mt (| re | 1953 Jol. 15, No.8 uu = > a uu n uu) Lu = = = me) = © SE pl Lo ~~ 2 be 9 Ww = VY —S ww a) wa = iS) E ad i © a iS) (an) 172) ‘iy wa © Ld 7) a) S) eee i= =) YU (an) c oe om c ‘ > UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE DOUGLAS McKAY, SECRETARY JOHN L. FARLEY, DIRECTOR A review of developments and news of the fishery industries prepared in the BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES wll ("a A. W. Anderson, Editor F. F. Johnson, Associate Editor J. Pilegg1 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: NORWEGIAN VESSELS FISHING OFF LOFOTEN ISLANDS FOR COD. PAGE REPORT ON THE NORWEGIAN FROZEN FISH FILLET INDUSTRY, BY R. T. WHITELEATHER .eseseeeseves 1 TRAP LIFT NET FOR CATCHING TUNA BAIT FISHES, BY J. Be. SIEBENALER ..cceeeeeessccrerscevcs 14 x * ee oe PAGE PAGE RESEARCH IN SERVICE LABORATORIES ..eeeeeee2- 18 JFOREIGN (CONTD.): TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS: .sescceceseccecsc.. 23 | GREENLAND: ADDITIONS TO THE FLEET OF U. S. FISHING WORLD'S LARGEST SHRIMP BEDS REPORTED 31 VESSELS eee eesoeereecerocesveesoseceercecee 23 COD MOST !MPORTANT FISHERY Aceeseene 3i CANS--SHIPMENTS FOR FISHERY PRODUCTS, NEW LUMPSUCKER FISHERY FOR CAVIAR 31 JANWARNSMEN, NOES) chogobocndousnoboooKeda. 2S | CELAND: GYLF FISHERY INVESTIGATIONS: SUMMER HERRING FISHERY weccececceseses 32 ALASKA CONDUCTS BIOLOGICAL SURVEY TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH BRAZIL AND (CRUISE 11-3c) nvetelodeloloteletevoielerereictekerateleteiels loinc. FRANCE |NCLUDE FISHERY PRODUCTS ... 32 INTERNATIONAL FISHING BOAT CONGRESS JAPAN: AROUSES CONSIDERABLE INTEREST ..oeccecces 24 TUNA EXPORT QUOTAS PROPOSED ..ccoees 32 NEW ENGLAND TUNA EXPLORATIONS: FROZEN TUNA EXPORTS RESTRICTED FOR 5 BLUEFIN TUNA EXPLORATION FOR 1953 STARTED 25 BRIER PER NOD Wrelcteteretetelelclelelcletetalhelsteietelemmos SOME BLYEFIN TUNA CAUGHT BY MARJORIE EXPORTS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS, 1952 .. 33 PARKERS (CRUISERNOS al) aan aaa ee ae NORTH PACIFIC FISHING EXPEDITIONS NORTH CAROLINA STUDIES EFFECT OF HEAT AND REPORT {GOOD CATCHES) rele! cicielsleleletsteistelsmmmca LOWS WATER FON BAYS SCALLOPS cislsicisicieisisvereiste cieuiaZO SECOND PEARL=FISHING FLEET TO ARA-~ PACIF!C SEAMOUNT NAMED AFTER A FISH AND FURAWSIEANiote ts evelereletarciciolelercleWelcletciclelclekohemmmos) WILDLIFE SERVICE EXPLORATORY VESSEL ..0e.. 2/7 MEXICO: WHOLESALE PRICES FOR FISHERY PRODUCTS, LAWS PROTECTING TERRITORIAL WATERS VUNES OSS eierelercielelelevelevelereleheietercnencheterenierctelciciet ome liv; TERMED ANTIQUATED AND INADEQUATE .. 35 FOREMIGN itieiclelesielere etsievclicicloieietctelsistelstetoveteicter retiree aO GUAYMAS SHRIMP FISHERY IMPROVED AS INTERNATIONAL: SEASONUENDED) iis cre clelcleleielcieletolclalelelctelelel mms) UNITED STATES-ECUADOR FISHERY CONFERENCE 29 S!INALOA SHRIMP FISHERY TRENDS, SWEDISH AND DANISH BALTIC FISHERMEN FISH APRINEJUNE WODSi aie ciclelslcleleleletehelelslolelsimmnSO INSIDE 20-MILE LIMIT OF COMMUNIST COUN- NORWAY: RINE SHrerevevereleielstolel/ofelelejsiciels) elelcleloveleretelorctelsdelercmunee, NEW FISHERY-TYPE SONAR PROVES SUC- AUSTRALIA: CESS RU eyerelreieteiclelelcicieleleveleloheleloislelalstelel mmr ALBACORE CAUGHT IN SOUTH AUSTRALIAN AUTOMATIC BA| TING MACHINE PROVES WATIERS oie tetolalelaloteialeleleleleleleleletelelelcletaketcvoletelcliehteMer CO) SUCCESSHU IS ewaveretoleleleloicl sleiciotels|elehel-etstat- mmm ow, CANADA: PANAMA: ANALYSIS OF FOREIGN MARKETS FOR FISHERY U. S. TUNA VESSEL CONFISCATED--LATER PRODUCTS, JANUARY=MARCH 1953 ..cccccseee 29 REWEASED) sieve clclevcleferclorsioleleletelsl ofelelsieishsteimmon BRITISH COLUMBIA SALMON F!SHERIES TRENDS, GOVERNMENT |!SSUES STATEMENT ON TER= APRIRESUNESG D3 ive crerakel levels olele\evohererneyeletsretaieinn sO RITORIAL WATERS ccccrerovecereceses 30 = cep tn iin "a" iil = August 1953 Wenhiagian 25,D.C. Vol.15 , No.8 REPORT ON THE NORWEGIAN FROZEN FISH FILLET INDUSTRY2/ By R. T. Whiteleather* FILLETING INDUSTRY IN GENERAL The fisheries that support the groundfish fillet industry in Norway are lo- cated in the northern part of the country principally fromthe Lofot Islands area northward to Hammerfest in Finnmark. These fisheries, particularly those for cod, are generally ranked among the most prolific in the world. In a normal year the Lofot fisheries alone from January through March yield from 80,000 to 120,000 met- ric tons of large cod. Notwithstanding this, the 1953 spring fishery for cod was disastrous owing to violent storms and almost continuous bad weather for the two- month period which comprised most of the season, No trawlers operate in the Lofot cod fishery. The purse seiners, gill netters, long liners, and hand liners used are dependent to a great extent on reasonably fair weather conditions. As a result of the curtailed fishing because of thepoor Norwegian Landings of Principal Species Used in Fillet] eee oe” ene aires of Industry, 1948-52 ; headed and gutted cod asof [Species «dé 95 21/7] 1951 1195011949 11948 March 30 amounted to only (Thousands of Metric Tons) | about 25,000 tons, one of Cod2/ (headed and gutted) .| 218 | 249) 196] 176|.179|the poorest showings during HaddOCkKoravlerersieictelsile GOmumeleisione 22 21 25 the past 50 years. Since Ocean catfish ... dow eeeee March is usually considered Ocean perch (round) ........ the prime fishing period, 2 ASGUT GB BEAeayn USED FOR SALTED AND DRIED FISH IS dee) Madan) he NaS) NOHO: : fisheries totaled less than 45,000 tons of cod even though the weather abated for the last few days of the season. This means that the catch was less than 50 percent of an average year. As an example of the severity of the situation, the largest filleteproducing plant had not packed any cod fillets at the end of March this year as compared to 1,000 tons produced by the same date last year. Keen competition for the small supply of fish this year naturally has devel- oped and fillet producers are pitted against klipfish (dry-salted cod) and stock- fish (air-dried cod) buyers causing prices paid to fishermen to rise considerably above the 4-43 U. S. cents-per-pound minimum (headed and gutted) set by the Nor- wegian Government. Ex-vessel prices were closer to 6 U. S. cents per pound and in some cases have gone beyond what fillet producers can pay in relation to the mar- ket for the finished product; thereby further curtailing production. A similar situation prevailed in the Finnmark fisheries which are important for cod as well as other species. I/THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT WAS GATHERED DURING A TRIP TO NORWAY IN MARCH 1953 IN RESPONSE TO AN INVITATION FROM NORSK GROSSENGISK A/L, AN EXPORT TRADE ASSOCIATION WHICH HANDLES APPROXIMATELY 99 PERCENT OF NORWAY'S FISH FILLET EXPORTS. # ASSISTANT CHIEF, BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES, U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, WASHINGTON, D. C. 2 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 The present fillet production comes mainly from cod, haddock, ocean catfish (wolffish), ocean perch, halibut, and some pollock. Cod fillets made up the major share of the total fillet output with haddock and ocean catfish ranking about equal as next in importance in quantity produced. These fillets are cellophane- wrapped, frozen, and packaged in one-pound consumer packages, and also in five- and ten-pound cartons. The one- and five-pound cartons are the types commonly placed in the United States trade. There is, however, a limited amount of jumbo cod and haddock fillets (about two pounds each) packaged in ten-pound cellos that are especially prepared for institutional trade in the United States. Export marketing of all varieties of Norwegian frozen fishery products is carried out by the export trade association Norsk Frossenfisk A/L with head offices at Oslo. This organization,which handles approximately 99 percent of fillet ex- ports, consists of primary producers operating on a share basis according to the production capacity. There appears to be no direct government subsidy in the production and foreign trade of fillets, although the Government owns and operates one large plant as a production and pilot-plant combination. On this basis it participates in the export association in the same manner as a private producer, earning dividends on shares held just as the other participants do. However, as profits from this plant accrue to the Government any operating losses similarly must be covered by Government funds. The Association presently pays the individual producers an agreed price for fillets produced and furnishes the wrapping and labeling material under one trade name. The plant profit is included in this price. Adjustment of the price takes place in accordance with changes in costs of raw materials. Frozen fillets are then marketed by the Association at prevailing prices which determine the Associa- tion profit or loss status. During 1952 about 50 percent of the Norsk Frossenfisk production entered the United States market, the balance being sold in European markets which are under steady development. In spite of Norway's normally large cod production, shipments to the United States in 1952 consisted of about 75 percent haddock and ocean cat- fish fillets, 20 percent cod fillets, and 5 percent ocean perch fillets. Europe was considered a better cod market than the United States. All of the frozen fish destined for export are subject to rigid inspection and quality-control regulations of both the Government and the export association. Inspection starts with selection of the fresh fish at the point of landing and ends with final inspection of every cargo at the time it is loaded on the steamer for overseas transport. Kristiansund is at present the main port of loading for export. Frozen fillet cargoes are assembled there, arriving from the production areas by coastal steamers that provide daily service along the coast. Almost everywhere there is evidence of expansion of facilities for handling frozen-fillet production. Old freezers are being renovated and new freezers and cold-storage warehouses are being constructed in accordance with the most modern principles. Most storage is now at temperatures from -5° F, to -10° F., but the goal is for lower temperatures in the neighborhood of -30° F, The newest and most modern freezer has been recently built in Bergen. This plant has a blast-freezing capacity of 70 metric tons per day in addition to a 250-ton brine-freezing capacity for herring. It has a storage capacity of 12,000 tons of frozen fish. With these improvements Norway is obviously looking toward expansion of markets both in Europe and the United States. For the United States market, the greatest emphasis is expected tobe placed on larger production of haddock, ocean perch, andocean catfish. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW August 1953 <> 0% Nes S555 SSC ee $ 525 ey, : S ates: Se 2.8, KEY SOK IN NORWAY. - SINK PURSE SEINE USED TO CATCH COD 1 FIG. 4 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 Some attention also may be given to increasing the production of sei (pollock) for marketing in the United States. Such diversity is sought to bring more uniform production on a year-round basis instead of relying on the short production periods which occur in the cod fisheries. Marketing conditions will be one governing factor in expanding exports. Pro- duction of other species as compared to cod has certain limitations which will control any increase. The objective for the foreseeable future is to increase the United States sales by about 30 percent, or about three million poundsannually. COD FISHING AND FILLETING INDUSTRY FISHING: Cod taken in the Norwegian fisheries migrate southward from the Barents Sea area along the upper coast of Norway. The fishery for large cod (about 10 years old and approximately 14 pounds) is carried on in the Finnmark area from October to December and then farther southward in the Lofot Islands area from Jan- uary through March. A migration of smaller cod--supporting a fishery in thenorth- ern region--takes place usually from March to June. Each year from 5,000 to 6,000 vessels from all points along the coast of Nor- way congregate on the Lofot grounds to participate in the spring fishery for large cod. This fishery is traditionally based upon hand-line, long-line, and gill-net gear; however, in recent years the sink purse seine has been introduced with re- sounding success (figure 1). There are now engaged in this fishery about 860 purse-seine vessels each carrying a crew of nine men. These vessels account for approximately 60 percent of the catch in a normal year when weather conditions will permit unrestricted fishing. The purse seines are about 200 fathoms long and 20 to 30 fathoms deep with about three-inch mesh, and have been ingeniously adapted to subsurface fishing operations. Cod can be caught with this gear in midwater depths up to 50 fathoms. Nevertheless, the usual range of operations is in depths between 20 and 30 fathoms. The seine is verysim-— ilar to the ordinary U. S. Pacific Coast-type purse seine, except that it isrigged with sufficient weight on the lead line to overcome the buoyancy of the corks (or floats) on the cork line, causing it to sink. Twelve or fifteen large canvas floats approximately 24 inches in diameter are spaced along the cork line and attached to it by lines that can be adjusted to permit the seine to sink to the desired depth. It is set out, pursed, and hauled back usually in the same fashion as the Pacific