910 1,279, 137 klahoma 378,290 53,099 431,389 907, 335 regon 295,433 2,346 297,779 1,102,311 ennsylvania 642,691 21,595 664,286 1, 363,405 thode Island 23,140 450 23,590 42,194 outh Carolina 275,582 3,688 279,270 ‘351,201 jouth Dakota 110, 060 23,873 133,933 312, 561 corn ‘ennessee 537,825 224,230 762,055 728, 562 ‘exas 384, 688 7,526 392,214 650, 306 itah 110, 341 4,980 115, 321 295, 643 ermont 71, 760 30,516 102,276 208, 928 irginia 332,971 3,034 336,005, A474, 888 avhington 423,560 20,583 444,143 1,029, 736 eat Virginia 236,930 10, 676 247, 606 456, 104 isconsin 738, 944 299, 768 1,038, 712 2,067, 692 A yoming 109, 972 49,450 159, 422 557,025 ad 48 TOTALS 14, 819, 671 2,308,225 17, 127, 896 mae revenue der ive by the States from these TEED EROSS COS EASE SLE ERS ES SPECT RCE PERN THRE ACSANG RESTATE TOP license sales amounted to $33,609,539. COMBINATION LICENSES, COMBINATION LICERSES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN’BOTH HUNTING ANO FISHING TABULATIONS « oa Compared with the previous year when 16,026,699 anglers' fishing licenses were sold by the various States for $35,554,285, the 1951/52 season totals show an in- erease of 1,101,197 licenses and a decrease of $1,944,746. Nonresident fishermen purchased 2,308,225 licenses in fiscal year 1952, an in- erease of 152,804 over the 2,155,421 of the previous year. States which attracted the greatest number of out-of-State anglers were Wisconsin (299,768 nonresident li- cense sales), Minnesota (286,510), Michigan (282,425), and Tennessee (224,230). In the number of licenses issued, Michigan with 1,124,338 continued to head the list. Wisconsin with 1,038,712. with 874,910; New York was sixth with 794,436; Tennessee, seventh with 762,055; Il- linois, eighth with 750,968; Pennsylvania, ninth with 664,286; and Missouri, tenth with 654,268. In Alaska the sale of 43,495 fishing licenses brought $74,938. censes numbered 29,826; nonresident, 13,669. California rated second place with 1,059,367, while third place went to Minnesota held fourth place with 930,556; Ohio was fifth Resident 1i- One-half of the revenue from hunting and fishing license sales in Alaska is required by law to go into "miscellaneous receipts" of the United States Treasury, and the remainder goes into the Territori- al school fund. 56 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 In the Territory of Hawaii, according to the Board of Commissioners of Agri- culture and Forestry, only 627 fresh-water game-fishing licenses were purchased at a cost of $1,517. Fishing licenses in Hawaii, however, are required for the tak- ing of introduced fresh-water game species only. As the bulk of their sport fish- ermen fish in salt water, the number of licenses sold gives = most incorrect meas- urement of the degree of sport-fishing activity in the Territory. NOTE: ALSO SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, MARCH 1952, P. 28; APRIL 1951, P. 30. Bids Received for Lease of Fish Cannery in American Samoa Two bids were received on the proposal for the leese of the fish cannery at Tutuila, American Samoz, according to officials of the Fecific Branch of the De- pertment of Interior's Office of Territories. Although neither of the bids wes completely in accord with specifications, it is hoped thet some satisfactory sr- rangement can be worked out with one or the other of the bidders by direct nego- tiation. NOTE: ALSO SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, OCTOBER 1952, PP. 46-8. = a California Sardine 1952/53 Season Worst in History The 1952/53 California serdine (pilchard) season (that ended Februery 1) pro- duced a total of only 3,320 tons, end was the worst season in the 37 years that the State has kept records, reports the California Department of Fish snd Game in a recent bulletin. The total lendings for the season only equalled "one fair-- not outstending--day's lendings during past seasons," according to the Department. Commerciel sardine fishermen landed more than 700,000 tons in 1936/37 (the record season). As the season ended on Februery 1 the fleet was fishing for enchovies as a substitute for sardines. The present catastrophe, predicted by Department biologists more than a dec- ade ago, underscores the Department's plea for strict regulation and management of the fishery until it can recover. The Departmental recommendation asks that the California Fish and Game Commission be given the necessary regulatory power by the State Legislature. Meanwhile, the Sardine Industry Advisory Committee has urged the Legislature that future serdine fishing laws be set by the State's Ma- rine Research Committee. The Pacific mackerel fishery in Celifornia is also at e.low ebb. Low spawn survival of Pacific mackerel plus overfishing "has reduced this fishery to the same status as the sardine--meaning that for commercial purposes neither fishery exists st present," steted the supervisor of the State Marine Fisheries Laboratory. The Pacific mackerel fishermen are fishing for the less-popular jack mackerel due to the scarcity of Pacific mackerel. EPCS m) Bb February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 37 Chesapeake Bay Oyster Photography Project Abandoned by Maryland The project of learning more about oysters through underwater photography has been abandoned by the Maryland Tidewater Fisheries Commission, according to the January Maryland Tidewater News issued by the Department of Research and Ed- ucation. "There is nothing yet to take the place of the dredge," said a member of the Commission. "The camera has some value in determining the relative produc- tivity of any bar. but this preliminary work indicates that it is only of real value when used with the older tong-and-dredge sampling methods," a Commission statement said. The camera, rigged with a special filter to offset cloudy water, was tested for four days in October 1952. It was estimated at the time it would cost from $3,000 to $4,000 a month to operate in late fall when the Chesapeake Bay waters are clearest. NOTE: ALSO SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, JANUARY 1953, P. 31. 2 Danish Floating Trawl Tested Off Block Island Experiments with a Danish floating trawl were carried out inthe BlockIsland Sound winter herring fishery during Januaryby specialists of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Exploratory Fishing and Gear Development Section and fishermen THE DANISH FLOATING TRAWL IN OPERATION. of the Point Judith Fishermen's Cooperative Association. Unfortunately, these tests had to be temporarily suspended in late January due to an unusual scarcity of herring which in past years have been present in Block Island Sound in large numbers. Only scattered fish have appeared thus far this season and the total catch by the commercial otter-trawl fleet has been very small. The experiments were to be continued immediately when the schools of herring show up again in greater concentrations. Although no herring schools were found for testing the floating trawl, results of the experiments were satisfactory from an operationalstandpoint. Several blind sets were made, and on each occasion the operation proceeded smoothly. The two vessels,- furnished by the Point Judith Fishermen's Cooperative Association, were local draggers 48 feet and 57 feet in length, with 110- and 100-hp. Dieselengines, respectively. On one set, an accompanying vessel made echo recordings of thetrawl, which showed the float line 5 fathoms below the surface and the lead line 10 fath- oms below the surface, thus giving a vertical opening of 5 fathoms. This was a 36-foot trawl (3/4 normal size) towed at 2k to 3 knots in 19 fathoms of water with 50 fathoms of towing cable. Point Judith fishermen who took part in the trials quickly learned the method of setting and hauling the floating trawl. They were optimistic concerning its possibilities. 38 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 Federal Purchases of Fishery Products a6 CES eee eee, ee SSS (valued at $630,940) of fresh and frozen fishery products (see table). This was a decrease of 45.9 percent in quantity and 42.8 percent in value as comparedwith the previous month, and 51.5 percent in quantity and 45.6 percent in value less than in December 1951. December 1952 purchases were the lowest bythe Quartermas— ter Cerps since April 1950 (pre-Korea)--an indication that buying practices may have been altered to the extent that heavy purchases are made when fishery prod- ucts are plentiful. Purchases of fresh and frozen fish by the Army Quartermaster Corps in 1952 amounted to 32,275,567 pounds (valued at $15,049,599), an increase of 1.4 percent in quantity and 9.3 percent in value as compared with 1951, and 80.0 percent in quantity and 103.4 percent in value more than in 1950. Purchases of Fresh and Frozen Fishery Products by Department of the Army December and Twelve Months of 1952 and 1951 QAUAACEN ET r Veer AVS UE OE December January—December 1952 1951 1952 1951 1952 1951 1952 1951 10% 1 1 , 109, 663}2,225 , 362)32, 275, 567]31,843, 701] 630, 940]1, 160,779} 15,049,599} 13,771,350 Prices paid for fresh and frozen fishery products by the Department of the Army in 1952 averaged 46.6 cents per pound as compared with 43.2 cents in 195land 41.4 cents for 1950. This increase is due for the most part to the general price rise during the past few years which has taken place in fishery products as well as all other commodities. In addition to the purchases of fresh and frozen fishery products indicated above, the Armed Forces generally make some local purchases whichare not included in the above figures. Therefore, actual purchases are somewhat higher than indi- cated, but it is not possible to obtain data on the local purchases made by mili- tary installations throughout the country. Fishery Products Marketing Prospects for 1953 and Review for 1952 PROSPECTS FOR 1953: Current indications point to a somewhat weaker civilian demand for fishery products in 1953 than last year. Per-capita consumption of fresh and processed fish and shellfish may be about as large as in 1952, but re- tail prices this year may not average quite as high as last year. Fishery prod- ucts are expected to encounter more competition from meats and poultry products for the consumers! food dollar than in 1952. Domestic supplies are sufficiently large to maintain civilian per-capita con- sumption of fishery products during the next few months at about the same rate as in the comparable part of 1952. Cold-storage stocks of frozen fishery products on January 1, 1953, were at a record-high level for that time of year, and will bemore than adequate to meet domestic needs until the 1953 commercial-fishing operations February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 39 begin to expand seasonally after mid-spring. Total canned fish stocks are esti- mated to be about as large as in early 1952 and sufficient for civilian needs until the new packs start moving to market after mid-year. Through most of 1953, less canned California sardines (pilchards) will be available for the domestic market and for export because of the unusually small pack last year. However, supplies of many of the other popular types of canned fishery products will be about as large or larger than in the comparable part of 1952; The international trade of the United States in fishery products in1953 is expected to follow the same pattern as last year. Imports of these commodities are expected to be larger than last year, although the increase may not be as large as that which occurred between 1951 and 1952. Some further decline in ex- ports of fishery products is anticipated to result from the still smaller export- able supplies of those canned fishery products which are popular in our foreign markets. REVIEW OF 1952: U. S. civilian per-capita consumption of fishery products in 1952 was slightly smaller than in, the previous year. Some declines in consump- tion were indicated for many of the important fresh and processed products. ‘he Bureau of Labor Statistics index of retail prices for all edible fishery products in urban areas for the year as a whole averaged slightly lower than for 1951, after declining in every month beginning with March. The commercial catch of edible fish and shellfish in 1952 was somewhat small- er than a year earlier, Most of the decline resulted from the almost complete failure of the sardine (pilchard) fishery in California. Commercial freezings of edible fishery products (in 1952) in the United States and Alaska were smaller than in 1951. Cold-storage holdings of fish and shellfish at the end of 1952 amounted to 193 million pounds, a little over 14 per- cent larger than a year earlier. An important part of the cold-storage stocks was imported frozen groundfish and other fillets. Canned fish and shellfish production was somewhat smaller than in 1951. The decline in the total output resulted mainly from the significant reduction in the pack of California sardines. However, to a large extent this was offset by a near-record volume of tuna packed in the continental United States, and a sharp increase over 1951 in the output of canned anchovies, mackerel, and Maine sardines. The pack of salmon in 1952 was somewhat smaller than that of a year earlier. To some extent the decline in output of salmon was offset by increased imports from Canada and by a reduction both in purchases by U. S. military agencies and exports. Nevertheless, civiliens had less canned salmon per person than in 1951, a continu- ation of the downward consumption trend of recent years. Imports of edible fishery products were large in 1952. The quantity of fro- zen groundfish (cod, haddock, hake, pollock, cusk, and ocean perch) fillets re- ceived from abroad is estimated to have reached a record high of almost 108 mil- lion pounds, 24 percent larger than corresponding imports in 1951. Canned tuna and bonito imports in 1952 totaled 37 million pounds, approximately 60 percent larger than a year earlier. Doubling of shipments from Japan accounted for most of the increase. Exports of edible fishery products from the United States,on the other hand, were smaller in volume than in 1951. The out movement of canned salmon, mackerel, and sardines--cur principal export commodities among the edible fishery products-—- amounted to about 43 million pounds, almost 70 percent below 1951. The export de- cline resulted largely front the very small catch and pack of California sardines. 