Coast-type pilchard or herring seine using one vessel and a seine skiff. Another vessel is used as a haul-off vessel to keep the seine vessel clear of the gear under adverse conditions. Because of the peculiar nature of the cod in trying to sound in order to es- cape from the net, the catch is not lost by escapment over the submerged cork line as might be expected. After the net has been pursed and the leads taken on board the seine vessel, the gear can be surfaced and hauled in sufficiently to concen- trate the fish for brailing into the vessel hold. The Lofot cod fishery is conducted in waters close to the Island mainly in the Vestfjord, which is between the Lofot Islands and the Norwegian mainland. Be- cause of the large number of vessels fishing in this small area and the resulting congestion, rigid rules have been established and individual areas are earmarked for the operation of each type of fishing gear. Vessels are not allowed on the fishing grounds before 6:00 a.m., and must return by 6:00 p.m., except that purse seiners are restricted to operations between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Vessels over 70 feet in length are not allowed to fish in the Lofot area. August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 5 Because of the proximity of the grounds to the fishing ports and because of the regulations, the length of trips is always one day or less. The fish are landed in prime condition, coming from waters with a surface temperature of about Be. F. Subsurface temperatures in depths where most of the fish are found gener- ally range between 39° F. and 42° F. Although the fishery is located in a very high latitude the air temperature is tempered considerably by the warm Gulf Stream, Temperatures during the fishing season range from 25° F. to 35° F. Vessels fishing for cod catch only a few other species. The greatest inci- dental catches are made on long lines fishing for cod which frequently also take some ocean catfish. Other types of gear most generally catch cod exclusively. HANDLING FISH ABOARD THE VESSEL: Cod are handled carefully aboard the vessels. Fish hooks or pews are not permitted. Therefore, the fish are handled by hand. Regulations require bleeding of cod aboard the vessel immediately after catching. All fish must be sold heads off and gutted. However, this is rarely done aboard the vessels, it being a job reserved for dockside operations. Because of the short length of the trip and because of the cool weather conditions, fish are held on the deck until landed unless a large catch requires stowing in the hold. The size of pens in the hold and the sanitary conditions therein are subject to strict Gov- ernment regulations. For example, fish are not permitted to be stowed in the pens to a height of more than 65 cm. (about 28 inches) without horizontal supporting boards for the next layer of fish. There is no mechanical refrigeration aboard the vessels. Ice is not normally used unless fish are to be transported overnight to a remote processing plant after being landed and headed and gutted. In this case the fish are transported in boxes and well supplied with fine ice. The prices for cod to the fishermen vary in accordance with demand. The Gov- ernment has established a minimum price schedule which varies according to dis- tricts where the fish are marketed. In the Lofot area the minimum price for cod (headed and gutted) to the fishermen this year is 58 ore per kilogram (about 4 U. S. cents per pound). In addition, the fishermen sell the livers and roe. For example, the fishermen's gross income at minimum prices on an average purse-seine fish weighing eight pounds, headed and gutted, is as follows: 8-pound fish ... 232 ore (33 U. S. cents) ee liver .. 30 ore ( 4 U. S. cents) =KicPenroeiine seni. 30 ore ( 4 U. S. cents) owbarleunreverercrie 292 ore aa U. S. cents), or about 5 U. S. cents per pound. Of course the fillet plant does not buy the livers androe since these are handled as separate byproducts in special plants. In periods of light production such as in the 1953 season, competition between klipfish, stockfish, and fillet producers raises the price considerably above the Government minimum. Prices to the fishermen for headed and gutted cod during the 1953 season were close to 80 ore per kg. (about 6 U. S. cents per pound) which is 2 U. S. cents per pound above the Government minimum. DOCKS AND UNLOADING FACILITIES: The fish landing docks are generally adjacent to the filleting plants. The docks are constructed mainly of wood although some are of concrete. They have an adequate water supply for washing the fish that are headed and gutted there, and for washing down the docks. The fish are handled in the filleting plants as soon as possible after landing. During periods when fish are abundant, filleters and plant employees work three shifts. If it is necessary for any reason to hold the fish as long as overnight, they are stored in boxes and iced as may be necessary in accordance with the weather conditionsand temperatures. 6 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 FILLETING PLANTS: There are between 27 and 30 filleting plants producing for the Association, depending on the time of season. These plants range from small poe Le sO Miernuaeaiss FIG. 2 = TRANSPORT VESSEL UNLOADING FISH AT FILLETING PLANT IN MELBU, NORWAY. units with an output of eight to ten tons of fillets per day to large plants with an output of 45 to 50 tons per day. The total production capacity of the plants in the Association ranges between 350 to 400 tons of fillets daily. Combined storage capacity of all plants is about 15,000 metric tons. All of the plants observed were set up on a one-line operation; the smaller plants have six or eight filleters and the largest plant operated with 50 to 60 filleters on a three-shift basis. Realizing that more than one filleting line will provide greater flexibil- ity in operation, at least one plant isconvertingto a three-line operation. Sanitary conditions are governed by regulations established by the Norwegian Government. Both the large and small plants have concrete floors with adequate drains to facilitate washing-down procedures. Filleters and other workers are re- quired to wear caps, and employees engaged in packaging use caps and uniforms. However, during the filleting and handling of the fillets the use of woolen gloves or similar implements that may contaminate the fish is not permitted. No steam- cleaning equipment was observed, but plant equipment is washed intermittently with cold fresh water. A rather thorough wash down is carried out at the end of each eight-hour shift, and it is understood that several times during the season there isan over-all scrubbing and wash down with a hypochloride solution. FILLETING AND FILLETING LINES: The filleting lines in the plants are set up in a varying style of mechanical operation. In some plants the fish are brought to the filleters--after thorough washing--on a belt conveyor traveling the length of the filleting table; in others the fish are distributed to the filleters in boxes by an employee assigned to this job. Some other plants carry the fish in fresh-water flumes as a means of distribution. The frames (waste) are carried out on a belt or other type of conveyor running under the table. Fillets are generally carried to the packing room on a rubber-belt conveyor or fresh-water flume, although in some instances they are handled in pans. Scalers are not used in processing cod when skinless fillets are produced. Where scaling of haddock or cod is necessary August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 7 for skins-on fillets, the scaling is done with a hand device frequently as simple as a board with a few nails in it. No mechanical hand scalers were observed but several have been reported as in use. In some plants ocean perch is scaled by tumbling in an ordinary rotary scaler. The filleting tables are made of both wood and metal. In either case, how- ever, a wooden filleting board is used. Sanitation of the tables and knives is prescribed by Government regulations. An average filleter, when working with cod, will turn out about 2,000 pounds of fillets per eight-hour shift. Fillets weigh about two pounds each when cut from an average-size purse-seine cod weighing about eight pounds, headed and gutted. This means that the filleter can handle about 500 fish per shift. Fil- leters are paid on a piece-work basis at the rate of five to six ore per kg. (about 3 U. S. cent per pound). » Therefore, a good filleter earns the equivalent of US$10.00 per day. Most fillets are produced with skins off, the skinning being done by machine. Two types of machines were in operation--one manufactured in Norway and the other made in Germany under the trade name of Baader; preferenceis forthe Germanmachine. The percentage of recovery in filleting varies somewhat according to the size of the fish. Absolutely boneless, boneless, semi-boneless, and whole fillets are FIG. 3 - FILLETING PLANT AND FREEZER AT MELBU, NORWAY. cut to meet various market requirements. The purse-seine fish in general seem to run larger than fish taken on hand lines or by gill net. While the former average about 14 pounds in the round, the other range in the neighborhood of 10 pounds. Losses in heading and gutting amount to about 40 percent of the round weight of the cod. Boneless fillet recovery from the headed and gutted fish,as sold to the plant by the fisherman, runs about 50 percent after being trimmed for packaging. This means that, in general, the fillet recovery from fish as taken from the water is close to 30 percent. Practically all filleting is done by hand, although there is 8 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Wo.) 5)" Nowe) sufficient interest in mechanical filleting machines that at least one plant at Hammerfest is trying a German-made machine. wegian industry. The heads and viscera, as taken from fish by the fishermen dur- ing the cleaning process on the dock, are used for meal and oil as well as for fur- animal food. The frames from the filleting plant also go to meal plants. Some cod roe is marketed as a salted, canned, or frozen product for human consumption. Cod livers are processed for vitamin extraction and the residue is used for a variety of purposes. Skins are collected at the skinning machine, salted, and shipped to glue manufacturers. FILLETS: As the fillets are cut they go directly to the vackaging room where they are immediately handled. No preservatives are used. The fillets are not brined and are washed in cold fresh water only. Washing takes place by water sprays at the output end of the skinning machine. The fresh water used generally comes from mountain sources thereby being clean and cold. The water temperatures vary from 38° F. to 40° F. The appearance of the fillets is very good since the fish have been out of the water only a very short time before being filleted. Generally speaking, fillets from hand-line fish are considered to be superior grade. Purse-seine fish received somewhat rougher treatment because of the type of gear used, and the drop to the deck from the brailer usually causes fillets from these fish to have a greater percentage of blood spots than the hand-lined fish. How- ever, the fillets are carefully inspected so that blood spots and skin ends, bones, and flaps are trimmed out as may be necessary. Cod and haddock fillets are not candled in any of the plants; however, ocean perch and catfish fillets are examined in this manner. PACKAGING: The fillets are hand packed--mostly by women trained for the task. Varicus types of rotating tables and other devices are used to facilitate this hand work. Customary weighing equipment consists of a regular type "over and under" balance scale, generally either of American or German make. A one-pound waxed-carton package is produced for the United States and Swiss markets. Labels and recipes are printed in English on the one-pound carton for the United States trade and in French and German on the package for Switzerland. No overwrap is commonly used on the one-pound carton; however, there is a celloinner wrap. Some plants are making preparations for overwrapping by using a Norwegian heat~sealing machine. Certain difficulties have been encountered in obtaining a smooth seal on the overwrap with this machine and unless further trials can cor- rect this situation U. S.-manufactured wrapping machines are expected to be used. It is possible that an overwrap on the one-pound carton will become common before too long, at least for the United States trade. Five-pound cellos containing five packages of fillets are also produced for shipment to the United States. These have insert labels. After freezing they are packed in 40-pound master cartons of eight five-pound vackages. The one-pound consumer carton and the five-pound cellos are the only packs commonly sent to the United States. However, a limited amount of 10-pound cellos of jumbo fillets (about two pounds each) are marketed in the United States for institutional use. A four-and-one-half kg. (approximately 10 pounds} cello pack is made up of 10 packages of fillets for European trade. After freezing these are packed four to a master carton making an 18-kg. (approximately 40 pounds) package for European mar- kets. Most of the cello-wrapping material is purchased in Great Britian. Some has been obtained from Belgium but use of material from that source is being discon- tinued. August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 9 FREEZING THE FILLETS: The fillets are frozen in packeges of three sizes: one-pound cartons which have a thickness of 14 inches, and five- and 10 pound cello packages approximately 23 inches thick. All are frozen at sharp-freezing temperatures from -36° F. to -4,0° F, Both tunnel blast freezers and Birdseye-type plate freezers are used. The plate freezers are preferred and many plants are converting from tunnel freezers to plate freezers. The largest plant in operation, located in Melbu, is converting to this type of freezing equipment; when the con- version is completed it will have six plate freezers in operation. The plate freezer is particularly useful for production of a smooth uniform-surfaced package, especially desirable in the United States trade. Freezing time for the one-pound package is roughly one hour and 20 minutes; for the five- and ten-pound cellos 2: to 23 hours. The plate freezers have 11 plates between which 10 layers of packages can be inserted to make up a thousand- pound charge. This type of freezer handles approximately six tons of fillets in 24 hours. In the tunnel-freezing procedure, single layers of packages are placed in trays and passed through the tunnel. The temperature of the fish on entering the freezers is relatively cold since weather conditions and air temperatures do not permit it to warm very much. The time from filleting to freezing is held to a minimum as filleting and packaging capacity is coordinated with freezer capacity. COLD STORAGE: Cold-storage facilities at the filleting plants vary in size in accordance with the plant output. The smaller plants have storage facilities for possibly 300 metric tons, while the largest plant has a holding space of about 1,500 tons of fillets. The latter plant has an arrangement of five storage rooms, each with a capacity of about 300 tons. The cold-storage rooms used by most of the plants are of the usual design with coils and air-circulation system. The fillets are stored in master cartons and E PLANT AT BERGEN, NORWAY. ARCADE LEADING TO G ROOMS. -> ZO stacked in orderly arrangements as required by Government regulation. The storage temperatures seem to run rather uniformly from about -5° F. to -10° F. Some of the newer installations previously mentioned in this report have holding tempera- tures as low as -35° F. Freezing temperatures and maximum storage time for fish fillets are also regulated by Government rules. Storage temperatures must be at a 10 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 minimum low of -20° C. (-4° F.). Fish cannot be stored at this temperature for longer than a four-month period. If the storage period is intended for over four months and up to six months the temperatures must be -24° C. (-11° F.) or lower. Storage is permitted for up to a nine-month period at -28° C. (-18° F.) or lower. Both public and private freezers are usedin assembling shipments for overseas transport. Coastal steamers with good refrigeration facilities pickup fillets atthe production plant warehouses periodically and transport themto the ports of transship-— ment for foreign markets. During the season of heavy operation, shipments are usually made twice weekly on these steamers. Kristiansund isthe principal port of assemblyat the present time. Flans are being discussed, however, fordiverting a considerable a- mount of this business tolarge storage warehouses inTrondheim and Bergen. Cold-stor- age plants at these locations have alarge capacity; for example, one in Trondheim has a 3,500-metric-ton capacity, some of which is used for storage of meat and other prod- ucts. The newfreezer at Bergenhas a capacity of 12,000 tons. Much of this space is used for frozen herring storage as well as for fish fillets. OVERSEAS SHIPPING: In loading shipments at transfer points such as Kristian- sund, loading time is cut to a minimum asfreezers are located adjacent to steamer. (RAW MATERIAL REPORT NO, sy) i Skjema R RASTOFFRAPPORT NR. (FREEZER) (1 NSPECTED) (paTE) FRYSERI: BESOKT 19 (RAW MATERIAL) RASTOFF (YIELD) UTBYTTE (pate) ‘antum kg angele “Aldes rodusert | Datum Tale TT Te | tes dogn |CQUANTITYY (TYPE) | Ulsortert U Iredale ass Kyantum Tuya | REMARKS (cur) | Fite a lel AS re Jiskore! lo pty | kvantum eo (Arsak til utsortering etc.) | REASON FOR SORTING OUT (SPECIES) (TRANSPORT) | & (Gear) (sorTEeD out) (FILLET) (QUANTITY) FIG. 5 - PRODUCTION REPORT REQUIRED FROM ALL NORWEGIAN FILLET PLANTS FOR EACH LOT OF FISH PROCESSED (WITH ENGLISH TRANSLATION). docks. Refrigeration temperatures on Scandinavian ships is said tobe somewhat lower than on most other lines. Members of thetechnical staff of the Directorate of Fisher- ies have been discussing with all vessel operators transporting fillets the possibility of lowering storage temperaturesto at least -10°F., orpossibly lower. The lengthof the oceantrip tothe United States generally is about two weeks. However, in some in- stances a periodof three weeks maybe involved. Investigation of the rate ofmarket- ing showsthat the United States consumer receives Norwegian fillets about three months after the fish have been taken from the water. This period, of course, is due tothe time it takesto handlethe fillets inthe plant, ship themto assembly points in Norway, trans-— ship them across the ocean, store them in main warehouses inthe United States, and distribute themto retailers. recognizing thistime lagthe Norwegians are placing a great dealof emphasis on low storage temperatures in order to maintain the quality of the product to the greatest extent. INSPECTION: The Norwegian Government has establisheda very rigid system of in- spection inthe production, handling, and storage of frozenfish fillets. There are a- bout 20regular inspectors employedon a year-round basis, and 4Oto 45 during the height of the season. These inspectors are ableto give reasonably good coverage inthe area August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW alk of operation. Norsk Frossenfisk also has three inspectors who work in close co- operation with the Government inspectors but their primary duties do notoverlap. The Association inspectors concernthemselves mainly with quality and the varied types of packs requiredin the many foreign countries wherethe fillets are shipped. The Association also maintains a modern laboratory at Bodo, specifically for the purpose of regulating qualitycontrol of allmember producers. This laboratory is staffed by chemists and bacteriologists who analyze samples fromthe production plants. There is also a branch laboratory at Kristiansund available for analytical work at various times. The inspection system provides for an elaborate method of recording the history of production and thehandling of each lotof fish. It starts with the plant manager LAGERRAPPORT NR ie (FREEZER) (INSPECTED) (DATE) FRYSERI BESOKT 19 7 (vate) | (cope) |(sPecies) sje Filer | (QUALITY AND (MARKING) (PACKING) (REMARKS) Datam | Code | Fiskeslag | Pakningstype | Heny. | Lagerrom Vekt Kvalitet og utseende Merking Pakning Anmerkning | | (ae temp, APPEAR ANCE) ) ) PACKING) |. (REFERENCE) STORAGE (STORAGE TEMPERATURE (FILLET TEMPERATURE) | | j | | | | | } | (TYRE OF ( {Room 1 | | i | | | 1 i \ | is I | | + Kontrollors underskrift FIG. 6 - COLD-STORAGE REPORT MADE BY GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR ON FILLET PRODUCTION AT PLANTS (WITH ENGLISH TRANSLATION). who must maintain a complete production record including the kind of raw stockused and its condition, as wellas a record of the circumstances during the processing. Code numbers are assigned to individual lots, and recordedon a form (figure 5). The Government inspector has accessto the production reports and records. From these records and from information obtainedin person at theplant, he submits are- port to appropriate Government authorities everytwo weeks (figure 6). Copies of the report, along with samples frequently taken of various code lots, are sent tothe Asso- ciation laboratory at Bodofor analysis. The laboratoryissues a quarterly report to individual production plants indicating the results of the analysis of the plant's production for that period. This report is quite comprehensive, dealing with such items of producer interest as (1) quality and appearance, (2) labeling, (3) packing, (4) weight control, (5) temperature control, and (6) other remarks. Bythis means the producer has a report every three months which canbe usedas a guide for adjusting and correcting his production methods to meet thebest stendards. Final inspection of the frozenfillets comes at thetime theyare withdrawn from storage for overseas shipment. Every shipment must be inspected and a reportmade on its condition (figure Tyo Wwoals system records the complete history of the product from the landing of the raw fish to the final shipping. In general the Government regulations deal with the following aspects of the industry: 1. General Inspection of Fish as Landed for: COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. a. Bleeding--all fish must be bled aboard the vessel when caught. b. Proper cleaning (heading and gutting) and washing. ec. Freshnessto insure proper condition for destination; that is, very top quality only permitted for filleting and freezingwith rejects fromthis class used for saltingand stockfish production. There is a specialregulation statingthat fish for filleting preferably should be processed before rigormortis sets in andmust be proc— essed nolater than while inthe state of rigor mortis. d. Hook, tong, or spearholes inthe fish--rejectedif such holes found. e. Proper heading and gutting. f. Icing requirements which vary according to the time of year and air temperatures. 2. General Inspection of Vessels and Holds for: a. Adequate painting and general sanitary conditions of the hold. b. Arrangement of pens inthe hold to insure compliance with special regulationsthat fish cannot be stored higher than 65 cm. (28 inches) in pens without supporting shelves. c. Watertight andinsulated engineroom bulkhead so asto prohibit oil and gases or warm air comingin contact with the fish in the hold. d. Properdeck equipment to insure adequate facilities for handling fish and sanitation of such equipment. 3. General Inspection of Filleting Plants for: a. General sanitation of plant and equipment, docks, and unloading equipment. Workrooms and implements must be carefully cleaned at close of each workday and be free of odors. b. Compliance with regulation on workers' caps, uniforms, and health requirements. Workers! eating and restrooms must have modern equipment; hot water must be available. c. Compliance with freezing and storage-temperature regulations. Rules are seton freezingtimes and fillets cannot be removed fromthe freezer until they are cooled to at least -4°0 F. clear through. Storage temperature must be at a minimumlowof -4°F, Fish cannot be stored longer than4 months at thistemperature Storage up to 6 months must be at -11.2° F.or lower, and for storage up to 9 months temperature must be -18.4°F, or lower. d. Proper stackingin storage rooms. Orderly stacking is required and distances abovethe floor andaway from walls is prescribed for adequate air circulation. 4. Label Compliance and Markings Inspection for: a. Proper species as labeled. b. Proper type of fillet as labeled. c. Proper type of package and proper packing of master cartons. d. Markings, codes, etc. e. Proper weights as labeled. August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 13 The export Association inspectors work on the same established standards as set forth in the Government regulations. (SHIPPING REPORT BY INSPECTOR) Skjema L. (REPORT No.) rapport nr. (PRODUCER) Prodasent (WAREHOUSE) louver (sHiPPEO By) (oare) Skibet med Datum Glenmier | ODE _NUMBER (SPE CIES Fiskeslag (TPE _oF PACKING) Pakningstype (nereggace) {stonjae. F824) (STORAGE TEMPERATURE ) (ern Teer ee) (erate ( eon WWalitee. (MARKING) Merking (PacKinG) Pakning (ouacity) Kvantum [cobey Code: Vektkontroll (weicHr CONTROL) Anmerkning: (REMARKS). Kontrollers underskrilt FIG. 7 - SHIPPING REPORT SUBMITTED BY NORWEGIAN GOVERN- MENT INSPECTORS TO GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES (WITH ENG- LISH TRANSLATION). However, they do not duplicate to any extent the general inspection activities of the Government inspectors. They have access to the Government inspector's records. The Association in- spectors also have access to the plant manager's records and focus their activities principally on the marketing aspects of the products. For example, their attention is given principally to the se- lection of the gradesof fish for the types of markets in- volved, such as United States or European markets. They also inspect at the point of filleting operation to see that the proper type of fil- let (boneless, semi-boneless, or whole fillet) is being produced in accordance with the particular market require- ments. Observations are also made for blood spots, skin ends, and proper trim-up of the fillets. The production for the United States and Swiss trade is given foremost atten- tion in regard to inspection since it is recognized that these two markets have the top requirements in consumer ac- ceptance. Broadly speaking, the Government inspectors as- sure the general quality while the Association inspectors check the selection made from this point to meet particular market requirements. 