40 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 Military purchases of fresh and frozen fishery products in 1952 amounted to 32 million pounds, approximately equal to the preceding year's total. On the oth- er hand, withdrawals from domestic market supplies of the major types of canned fish (i.e., salmon, sardines, and tuna) were 10 million pounds, about 58 percent smaller than the quantity taken by the military in 1951. This analysis is based on a report prepared by the Bureau of Agricultural Eco- nomics, U. S. Department of Agriculture, in Cee with the U.S. Fish and Wild- life Service, and published in the former agency's January-March 1953 issue of the National Food Situation. Imports of Groundfish riliees Reach New High in 1952 United States 1952 imports of groundfish (including ocean perch) fillets amount- ed to 107,802,447 pounds--24 percent greater than the previous all-time high in 1951 (see table). Once again Canada led as the largest foreign supplier of groundfish fil- lets for the United States market, shipping 51 percent of the total; followed by Iceland who shipped 33 percent, and Norway 10 percent. While exports to the United States from most countries have been incre:sSing almost stead- ily, Iceland and Norway are mainly responsi- ble for the substantial increases in recent postwar years. Since 1948, shipments from Iceland jumped 749 percent, while shipments fror. Norway were 26 times greater. Domestic groundfish fillet producers in New unelsnd have been seeking Govermment pro- tection in the form of higher tariffs against et See Se what they term an "ever-increasing influx of foreign competition." Hes dneene on groundfish fillets were held by the U. S. Tariff We iGOTMANY: Velsicreic/cieieiejeveleleie United Kingdom cccccccecce 1,355,264 263,719 2,369,412] 244,295 132,800] 133,550 2,400 48 348 40 60 SOL 1/PRELIMINARY . February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW ral Commission in Washington,D. C., in 1951 and a study of the industry was made. In a report issued at Washington, D. C., in September 1952, the Commission found ",..that groundfish fillets are not being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as a result of a concession granted in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade so as to cause or threaten serious injury to the domesticin- dustry producing like or directly competitive products. Accordingly, in the judg- ment of the Commission, no sufficient reason existed for a recommendation to the President for the withdrawal or modification of the concession." NOTE: ALSO SEE P. 72 OF THIS |SSUE. Metal Cans--Shipments for Fishery Products, November 1952 Total shipments of metal cans for fish and sea food during November 1952 a- mounted to 7,062 short tons of steel (based on the amount of steel consumed inthe manufacture of cans), a decrease of 17 percent when compared with shipments for October and 15 percent less than in November 1951. The pack of California sardines continued very light in November. Data on these shipments are from a January 16 report issued by the Bureau of the Census. Total metal-can shipments for fishery products during the first 11 months of 1952 totaled 102,326 short tons of steel as compared with 102,270 short tons of steel for January-November 1951. NOTE: STATISTICS COVER ALL COMMERCIAL AND CAPTIVE PLANTS KNOWN TO BE PRODUCING METAL CANS. REPORTED IN BASE BOXES OF STEEL CONSUMED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CANS, THE DATA FOR FISHERY PRODUCTS ARE CONVERTED TO TONS OF STEEL 3Y USING THE FACTOR: 23.0 BASE BOXES OF STEEL EQUAL ONE SHORT TON OF STEEL. nn ~ SS Michigan STUDY OF SEA LAMPREY CONTINUED: Thousands of sea lampreys were captured or their habits observed during 1951-52 as Michigan's Conservation Department study of the fish-killing parasitewas continued, reports a recent news bulletin from that State agency. In thelast fewyears, lampreys have nearly wiped out the commercial lake trout fishery of the Great Lakes, and more recently have been reported in some inlandlakes. SEA LAMPREY (PETROMYZON MARINUS) A barrier dam on the Black River near Naubinway, Michigan, was in operation during the spawning run of the sea lamprey as part of THE SEA LAMPREY, WHICH FEEDS ON THE BLOOD AND FLESH OF FISH, the experimental control pro- 1S PREYING ON THE LAKE TROUT OF THE GREAT LAKES AND 1S gram in 1952. Attempts were THREATENING THAT FISHERY. made to block the lamprey from spawning grounds in such a way that trout and other spawning fish could pass through. Nearly 700 adult lampreys were captured here. MOUTH OF SEA LAMPREY K J We 7, Cry 42 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, Noe 2 The Department also operated lamprey traps on the Carp Lake River in Emmett County in cooperation with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. During the spawn- ing season, 857 lampreys were taken moving upstream. Downstreem movement on the river was checked by another trap that took nearly 5,500 adult and young lampreys during the fiscal year (July 1, 1951, to June 30, 1952). Also, persistent reports led to a study of suspected inland lakes. Of the 19 checked, Burt, Mullet, Big Platte, Charlevoix, and Devoe lakes were found to have resident lamprey populations. However, none is badly troubled by this pred- ator. KR KKK PROGRESS IN LAKE TROUT BIOLOGICAL STUDIES: Biological studies of the lake trout during the last six years in Lake Michigan and Huron by Michigan's Depart- ment of Conservation have shown some success, but obstacles have been many and progress has been slow, states a recent bulletin from that Agency. In order to learn more about the movements and growth rates of lake trout, fingerlings with clipped fins were planted some years ago in Lake Michigan and Huron. To date 1,599 have been recovered in Lake Michigan. Of the total recov- ered, only about 230 were of legal size, the remainder of sublegal size. During 1952, only 11 lake trout with deformed fins were turned in to the Department--10 sublegal and 1 legal-size fish. Research biologists doubt that any of these came from the original plantings. Commercial fishermen are paid $2.00 for each sublegal-size and $4.00 for each legal-size lake trout believed to be from the fin-marked stock. Although many of the fish were "doubtful recoveries," others were almost certainly from the original group and have provided some knowledge to research men. The study is continuing, but few additional recoveries are expected in the present program. Pacific Gray Whales in Winter Migration to Breeding Grounds In January the gray whales of the Pacific began moving southward along the coast of California to their winter breeding grounds, according to a U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service news release. These strange animals make an annual migration to certain bays in Lower California to bear their calves, returning later to feed in the ocean waters as far north as the Gulf of Alaska. Once very abundant, they were almost extermi- nated by whalers who operated in these confined bays. Now protected, their num- bers have increased so that they are counted in the thousands. Whales like other mammals breath air and must hold their breathe when below the surface of the water. They must spend much time at the surface where they may be counted. The gray whale, during this migration, follows the beach closely and may be counted as he surfaces within sight of land. Tne slate-colored gray whale is one of the smaller of the whales, with an average length of 40 feet. The blue or sulphur-bottom whale reaches a maximum length of 106 feet and a weight of over 100 tons. But these 40-foot animals travel leisurely close inshore through the clear waters of southern California at six or seven miles an hour, February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 45 The Fish and Wildlife Service's expert on whales and whaling has taken up his post at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at La Jolla inpartial fulfill- ment of the United States' responsibilities as a member of the International Whal- ing Convention for the conservation of whales. He is making systematic observa- tions to determine the size of the herd of gray whales, and will follow them let- er to the southern wintering grounds to complete his census. In order to insure that whaling treaty requirements are met, whaling permits are now required for United States nationals to take these animals, and to establish whaling stations. These requirements are designed to eliminate all wasteful practices. The once great American whaling industry (100 years ago over 700 whaling ships, involving an investment of $40 million, were engaged in the business) is temporarily dormant because of a lack of demand for the products. The business may be revived because the whale meat is similar to beef in flavor and texture, and is extensively used for food in Japan, as well as in several European countries, and has recently been introduced in the United States. It has been estimated that one whale could produce as much meat as a herd of 100 cattle. The International Whaling Commission, made up of representatives of the 17 treaty Governments, meets annually. This year the meeting will be in June at Lon- don. Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investigations ARTIFICIAL TUNA-BAIT TRIALS: The use of fish extracts in attracting surface tuna schools was tested in the first of a series of sea trials which commenced during the week of January 26, reports the Service's Pacific Oceanic Fishery Inves- tigations. The material used had been previously tested by Dr. A. L. Tester on tuna held in University of Hawaii ponds and found to be a strong attractant to the fish held in captivity. The initial sea trial by the research vessel Hugh M, Smith will stress methods of spreading the extract in the water and observing the reaction of the fish to the material. JAPANESE FISHERIES TRAINING SHIP TO VISIT HAWAII: The Shunkotsu Maru, a Jap- anese fisheries training ship with 47 fisheries trainees on board, was expected to stop at Hawaii on or about February 9, according to a report from POFI. This 600- ton vessel intends to fish between Japan and Hawaii. It was learned she would stay at Honolulu for about one week and visit Hilo on the island of Hawaii before continuing its training cruise. * OK KK OK TUNA SCOUTING METHODS STUDIED BY "CHARLES H. GILBERT" (Cruise 6 and POFI Flights 2 and 3): The study of methods for scouting surface schools of tuna in the Hawaiian area, and a survey of biological and oceanographic conditions in De- cember were the objectives of the Service's Pacific Oceanic Fishery Investigations (POFI) research vessel Charles H. Gilbert. The vessel left Honolulu December 9 md returned December 19, 1952. After sailing due south from Honolulu, the vessel then headed due east to Hawaii. It worked around Hawaii five days before cruising alom the windward side of the chain to Kauai andNiihau. Flights were made onDecember 12 and 18 from Barbers Pt., N.A.S., along the course of the vessel and north to 23° 40' N. latitude. 4A, COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 The watch for tuna, birds, and other organisms was favored by good weather throughout the cruise. Comparable numbers of fish schools were sighted in rough- ly the same waters by the vessel and plane observers. Schools of small skipjack were encountered by the vessel south of Oahu, around Hawaii, off Maui and Molokai, and near Niihau; fish being caught from the area south of Oahu and off Niihau. Bird sightings were scanty, shearwaters being notable by their comparative ab sence; the presence of jaegers and skuas (unrecorded in mid-Facific waters prior to this year) suggests the possibility of marked irregularities in recent weather and/or hydrographic patterns. Schools of cetaceans were seen from time to time; motion pictures of three species were obtainedand one porpoise washarpooned for study. Difficulty in obtaining bait in sufficient quantities made efforts at fish- ing schools unsatisfactory. Incidental trolling with two nonstandard lures for 100 hours resulted in a catch of three yellowfin, three dolphin, and one little tuna. Morphometrics were taken on selected specimens, and a series of skipjack from a catch of 134 was saved for a study of food, sex and maturity, and length- weight relationships, and a comparative study of various length measurements ver- sus post-mortem states of the fish. Hydrophone measurements and recordings were made of vessel noise and the sounds produced by various organisms. Eighty-three BT. casts were made, at hour- ly intervals during the day. Continuous records of near-surface temperatures were obtained and the depth recorder was operated routinely when under way for indications of deep-swimming organisms, Notable temperature inversions were de- tected in Hilo Bay, where also the vitality of nehu has apparently dropped sharp- ly in the course of the past month. ojrBor United States and Alaska Fisheries LEADING FISHERY FORTS IN 1952: San Pedro, California, once again led all other fishing ports in the United States in 1952, with estimated total landings of 385,000,000 pounds, valued at $38,000,000. However, these landings were 29 Ue ones Ms SAN PEDRO PILCHARD FLEET. February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 15 percent less than in 1951, according to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Branch of Commercial Fisheries. The failure of the pilchard fishery in 1952 ac- counted for this large decrease. Gloucester, Massachusetts, was again secondwith estimated landings of 226,000,000 pounds--13 percent less than in 1951 due to lighter ocean perch landings. Because of record menhaden landings, Lewes, Delaware, was in third place, replacing Boston, Massachusetts, which dropped to fifth place in 1952. Fishery landings, together with landed velues, at leading United States ports follow: Landings of Fishery Froducts at Leading U. S. Ports in 1952 (Quantity and Landed Values)2/ Landed Value Lbs. D Sanmbediron (Cala fornia cc scrotalee a ale slejejeriaie aletebele cielele « of|¥3S52000,000)|= 36,000,000 Gloucester, Massachusetts .....ccccccccscccccescvcese | 222,000,000 9,600,000 HECWE Siem CHA AIC Melalele/sielelele) clelolelel sleieicielelolelolelelerensyerens eeceee | 210,000,000 2 Damenorism COU S LAN iiels\e/a1s\e)e\elc/e/o)elelcleie olsieisieleleielelejoleleleieieisje)) | Gols OOO 000 2/ Boston, Massachusetts ....c.ccccccccccccscccccecscese | 173,000,000 | 14,300,000 HNP LE LOU SAMA lelelelelele/elolelolele slelelele sl slelcteleleleleisieleielelelerevel [i 4 Os OOO 5000 2 Pascagoula, Mississippi .........cccccccccccecseceece | 130,000,000 2/ San Diego, California .......... 