14 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 TRAP LIFT NET FOR CATCHING TUNA BAIT FISHES By J. B. Siebenaler* NEW LIFT NET DESIGNED Lift nets were moderately successful in catching small quantities of fish under lights on the 1952 cruises of the Service's exploratory fishing vessel Oregon in the Gulf of Mexico. The lift nets used, however, were generally unsatisfactory. The frames were not strong enough, The lift was either not rapid enough to catch some kinds of small fish, or the webbing split when sufficient speed was attained. The trap lift net was designed and constructed to overcome these difficul- ties. The essential feature of the trap lift net is provision for quick lift of the sides of the net independent of the lift of the frame and bottom of the net. This gear was used successfully in early 1953 to catch tuna bait fish of several species attracted by lights to the Oregon while the vessel was anchored FIG. 1 - TRAP LIFT NET IN FISHING POSITION = 4 ° . (SIDES DOWN). WHEN.IN USE AT NIGHT A Licht 2 Night. The bait fish (Jenkinsia 1S SUSPENDED OVER THE CENTER OF THE NET. lamprotaenia, Anchoa lamprotaenia, Anchoa hepsetus hepsetus, Anchoa mitchilli, and Sardinella anchovia) taken in quantity were all relatively small, and our limited observations suggest that they are easily injured by handling. The smallest of these bait fish, the majua (J. lamprotaenia), averaged 800 fish to the pound. Our largest catch with the lift net contained approximately 100 pounds of fish, too large a quantity for proper handling except in calm seas. Possibly these bait species are relativelyless hardy andmore ,. easily injured thanspecies generallyused in the Pacific Coast tuna fishery. At any rate, less difficulty was experienced in catching the fish thanin getting them into the bait tank in good condition. We were successful in working the trap lift net in tidal flows of oneto two knotsand in winds of 18 to 24 miles per hour, but we could not work the net effectively in swells or in a choppy sea. FISHING WITH THE TRAP LIFT NET Fishing was carried out in 16 to 50 feet of water while the Oregon was atan- chor, usually in the lee of an island. A 150- or 300-watt light mounted at the FIG. 2 - TRAP LIFT NET WITH SIDES UP. end of al4-foot pole was used to attract os FORMERLY FISHERY METHODS AND EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST, EXPLORATORY FISHING AND GEAR DEVELOPMENT SECTION, BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES, U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, PASCAGOULA, MISS. August 1953 the fish. after lee rail with its sides down. abovethe surface to as deep as eight feet below the surface, depending on the depth at which the bait schooled. The light was placed over the center of the net. When a sufficient numberof fish col- lected under the light, the sides of the net were lifted as rapidly as possible, and the frame was hoisteduntil the bottom was approximately at sea level. The catch was then scooped into the tanks and the net returned to the set position. Many variationsfor nandling the gear appear feasible. The boom on the Oregon was long, and an electric winch for the topping lift made its use convenient. The sidesof the net were raised by hand using a line over a single sheave. Althoughtwo DTYNKs rae Sar) COMMERCIAL FISH! REVI 2 15 The trap lift net was suspended in the water from the boom over the The top of the frame was held from sixinches cee ee FIG. 3 = TRAP LIFT NET FRAME RAISED IN PO- S!ITION FOR REMOVAL OF CATCH WITH A DIP NET. SIDES HAVE BEEN LOWERED. men could work the rig, we found that eight men could keep busy when the bait was plentiful and there was any sea running. Often we had to wait for several hours before sufficient bait collected, and in general the amount of bait per lift in- creased toward dawn. FIG. 4 - BAIT BEING TRANSFERRED FROM THE TRAP LIFT NET TO LIVE TANKS WITH NYLON MARQUISETTE- COVERED SCOOP. At times a large supply of bait appeared around the light without difficulty or delay, but on some occasions all of the lights (in- cluding a five-million candle power searchlight) on the vessel were used to get bait close to the net. Before lifting, all lights except the one over the net were turned off. Wewere unsuccessful in using gradually-dim- ming lights, since the schools thus attracted broke up when the light be- came weak and did not bunch well with the light too bright. The light in- tensity where the bait was grouped presumably would vary greatly with the turbidity and depth. Whenever the bait became plenti- ful around the vessel, we found that a second light, used to hold the bait while the net was being unloaded, sped operations. This extra light was turned off as scon as the net wasagain in position. Transfer of the bait was facili- tated by the use of scoops coveredwith nylon marquisette. Apparently this covering was less abrasive tothe scales of the fish than knotted webbing, and held enough water to keep the fishfrom damage in the scoops. 16 QS? ass iy xg ON PSX CY COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 < |O-INGH RING Sg LIFTING LINE SS DQ WY SS x Se, SS SS Sy A <— FRAME BRIDLE NET BRIDLE /74-INCH WIRE ROPE 3-INCH DIAM. FIXED RING Ah -INCH DIAM. SSP lll SLIDING RINGS OST PE SSS IS OSES Pati OOD , SS SSL SS SO OSI KISS x5 4 SOS 00% s Or? OO SSS SS ee see SSS SSS % oe FIG. S - CONSTRUCTION DETAILS OF THE 8s -FOOT TRAP LIFT NET USED ON THE M/V OREGON. August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHURIES REVIEW 17 Large razorbellies (Harengula) interfered in catching small bait fish in the Florida Keys. The large razorbellies were unsatisfactory for bait because of a tendency to sound when used for live chum, but they sometimes appeared in suffi- cient number to eat all of the smaller fish under the light. As many as 25majua were taken from the stomach of one six-inch razorbelly caught on a hand line. The anchovies taken in the trap lift net appeared to be injured by the knots of the cotton webbing in the bottom of the net. Fewer anchovies died in the tanks when we replaced the cotton web bottom with one made from nylon marquisette. A nylon marquisette floor in thetrap lift net, tried on the Mississippi coast, was quite successful in catching anchovies, but it also retained predaceous, half- inch-long isopods. In the tanks these isopods killed a large number of the an- chovies, estimated at 1 to 3 percent per day. Furthermore, they attacked the diver cleaning the tank and made it necessary for him to wear a complete covering of protective clothing. DESCRIPTION QF THE TRAP LIFT NET The trap lift net used on the Oregon was made with a frame of galvanized pipe having fittings arranged so that the net could be completely taken apart for con- venient storage. The top and bottom squares, each 84 feet, were made of 14-inch pipe, and the 83-foot verticals were made from 3/4-inch pipe. The cotton webbing used was 1/2-inch (stretched) mesh with the floor hung on 12-thread manila for convenient attachment to the lower square of the frame. The top of the walls was hung on an 8-foot square frame of 1/2-inch galvanized rod. The method of rigging the hoisting and lifting lines is illustrated in figure 5. No webbing was used as a cover for the top of the net since practically no fish of the types wanted escaped over the top. COMMERCIAL FISHERY LAWS AND REGULATIONS Commercial Fishery Laws and Regulations, Fishery Leaflet 168 (Revised), was recently issued by the Service's Branch of Commercial Fisheries. This 7-page leaflet describes the various Federal laws and regulations which af- fect the commercial fisheries of the United States and Alaska. Italso lists the fishery agencies of the States, Territories, and Island Possessions which have jurisdiction over fisheries. The Interstate Compact Commissions and the International Commissions are also listed. Free copies of Fishery Leaflet No. 168 are available from the Division of Information, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington 25, D. C. 16 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Wells We), Nes fs) RESEARCH Z IN SERVICE LABORATORIES “NX LEIS VE ow Progress on Projects, July 1953 EFRIGERATION: Freezing Fish at Sea, Defrosting, Filleting, and BeneeE es OS the Fillets: The experimental freezing trawler Delaware began this season's operations | on June 3. A short cruise (No. 18, June 3-5) was carried out to test the operat— ing characteristics of various rechaniea equipment that was installed or recon— ditioned during the winter lay-up period. A six-day cruise (No. 19, June 18-23) was carried out for the purpose of test— ing the newly-designed and installed brine-—freezing mechanism, and the refrigera-— tion equipment under full—load conditions. During the course of testing the equip— ment, a number of lots of experimentally frozen and iced fish were prepared. The vessel carried out fishing operations on the southwest part of Georges Bank. Ap-— proximately 10,000 pounds of large haddock were caught, of which 8,000 pounds were frozen in sodium—chloride brine for experimental purposes. Some of the fish which were frozen were "glazed" in sea water prior to storage inthe vessel'shold at 0° F These "glazed" fish will be compared with a similar lot of unglazed fish to de& termine storage characteristics on the vessel and also in commercial cold storage ashore prior to defrosting, filleting, and refreezing in commercial fish-filleting plants. A small lot of gutted fish was also frozen in sodium—chloride brine to de- termine to what extent sodium chloride will penetrate into the meat of fish that have been gutted. The results of the tests with the new freezing mechanism were very satisfactory, based on the limited quantities of haddock which were caught and frozen. The Delaware completed a test cruise (No. 20, July 7-15) during which approx— imately 22,000 pounds of fish were caught. The fish were frozen, using the modified brine-freezing equipment, which functioned satisfactorily. The primary purpose of the cruise was to test the new brine-freezer mecnanism under full—load conditions. However, several test lots of brine-frozen haddock were prepared to determine the effect of rinsing the round fish with clean sea water before they are stored inthe hold. The new brine freezer permits the loading and unloading of fish at the deck level. Greater efficiency of operations was notedwith thisnew arrangement. Fish- ing operations were carried out on the southwest part of Georges Bank. A number of experimental lots of vrine-frozen and of iced fisn were prepared for further studies in the laboratory and pilot plant ashore. Large lots of haddock were weighed care— fully to determine changes in weight at several stages of handling by both icing and freezing procedures. These are to be weighed azain when landed and the yields of fillets from the two lots will be determined. A large lot of haddock frozen in the round was vrepared for thawing and filleting asnore, the fillets to be used for stud— ies of brine-uptake during the brine-dipping process. Several lots of gutted had— dock, neads on and heads off, were brine-frozen to determine space requirements in frozen storage, as compared to that of round frozen haddock. (Boston) Cold-Storage Life of Frozen Halibut: txamination was made of the frozenhalibut stored for 12 months. The purpose of the project is to provide information on the cold-storage iife of frozen halibut packed according to present commerciai methods, August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 19 ana to compare various packaging and storingmethods. prepared. follows: Four series of samples were A summary of the results after 12 months of storege of the fish is as 1. Dressed halibut were superior to the halitut steaks. -15° F. and -20° F Steaks stored at F, had a longer storage life than thcse stored at 0° F 2. The limiting factor in storing halibut as steaks appears to be the loss of ice glaze, permitting subsequent dehydration and development of rancidity. 3. The loss of ice glaze depends upon such factors as (a) packagingmaterials; (b) type of refrigerator room; (c) location of cartons in respect to refrigerated coils; (d) air circulation. The results of each periodic examination are summarizedin the following tabie: Results of ore Tests on Halibut Steaks Sliced From Frozen Dressed Halibut Dressed halibut were stored at O° F. Steaks were prepared at intervals of 0, 6, 9, and 12 months. packaged for further storage at 0° F. in two ways: Steaks were (A) The glazed steaks were maeked in a 15-pound corrugated- type cardboard carton lined with parchment paper. A sheet of parchment paper was placed between each layer of steaks. (B) Glazed steaks were placed in MSAT cellophane bags. The bags were heat sealed ard packed in 15- pound corrugated-type cardboard cartons. Storage Packaging Quality of Halibut Steaks After Total Storage Period Series peecr nt ton Temperature| Code (Storage Period of Steaks Flus Storage Feriod of Dressed Fish (see From Which Steaks Were Cut) of: headnote 6 Months 9 Months Steaks next to inner Thawed steaks appear- ed spongy or honey- combed; odor and flavor normal; por- tions of dark meat were very slightly rancid; texture slightly dry but good; steaks packed much of the glaze and were dehydrated; dark meat was slightly to moderately rancid; rated unacceptable. Steaks had lost some glaze and were dehy- drated in smallareas; darkmeat was slightly Steaks cut layer-style and in rancid in only a few from cellophane bags steaks; rated fair in frozen about equal in quality and on the dressed borderline of accept- at halibut abilit stored Normaledsr and flavor; for 0 texture somewhat dry days at and firm; small amount 0° F. of dehydration on steaks near inner surface of carton; rated acceptable. flavor; texture somewhat dry and firm; rated ac- ceptable. (TABLE surface of carton lost 12 Months Steaks were dehydrated in large areas; the dark meat was rancid, and some portions of the white meat nad an off-flavor; rated unacceptable. Glaze almost. entirely gone; steaks near in- ner surface of car- ton were dehydrated; dark meat darkened somewhat ; dark meat of some steaks dis- colored and rancid; texture somewhat dry and firm; rated on borderline of accept- abilit, Glaze almost entirely gone; dark meat dark- ened somewhat; dark meat of some steaks discolored and ran- cid; texture some- what dry and firm; rated on borderline of acceptability. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE) Vol. 15, No. 8 20 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Results of Storage Tests on Halibut Steaks Sliced From Frozen Dressed Halibut (Contd. ) vee Storage Quality of Halibut Steaks After Total Storage Period Series |Description | temperature (Storage Feriod of Steaks Plus Storage Feriod of Dressed Fish of From which Steaks were Cut) of: Steaks 12 Mortis eakshad [ost only a |Nany steaks were de— small amount of glaze;} hydrated; discol- dark meat in some ored, and rancid; Thawed steaks were steaks was slightly rated unacceftable. spongy in appear- rancid; texture some- ance; large amount what dry; rated ac- 0° F. of curd on baked ceptable. steeks; odor and The glaze was in good |Many steaks were de- flavor normal; tex- condition; dark meat | hydrated, discol- ture slightly dry was slightly rancid ored, and rancid; in sone steals; tex- | rated low in quality ture somewhat dry; but acceptable. rated acceptable. Glaze was gone from. Glaze was gone on the surfaces adjia- many steaks, partic- cent to the carton; ulerly those adja- Steaks cut the dark meat ina cent to inner sur- from few steaks was face of carton; the frozen slightly rancid; dark meet of steaks II dressed -15° ha texture was some- showed loss of glaze halibut what dry and firm; and was discolored and stored rated acceptable. rancid inflavor; tex- for 6 ture was somewhat dry months ana firm; rated onthe at O° F. borderline of ac- ceptability. Some glaze lost on Steaks next to inner small areas on surface of carton steaks; normal were dehydrated and flavor and odor; were rancid in fla- rated accevtable. vor; texture was dry and firm; rated on =20°0 RS the borderline of acceptability. Glaze was intact; Steaks lost some normal flavor and glaze; dark meat in odor; rated accept- a few steaks was able. rancid; rated fair. Thawed steaks had Some steaks showed spongy appearance; slight loss of glaze; baked steaks had dark meat in a few moderate amount of steaks was slightly A - curd; odor and fla- rancid; texture some- 0° F. vor was normal; tex- | what dry and firm; Steaks cut ture was somewhat dry|_rated acceptable. from and firm; rated good. |Steaks showed very frozen B - little change; rated dressed acceptable. halibut Glaze was good; dark III stored meat of a few steaks for 9 A was Slightly rancid; months at texture was dry and 0° F. =20° F. firm; rated acceptable. Glaze was good; dark meat of a few steaks was slightly rancid; B the texture was dry and firm; rated ac- ceptable. Steaks cut Thawed steaks had from fro- spongy appearance; zen dress— baked steaks had con- IV ed hali- siderable amount of but stored curd on surface; odor for 12 and flavor normal; months at texture was somewhat 0° F. dry and firm; rated good. Cold-Storage Life of Frozen King and Silver Salmon: Examination was made of the frozen king and silver salmon stored for nine months at O° F, The results of each periodic examination are summarized in the following table; — August 1955 COMMERCIAL FISHFRIES REVIEW 8 Results of Storage Tests on Frozen Silver and King Salmon Quality of Salmon Steaks After Total Storage Period Species |Description of |Storage Peri- Series (Storage Period of Steaks Plus Storage Period of Dressed Fish Number From Which Steaks Were Cut) of: O Months 9 Months Good, but belly Good, but belly Good, but belly Good to tips were slight- |tips were slight- |tips were slight- excellent.| ly rancid. ly rancid. rancid. Good, but belly Fair; colorfaded |Fair; color slightly tips were slight- |slightly; belly faded; belly tips Fish from Neah ly rancid. tips and dark rancid; dark meat Bay, Wash., meat rancid; flat |slightly rancid; I Silver dressed, fro- to off-flavor. off-flavor. zen, and Fair; color mod- Fair to poor; color stored at erately faded; slightly faded; 0° F. belly tips and belly tips rancid; dark meat rancid; |dark meat slightly flat_tooff-flavor.} rancid; off-flavor. Poor; color moder= ately faded; belly tips and dark meat very rancid; off- flavor. Good to Good, but belly Good, but belly Good, but belly excellent.| tips were slight- tips were slight- |tips were slight- ly rancid. ly rancid. ly rancid. Good, but belly Fair; color slight-|Fair to poor; tips were slight- ly faded; belly rancid belly tips; Fish from 3 ly rancid. tipsand darkmeat |off-flavor. Lapush, Wash. , were rancid; flat II Silver dressed, fro- to off-flavor. zen, and Fair; color slight-| Poor; color faded stored at ly faded; bellytips|/to pale; belly tips 0° F, 6 and dark meat were |and dark meat were rancid; flat to rancid; off-flavor. off-flavor. Unacceptable; color faded badly; belly tips and dark meat were very rancid; off-flavor Good, but belly tips were slight- ly rancid. Good, but tex- excellent,| ture somewhat Good, but belly tips were slight- ly rancid. Good, but tex- ture was some- what soft and belly tips were slightly rancid. Fair to good; color slightly faded; belly tips slightly rancia; slight loss of Fair; color slight- ly faded; belly tips were rancid; dark meat showed trace of rancid- ity; off-flavor. Fair; color slight- ly faded; belly tips were rancid; dark meat showed traceof rancidity; Fish from Ilwaco, Wash., dressed, fro- zen, and stored at @} ia III Chinook Fair; color slightly faded; belly tips and dark meat were off-flavor, avor. Foor to unaccept- able; color faded considerably; belly tips and dark meat were very rancid; off- flavor. BYPRODUCTS: Vitamin Content and Nutritive Value of Fishery Byproducts: Ribo- lavin assays were completed on 23 samples of pilchard meal. These represent sam— ples of carload lots. The results were as follow: Riboflavin Content in Micrograms Per Gram Meal (Moisture- and Oil-Free Basis) Average RS are ve wate sista csr etelselate 22 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 PUBLICATIONS: The Fisheries Experimental Commission of Alaska released two publications pertaining to curing and canning of Alaska fish and shellfish. Technical Report No. 4, Home Canning Alaska Fish and Shellfish, by 2. G. Landgraf,Jr., Christine Heller, and John A. Dassow, is made available to Alaskans through the cooperation of the Fishery Products Laboratory at Ketchikan and the University of Alaska Agriculture Extension Service. This publication gives com— plete instructions for the home canning of salmon, smoked salmon, halibut, halibduy cheeks, herring, butter clams, and crab meat. Technical Report No. 6, Specialty Food Froducts from Alaska Herring, by R. G. Landgraf, Jr., and H. J. Craver, gives complete instructions for the preparation of the following specialty products from Alaska herring: canned smoked herringniblets, canned smoked herring in tomato sauce, kippered herring, and pickled herring. These publications should be of considerable interest to Alaskans who preserve fish and shellfish for use throughout the year. They may be obtained by Alaska res— idents free of charge from the Fishery Products Laboratory, 622 Mission Street, Ketchikan, Alaska. (Ketchikan) HALIBUT ADDS VARIETY TO HOMEMAKERS’ MENUS Halibut--from the cold deep waters of the North Pacific--is now in good supply. Largest of the flounder or flatfish family, halibut have been taken as large as 500 pounds and as long as nine feet. Homemakers can add variety to their menus by serving halibut, one of the finest food fishes. Its white flaky meat is lean and firm. The home economists of the Fish and Wildlife Service recommend Chinese Fried Hali- but as a savory, economical, and easily prepared main dish. CHINESE FRIED HALIBUT 2 POUNDS HALIBUT STEAKS OR FILLETS 3 CHICKEN BOUILLON CUBES 7 TEASPOON SALT 1 LARGE GREEN PEPPER, CUT INTO STRIPS 1/4 CUP FLOUR 1 CUP PINEAPPLE CHUNKS, DRAINED 1/2 CUP VINEGAR 1-1/2 TEASPOONS WATER 1 CUP SUGAR 1-1/2 TEASPOONS SOY SAUCE 1-1/3 CUP WATER 3 TABLESPOONS CORNSTARCH Sprinkle both sides of halibut with salt; roll in flour. Place fish in a heavy frying van which contains about 1/8 inch fat, hot but not smok- ing. Fry at a moderate heat. When fish is brown on one side, turn care- fully and brown other side. Cooking time about 10 minutes, depending on thickness of fish. Drain on absorbent paper. Combine vinegar, sugar, water, bouillon cubes, green pepper, and pineapple; simmer for 10 minutes, Combine soy sauce, water, and cornstarch. Add gradually to hot sauce and cook until thick, Stirring constantly. Serve over fish. Serves 6. Se August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 23 —— s Ss , 6) Additions to the Fleet of U. S. Fishing Vessels First documents as fishing craft were issued to 62 vessels of 5 net tons and over during April 1953—2 less than in April 1952. ‘Washington led with 12 vessels, followed by Louisiana with 8 vessels, and Virginia, Florida east coast, Califor- nia, and Alaska with 6 vessels each, the Bureau of the Customs reports. Section New England ..eccccccce Maladie VAC MantGaC) Sye1e <.c ChiesiapeakiCmeveielei:isislel-rele |South Atlantic ....... Gully’ Go 000 ace Gd00 00005 FRIGLIENG Boo coOsKOODOOO Grea MAKES cleieie ciclersiole IMAGE S555 SOROEO OOOO MOU GMMetsielstetecsie:cle.s 62 METS) INOTE: VESSELS HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED TO THE VARIOUS SECTIONS ON THE BASIS OF THEIR HOME PORT. Sa Cans--Shipments for Fishery Products, January-May 1953 Total shipments of metal cans for fish and sea food during January-tiay 1953 amounted to 33,257 short tons of steel. (based on the amount of steel consumed in the manufacture of cans), compared to 28,237 short tons shipped during the same period in 1952. This is based on a July 24 report issued by the Bureau of the Census. Frovided a certain percentage of the shipments earmarked for fish and sea food are not retained for inventory purposes, produc— tion of canned fishery products during the first half of 1953 should be higher than nl 9 52%. 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 BY USING THE FACTOR: 23.0 BASE BOXES OF STEEL EQUAL ONE SHORT TON OF STEEL. 24 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 Gulf Fishery Investigations "ALASKA" CONDUCTS BICLOGICAL SURVEY (Cruise 11-3C): A biological survey—pri- marily plankton samplirg—of the Gulf of Mexico was conducted by the Service's Branch of Fishery Biology research vessel Alaska on a cruise completed at Galves— ton, Texas, on June 11. Periodic surface water samples were also collected. The vessel started on this cruise on May 27. The survey was made to determine spawn— ing areas of various fishes, to resolve the distribution pattern of fish larvae and juveniles, and to collect living plenkton. Being limited primarily to plankton sampling, the cruise was laid out to in- clude areas that previously had yielded the greatest concentration of plankton, es— pecially fish eggs and larvae; and an area encompassing the "humps" between 30 and 100 fathoms just north of the 28th parallel in the northwest Gulf. Superficial examination of samples obtained once again showed a marked decrease of plankton outside the 100-fathom contour. Salinity and temperature records along the cruise line were obtained with the Foxboro dynalog recorder. fFeriodic surface water samples were taken for subsequent inoculation of selected media in an attempt to culture certain of the smaller plank— tonic forms. As the ship was under way continually, dip—net fishing was limited to a few hours in port and while at anchor over a 9-fathom shoal in the northwest Gulf. No noteworthy specimens were captured. Trolling with feather and nylon jigs while under way during daylight hours was moderately successful. Included in the catch were 4 Atlantic blackfin tuna, 38 little tuna, 2 king mackerel, 9 great barracuda, and 2 dolphin. From Key West to Heald Bank the vessel almost continually encountered sargassum weed in scattered masses and "streaks," which frequently fouled the lures and probably eliminated many potential strikes. International Fishing Boat Congress Arouses Considerable Interest Reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, sponsors of the forthcoming Interrational Fishing Boat Congress to be held at the Delano Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida, November 16-20, 1553, indicate larger than anticipated advance registration for the meeting. This meeting will be held concurrently with the Gulf and Caribbean Fishing Institute, sponsored annually by the Marine Laboratory, Uni- versity of Miami. hore than 40 naval architects, fishing-vessel construction experts, and others interested in fishing-vessel design, have indicated their plans to attend the Fish— ing Coat Congress. About 30 technical papers covering a wide variety of vessel problems are already scheduled for delivery or summarization at the meeting. There will be 3 papers on Huropean trawlers; several papers on the design and construction of American trawl— ers, tuna vessels, and small fishing craft; and at least 1 paper each