000 17,000 ,000 1/PRELIMINARY DATA. 2/NOT AVAILABLE. In 1952 other important fishery ports besides those listed in the table in approximate order of volume of landings were: Reedville, Va.; Amagansett, N. Y.; Fernandina, Fla.; Beaufort, N. C.; Tuckerton, N. J.; Port Monmouth, N. J.; and New Bedford, Mass. Except for New Bedford, landings at these ports consisted chiefly of menhaden, which is used for the production of fish meal, oil, and sol- ubles. Landings of Fishery Products at Leading U. S. Ports in 19512/ Landed Value Lbs. 2 AMM LEGO) mC ailat HOLM weler,jareve\els\sleiele s/elckelaloreielsiateterelsielvierieion |! D440 9 OOO y COON AO 3 O00, OOO Gloucester), Massachusetts .)o)e<.sc.c cress ereielens BAS a un 260,000,000 | 17,600,000 Boston, Massachusetts ...........++- SOUOCHOFOO COS OOD |) LAH OGOAecleh |: Wh (0,010)10,0,9) SaneDveron (Cala torntars ic centic eee ci SMiiaaticnee’: vee 170,000,000 | 26,000,000 Lewes, Delaware .......... er aks Se doe an ete eo 000,000 2/ Reedville, Virginia ........... pry Stee Sa ed wesee | 126,000,000 2/ Bese arouilictsm Mats SitsSi!ppignet-talelelleis clelsl= clelelotelsye SOCIO OE Ou eae OOO COO 2/ New Bedford, Massachusetts ........scececseveces seeece | 79,300,000 | 11,800,000 Moribene yi wiGadlhOmnsia avsisrers) «crete eiiterelsvale eee totale We latetetsrs 70,000,000 | 2,225,000 1/PRELIMINARY DATA. 2/NOT AVAILABLE. PR 3¢ 3b 3 —=—= ————— taled about 4.3 billion pounds, a slight decline from the 4.4 billion pounds landed in 1951. The estimated total landed value during 1952 was $335,000,000--$10,000,000 less than in 1951. Menhaden once again was the leading species landed with a re- cord total of 1.3 billion pounds. Selmon (all species) led all other food fish, although landings were 13 percent less than in 1951. The other leading species landed in order of importance were tuna, shrimp, ocean perch, and haddock(see table). 46 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 Lbs Lbs. 1,300,000, 000 1,100,000 ,000 almon (all species) -cccecccccccccccsocccccecce 350,900,000 400,000,000 una and tuna-like fish ccceccscsccceccccecccece 340,000 ,000 322 ,000 , 000 HTAMP cocccercrccccesccccecessserccoesvoseressee 200 ,000 ,000 205,000 , 000 Ocean perch co-ccorcrocccececccorocesscocseescce 189,000,000 260,000 ,000 Haddock eocccccccccccscccccvcccescccsceses ccc ee® 165,000,000 156,000 ,000 1/PRELIMINARY DATA. In 1951, pilchard was included among the leading species with landings of 325,000,000 pounds. However, the 1952 season was almost a complete failure with a catch of about 6,650,000 pounds, which relegates this species to an insignificant position. The bulk of the pilchard catch is canned. U. S. and Hawaii Canned Tuna and Tuna-Like Fish Pack, 1952 The United States and Hawaii canned tuna and tuna-like fish pack in 1952 amounted to 9,115,202 standard cases, valued at $113,000,833 to the packers (table Table 1 - Canned Tuna and Tuna-Like Fish Pack by Species and Area, 1952 (uantity in Standard Cases and Value to Canners CALIFORNIA WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND HAwAIL ATLANTIC COAST Species Total Avg. Price Total Avg. Price [cust Total Avg. Price Quant it; Value Per oa Case-/| Quantit; Value Per Std.Casel/| quantit Walls [Per ae Casel/ Std.Cases- 2 Albacore seseeeee 2 740 657 10,097,021 Yellowfin seecese 2 5 y Sa, 424 3/39) 092 Bluefin Skipjack 1,641,278 | 20,379,405 Tonno 146, 567 1,990,523 Miscellaneous ... Total tuna .... eececccecs Yellowtail ...... Total tuna- like fish .... ae OF VARIOUS Sizes CONVERTED TO THE EQUIVALENT OF 48 nop TUNA CANS TO THE CASE, 3,486 CAN 7 OUNCES NET WEIGHT FOR SOLID MEAT OR 6 aoe NET WEIGHT FOR FLAKES, CHUNKS, OR GRATED. 2/SMALL PRODUCTION OF LIGHT MEAT AND DARK MEAT PACKED FROM MIXED TUNA SPECIES INCLUDE® WITH YELLOWFIN PRODUCTION. 3/MISCELI.ANEOUS TUNA INCLUDES ALL SKIPJACK AND SOME YELLOWFIN PRODUCTION. 4/\NCLUDES AL3ACORE, YELLIWFIN, BLUEFIN, SKIPJACK, AND LITTLE TUNA. 1). This is the first year's statistics in which the pack of tuna in Hawaii has been included and, therefore, comparison with previous years is difficult. However, from all indications it appears that the 1952 pack was below that reported for the record year of 1950 when United States canners packed 9,016,541 standard cases, val- ued at $112,830,094 (table 2). As in the past, the bulk of the pack was produced from tuna caught by domestic vessels, but there was an increase in the percentage produced from imported frozen tuna, mainly from Japan, with some from Peru and Chile. California continued as the leading State for canning tuna, packing 87.4 percent of the total. There was a small pack in the East Coast States of Maine, Massachu- setts, Maryland, and South Carolina. The average price per standard case in 1952 ($12.40) was 3.2 percent higher than in 1951 ($12.02), but 22.5 percent below the record high of $16.90 per case in 1948 (table 3). There was a high inventory of canned tuna on hand at the beginning Februery 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHIRIZS REVIEW 47 Table 2 - Canned Tuna and Tuna-Like Fish Pack by Species, 1950-52 (Quantity in Standard Cases and Value to Canners) 1952 Total 1951 Total 1950 Total Total g.Price Total AYE. ey Total aes = ‘Per ere moe ata Per = Casal/ entity = ‘Per “sis ay 2 1988, 326 34,129,900 5 7563, is 5 28,877,954 Yellowfin .. .. ae 016,876 2/48 540,195 Bluefin .. Skipjack 1,990,523 5/4, 842,975 on 47,213 415,165 14,469 134,364 12,951 122,411 9.45 5 179,787 1,522,969 90,982 809,613 58 Sarees 571,320 9.68 |I/CASES OF VARIOUS SIZES CONVERTED TO THE EQUIVALENT OF 48 NO, a TUNA CANS TO THE CASE, EACH CAN 7 OUNCES NET WEIGHT FOR SOLID MEAT OR 6 OUNCES NET WEIGHT FOR FLAKES CHUNKS, OR GRATEO. }2/SMALL PRODUCTION OF LIGHT MEAT AND DARK MEAT PACKED FROM MIXED TUNA SPECIES INCLUDED WITH YELLOWSIN PRODUCTION, I3/SMALL PRODUCTION OF SKIPJACK TUNA INCLUDED WITH BLUEFIN PRODUCTION. ’4/SMALL PRODUCTION OF BLUEFIN TUNA INCLUDED WITH SKIPJACK PRODUCTION. IS/INCLUDES ALBACORE, BLUEFIN, SKIPJACK, YELLOWFIN, AND LITTLE TUNA. of the year and the market was not in a healthy state. However, conditions improved steadily through 1952 and as the year closed the market was reasonably sound. Table 3 - Canned Tuna ‘and Tuna-Like Fish Pack, 1941-524 (Quantity in Standard Cases and Value to the Canners) quantit Value Per Sta. Case£/ 2/ Year Quantit aT Per Std. Case2/ Std. Vases 5 3 Bid 9,115,202 | 113,000,833 7, 764, 464 59, s, 823 8,236,725 99,046,206 4,531,565 47,407,451 9,016,541 |112,830,094 3 3,560,020 40,836,117 7,290,320 97,710,325 3 2,696,073 31,430,189 7,037,758 |112,612,296 5 2,484,749 30,742,493 5,894,495 90,609,175 5 2,931,581 19,397,887 1/DATA FOR YEARS PRIOR TO 1952 DO NOT INCLUDE PACK IN HAWAI1}. 2/CASES OF VARIOUS S!ZES CONVERTED TO THE EQUIVALENT OF 48 NO. TUNA CANS TO THE CASE, EACH CAN 7 OUNCES NET WEIGHT OF SOLID-PACKED MEAT OR 6 OUNCES NET WEIGHT OF Sees) CHUNKS, OR GRATED. Wholesale and Retail Prices WHOLESALE PRICHS, DECEMBER 1952: December 1952 average prices for edible fish- ery products at wuowesaira were down considerably from the previous month and Decem— ber 1951. Good production for this time of year and seasonally light demand caused prices to fall. The over-all edible fish and shellfish (fresh, frozen, and canned) wholesale index for December was 104.5 percent of the 1947-49 average (see table1)-—- 7.7 percent lower than in November and 7.8 percent below December 1951, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor reports. Nearly all quotations for the items in the drawn, dressed, or whole finfish sub- group in December 1952 were quoted considerably below the previous month and Decen— ber 1951. The index for this subgroup dropped 21.8 percent from November to Decen- ber and was 18.5 percent below a year earlier. A substantial drop in the price of fresh large offshore drawn haddock, and smaller declines for whitefish at Chicago and yellow pike at New York City were responsible for the general decline in this subgroup. But fresh whitefish at New York City and lake trout at Chicago went up slightly. Fresh processed fish and shellfish prices rose 2.4 percent above November and 4.4 percent over December 1951. While the fresh haddock fillet price at Boston dropped commensurate with the ex-vessel price for drawn haddock, prices for large 48 COMMERCIAL FISHERINS REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 shrimp rose considerably from November to December. Fresh and frozen shrimp were reported in very short supply. Compared with December 1951, prices for fresh had- dock fillets and oysters were considerably lower but shrimp prices were substan- tially higher. Table 1 - Wholesale Average Prices and Revised Indexes for Edible Fish and Shellfish, December 1952 and Comparisons Group, Subgroup, Point of i Indexes and Item Specification Pricing P 1947-49 = 100) Nov. Oct. 1952 FISH AND SHELLFISH (Fresh, Frozen Fresh and Frozen Fishery Products: ..--ceescocsoresserrorrsseeresoeerserererss Drawn, Dressed, or Whole Finfish: ...ccccccccccccccccrccrersercccccrorscors Haddock, large, offshore, drawn, fresh ..ccece Boston lb. oul 17 Halibut, Western, 20/80 lbs., dressed, fresh OF fLOZEON .ccccccccccccccccccccsccccecs | NeYeCe v Salmon, king, lge. & med., dressed, fresn Or fFLOZEN .ccccccccercecccccccessccscce Whitefish, mostly Lake Superior, drawn (@ressed) ; Preshy 000.00 cece cciecieicsecicicesicieeee)/|yCHlcago Whitefish, mostly Lake Erie pound or gill net, TOUNG, LLESh s\cccceecccccececcccccccccce | Neve Lake trout, domestic, mostly No. 1, drawn (dressed), freSh ccscccecccscccccsccccccccces | Chicago Yellow pike, mostly Michigan (Lakes Michigan & Huron), round, fresh ..ccccccscoscccccccces | Ne Yoo * Processed, Fresh (Fish and Shellfish): .....ccccccccccsecsscccssccccscccers Fillets, haddock, sml., skins on, 20-1b. tins Shrimp, lge. (26-30 count), headless, fresh OF FIOZEN ecccecccccccccccccserescccccccorces Oysters, shucked, StandardS ..ccccccccrccccces Processed, Frozen (Fish and Shellfish): ........csccoccccssencccccoersseees Fillets: Flounder (yellowtail), skinless, 10-1d. PKGe coccvccccscccccccccecce Haddock, sml., skins on, 10-1b. Cello—pack srccccccccccccecccevccrece Ocean perch, skins on,10-1b. cello- pack ee rd Shrimp, lge. (26-30 count), 5-1b. | Canned Fishery Products: ...ccsssceccccccccccecccccccccccsssccesccccscobocces Salmon, pink, No. 1 tall (16 oz.), 48 cans ETI CASCMclcie(cieleleleioisicisielelorelsielelelelolelefeicieiclelerelerciorsiors Tuna, light meat, solid pack, No. $ tuna (7ozia)in 48" cansiperjicacelieciceclsisiarciclelcieleleisieleicls Sardines (pilchards), Calif., tomato pack, No. 1 oval (15 oz.), 48 cans per case ........ Sardines, Maine, keyless oil, No. } drawn (34 oz), 100 cans per CaS secceccscscccvcccs aU RERRESEN AVERAGE PRICES FOR ONE DAY (MONDAY OR TUESDAY, IF AVAILABLE) DURING WEEK BEGINNING DECEMBER 15 2/REVISED. ; Higher prices for frozen haddock fillets and shrimp were entirely responsible for the increase of 7.9 percent in the processed frozen fish and shellfish index from November to December 1952. Prices for frozen fillets of flounder and ocean perch remained steady at November levels. Compared with December 1951, processed frozen fish and shellfish prices in December were 4.4 percent higher entirely due to considerably higher prices for frozen shrimp, which more than offset lower prices for frozen fillets of flounder, haddock, and ocean perch. Canned fishery pnroducts prices in December were 0.1 percent belowNovember and 4.9 percent less than in December 1951. The only change from November was for Cal- ifornia sardines (pilchard) which declined slightly; all other canned items remained unchanged. However, while December quotations for canned salmon and Maine sardines were substantially below the same month in 1951, those for canned tuna and Califor— nia sardines were somewhat higher. February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES R&VIAW 49 RETAIL PRICES, DECEMBER 1952: Downward was the trend for retail prices of all foods purchased from November 15 to December 15, 1952, by moderate-income urban fam- ilies. The drop was 1.0 percent and these prices also were 1.0 percent lower than during the same period in 1951. Although this is a season when normal price rises can be expected, these prices have declined steadily for four straight months. Prices of all finfish (fresn, frozen, and canned) inmid-December also declined (0.6 percent), but at a much slower rate than other foods. Finfish prices were con- siderably lower (4.9 percent) than a year earlier. Table 2 - Adjusted Retail Price Indexes for Foods and Finfish, December 15, 1952, with Comparisons pec Base EPROOCSitelsleleleicielelelsicie\ eles ele) slelels 1 finfish (fresh, frozen, Bia CHINES) GoooodeCORdG0N00S esh and frozen finfish ..... amned salmon: pink .ccce-.es Fresh and frozen finfish retail prices decreased 0.7 percent from November 15 to December 15 and were 2.7 percent lower than in mid-December 1951. Canned pink salmon prices dropped 0.3 percent--the nineteenth straight month these prices have dropped--and were 9.2 percent below mid-December 1951. ——-— Table 3 - Average Retail Prices and Price Ranges of Individual Finfish Products, December 15, 1952 WN IE Ge TS) GP AS) Product Unit Range of Prices Average Prices Rina Dec. 15, 1952 | Dec.15,1952 g g Frozen “CAE OUE Tepe Ocean perc @eeveeeveeses eee 1b. 29-69 49.1 45.6 Haddock&/ wlolele o\c\e/eje) leiceieicje cielo 1b. 29-75 50.4 50.5 anned Finfish: Salmon, pink ....ccceccceccoeflO-0Z.can 359-89 53.4 95.6 pele S002 se 1/PRICED IN 46 CITIES OUT OF 56. 