on the modern August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 25 “Sz ization of fishing boats in Chile, India, and Pakistan. Problems concerning=Stabil- ity of tuna clippers, the effects of loading on the trim of trawlers, and selection of engines for all types of craft will be pointed up in detail. The economical as— pects of various types of vessels will be discussed. Papers on new deck gear, and description of new trawlers for freezing fish at sea are also included. There will be papers on safety at sea, tank testing techniques, and the owner's viewpoint of what is needed in a fishing vessel. For further information regarding the meeting, write to: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, Italy; or Branch of Commercial Fisheries, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington 25, D.C. KE New England Tuna Explorations BLUEFIN TUNA EXPLORATION FOR 1953 STARTED: The commercial fishing vessel Mar- jorie Parker has been chartered for one month by: the Service's Branch of Camercial Fisheries to continue the exploratory fishing for New England bluefin tuna which was started in the summer of 1951, and followed up in 1952. The charter willbe extended for three months. The Marjorie Parker sailed July 15 from Portland, Maine, on the first cruise of the 1953 season, and is scheduled to return to that port about July 30. BLUEFIN TUNA (THUNNUS THYNNUS ) The vessel will operate south and 7 southeast of Georges Bank, approximately 25 miles outside of the 100-fathomcurve line on the southernmost edge of the bank. A series of long-line fishing op- erations will be conducted at selected stations nearthe edgeof the Gulf Stream, working in a northeasterly direction to- wards the Northern Edge of Georges Bank and the Gully between Georges and Browns Banks. An attempt wiil be made to locate tuna schools and operate tuna-fishing gear under commercial fishing conditions in arees considered favorable for tuna concen- trations. A series of bathythermograph casts will be made at each fishing station in order to plot thermocline levels of the region. Several types of fishing gear will be operated during the cruise. Redesigned Japanese-type long lines carrying considerably more branch lines and hooks thanthe regular Japanese long line will be the principal gear employed. Surface troll lines will be operated while the vessel is traversing the area. Floating drift—gill and trammel nets will be operated when favorable conditions are indicated. Masthead lookouts for schools of tuna will be maintained during daylight hours. Gis ete hs ap aie SOME BLUEFIN TUNA CAUGHT BY "MARJORIE PARKER" (Cruise No. 1): Aninitial 14- daytrip in searchof bluefin tuna in the offsnore waters from the edge of the Gulf Stream southof Georges Bank to the Boon Island, Maine, area in the North Atlantic was completed by the schooner Marjorie Parker on July 28. The schooner has been chartered by the Service's Branchof Commercial Fisheries in orderto continue the 26 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 exploratory fishing for New England bluefin tuna which was initiated in the summer of 1951. On this cruise the vessel's crew also tested long—line fishing gear. Harly stages of the trip were devoted to exploring the waters along the inshore edge of the Gulf Stream in an attempt to find bluefin tuna. No tuna schools were sighted in the area and a series of long-line sets were unsuccessful. Surface wa- ter temperatures of from 71° F. to 74° F. were recorded in the vicinity. First schools of tuna were observed on the southwest part of Georges Bank and a set of 10 baskets of long lines, totaling 230 hooks, resulted in a catch of 2 bluefin tuna averaging 35 pounds (round weight) each. Additional sets made in the same general area proved unproductive. Fishing operations during the last two days of the trip in the South Channel area and along the Cape Cod coast near Chatham, Massachusetts, were also relative— ly unsuccessful, and only a few tuna were caught. Surface trolling gear was operated during daylight hours. Four tuna were caught by this method. In contrast with last year's fishing when blue sharks were taken in large num— bers on practically every long-line set, very few sharks were caught on the long lines during this trip. A total of 15 long-line sets with an aggregate of about 2,800 individual hooks was operated on the cruise. The vessel landed 500 pounds of bluefin tuna, Thefish was frozen and stored for disposal at the end of the season. The vessel was.scheduled to leave on Cruise No. 2 on July 30. Using longlines, surface trolling gear, hand lines, and drift-trammel nets, the vessel was to fish for tuna in the Gulf of Maine between Portland and Mt. Desert Island, German Bank, Jeffreys Bank, Cashes Ledge,and Northern Edge of Georges Bank. a North Carolina Studies Effect of Heat and Low Water on Bay Scallops An experiment to determine the effect of heat and low water on Bay scallops in North Carolina sounds was started early in June by the Institute of Fisheries Re- search of the University of North Carolina, the Service's Fishery Marketing Special— ist in that area reports. The 1952 summer season was one of the poorest years for bay scallops in the history of the fishery, and the Institute is trying to determine if the high temperatures of last June killed the scallops when they were exposed at low tides. In order to check this theory, the researchers have taken a marked area of shoal water, counted the scallop population, marked the scallops with indelible ink, and then transplanted half the population in deeper waters. In late July and early August the two areas of scallops will be campared. If the results of the ex— periment show that scallops can be transplanted to deeper waters and maintain their rate of growth, and that scallops in shallow waters are harmed by the hot weather, then the Institute may recommend transplanting generallyif itis economically feasible. i August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 27 Pacific Seamount Named After a Fish and Wildlife Service Service Exploratory Vessel The name Cobb Seamount for the 18-fathan peak which lies approximately 270 miles west of Willapa Bay, Washington, was officially approved by the Board on Geo- graphic Names on July 21, 1953. This seamount was discovered by the John lh. Cobb on August 1, 1950, while the vessel was engaged in offshore albacore explorations. The Yeosels is one of several exploratory fishing vessels operated by the U. S. Fish and wildlife Service's Branch of Commercial Fisheries. Later the John N. Cobb returned to the seamount and experimental fishing with regular halibut ~Tong-line gear resulted in good catches of large redrockfish (Seb- astodes ruberrimus) on the slopes and ledges of the seamount. A few halibut were also taken. Attempts at trawling the terraces near the peak resulted in lost and damaged gear, indicating the area is too rough for trawling. The Coast and Geodetic Survey has announced that the Cobb Seamount will appear on all future charts of the area. Wholesale Prices for Fishery Products, June 1953 The usual seasonal spurt in production caused June prices for edible fishery products to drop substantially below May levels. The edible fish and shellfish (fresh, frozen, and canned) wholesale index for June 1953 was 100.9 percent of the 1947-9 average (see table)--lower than May 1953 by 5.6 percent and June 1952 by 1.8 percent. Although June average prices for the items in the drawn, dressed, or whole fin- fish subgroup rose 0.7 percent over the previous month, they were still 9.7 percent below a year earlier. Higher prices this June for West Coast halibut and salmonmore than offset the drop in the ex—vessel price of large haddock at Boston. Every sin- gle item in the subgroup wus priced substantially below a year ago, except for white-— fish at New York City which was priced considerably higher. Fresh shrimp prices, which had been climbing steadily sirce October 1952, drop— ped 26 percent from May to June this year. Increased production in the Gulf and South Atlantic was the principal cause for the price drop. Lower shrimp and oyster prices were reflected in the June fresh processed fish and shellfish index which was 16.6 percent lower than in May but 11.1 percent above June 1952. Fresh haddock fil-— let prices remained steady at May levels, but were 1.8 percent lower than a year earlier. Frozen shrimp prices (like those for fresh shrimp) also dropped substantially in June. Prices for frozen shrimp in June were 26.9 percent lower than in May, but still 20.2 percent above June 1952. Although fram May to June there was no change in frozen flounder fillet prices, haddock fillet prices increased 11.7 percent while ocean perch fillets dropped 4.4 percent. Compared with June 1952, all frozen fillet prices this June were lower. Principally because of the lower shrimp and ocean perch fillet prices, the processed frozen fish and shellfish index declined 14.7 percent from May to June, but was still 2.4 percent higher than a year earlier. 28 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 While canned Maine sardine prices decreased 6.9 percent from May to June, all other items included in the canned fishery products index showed no price fluctua— tions. The drop in Maine sardines was attributed to the beginning of the new canning season, but the pack has been reported substantially below 1952. Canned salmon and Table 1 - Wholesale Average Prices and Revised Indexes for Edible Fish and Shellfish, dune 1953 and Comparisons Group, Subgroup, Point of i Indexes and Item Specification Pricin Unit ($) (1947-49 = May 1953 Fresh and Frozen Fishery Products: ccccsecscoscocsese Drawn, Dressed, or Whole Finfish: Haddock, large, offshore, drawn, fresh ....... Halibut, Western, 20/80 lbs., dressed, fresh OF fFTOZEN eecreccceccccscscsccessescoce Salmon, king, lge. & med., dressed, fresh or FIOZEN coccccecvcscccscccccsensscrsscscsesece Whitefish, mostly Lake Superior, drawn (dressed) petreSlitelclaclelelsiclelelelsisleleleierelleteisielsiotet=l= Whitefish, mostly Lake Erie pound or gill net, Tound, FLESh crocscccoresccerescvcccsccccrcecs lake trout, domestic, mostly No. 1, drawn (dressed!) metre shivetelelsierclelstelsleleveleloleioteleletetatetel=lel-re Yellow pike, mostly Michigan (Lakes Michigan Huron) ye COUNG we PRES ieielslelalelalslslalelalelalalevalelatetats Fillets, haddock, Sml., sl skins on, Sb. tins Shrimp, lge. (26-30 count), headless, fresh OF FTOZEN cccoccccecrososercrsrereccacscsccccce Oysters, shucked, standards .ccccececccccccces Processed, Frozen (Fish and Shellfish): Fillets: Flounder (yellowtail), skinless, WO=1b. pkg. ceccccccccccccccccccccs Haddock, sml., skins on, 10-1b. Cello—pack ceccccccccccccscccccccse Ocean perch, skins on, 10-1b. cello- PACk coccccocsrcccccrercrcscccscece lge. (26-30 count) Canned Fishery Products: c.sscecsseorcrcscrcrccrcecccccccccesasoserersccercesce ~ Salmon, pink, No. 1 tall (16 oz.), 48 cans PET CASE ccccccccecccscvcccccscccseccecscrecse | COALtLA Tuna, light meat, solid pack, No. 3 tuna Los (7 0oz.), 48 cans per 2aS€ seccceccescccececccee | Angoles Sardines (pilchards), Calif., tomato pack, No. 1 oval (15 0z.), 48 cans per Case seccccee @ Sardines, Maine, keyless oil, No. + drawn T/REPRESENT AVERAGE PRICES FOR ONE DAY (MONDAY OR TUESDAY) DURING THE WEEK IN WHICH THE 15TH OF THE MONTH OCCURS. sardine prices in June this year were lower than in June 1952, but canned tum prices were up 3.1 percent. June 1953 canned Maine sardine prices were the same as a year earlier. The canned fishery products index for Jure 1953 was 1.9 percent below the same month in 1952 and 0.5 percent lower than in May this year. August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 29 a Er —<—— 5 —— Boo y = ——_——— === = FOREIGN | International UNITED STATES-ECUADOR FISHERY CONFERENCE: A conference to discuss fishery re- lations between Ecuador and the United States was held at Quito in late March and early April. The conference discussed the causes of the difficulties which have characterized fishery relations between the two countries in the recent past and recommended certain measures to minimize or obviate difficulties in the future. A-— mong the measures recommended was a return to the practice of granting fishing li- censes by radio, and a return to the practice of granting permission for foreign flag vessels to fish in Ecuadoran continental waters. A tripartite fisheries conference between Ecuador, Peru, and Chile scheduled for mid-March has been postponed indefinitely, reports a May 28 U. S. Embassy dis- patch from Quito. KEK KE SWEDISH AND DANISH BALTIC FISHERMEN FISH INSIDE 20-MILE LIMIT OF COMMUNIST COUNTRISS: Since Stalin's death, Swedish and Danish fishermen in the Baltic have discovered that they are allowed to fish within the 20-mile limit claimed as ter- ritorial waters by the Soviet Union, Poland, and East Germany. According to mer— chant seamen, however, there is no easing of security measures in Baltic ports, re- ports the Jure 1953 World Fishing, a British trade magazine. & Australia ALBACORE CAUGHT IN SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WATERS: A 93-pound albacore, caught by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization vessel Derwent Hunter about 50 miles south of Cape Wiles (near Port Lincoln), South Australia, is believed to be the first of this species ever recorded from that State, The albacore was tak— en on a trolling line whenthe Derwent Hunter was inSouth Australian waters inMarch on school-shark research, reports the May 1953 Fisheries Newsletter, an Australian trade magazine. { M {) Y Canada em tinued high despite increased campetition from meat products; but foreign markets, which normally take half of the Canadian production, presented some problems. 