2/PRICED IN 47 CITIES OUT OF 56. Frozen ocean perch fillets retailed at an average price of 45.1 cents per pound in mid-December and frozen haddock fillets at an average of 50.4 cents per pound; a year earlier frozen ocean perch fillets averaged 46.4 and frozen haddock fillets 50.9 cents per pound. Canned pink salmon retailed at an average price of 53.4 cents per 16-oz. can in mid-December, compared with 58.8 cents per can in mid-December 1951. — ese 50 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 waters to an increasing extent, according to the Fishing News of November 29, a British trade periodical. However, a Greenland Fisheries Department biologist believes that it would be of no use to extend the Greenland territorial limit since most fishing takes place beyond any possible limit extension. The Irish Republic is reported to be likely to follow the example of Norway in seeking permission from the International Court of Justice to extend the three- mile limit of its territorial waters to protect Irish fisheries from British and other trawlers. Canada TUNA FISHERIES: The tuna fisheries of Canada consist mostly of catches by vessels normally engaged in other fisheries. Canning is done in plants incidental to the handling of other species of fish, reports a January 7 dispatch from the U. S. Embassy at Ottawa. Tuna occurring in commercial quantities in Canadian wa- ters are of two species. On the Pacific Coast the catch is made up of albacore (Germo alalunga) generally taken by trolling with red-feather lures. The catch is then frozen for subsequent canning. On the Atlantic Coast the tuna catch is made up almost entirely of bluefin (Thunnus thynnus) . Other varieties of tuna (yellowfin, skipjack, etc.) are imported and canned in Canadian plants. Tuna occurring in commercial quantities in Canadian waters are of two species. On the Pacific coast the catch is made up of the albacore (Thunnus alalunga), which is sometimes referred to by fishermen as the tuna or long-finned tuna. It is generally taken by trolling with red feather lures and is frozen for subsequent canning. On the Atlantic coast the catch, taken by trap net or by sports fisher- men using lures, is made up almost entirely of the species Thunnus thynnus, which is also referred to as tuna, albacore, or bluefin. British Columbia Fishery: The tuna fishery in British Columbia is not re- garded as a large one, although in some years fairly large catches have been taken (table 1). Because of the uncertainty of the catch, very few boats are equipped exclusively for tuna fishing; most of the boats that do catch tuna are also en- gaged in some other fishery. Vessels fishing commercially for tuna on the Pacific Coast are usually over 40 feet in length--large trollers, long-line boats, draggers, and seiners. It has February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 51 been estimated that the extra gear required for tuna fishing costs from C$400 to C$500 per vessel. There are four or five vessels in British Columbia special- izing in tuna fishing, and if no tuna are available in British Columbia waters these craft fish in the offshore waters off the California and Oregon coasts. Canning facilities for tuna in British Columbia are the same as those for salmon, and all plants are therefore able to can tuna with minor alterations in sR fe Dh hac a na Saeeacecamea procedure. However, only three able 1 - British Columbia Tuna Catch, 1946-5 companies actually engaged in this operation in 1950. When only a small quantity of Canadian tuna is available, United States- and Japanese-caught tuna are im- ported. Preliminary information 2,114,300 for 1952 indicates that more than 2,230,800 48,000 cases (48 7-oz. cans) of 2,175,000 foreign-caught tuna were canned 796,500 in British Columbia up to theend 431 ,600 of October. An effort has been made to reduce costs by importing tuna loins from Japan instead of the whole fish. In addition to the canned pack of tuna from Canadian-caught fish shown in table 2, the amount canned from imported Japanese tuna is shown in table 3. In 1948, the Canadian Department of Fisheries maintained special tuna patrols to advise fishermen when and where tuna were available. Since then, while nospe- cial patrols have been kept up, any information gathered in the course of regular patrol dutiesof depart- mental boats has been passed on to the fishermen. able 2 = British Columbia Canned Tuna Pack, gare Value |Avg. Price/case Sac (Sen Onlas pillaniti ievete Whilethe BritishColumbia tuna catch hasnot been large during the past two years, there is always the possibility that conditions in fu- ture years might provide a fishery at least equal to thatof the period from 1948 to 1950. If the tuna are present they provide work for ves- sels, such as halibut long-liners during the periods when that fishery season is closed. Salmon trollers also can supplement their income with tuna catches. 1/PACK FROM TUNA CAUGHT BY CANADIAN BOATS--IMPORTED TUNA NOT |NCLUDED. 2/48 7-0Z. CANS PER CASE. Of the total Canadian catch in 1948, it was estimated that 45 percent was caught off the west coast of Vancouver Island, 50 percent off the Queen Charlotte Islands, and 5 percent off the coasts of Washington and Oregon. In 1949, 75 per- cent of the catch was reported caught Table 3 - British Columbia Canned Tuna Pack | off the west coast of Vancouver Is-— from Imported Japanese Tuna, 1950-51 land and the remainder off thecoasts of Washington and Oregon. Std. Cases CE CH Atlantic Tuna Fishery: The ave 51,823 tuna fishery of Nova Scotia may be Ae 12,310 considered undertwo classifications-—- NOTE: NO TUNA WAS CANNED FROM JAPANESE IMPORTED the commercial fishery and the sport THON AS NSLS EVAN EIOAS fishery. The product of the sport 52 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 fishery, however, enters the commercial trade as the fish landed by anglers are generally sold for disposition through normal trade channels. Tuna are caught off Cape Breton Island and from Halifax to Yarmouth, and farther up the coast to the mouth of St. Mary's Bay. The commercial fishery, how- OL aa gn af ak able 4=-Nova Scotia Tuna Catch and Disposition, 1946-5 aes dis ad Toa A (Includes Catch by Commercial and Sport fishermen) sport fisheryis center- edat Wedgeport, Yarmouth County. From Wedgeport afew boats operate com- Lbs. Lbs. mercially with harpoons 2/655,400] 453,700 when conditions are fa- 5/469 ,900 | 103,800 vorable. 4/787 ,400} 682,100 958,400] 475,000 The commercial trap- 781,300 | 187,500 net fishery has existed 1,706,900 | 459,400 for many years. The 1,820,700 | 102,100 : <4 3 11/48 7-OZ. CANS PER CASE. unas Sats ee oe ees 2/1952 SPORT CATCH: 359 FISH--161,761 LBS. sites which are essen- [3/1951 sport CATCH: 383 FISH--190,913 LBS. tially set up for mack- [4/1950 SPORT CATCH: 424 FISH--155,360 LBS. erel; however, a school of tuna striking in the bay is an important part of the trap-net operation. In 1952, there were approximately 100 licenced sites in St. Margaret's Bay. Only a very few of these, however, are considered to be good locations for catchingtuna. There is no tuna fleet as such in Nova Scotia. The trap nets are fished from ordinary fishing boats and dories and the sport fishing is conducted from Cape Island fishing boats equip- ped with the necessary angling gear. A tuna guide association maintains about 23 of these boats for sport fishing. Other fisher- men around the coast also have boats and the necessary equipment available for charter. able 5 - Halifax, N. S., Average Tuna Prices, Near | Canned Tuna | Fresh Tuna | Frozen Tune | C# Per Casel There are no canneries in Nova Scotia that operate fortuna alone. In 1952, canneries located at Clark's Harbour, Shelburne County, and Whale Cove, Digby County, packed less than 5,000 cases. Canning of tuna in Nova Scotia has been declining since the end of World War II. With the exception of a small domestic cannery operation, the fresh and fro- zen tuna are shipped to Eastport, Maine (for canning), and to the Boston and New York markets for the fresh and frozen trade. HHH EH BRITISH COLUMBIA HERRING FISHING CURTAILED BY PRICE DISPUTE: Rejection of the latest ex-vessel herring price offer of the reduction plant operators by the fishermen's union makes it appear unlikely that any commercial herring fishing will take place in British Columbia during the 1952/53 season, reports aJanuary 8 U. S. consular dispatch from Vancouver. The herring fishing season opens inOcto- ber and closes about March 15. February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 25) Prior to October 1952, plant operators offered fishermen C#6.00 a ton for their herring catch, C$2.40 a ton less than that paid the previous season. Proc- essors pointed to the 50-percent drop in the herring oil price to justify their lower price offer. This offer was rejected and there was no fall herring fishing. Subsequently, operators informed the union that the price would be C#5.50 a ton for herring caught after January 4, 1953 (when the oil content of the herring de- creases). This was the latest offer rejected by the fishermen's union. During the 1951/52 season British Columbia fishermen landed a total catch of 197,339 tons of herring, valued at approximately C$10,000,000. A total of 107,108 tons of herring was landed before the Christmas Holiday and 90,231 tons afterthe first of the year. HHHKHE BRITISH COLUMBIA WHALE PRODUCTION, 1952: Whaling off British Columbia in 1952 yielded 165 whales (see table) with a productionof 568,351 British Columbi U. S. gallons of whale oil, 233,738 U. S. gallons of sperm oly Beemer muons and 2,165 short tons of meal. Only one company, operating a = SeCaxe 232 fleet of five vessels, caught and processed whales during this Species No, season-—May 5 to September 25, 1952. Most of the 011 is exported to United States soap manu- facturers, while the meal is converted into pet food for the domestic market, a January 8 U. S. consular report from Van- couver states. Ota svererelelercmaly HEHEHE COAST-TO-COAST TRUCKING SERVICE INAUGURATED: A large trailer van departed from Halifax, N. S., on January 12, inaugurating a daily Canadian coast-to-coast trucking service by a large Toronto trucking firm. This first shipment was ex- pected to reach Vancouver, B.C., (the end of the run) about January 20. The cargo of this initial shipment included a shipment of fish for southern Ontario communi- ties and 250 lobsters for veterans in a Vancouver military hospital. The trucks will be equipped to handle all types of goods and produce, and will leave and arrive at Halifax daily, a January 23 U. S. consular dispatch from Halifax states. Halifax will be the focal point in the Maritime Provinces for these operations, but within a month it is expected that stations will be estab- lished in Moncton and St. John, N. B. Goods shipped from the Maritime area will ordinarily be carried nonstop to Toronto and from there transshipped for local distribution or further shipment. Much of the present 4,200-mile run is through the United States but officials of the trucking firm hope that by 1956, when the trans-Canada highway is expected to be completed, the run will be on Canadian soil throughout the entire trip. 4 Chile NEW FRESH FISH TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONS ANNOUNCED: Fresh fish transported in Chile can be packed only in new wooden boxes (which are to be used only once), and properly packed with ice. New regulations, effective January 1, 1953, require that not less than one-half kilogram (1.1 pounds) of chipped ice shall be used per 5h COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of fish. These provisions were included in Decree 5239 of December 26, 1952, issued by the Chilean Bureau of Public Health and printed in the Diario Oficial de la Republica de Chile on January 14, 1953. Failure to com- ply with the terms of this decree will subject the shipper to the penalties pro- vided in the sanitary code of the country, reports a January 19 U. S. Embassy dispatch from Santiago. Colombia IMPORT RESTRICTIONS ON CANNED FISH LIFTED: Canned or preserved fish may now be imported into Colombia from any source. Decree No. 8 of January 7, 1953, elim- inated the requirements of Decree 1830 that imports of these products were limited to countries to which exports of certain listed items were made. The restriction was lifted because many countries to which Colombia exports these special items are not producers of canned or preserved fish, states a January 16 U. S. consular dispatch from Bogota. NOTE: ALSO SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, OCTOBER 1952, P. 59. KeREKE TUNA FISHERY: Tests to determine the potential tuna fishery off the Colombian coast will be carried out in the near future by a Barranquilla fish-canning firm. A modern United States west coast-type purse seiner will be used, reports a January 2 U. S. consular dispatch from Barranquilla. Arrangements have already been made with a private vessel captain from Balboa, C. Z., to make a reconnais- sance of the area off Santa Marta by mid-January, if a fishing permit can be ob- tained for the captain from the Colombian Government. The tuna catch