30 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 The most significant development in the export trade in recent months has been the British Government's C$4,250,000 purchase of canned B. C. salmon. With about 200 thousand cases of canned salmon expected to be shipped umder this agreement, the inventory problem which British Columbia salmon canners have experienced since the large 1951 pack reached the market should be considerably relieved. The United States market for fresh, frozen, and canned salmon was particular— ly good in 1952 and helped to provide a strong alternative outlet for Canadian west coast packers at a time when the large traditional market in the United Kingdom was closed. The level of sales to the United States is being maintained, but the vol— ume of shipments after the second half of this year will be determined mainly by the catcn from Alaskan and U. S. coastal waters this season. Prospects for main- taining a good volume of exports of canned salmon to the important Belgian market meanwhile remain encouraging. A very sharp decline in herring oil prices on the world market in 1952 precip— itated a price dispute in the British Columbia herring industry that resulted in a tie-up of the herring fleet and the elimination of the 1953 winter herring catch. As a result, no herring oil or meal was produced on the Candian west coast in the 1952/53 season. On the East Coast, shipments of salted groundfish to many of Canada's impor— tant export markets were larger during the first quarter of 1953 than in the corre- sponding period of 1952. At the start of the year inventories of frozen cod fillets in the Atlantic pro— vinces were high, but increased exports should reduce stocks to a more normal level later in the year. Reports indicate that holdings of frozen cod fillets in the U- nited States arebeing reduced. Shipments of Canadian cod to the United States mar- ket have been higher this year, although prices have been somewhat lower, according to the June 20 Foreign Trade, a Canadian Goverrment publication. xe KH BRITISH COLUMBIA SALMON FISHERIES TRENDS, APRIL-JUNE 1953: Most of the major fishing companies in British Columbia operated at a loss in 1952, and at the endof the year had substantial carryovers of unsold canned salmon, a July 20 U. S. consu— lar dispatch from Vancouver points out. ; With the loss of same export markets, production of canned salmon is now inex-— cess of demand and the industryis faced with the necessity of reducing costs in order to sell its products abroad. Pack— ers on June 1, 1953, had approximately Hi) 24,7,000 cases of unsold salmon in ware- houses fram the 1952 pack and anticipate a normal pack of 1,500,000 cases this sea— son, making a total of 1,747,000 cases. However, the domestic market only con- sumes about 900,000 cases and export mar— kets take about 400,000 cases, or a to- tal of 1,300,000 cases. As the British PART OF THE BRITISH COLUMBIA SALMON TROLLING See Government has agreed to spend C$4,250,000 for British Columbia salmon this year, combined domestic and export sales are expected to be in the neighborhood of 1,550,000 cases, which indicates that the carryover at the end of 1953 will be approximately 250,000 cases, if there is a normal pack of 1,500,000 cases this season. August 1955 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Sl In view of the unpromising marketing prospects, the British Columbia Fisheries Association, representing the operators, insisted that the United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union should agree to a reduction in the price paid to its members for salmon. On June 15, 1953, the union called a strike which lasted nine days and then agreed in behalf of its members to accept prices somewhat lower than those pre- vailing in 1952. Despite the loss of nine days at the start of the fishing season due to the strike, initial reports of the pack show that it is on a par with the pack of pre-— vious seasons and that the catch of Fraser River sockeye salmon, which spawn in four-year cycles, will probably exceed that of 1949 by 35,000 cases. beds in the world have heen discovered over the last five years in Disko Bay, Green— land, according to a : report made by Dr. l . f NORTH POLE Paul Marinus of Den- mark to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Com— mission recently. Disko Bay is well within the Arctic Circle. Eachof the grounds is 10miles long and 5 miles wide, reports the June 1953 World Fishing, a Brit- ish trade magazine. COD MOST IMPOR- TANT FISHERY: The cod fishery has succeeded sealing as the most im- portant industry in Greenland, and altogeth— er there are now 150 SP|TSBERGE fishing stations in that country. The development of the cod fishery has been attributed to the increasing warmth in the Arctic climate. Possible causes of this are changes in solar radiation, con- tinued melting of the last five of the Ice Age caps, and changes in open currents caused by the varying relative positions of sun, moon, and earth. HHH a June 24 U. S. Embassy dispatch from Copenhagen. The spawn (the only part of the fish used) is salted, packed in barrels, and shipped to Copenhagen for further proc-— essing. A high quality "caviar" is obtained, most of which is exported, andis sell- ing for about 20 kroner per kilo (US$1.31 per pound) wholesale in Copenhagen. 22 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 For the first 5 months of 1953 Denmark received 26,000 pounds of spawn as com- pared with 29,500 pounds in 1952. Fishermen in Greenland fishing for lumpsucker are making about 100 kroner (US$14.45) per day. Iceland SUMMER HERRING FISHERY: The summer herring season onthe north coast of Ice- land was due to commence late in June, and fishing circles anticipated another fail- ure, a June 16 U. S. Legation dispatch from Reykjavik reports. Participation was limited to the largest boats capable of operating far off the coast where theher- ringshoals were reported. Also, the num- ber of persons engaged in theherring fish- eries both at sea and ashore would becon- siderably less than in 1952. On June 8 the Herring Industry Board announced the prices to be paid for North Coast herring this year. The minimum price for salted dressed herring was set at I.kr. 157.68 (US#9.66) per 300-1b. bar- rel, the same as last year. The priceof herring for reduction was not announced at that time; in 1952 it was I.kr. 60 per BRAILING A GOOD CATCH OF HERRING. "mal" (US$3.70 per 300-lb. barrel). The Government is planning to expand the production of frozen South Coast her- ring, which was limited in 1952. Last year frozen South Coast herring, somewhat inferior to the North Coast variety in size and quality, was successfully marketed in Poland, Finland, and Czechoslovakia. This year exports to the Federal Republic of Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France are consideredpossible. The Gov— ernment intends to "push" this product. ee RHE TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH BRAZIL AND FRANCE INCLUDE FISHERY PRODUCTS: Icelandic trade agreements (which include fishery products) with Brazil and France have been renewed, a June 16 U. S. Legation dispatch from Reykjavik reports. The agreement with France covers the period from April 1, 1953, to September 30, 1953, and pro- vides that France will import iced and frozen fish valued at I.kr. 8.9 million (US$545,000), and various other fishery products valued at I.kr. 1.6 million (US#98 ,000). A barter-type agreement was signed with Brazil on June 6, effective for one year beginning July 1, 1953. It provides for the exchange of salted fish for coffee and other commodities valued at I.kr. 36.5 million (US#2,240,000) during the period of the agreement. al Japan TUNA EXPORT QUOTAS PROPCSED: The Japanese Fisheries Agency has proposed the following export quotas for tunafor the fiscal year April 1, 1953, toMarch 31, 1954: August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 35 Frozen tuna - 36,000 short tons Canned tuna - 1,500,000 cases Japanese industry and government agencies are discussing this proposal, but no decision has been made to date, reports a recent dispatch fram the United States Embassy at Tokyo. During the previous fiscal year the quota on frozen tuna was 21,000 short tons and on canned tuna the quota was 1,150,000 cases. The United States is the principal importer of frozen and canned tuna fram Japan. NOTE: SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, MAY 1953, PP. 52-53. xe KH H FROZEN TUNA EXPORTS RESTRICTED FOR BRIEF PERIOD: A one-week restriction on licenses for export of frozen tuna was announced on June 22 by the Japanese Minis— try of International Trade and Industry (MITI), a recent U. S. Embassy dispatch from Tokyo reports. This sudden annourcement caused confusion among Japanese fro-— zen tuna exporters who immediately voiced strong protests. The announcement meant that shipments of frozen tuna ready for loading aboard ships at Yokohama and else- where for export to the United States were to be held in abeyance. However, the restriction was removed almost as quickly as it had been applied. By June 24 the shippers were informed by the appropriate Japanese Government agency that shipments of frozen tuna could be made on all contracts and export li- censes which were complete and in order. The brief restriction apparently result— ed from lack of coordination on administrative action between Government bureaus, and quick adjustments were made. The Japanese Government has not as yet made any official announcement on its policy on the export of tuna (camned or frozen) for fiscal year 1953 which began on April 1. Unlike the previous year, no quotas have as yet been established for the export of either frozen or canned tuna. For the period fram midMarch to June 16, 1953, the exports of frozen tuna totaled 15,419 tons—practically all of it was shipped to the United States. Fig- ures on the export of canned tuna for the same period are not yet available. Recent inquiry disclosed little or no unsold stocks of canned or frozen tuna on hand at the principal centers in Japan. KEKE HK a recent dispatch from the U. S. Embassy at Tokyo. This is an increase of 14 per- cent in quantity and 22 percent in value compared with 1951 exports of 85,000 met— ric tons, valued at US$50 million. Edible fishery products comprised 77 percent of the 1952 value of total Japa- nese exports, and nonedible products the balance. Of the edible products, canned fish was the leading item (US$15 million), followed by fresh or frozen fish (US$10 million). In the nonedible category, fish oils led with a value of US$7.5 million. Additional important individual items in both categories included canned tuna, fro- zen tuna, canned sardines, canned crabs, dried cuttlefish, and cultured pearls. Bh COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 About 58 percent of all Japanese fishery exports in 1952 were shipped to the United States. eK KK K made by the Japanese crab, salmon, and whaling expeditions in the North Pacific, a July 20 U. S. Embassy dispatch from Tokyo states. Crab: As of June 16, the crab expedition reported a pack of 25,000 cases (48 cans, 63 ounces each) against an original target of 50,000 cases. The Japanese Fish- eries Agency in early July announced the production limit had been raised to 57,000 cases because of good catches. Crab fishing began about April 20 and was scheduled to end in late August or early September. Previously the expedition had experienced poor fishing from rough weather and the nuisance of an abundant supply of a noncom— mercial species of crab, reportedly Chionectes. The principal effort is, of course, for the king crab, Paralithodes camtschatica. The expeditionis operating with 1 fac- toryship and 12 catcher boats (6 small, averaging 7 gross tons; 6 medium, averaging 60 gross tons). Tangle gill nets and Danish seine trawls are being used. During a 5-day period beginning June 1, an examination of 200 crabs by the Japanese Government observer aboard the mothership showed an average crab carapace width of 21.4 cm. (8.4 inches), length of 17.7 cm. (7 inches), and weight of 3.8kg. (8.4 lts.). The highest catch rates for the tangle nets were obtained off PortMol-— ler, with a peak day's catch of 14,286 crabs for 771 shackles of net hauled. Salmon: The salmon expedition, asof June 30, reported a catch totaling 2,455,904 fish, consisting of 1,595,195 chum (Oncorhynchus keta), 704,708 red (0. nerka), 154,511 pink (0. gorbuscha), 1,487 king (0. tschawytacha), and 103 silver (0. kisutch). The catch target is 5,500,500 salmon (including 40,000 cases of canned salmon ). Drift gill nets are beingused. Operationswere expected toterminate inlate August. The expedi- tion isoperating with 3motherships and 85catcher boats. Small-sized carriers are beingused to transport frozen and salted salmon from the grounds to ports in Japan. At least two such loadshave alreadybeen landed. Fishing has been west of 175°W. longi- tude and southwesterly of the Aleutian Islands. The expedition's position asof July 1 was inthe area 50°50!N. latitude and 166°25'E. longitude. The two Government re- search vessels attached tothe expedition engage in exploratoryfishing. Catches from the research boats are sold tothe motherships at the same prices