is sold locally for consumption as fresh fish, except for the small quantities which have been purchased the past two years for canning. During the 1953 season the Barranquilla cannery intends to can as much of the catch as possible, and the new canning plant at Santa Marta will presumably also be in the market for tuna. Tuna and bonito are not fished with hooks in Colombia, and the whole catch is made with nets near the beach in about & coves between Santa Marta and the neighboring hamlet of Taganga, where the ocean floor drops steeply away from the beach line, The method used, apparently dating from pre-Colombian times by the Indian coastal inhabitants, is as follows: a cove is partially closed off by a net running from the beach at one end out into the water for about 200 feet toward the opposite tip of land. The net is supported by floats and canoes and extends downward 63 to 10 feet weighted by sinkers. A lookout on a hill above the cove watches for an approaching school of fish (tuna, bonito, or mackerel). When the school is inside the closed end of the cove, the lookout signals and a number of fishermen disturb the water behind the fish while others haul the outboard end of the net in to shore. From 5 to 6 metric tons of fish have been caught in one day by this primitive method in the three coves nearest Santa Marta. Often as much as one ton is caught at a time. The fish are reported as being very plentiful there during the seasons, which are February, March,and April for albacore and bonito, and January and February for mackerel. HH KH E February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 55 FISH-CANNING INDUSTRY: Expanded markets, increased demand, limited capacity and quarters, and limited fish supplies are the problems facing Barranquilla's only fish cannery after two short years of operation, according to a December12 U. S. consular dispatch from that city. This cannery commenced operations in 1950. Originally fish was canned only incidental to other products, but now it comprises the bulk of the plant's output. New and larger quarters will be occu- pied by the cannery in the near future. It is hoped that the introduction of modern methods and equipment in the local fishing industry (where the most primitive conditions still prevail) will solve the supply problem. By supplementing the existing fleet of fishing canoes with a large boat of the Pacific purse-seiner type, and the gradual conversionof the industry to up-to-date methods, the supply of fish .can be increased. Daily production in a recent six-months period has averaged between3,000 and 4,,000 15-oz. oval cans of sardines and mullet. A 50-percent increase in produc- tion is expected in January 1953, when more machinery will be installed. Over 100 persons are now employed in the cannery and two shifts per day are operated. At the present time about 80 percent of the production is mullet, the most popu- lar canned fish in Colombia, and 20 percent sardines (herring). However, from time to time and as available, bonito, mackerel, and shrimp are packed. Theshrimp are packed dry, the bonito is put up in vegetable oil, and the others are packed in tomato paste. All ingredients are obtained locally. Since cans of the re quired quality are not available from local manufacturers, all are imported from the United States. Recently the Colombian Government reduced the import duty on oval cans. Bonito canned at Barranquilla in 1952 totaled only about 100 cases and in 1951 about 500 cases. It carries a bilingual label reading "Atun (Bonito) - Bonito Tuna Style." This light pack was not due to a scarcity of bonito, but rather by preoccupation with other species--mullet and sardines. It is reported that blue- fin tuna, bonito, and mackerel do occur in Colombian waters in commercial quanti- ties. At the present time between 2 and 3 metric tons of fresh fish are received at the plant each day, purchased through the firm's buying offices in Barranquilla and the neighboring towns of Cartagena, Galerazamba, Santa Marta, Isla del Rosario, and Cienaga. The six suppliers purchase in turn from an estimated total of about 300 individual fishermen who work with small throw nets from dugout canoes. The cannery has found it exceedingly difficult to maintain a regular supply in excess of the 2 or 3 tons per day, but it is confident that the waters off Colombia will readily yield far greater returns to modern equipment. Prices currently paid by the cannery for fish are 38 centavos per kilo(6-3/4 U.S. cents per pound) for mullet and sardines, one peso per kilo for shrimp (18 U. S. cents per pound) and from 13 to 2 pesos (60-80 U. S. cents) per fish for tuna, depending on size. Fish are transported to Barranquilla by launch, packed in ice, and upon re- ceipt at the plant they are sealed, cut, washed, and packed in the cans by hand; then precooked by steam. After precooking the mullet, the open cans are removed from the cooker and the large backbones are removed by hand. After tomato paste has been added by hand, the cans are placed on a conveyor and passed through an exhaust box to the closing machine, then into a sterilizing retort. After cooling and removal from the retorts, the cans go to the shipping department for labelling and packaging. The finished product is held briefly for observation and regular laboratory tests are made of samples. 56 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, Noe 2 The plant's output presently goes to four exclusive wholesale distributors located in Bogota, Medellin, Cali, and Barranquilla. Table 1 gives factory prices to wholesalers. Table 1 — Canned Fish Factory Prices to Wholesalers [Species +i _Size of Case | "per Case | 48 15-0z. oval MOO 5-0z. cyl. 48 7-oz. cyl. 48 5-oz.e cyl. Canned fish were includedon the list of articles prohibited fromBardine or mullet ..cee importationinto Colom- Bardine or mullet ..... bia under Decree 637 of /Tuna (bonito) in oil .. March 20, 1951. How- (Shrimp, dry pack ose. ever, regulations re- cently issued under authority of Decree 1830, of August 1, 1952, authorize the importation of canned sardines and other fish through utilization of special "im- port rights" acquired through the sale of specified Colombian products in the country of origin of the canned fish, and available to the public at a consider- able premium over the official exchange rate. It reportedly costs about 75 pesos (US$30.00) to import a case of sardines similar to those packed in Colombia and sold to distributors for 60 pesos per case (US$24.00). It is still too early to define the full effect of the new regulations on the canned fish trade in Colombia. Prior to 1950 no canned fish was produced in Barranquilla, and a close indic- ation of the market then enjoyed by the article is given in the table of imports (table 2), The sharp decline in 1949 is accounted for by adoption of severe im- port restrictions by the Colombian Government at that time. So far as can be determined, there is only one other fish cannery in Colombia, at Santa Marta, which announced it was commencing to can fish on July 15, 1952. 4 Although detailed data on this firm are Table 2 - Colombian Imports of Fish Conserved in Oil or Sauce, 1946-49 not available, its output is believed to be small but growing. Net Weight US$ It is evident that with continued government protection the fish-canning industry has reasonably bright prospects, except for the fundamental limitation which must now be overcome if further progress is to be made--the primitive con- dition of the country's small fishing industry. Egypt FAO TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR FISHING INDUSTRY: Two fishery ex- perts--one statistician and one technologist--will be provided the Egyptian fish- ing industry by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in an agreement signed with the Egyptian Government on December 20, 1952. Also to be provided by the agreement for technical assistance for the fishing industry will be one scholarship for an Egyptian to study fish salting and sardine canning in a foreign country, states a December 27 dispatch from the U. S. Embassy at Cairo. ae February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Dit Japan "LETTER. OF ASSURANCE" STILL REQUIRED FROM U. S. FROZEN TUNA IMPORTERS: United States importers of Japanese frozen tuna must continue to submit a "Letter of As- surance" to the Japanese Government, states a U. S. Embassy dispatch from Tokyo. However, a flexibility in wording now permitted will meet at least part of the ob- jections raised by some importers to the statements in the Japanese Government form, The sample letter issued in October 1952 was merely intended as a guide in preparing “assurance” statements. "Assurance" statements will be acceptable if they are worded in accord with the intent of the requirement as stated in the form issued. The importers may specify time periods and kinds of tuna applicable to their "Letters of Assurance." NOTE: ALSO SEF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, NOVEMBER 1952, PP. 38-9 KHHKEE FROZEN TUNA EXPORTS TO U. S. INCREASE: Japanese exporters of frozen tunaare showing increased activity in procuring fish for shipment to the United States in accordance with existing limitations, reports a January 5 U. S. Embassy dispatch from Tokyo. As of December 17, 1952, 16,785 tons of the 18,000-ton quota have been authorized for export to the United States for the period April 1, 1952, to March 31, 1953. The first landing of this winter's albacore (about 56,000 pounds) was made on November 25, 1952,at Yaizu, one of the leading tuna ports. Ex-vessel prices are reported high for top-quality fish for export. Early landings of albacore were sold at ex-vessel prices ranging from 260 to 400 yen per kan (6 to 9 U.S. cents per pound), with the higher-priced fish selected for export. On Decemberl5, 1952, the highest price for albacore at Shiegama, a leading tuna port in northern Japan, was 470 yen per kan (11 U.S. cents per pound). At the end of November, exporters were reportedly offering albacore at US$315 to US$325 per metric ton, f.o.b. Japan, with the hope that the price would rise to US$335 per ton as the remainder of the export quota on winter-caught tuna isfilled. As of mid-December, tuna stocks on hand for export were estimated at 300 met- ric tons, presumably mostly albacore. HHH HE CANNED CRAB MEAT EXPORTS: Japanese exports of canned crab meat to all coun- tries January through September 1952 amounted to 57,570 actual cases, according to the Japanese Fisheries Agency. Estimated exports for October-December 1952 were 25,000 actual cases, making an approximate total of 82,570 actual cases for the year 1952. Of this amount, an estimated 70 percent, or 57,000 actual cases, were exported to the United States. Cases consist of 48 No. 2 cans (63 oz. per can); however, included are a few cases with 96 No. 2 cans (63 oz. per can) and 48 No. 3 cans (3 oz. per can). The Japanese canned crab meat pack in 1951 amounted to 192,871 actual cases. Of this amount, 103,187 actual cases, or 53.5 percent, were exported. Of theamount exported, 93,900 cases were shipped to the United States, 3,096 cases to Hawaii, 3,096 cases to European countries, and 3,095 cases to other countries (including the Far East). Although the Japanese Government has issued no official statement on final plans for the 1953 factoryship crab-fishing operation in the Bering Sea, news ac- counts have recently reported that it will consist of one mothership (5,000 to 58 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 6,000 gross tons) with 20 catcher boats. The period of operation will be April to August in Bristol Bay, reports a January 21 U. S. Embassy dispatch from Tokyo. Production for this expedition is estimated at 50,000 cases (48 63-0z. cans) of canned crab meat. He EH WHALING EXPEDITIONS DEPART FOR ANTARCTIC: Two Japanese Antarctic whaling expeditions for the 1952/53 season sailed from Japan in the late fall, states a December 23 U. S. consular dispatch from Kobe. The first, a fleet of 24 vessels with Nisshin Maru (17,600 gross tons) as mothership, left Yokosuka late in Novem- ber. A slightly smaller fleet composed of 21 vessels departed from Japan in sev- eral sections which are to reunite in the Antarctic, where it will be headed by TONAN MARU, MOTHERSHIP ON JAPANESE ANTARCTIC WHALING EXPEDITION, 1952/53. the mothership Tonan Maru (19,600 gross tons). This fleet includes 11 catcher boats, 3 trawlers, 1 whale-spotting boat, 1 tanker, and 4 refrigeration ships. The Tonan Maru departed Osaka December 1, and the other vessels in the fleet de- parted between the middle of November and December 9. City banks have supplied ¥2.5 billion (US$6.9 million) to support the two whaling expeditions, ¥1.2 billion (US$3.3 million) to the Tonan Maru expedition and the remainder to the Nisshin Maru expedition. The loans are guaranteed in a sense by the decision of the Japanese Government to buy whale oil worth ¥2.5 bil- lion (US$6.9 million), provision for which is expected to be made in the current supplementary budget. A goal of 1,748 blue whales has been set for the two fleets--200 more than in the previous season, but only 90 sperm whales as compared to 961 in 1951/52. This reduction in the goal for sperm whales is due to the low demand and large stocks on hand of sperm whale oi1. The Tonan Maru share of this goal is 40 sperm and 848 blue whales, the remainder is for the other expedition. HEH RE SOVIET UNION WILLING TO PERMIT JAPANESE FISHING OFF KAMCHATKA: If the Japa— nese Government formally requested it, an official of a Soviet Mission in Tokyo recently declared that Russia would permit Japanese fishing operations in the open February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 59 sea off Kamchatka as in prewar days. This information is attributed to several well-informed sources and was reported by the Japanese press (Kyodo, January 9). In prewar days Japan engaged in highly productive salmon and crab fishing in the general area of Kamchatka. The 1952 Japanese salmon expedition operated in the waters considerably farther off the Kamchatka coast than the location of pre- war operations. There have been reports from time to time that Japanese fishing interests would like to move in closer. HHHEE PRIVATE FIRM SIGNS FISHING AGREEMENT WITH TWO COMMUNIST-CHINESE FIRMS: A Tokyo firm is reported to have concluded a private fishing agreement with two Communist-Chinese companies to trawl for fish in Chinese territorial waters, stated a December 16 dispatch from the U. S. Embassy in Tokyo. The area to be fished includes the Gulf of Chihli, the Yellow Sea, and East China Sea. It is under- stood that the agreement calls for the use of 10 trawlers (average 50 gross tons each) with all necessary personnel, vessels, equipment, and supplies provided by the Japanese company. The catch will be landed in Tientsin and Tsingtao in Com- munist China, and Shimonoseki, Nagasaki, and Hakata in Japan. The agreement also provides for: (a) a guaranty of safety to the Japanese vessels and crews by Red China (it is reported that the Chinese companies will deposit US$158,000 in a Hong Kong bank as security on this guaranty); (b) divi- sionof the proceeds of sale of the catch would be 87 percent to Japanese ship- owners, 5 percent to the Japanese trading firm, and 8 percent to the Chinese in- terests. The Japanese fishing vessels are subject to Government licensing regulations that permit fishing only in specified areas, which at present do not include Com- munist—Chinese territorial waters. No official statement has been made by the Japanese Government regarding the venture. There is mich interest and speculation in many circles in Japan regarding the outcome of this business agreement between an agency of Communist China and private Japanese business interests. JAPANESE GOVERNMENT FA Mexico CUBAN AND U. S. VESSELS ACCUSED CF STEALING CAMPECHE SOUND SHRIMP: A front- page story in the Mexican net newspaper Excelsior (February 10) accused United States and Cuban vessels of stealing shrimp in Campeche Sound. The article (under the headline "300 Cuban and American Pirate Boats Stealing Shrimp in Campeche Sound") says that the National Chamber of Fishing Industry "denounced yesterday the sack- ing of our shrimp wealth by 300 pirate boats of Cuban nationality, and especially North American, and that the boats are lying as near as 1,000 meters fromthe wharfs at Ceiba Beach about 30 kilometers north of Campeche and are fishing in Mexican territorial waters." Indications point to the possibility that this denunciation by Mexican shrimp interests will be used as an excuse for a raid on American shrimp boats and their detention by the Mexican authorities. HHH HEHE 60 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 GUAYMAS SHRIMP FISHERY CONTINUES TO DECLINE: The Guaymas shrimp fishing were landed at that port, states a January 16 U. S. consular dispatch fromGuaymas. This is an average catch of less than one metric ton per vessel for the month. Shrimp shipments during the last three months of 1952 amounted to 1,029 metric tons (within 50 to 60 tons of amount landed). Roughly twice that amount was shipped during the same three months of 1951. A diminishing number of shrimp operators believe that this trend is onlytem- porary and the lack of shrimp in local waters is due to a cycle disappearance. However, most operators believe that the decline is due to the lack of conserva- tion measures. A group of prominent Guaymas shrimp operators flew to Mexico City early in December to interview the newly appointed Minister of Marine. The group returned somewhat heartened by prom- ises of new restrictions on bay shrimping, includ- ing removal of the "tapos" or barriers erected by canoe fishing interests at the mouths of bays, reserv- ing for their exclusive use those waters where the shrimp develop. At the same time the Minister was reported to have tentative- ly approved a plan to pro- hibit bay fishing of any sort until October 1, 1954. The operators also asked that a moratoriumbe granted on the 5-million- peso (US$578,000) loanmade to the shrimp interests in 1952 by the Financiera Nacional. They were prom- ised the request would be taken under advisement; but the outlook is said to be unfavorable. ; ONE OF THE LATEST MEXICAN SHRIMP TRAWLERS. Though these measures might moderate the downward trend, it is believed any beneficial effects deriving therefrom will be felt too late to save many of the more marginal operators from dissolution. Should the moratorium not be granted, it would appear that attachment proceedings would soon follow in the cases of the more heavily indebted boat owners. It is reported that the population of Guaymas is decreasing for the first time since shrimp became the community's chief industry. HHRHE HE United States from the province of Sinaloa, Mexico, during October-December 1952 were below those for the similar period of 1951, according to a U. S. consular dispatch of January 15 from Mazatlan (see table). February 1953 __ COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 61 There is some difference of opinion as to the reason for the scarcity of shrimp off Sinaloa. Some blame it on the wasteful methods of trapping with weirs in Escuinapa: at the request of a committee of Sinaloaindustrialists, Sinaloa Shrimp Exports to U. S., the Ministry of the Navy agreed to | October-December 1952 have the weirs removed in May 1953. Port —-—sd(Oct..-Dec. 1952 | Oct.-Dec. 1951] The results of the removalof these Lbs. Lbs. traps, if it takes place, will not [Ma : 2,743,795 2,264,380 be known until next season. 1,814,770 2,724,750 a 6 Reports at the endof December indicatedthat good catches had been made in the Bay of Magdalena, Lower California. QS =) Nicaragua TERRITORIAL WATERS: In order for foreign companies or vessels to enjoy free-entry privileges and to be able to fish in Nicaraguan territorial waters, it is neces- sary to obtain a concession from the Nicaraguan Government by means of a contract. This procedure will be necessary until laws projected by the Executive Power are approved by the Nicaraguan Congress. Although there are several laws now in ef- fect which cover various phases of foreign investment in Nicaragua for agricul- tural or industrial production, use of international exchange, and special exemp- tions for foreign investors or companies, none seems to apply to fishing or fish- ery enterprises. A law entitled "General Law on Concessions for the Exploitation of Natural Resources" is now before the Nicaraguan Congress to cover foreign investors and permit the free disposition by the investor of 50 percent of the foreign exchange derived for all exports, states a December 22 dispatch from the U. S. Embassy at Managua. . el Norway WINTER HERRING FISHERY: Using electronic instruments to spot herring schools, scientists aboard the Norwegian research vessel G. 0. Sars, were at sea early in January to meet the annual mature winter herring spawning run off the Norwegian coast, according to a January 8 release from the Norwegian Information Service. When the run starts in earnest, the commercial herring fleet will be directed to the points of maximum concentration by short-wave radio. Just when the herring will arrive is always difficult to ascertain, but a noted Norwegian fisheries con- sultant has made accurate predictions as to time and place for several seasons in a row, and believes the main influx should reach waters southwest of Aalesund on or about January 15. Hundreds of fishing vessels along the western province of More are all geared for the start of the winter herring fishery. In 1953 it is expected that at least 25,000 fishermen will participate, and the fleet will be larger than ever before. 62 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 This year the transportation of herring to oil-and-meal reduction plants lo- cated north and south of the fishing banks has been cooperatively organized, which should speed deliveries. The daily capacity of the fish-meal plants is about 29,000 metric tons of raw herring--an increase of 4,500 tons above 1951. HEX EK FISH CONSUMPTION, 1952: The per-capita consumption of fishery products in Norway during 1952 was estimated at 48 kilos (106 pounds), states a November 17 U. S. consular dispatch from Oslo. Consumption, which has remained fairly con- stant each year since 1947, is above the prewar average. Although the annualcatch of fishery products has doubled since 1946, there has been no sizable increase in consumption due to the transportation problem: production of high quality fish is greatest on the west coast of Norway while the greater portion of the pop- ulation is located in eastern and southern Norway. The large fish consumption offsets the deficit of meat and other animal pro- tein in the Norwegian diet. Pakistan FISHERY HARBOR PLANNED FOR KARACHI: A fishery harbor, to include a wholesale market and ice and cold-storage facilities, is planned for Karachi. Construction will commence April 1953, according to a press report in Karachi newspapers. This harbor will take two years to complete and will be the first of its kind in the country. Blueprints for the fishery harbor were prepared by two United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization experts in early 1951 after they had studied the area around Karachi harbor. Plans for the harbor were submitted after consultations with Pakistan fishery experts about March 1952. The plan envisages the establishment of a fishing center in West Pakistan. It will include a wholesale fish market where the fishermen operating in Karachi waters can sell their catch. It will also have a cold-storage unit of 15-metric- tons-per-day capacity where fish can be stored at reasonable rates. An ice plant also will be included. An interesting feature of the harbor will be provisions for the comfort of the fishermen. There will be a good rest house where the fishermen can stay. The harbor itself will extend over an area of 40 acres. It will have the capacity to handle 350 fishing craft of an average length of 45 feet. The first year handling capacity of the harbor will be 15,000 metric tons, to be later in- creased to 30,000 metric tons. The harbor will also have a workshop for repair of fishing craft and fishing equipment. The railway line at present is only 500 yards from the proposed site for the fishing harbor, but in the future the harbor may be connected by rail with the rest of West Pakistan. The fishery harbor will have a direct outlet to the sea apart from the pres- ent shipping lane through the port of Karachi. Thus, the fishing craft plying from harbor to open seas would not interfere with the normal traffic of the Karachi seaport. pad February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 63 Panama NEW BAIT-FISHING REGULATIONS ANNOUNCED: New bait-fishing regulations in Panamanian jurisdictional waters of the Pacific Ocean were announced by the Pana- manian Government in Decree No. 30 of December 22, 1952. Increasing Panamanian Government revenues, eradicating the illegal practices that have hitherto existed, and increasing the volume of business which Panamanians secure from tuna boats were the objectives for the changes incorporated in the new regulations, accord- ing to a January 2 dispatch from the U. S. Embassy in Panama. Article 15 of the new decree (which appeared in Gaceta Oficial, No. 11,964, December 30, 1952) arnuls previous decrees (Nos. 215 and 216 of October 27, 1951; 324 of May 28, 1952; and 330 of June 7, 1952) dealing with bait fishing. A number of significant changes are incorporated in the new Decree. Henceforth, and presumably until the National Assembly enacts an organic law on the subject which is here envisaged, the price of a license to a tuna boatwill be calculated on the basis of B/. 15 (US$15) for each ton of the boat's net weight. Previously, in Decrees 330 of June 7, 1952, and 216 of October 27, 1951, the price was based on a flat fee depending upon the weight category of the boat. The fol- lowing table shows the cost of licenses under the new decree as compared to the preceding one: PANAMANIAN SCALE OF LICENSE FEES FOR BAIT-FISHING VESSELS Fee Under Fee Under Weight of Vessel Decree No. 330|/Decree No. 30 June 7, 1952 |Dec. 22, 19522/ Net Tonnage US$ US$ UME Bi vpscboscco0p0d0¢ up to 375 Over 25 and up to 50... 390 to 750 Over 50 and up to 100 .. 765 to 1,500 Over 100 and up to 150 . 1,515 to 2,250 150 and up to 200 .| 1,000 2,265 to 3,000 200 .cecccccccecee-| 1,200 and up {3,015 and up L/CALCULATED ON BASIS OF A BOAT’ S NET TONNAGE MULTIPLIED BY B/. 15 (us$15). Licenses must be se- cured through "the serv- ices of Agencies legally established in the Repub- lic of Panama." Licenses must bepaid for by means of a check drawn in favor of the Pan- amanian National Treasury. Licenses will be issued bythe Ministry of Agricul- ture, Commerce, and Indus- tries. Licenses are to be signed by the Minister of Agriculture, Commerce, and In- dustries. and by the Secretary of Commerce or by the latter only when he has writ- ten authority from the Minister to that effect. The new decree changes the period for which the licenses are valid. Under the previous decree (No. 330) they were valid for one year from the date issued. Under Article 4 of the new decree, however, they shall "cover the fishing season of each year on whatever date the vessel applies for the license." A transitory provision in Article 4 provides that vessels which purchased and paid for licenses in accordance with the terms of Article 2 of Decree 330 (which provided that said licenses would be valid for one full year from the date of purchase) will be per- mitted to fish during the 1953 season until the date on which their license expires. This is interpreted to mean that all licenses purchased under this decreewill be seasonal licenses which will expire at the end of the season of the year in question; and that a license for a given boat purchased during the last month of the season, for example, will cost the same as one for the entire season. This change presumably was inaugurated in order to encourage tuna boats to bait fish in Panamanian waters for the full season and to emphasize that short-termlicenses (covering any part of the season) will not be sold. 64, COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 The new decree (Article 3) also changes the bait-fishing season from Febru- ary 1-September 30 of each year to February 15-October 15; and it deprives the Minister of Agriculture, Commerce, and Industries of the discretionary authority to permit fishing during the remainder of the year. Article 5 of the new decree states that the application for bait fishing must be accompanied by "all receipts for deposits issued and the value of allbait permits issued to applicants (boat operators) during the last two years." The new decree also requires that all boats receiving licenses in the future must purchase their fuel, make their popes) and purchase their supplies and lubricants in Panama. Also, the fishermen's cards, carried by the captain and crew members of tuna boats, must bear a national stamp costing US$1.00. The Ministry of Agriculture, Commerce, and Industries is authorized by the decree to adopt all measures condu- civeto obtaining an efficient control and strict vigilance of bait-fishing activ- ities envisaged by the decree. Aside from the changes noted, the new decree is identical or closely similar in most respects to the previous decree (No. 330) regulating bait fishing. The more important similarities follow. The legal bait-fishing area as described in the earlier Decree No. 330 re- mains unchanged. This area is defined in Article 1 as the jurisdictional waters of the Republic, within the limits of the continental shelf, Pacific littoral, situated south 8930' N. and east 79°15' W. This is interpreted as including the area around Chepillo Island, the mouth of the Bayano River, the Pearl Islands, but excluding that area around Chame Point and the islands of Otoque, Bona, Taboga, and Taboguilla. Article 6 of the new decree, concerning the killing and mutilating of any fish caught not appropriate for tuna bait or needed for the crew's food, and pro- hibiting the selling of fish within the Republic, remains the same as the similar article in earlier decrees. The definition of what species shall comprise tuna bait, and end-of-the-season reports on types and quantities of fish caught, are included in Article 7 and are the same as in previous decrees. The penalty for violations remains unchanged. NOTE: FEES ARE LISTED IN BAL3OAS WHICH ARE AT PAR WITH THE U. S. DOLLAR, |.E. BALBOA EQUALS US$1. ALSO SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, VOL. 14, NO. 8 (AUGUST 1952), P. 43. K& Republic of the Philippines 1 PANAMANIAN 2 IMPORTS OF CANNED CALIFORNIA ANCHOVIES PERMITTED: Imports into the Philip- pines of anchovies labeled as sardine or packed sardine style were approvedby the Import Control Commission on December 5, This product is now listed, as are can- ned sardines, as a decontrolled item. Although requiring licenses, decontrolled items may be imported without limitation as to volume and value. This change was based on a recent ruling by the Philippine Board of Food In- spection. California canners and exporters are now permitted to ship canned an- February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 65 chovies packed sardine style to the Philippines labeled exactly that way or labeled "sardines," provided the word "anchovies" is shown on the label clearly, conspicu- ously, and adjacent to and qualifying the word "sardines." Previously the canned anchovies imported into the Philippines were considered a luxury since they were mostly the European pack (cured fillets in olive oil). Through its Import Con- trol Commission, the Philippine Government had placed a tight control on imports of all canned anchovies. However, the canned anchovies packed sardine style in California are not considered a luxury pack and the recent Philippine ruling per- mits imports of California canned anchovies packed sardine style. The California sardine fishery this season (August 1952-January 1953) was a complete failure. Taking advantage of the unprecedented catches of anchovies in the districts of San Francisco and Monterey, California canners packed substan- tial quantities of anchovies sardine style. The only market of any consequence for this type of product at this time is in the Philippines. ae Tunisia ISDOMESS eaavele clereceiais + cls'sin see 29,807.79 2,250.00 United Kingdom ABERDEEN BANS LANDINGS BY ICELANDIC-OWNED FISHING VESSELS: In an agreement drawn up recently, the Aberdeen, Scotland, fishing industry placed a ban on the purchase of fish from Icelandic-owned vessels at that port and at the same time partially lifted the restrictions on German vessels, states the November 29 issue of The Fishing News, a British trade periodical. This action is the result of the Icelandic-British dispute that developed through the extension of Iceland's terri- torial waters for fishing. The agreement was the result of a joint meeting bythe directors of the Aberdeen vessel owners, dealers, and fishermen. The meeting adopted the following resolution: "(1) that the Aberdeen Fish- curers! and Merchants' Association will immediately instruct its members not to buy fish from any Icelandic-owned vessel that may land; (2) that an interim period of two weeks be allowed to permit the introduction of machinery to ensure supplies to the port and the consumer; (3) that in the two-week period following, the re- strictions on ice from German vessels shall be lifted to permit one German vessel per week to discharge, sell its fish, and be iced at the port; (4) if onDecember 29 a long-term policy has not been ratified, measures will be taken to adjust the sup- ply position as necessary." KHeHK KE 66 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 HEAVY STOCKS OF CANNED SILD SARDINES REPORTED: Difficulties in marketing the catches of sprat herring have marred the beginning of the season in the Firth of Forth, states the December 6 issue of The Fishing News, a British fishery per- jodicsl. Scottish canners have intimated that they cannot buy the raw fish be- cause of very heavy stocks (canned or frozen raw fish) of sild sardines on hand. Marketing difficulties for sprats are attributed to the collapse of the Aus- tralian market, to which Scottish sild canners were sending tremendous quantities. A further blow has been the loss of the British home market to the Dutch who auc- tioned off imported Norwegian canned sild sardines to the British Ministry of Food. British canners claim that the prices at which the imported Norwegian canned sild are being offered are well below cost and purchase prices. According to one canning firm, some 8,000,000 cans of canned sild sardines remain unsold from last season, plus some 500 tons of frozen sprats awaiting can- ning. This position is duplicated by other firms in the trade, according to re- ports. Estimates place imported Norwegian canned sild sardine stocks at 25,000,000 cans, now being cleared at around 7d. (8 U.S. cents) per can by the British Min- istry of Food. British canned sild sardines retail at ls. (14 U.S. cents) percan so that in effect the Ministry is subsidizing imports, according to the canners. Meantime sprat herring fishermen are getting 20s. (US$2.80) per cranl/ for their fish for animal-food production. It was reported that fisherman stopped fishing early in December to wait for the New Year season when various types of herring are in demand. 1/ONE CRAN 1S A MEASURE EQUAL TO 45 U. S. GALLONS. KH HK MODERN TRAWLER LAUNCHED AT GRIMSBY: The trawler Vanessa, called the most mod- ern of fishing vessels, sailed from Grimsby in December with all the aids to navi- gation, fishing, and for the comfort of the crew, according to the December 1952 Fishing Industry, a London trade magazine. Built at Beverley, the Vanessa hasthe best navigational aids obtainable, with radio of world-wide range, directional radio, radar, echo-sounders, a fish finder, etc. Also everything possible has been included to make the Vanessa a pleasant vessel for the crew even to providing music on deck while the men work. Dimensions of the new trawler are: length 181.40 feet, breadth 31.10 feet, depth 15.20 feet; I.H.P. 1,100; B.H.P. 930. On trials it achieved a speed of 13.4 knots light and just under 13 knots loaded. The main motor is standard triple expansion. It is fitted with feed and bilge pumps operated from levers on the engine. The circulating pump is of the centrifugal type, direct driven by motor. Oil-fired, the marine-type Scotch boiler has a working pressure of 225 lb. p.s.i. The trawl winch is of the Triton type, and has a capacity on each barrel of 1,000 fathoms of 3-in. warp. Communication between the various parts of the ship is under cover wherever possible, and there is covered access between the bridge and the extreme aft of the vessel. Verbal communication is by means of loudspeakers fitted throughout the trawler, so that the Captain on the bridge can speak to anyone anywhere on the vessel, Similarly, hand microphones installed in vital parts of the vessel enable crew members to reply without a journey up to the bridge. In case the telemotor should break down, auxiliary hand-steering gear is installed right aft below decks, and the unsighted helmsman receives orders relayed electrically from the bridge. February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 67 The Vanessa has accommodation for a crew of 28, situated aft. Forward are three big holds, one fitted out for stores and wire-splicing apparatus, while THE NEW MODERN BRITISH TRAWLER VANESSA EQUIPPED WITH THE LATEST NAVIGATION AND FISHING AIDS, AND MUSIC FOR THE FISHERMEM AT WORK. trawls are prepared for use and nets are repaired completely under cover in the other two holds. The cofferdam has been adapted into two tanks, one to take immature fish for reduction and one to hold offal. Livers from the gutted fish are pumped direct from the deck to the liver boiler below the aft end, no intermediate handling be- ing required. The kits of livers are fed into the hopper and container placed just forward of the winch. When the hopper is filled, steam is applied and the livers are blown through pipes into a collecting tank by steam pressure, and are then fed into the "Egg-Timer"-type liver boiler. Patent fishroom hatch-covers and a fish-washing machine on the deck are notable features. A Venezuela CONTINENTAL SHELF MAY BE CLAIMED AS WITHIN THRRITORIAL LIMITS: The new Vene- zuelan Constitution being drafted will include some reference to the Continental Shelf in its definition of territorial limits, according to Venezuelan press re- ports. A Venezuelan writer and economist has suggested that Venezuela claim sovereignty over the territorial waters and the submarine subsoil as far north as Bird Island, a Venezuelan possession in the Carribbean Sea some 300 miles fromthe Venezuelan coast line. 68 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 The El Heraldo on January 21 quoted an Article which it understood was to be included in the new Constitution as a definition of Venezuelan territorial limits, a January 26 dispatch from the U. S. Embassy at Caracas states. The Article reads as follows: "Article 8 of Title 1. The territory of the United States of Venezuela is that area which, immediately prior to the political transformation of 1810, cor- responded to the captaincy of Venezuela, as modified by subsequent treaties, and which comprises as well those islands which may form, or which may apvear within, the territorial waters. Furthermore, those beds of the sea ard the subsoil of the submarine zones adjacent to the Continental Shelf and insular territory of the Republic, which constitute that part of the Continental Shelf appending to Vene- zuela, are hereby declared subject to the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Re- public. Those extensions of the territorial water and of the contiguous maritime zone and of the aerial space above, in which the State exercises vigilance, are hereby to be determined by law. This territory may, neither as a whole nor in part, be leased, ceded, nor alienated in any form, not even for a limited time, to any foreign country or to any persons whatsoever claiming to have rights to those zones." REKRHHHE PEARL FISHING SEASON BEGINS WITH MARKET UNCERTAIN: Approximately 200 well- equipped boats commenced oyster-pearl fishing January 1 off the Island ofMargarita, as the 1953 season got underway. The season will close in April. It is still un- certain whether a market will be found for the pearls or whether they will join the harvests of previous years in the vaults of the Banco Agricola y Pecuario. Pearl fishing in Venezuela is supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture through its Nueva Esparta office, according to a January 28 U. S. 2onsular dispatch from Caracas. ar) Zanzibar Island REVIEW OF THE FISHERIES, 1951: The estimated total catch of fish on Zanzibar Island during 1951 was 4,208,000 pounds, valued at £126,000 (US$354,000), states a December 3 U. S. consular dispatch from Mombasa, Kenya. No information is avail- able on the catch by species. These figures include unrecorded landings at the smaller beaches. The quantities of fish landed at ten main fishing centers in Zanzibar Island was determined by fishery guards who met all fishing boats as they arrived and recorded dataregarding the catch. A census was also taken of all fish- ermen and their craft. Landings during any single month never fall below 14 percent of the monthly average. A regular supply of fish is thus available for the Zanzibar market. The catch is greatest in March. During the month, the prevailing wind changes from the northeast to the southwest; and the sea is fairly calm since light breezes pre- vail during the transition. In April, May, and November wet and stormy weather reduces the size of the catch. The census of fishermen revealed that apvroximately 1 man in 8 is a fisherman by occupation. A total of 4,975 men and 1,461 fishing craft are employed in the industry. The average catch per man per year is approximately 850 pounds and the average fisherman earns £25 (US$70) a year. This low income is insufficient tokeep a family and necessitates work in other fields. February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 69 A total of 1,461 boats are used for fishing (969 outrigger dugout canoes, 324 dugout canoes without outriggers, 129 small dhows, and 39 dinghies). The average crew is 3 men per craft, although the dhows require more men and many dugout canoes are operated by one man. Consumption of fish in Zanzibar was approximately 1 pound for each 13 head of population a day during 1951. The Fisheries Officer of Zanzibar considers this a high figure and said that, "it indicates the extent to which the Zanzibaris looked to the sea for their protein food." He asserted that more fish would be consumed if it were more plentiful and cheaper, and urged that the industry be provided with better boats, of which some should be powered, and with better fish- ing gear. a NOTE: PEMBA ISLAND 1S NOT INCLUDED. "EXTINCT" FISH SPECIES REDISCOVERED OFF AFRICAN COAST The Coelacanth, a fish believed to be extinct for over 60 million years, reappeared very much alive for the second time in modern history off the African coast, according to recent press reports. It is claimed to be the closest Sane relative to the ancient creatures that linked water and land animals. On December 20, 1952, a fisherman ona small is- oe Haha ~ a ee land in the Comores Ar- 2S si chipelago (between Mad- wyn')) agasear and Africa), us- ing line and ordinary bait in moderately deep water over rocky bottom about 200 yards from shore, hooked a large fish of a type he had never seen. Steel-blue A COELACANTH, A FISH BELIEVED TO BE EXTINCT FOR OVER scales, surfaced with an 60 MILLION YEARS, WAS CAUGHT OFF SOUTHEAST AFRICA IN enamel-like substance, cov- DEGSISSS eee ered the 5-foot 100-pound fish. The fisherman took the fish to market and would have disposed of it in the usual way had not another fisherman remembered an old pamphlet dis- tributed years previous byaSouth Africin ichthyologist, Dr. J. L. B. Smith, offering a £100 (US$280) reward for such a speciman. Dr. Smith had distri- buted his pamphlet when a previous Coelacanth specimen had been captured in 1938 off East London, South Africa, but unfortunately all the internal organs had rotted. This recent discovery was hailed throughout the world as one of the greatest palaeontological events of the century. It was believed that these fish declined in number and by 100 million years ago not many re- mained. Fossil records indicated 7lU-60 million years ago the Coelacanthidae had all perished. Therefore, it was a great shock for the biological world when the 1939 and 1952 discoveries produced a live true Coelacanth almost bone for bone and fibre for fibre identical with those 300-70 million years ago. 70 COMMERCIAL FISHLRIES REV IawW ACTIONS Vol. 15, No. 2 I 4 DEFENSE PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATION THRMINATSD: Executive Orders The President on February 4 is- sued an Executive Order which terminated the Defense Production Administration as a seperate agency and transferred its functions to the Office of Defense Mobiliza- tion. SUSPENSION OF WAGS AND SALARY CONTROLS: OK OK OK OK Wage and salary controls under the De- fense Production Act of 1950 (as amended) were suspended by Executive Order 10434, issued February 6, 1953. WHEREAS the production of materials and services and the demand therefor in the national economy are approaching a practicable balance; and WHEREAS the earliest possible return to freedom of collective bargaining in the determination of wages will serve to strengthen the national economy and thereby the national security; and WHEREAS the stabilization of wages, salaries, and other compensation is not now hecessary to carry out the purposes of the Defense Production Act; and WHEREAS, in view of the foregoing, it is appropriate to permit adjustments of wages, salaries, and other compensation arrived at through the processes of free collective bargaining or other voluntary | action to become effective: NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitu- tion and statutes, including the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, and as President of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows: 1. All regulations and orders issued pursuant to the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, stabilizing wages, salaries, and other compensation, are hereby suspended. 2. The wage, salary, and other com- pensation adjustments proposed in peti- tions pending before wage and salary control agencies may now be placed in The full text of the order follows: effect without the approval of such gencies. To the extent that agreements involved in such petitions are conditioned upon approval under Title IV of the Defense Production Act, this order shall be deemed such approval, but such ap- proval shall be subject to paragraph 3 herecf. 3. This order shall not operate to de- feat any suit, action, prosecution, or administrative enforcement proceeding, whether heretofore or hereafter com- menced, with respect to any right, li- ability, or offense possessed, incurred, or committed, prior to this date. DwicuHT D EISENHOWER THE WHITE House, February 6, 1953. Department of Commerce NATIONAL PRODUCTION AUTHORITY OPEN-ENDING OF CONTROLL&D MATERIALS PLAN: A procedure by which controlled ma- terials producers may accept unrated orders for controlled materials after the com- mencement of lead time is established by Direction 20 to CMP Regulation 1. Effec- tive February 16, 1953, the National Production Authority by this Direction also ex- plains how persons may obtain and use controlled materials without charging allot- ment authority. At the same time NPA issued Direction 10 to CMP Regulation 6 which establishes a procedure by which persons enga, 4d in construction projects may commence or conti- nue construction of their construction projects, and obtain controlled materials aft- er the commencement of lead time and use the same, without charging allotment author- ity. These orders followed an announcement by NPA on February 13 that: "Controlled Materials Plan to carry through until June 30. Open-ending to be made effective im- February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW {fat mediately. No more CMP tickets will be issued to take uv any space reservations. Controlled Material Producers must honor all outstanding CMP tickets, including those not yet placed before unrated orders can be accepted..." Manufacturers of Class B products have been notified not to file CMP-48 appli- eations for controlled materials for the third quarter of 1953 and not to submit applications for supplemental allotments for the second quarter of the year, ex- cept for defense requirements. For details see: Direction 20 (Ex-allotment acquisition and use of controlled materials sold after commencement of lead time) to CMP Reg. 1 (Basic Rules of the Controlled Materials Plan) and Direction 10 (Ex-allotment acauisition and use of controlled materials sold after commencement of lead time) to CMP Reg. 6 (Construc- tion), both dated Feb. 16, 1953; and news releases NPA-2904 dated Feb. 15, 1953, and NPA-2905, dated Feb. 16, 1953 * OK OK Ok Ok CAN ORDER M-25 REVOKED: With the revocation of five orders and the amendment of a regulation, the National Production Authority on February 6 removed all con- trols over uses and inventories of tin. NPA retained only the requirement that monthly reports on Form NPAF-7 be submitted by consumers and dealers on tin stocks receipts, shipments, and consumption. Orders revoked were: M-25 (Cans), M-8 (Tin), M-24 (Tin Plate and Terneplate), M-26 (Closures), and M-27 (Collapsible Tubes). This action will permit canners to: use cans without regard to tin-coating specifications. In December 1952, NPA had removed all quota restrictions on the use of cans. In revoking these orders NPA announced that "the supply of tin contracted for and otherwise obtainable in world markets for use in this country now is sufficient to balance against demands, both Government and civilian. Revocation of NPA controls is not expected to interfere with the early achievements of the strategic stockpile objectives. Revocation of M-25 (Cans) represents an expression of confidence on the part of the Government that the can industries’ cooperation will be continued in an effort to achieve the objective of the tin conservation goal." NPA simultaneously amended NPA Reg. 1 by removing tin and tin products from inventory control. For details see: M-8 (Tin) Revocation, M24 (Tin Plate and Terneplate) Revoca- tion, M-25 (Cans) Revocation, M-26 (Packaging Closures) Revocation, M27 (Collapsible Tubes) Revocation, NPA Reg. 1 (Inventory Control) as amended, and news release NPA- 2892--a1l dated Feb. 6, 1953. NOTE: FULL TEXTS OF MATERIALS ORDERS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM NATIONAL PRODUCTION AUTHORITY, WASHINGTON 25, D. C., OR FROM ANY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE REGIONAL OR FIELD OFFICE. ® Office of Defense Mobilization CONTROLLED MATERIALS PLAN MODIFIED: Effective immediately the Controlled Ma- terials Plan has been modified so that producers of steel, copper, and aluminum may, after they have honored CMP tickets, use additional space in their plants for any customer without further reference to the Government, the Office of Defense Mobili- zation announced on February 15. 72 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 2 Up to now, as additional mill space developed, customers had to apply to the Government for supplemental allotments. To permit an orderly withdrawal from CMP, all controlled material allotments for the second quarter will remain valid through June 30. At the same time studies are now being made by ODM regarding materials control which will be required after June 30, in accordance with the President's statement in his State of the Union Message when he said: "T believe also that material and product controls should be ended, except with respect to defense priorities and scarce and critical items essential for our defense. I shall recommend to the Congress that legislation be enacted to continue authority for such remaining controls of this type as will be necessary after ex- piration of the existing statute on June 30, 1953." 1. This latest ODM action applies only to materials controls and allotments and will not effect the present price controls on steel, copper, and aluminum. 2. The system of production directives for steel, copper, and aluminum, estab- lishing production tonnages by agreement between individual mills and the National Production Authority, will be continued through June 30. The orderly withdrawal from CMP will assure uninterrupted production for na- tional defense and at the same time protect the interests of civilian producers, particularly small users. The least disruption to mill schedules,which have been set through June 30, will result by this action. In line with this action, the National Production Authority instructed all manufacturers of Class 5 products--namely, those for which NPA allots materials-- that it will not be necessary for them to file applications for controlled materials for the third quarter of 1953. Requests for additional second quarter materials to manufacture Class B products for the Defense Denartment and the Atomic Energy Com- mission will be handled as before by NPA industry divisions. Economic Stabilization Agency OFFICE OF PRICE STABILIZATION EDIBLE FISHERY PRODUCTS DECONTROLLED: Price controls on all edible fish were revoked effective February 6, including Maine sardines, canned salmon, and flat lake salt herring, but excepting processed cod sold outside the Continental United States. This action was included in a February 6 announcement of the Director of Price Ste- bilization which completely removed price controls on all meats, restaurant meals, and other items. The February 6 decontrol actions were the first orders issued under the Presi- dent's instructions that OPS eliminate controls in an orderly manner between nowand April 30, when the legal authority to maintain ceilings expires. The actions an- nounced were effective immediately upon issuance, While the actions revoke the regulations in their entirety, OPS emphasized that the records relating to past transactions which were kept under the regulations mus be retained by the affected parties. However, records of future transactions need not be kept. February 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW ie The meat, fish, and restaurant decontrol action is taken by Amendment 19 to General Overriding Regulation 7, Revision 1, the general OPS regulation which covers suspension and exemption of foods from price control. The amendment re- vokes all regulations effective in Continental United States pertaining to live- stock and meats; the two restaurant ceiling price regulations (CPR 11 and CPR134); and the regulations applying to fish: CPR 65 for canned salmon, CPR 85 for Maine sardines, and CPR 109 for flat lake salt herring. For details see: Amdt. 19 (Livestock, Meats, Fish, Restaurants and Distri- bution Regulations) dated Feb. 6, 1953, to Revision 1 of General Overriding Reg- ulation 7 (Exemptions and Suspensions of Certain Food and Restaurant Commodities; and_news release OPS-0-1373 dated Feb. 6, 1953. NOTE: FULL TEXTS OF PRICE ORDERS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF PRICE STABILIZATION, WASHINGTON 25, D. C., OR FROM THE REGIONAL OPS OFFICE IN YOUR AREA.