which prevail for the catcher boats; these prices have been reported as 230yen per kan (7.7 U.S. cents per pound) for redsalmon, 230 yen (7.7 U.S. cents per pound) for king, 170 yen(5.7 U. S. cents per pound) for silver, 170 yen(5.7 U. S. cents per pound) for chum, and 70 yen (2.4U. S. cents per pound) for trout (Oncorhynchus masou). Whaling: The whalingfleet inthe North Pacific is also making goodcatches. As of June 25, the catch totaled 240 whales of which 227were fin whales. The target is 600 whales by September 30. Operations began about May20. The fleet includes 1 fac- toryship (4,794 gross tons) and 4catchers. Inlate June the catchers bagged more than 15 whales a day, taxing the processing facilities of the smallmothership. Operations are northof 469 N. latitude inthe North Pacific and BeringSea. Accordingto reports from the expedition, the Soviet Union is using4 of the 8 former Japanese whaling bases in the Kurile Islands. Japan's coastal whaling fleets operating from land bases in Hokkaido and north- ern Honshu are producing relatively good catches this season. The fleet is limited to 25 catcher boats ranging from 91 to 417 gross tons. NOTE: SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, JULY 1953, PP. 53-55; JUNE 1953, PP. 54-56; APRIL 1953, PP. 49-51. adit 2a August 1955 COMMERCIAL FISHERI#S REVIEW 35 SECOND PEARL-FISHING FLEET TO ARAFURA S#A: A second fleet of Japanese pearl- fishing boats was expected to sail for the Arafura Sea early in June, reports a re- cent dispatch from the U. S. Embassy in Tokyo. This fleet will operate independent- ly of the fleet which left on May 14. The dispatch of the second fleet developed from a recent talk between representatives of an Indonesian firm and a Tokyo pearl company. According to Japanese sources, the fleet will consist of at least 6 diver boats, 48 divers, and 10 technicians skilled in pearl culture. Plans include operations from a land base at Buton, Celebes. Pearling would be in "Indonesian waters" for the black-lip pearl. The technicians would train Indonesians inthe culture of pearls, using the pearl-oyster for this purpose. u Mexico LAWS PROTECTING TERRITORIAL WATERS TERMED ANTIQUATED AND INADEQUATE: The re— cent fines imposed upon United States shrimp-fishing vessels arrested in Mexican waters off Campeche and Tuxpan were believed to be low, according to a recent Mexi- can press report (El Universal, June 26). The Mexican Ministry of Marine in rebut- tal stated it was not possible to impose greater fines since the Fishing Law of Mex— ico does not contemplate the presence of foreign operations in Mexican waters; and no penal sanctions exist for such cases. The fines against the United States shrimp-fishing vessels were imposed solely for the lack of a license to fish in Mexican waters. The maximum fine is set at 5,000 pesos (US$578) according to the Fishing Law. The persons involved were guilty of a first offense anda fine of only 2,500 pesos (US$289) could be imposed. How— ever, the large shrimp catches of several of the vessels were seized and sold, and the proceeds were turned over to the Federal Revenue Office; no deduction was made in the amount of the fine. Mexican maritime and fishery circles believe the Fishing Law is deficient and urgently needs revision and amendment as soon as Congress convenes. It is under-— stood that in December 1952 the Secretary of the Navy ordered a draft of a new law, and that several lawyers have been working on it. Plans call for submitting the new law to Mexico's Congress when it convenes. HKKHHEEK GUAYMAS SHRIMP FISHERY IMPROVED AS SEASON ENDED: The Guaymas shrimp fishery im- proved considerably from April to June. The shrimp industry took a new lease on life as the 1952/53 fishing season ended, and boat operators are optimistic over prospects for the next season starting in October, a June 30 U. S. consular dispatch from Guaymas reports. The shrimp fishing fleet did most of its winter fishing 1,500 miles away from Guaymas--off the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The total catch of the Guaymas fleet for the 1952/53 season will probably exceed 2,000 metric tons, somewhat less than the previous season's catch. However, prices in the United States—where most of the shrimp are exported—-have been so high that operators have done much better than in 1951/52. The price of shrimp landed in Guaymas, before packing, was about 15,000 pesos (US$1,734) per metric ton or 79 U. S. cents per pound. Boat operators are experiencing sane difficulty with the fishermen's coopera-— tives through which all the crews are hired. The cooperatives are pressing to get 36 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 a price increase. They have made three demands: (1) that the Mexican Government take over the boats, give them to the cooperatives, and compensate the owners with Government bonds; (2) that the cooperatives operate the boats while the owners re— tain actual possession; and (3) that the operators increase the cooperatives! share to a flat 15 percent of the value of all shrimp landed, the percentage to be based on prices prevailing the previous season. These demands are naturally considered fantastic by the boat owners. These demands on the part of the cooperatives are an indication that the shrimp industry of Guaymas is reviving after two disastrous seasons. A firm in Santa Rosalia, Baja California, which operates a shrimp-freez— ing plant has decided to move its plant to Guaymas and to consolidate it with others there. Plans have also been made to add a new freezing boat to the fleet. It will reportedly be the largest on the west coast of Mexico. = The main result of the 1952/53 season is that it has saved some of the Guaymas boat operators from bankruptcy. While many of them are still in debt, they are still in business and optimistic about the future. KKK KE SINALOA SHRIMP FISHERY TRENDS, APRIL-JUNE 1953: Sinaloa shrimp exports tothe United States for April-June 1953 totaled 3,725,797 pounds, 18 percent less than the shipments in the same period of 1952 (see table), a July 1 U. S. consular dis— patch from Mazatlan reports. At the end of the quarter 70 percent of the boats had stopped fishing for the season. Scarcity of shrimp during the beginning of the season (October 1952) was offset by high prices in U. S. markets; but catches increased during the latter part of the season. ports to United States Mazatlan Topolobampo Poi era zatiant mare tne nae 1952/53 Season | 1951/52 Season | 1952/53 Season | 1951/52 Season 1951/52-1952/53 Seasons Sinaloa Shrimp Period Ibs. Lbs. ibs. Oct-Dec cscs cecil 2s 7hSN795 2,26h, 380 1,814,770 WJane—March seccoce 1,638,583 1,625,135 735,310 ecw) Gagaoaoo 07 25,49 1,461 ,00. Mot ad ieiclels.cie.o eed) MMIC 2 OC IMn Nn NINERS TORS Lack of railroad refrigerator cars during the month of June caused the freez— ing plants to become overstocked with shrimp. Shippers were further handicapped be-= cause when the cars were available United States buyers had already withdrawn from the market. The processing plants, consequently, found themselves with several cars of shrimp on hand and no ready market. The shrimp had to be shipped to the United States on consignment. Despite everything, this season was better than last. The fishermen and processing plants not only were able to pay their debts but also de- rived profits. This season (from October 1952 through June 1953) 10,658,255 pounds of shrimp were exported to the United States by Mazatlan and Topolobampo freezing plants as against 11,628,553 pounds during October 1951—June 1952. August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 37 Norway NEW FISHERY-TYPE SONAR PROVES SUCCESSFUL: The new type ASDIC, especially de- veloped for locating fish schools, is being placed in production in Norway, accord— ing to the June 10 Fiskets Gang, a Norwegian trade paper. The device has been con- structed by the ASDIC division of the Defense Research Institute in Horton, It is built on the basis of the Institute's experience with the ASDIC it installed ear- lier on the Norwegian fishery research vessel G. 0. Sars. A model of the device was tested on the herring fishing grounds during the past season and gave such pran- ising results that volume production is getting under way. The production rights have been turned over to Simonsen Radio A/S, Oslo. This firm has had experience with similar production in the manufacture of depth finders. The device, which can also be used as a depth finder, takes little space. It is easy to service and can be mounted in a vessel as short as 80 feet. During the winter herring fishery it located herring schools at distances of 1 to 1d miles. It is anticipated that the equipment can be made so cheaply with volume production that the price will not hinder widespread use in the fishing fleets. The excellent results which have been obtained have aroused international attention. Orders and requests for information already are on hand from a number of coun= tries. The device is the result of intimate cooperation between the Defense Re— search Institute, the Directorate of Fisheries Ocean Research Institute, and Nor- wegian industry. NOTE: SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, APRIL 1953, P. 53. AUTOMATIC BAITING MACHINE PROVES SUCCESSFUL: An automatic baiting machine for line fisherman was tested this past winter by a Norwegian fishing vessel with good success, according to the June 10 Fiskets Gang, a Norwegian trade paper. The device was invented by Nils Sonderland of Roald in Sunmmore. Ola H. Faerovik, who tested the device in his fishing vessel, reported that it worked very well with fresh bait, even in rough weather. With good bait it was about 90 percent effective. There was no waste of bait and no apparent difference in the catch of hand—-baited and auto— matically—-baited hooks. It saved much time and labor, and with a few improvements should be well accepted, especially in the cusk and ling fisheries. Panama U. S. TUNA VESSEL CONFISCATED --LATER RELEASED: The U.S. tuna vessel Star Crest was ordered confiscated by the Panamanian Government'in Resolution No. 39 of June 9, for anchoring in Panamanian jurisdictional waters without the required per— mit, reports a June 16 U. S. Embassy dispatch from Panama. The vessel's master was fined US$2,500 for: (1) not entering a habilitated port, (2) not presenting legally required ship documents, and (3) permitting crew members in the ship's motor launch to communicate with other persons. The Star Crest was freed fromconfiscation onJuly 3 by Panamanian Resolution No. 43, a July 6 U. S. Embassy dispatch fram Panama reports. The fine of US$2,500 a- gainst the vessel's master was confirmed. The Resolution stated: (1) the vessel would not be confiscated on this occasion because (a) the owners and master had al-— ready been fined, (b) no record existed of previous violations of Panamanian lawby the vessel, (c) doubt existed as to the Port Captain's confiscatory authority; and qd (69) COMMERCIAL FISHERIAS REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 (2) the conduct of the Panamanian fiscal cfficials handling the case was correct at all times but the defense attorney had hampered the proceedings. The Resolution warned that any future similar violations by the vessel would result in her confiscation. The Panamanian authorities released the vessel on July 2 and it left for San Diego, California, its home port, on July 4. Ke KEK GOVERNMENT ISSUES STATEMENT ON TERRITORIAL WATERS: Panamanien Resolution No. a statement regarding territorial waters. The resolution in question quoted Arti— cle I of the Convention between the United States and Fanama for the Prevention of Smuggling Alcoholic Liquors, which was proclaimed January 19, 1925, and which es— tablished the three-mile limit as the extent of Fanama's territorial waters, and SCALE OF MILES (0) 100 which consequently is believed to be the lew of the land. But the resolution point— ed out that this Article of tne Treaty was agreed upon during the famous Prohibition Era in the United States "...and that it has lost all effect (vigencia) by removal of this basis." Further, the resolution continues: "In the present epoch all coun— tries of the world consider that the Continental Submarine Shelf, and consequently the waters that cover it, form part of their territory and is under their sovereign gurisdiction." Spain FISHING INDUSTRY SEEKS GOVERNMENT AID: Cammissions fran several fishing ports in the Vigo district of Spain were reported to have visited Madrid during May to seek financial assistance from the Spanish Government, states a recent U. S. consu— lar dispatch from Vigo. According to local views there have been indications that the Government is showing sane interest in the poor economic state of the fishing industry yy August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 3 Union of South Africa WALVIS BAY FILCHARD CATCH INCREASED IN 1952: The pilchard catch off Walvis Bay, South-West Africa, totaled 250,000 metric tons in 1952, an increase of 39 per— cent over the 180,000 metric tons caught in 1951, reports a June 5 U. S. consular dispatch from Cape Town, These data were revealed by the Administrator of South— West Africa in his recent budget speech, It is felt that the 1952 catch is the maximum that could be safely taken from the sea until further information is avail- able from scientific surveys and research on the resource potential. United Kingdom NW DERF-FREEZE FACTCRY TRAWLER "FAIRTRY" LAUNCHED: The new fish factoryship, the Fairtry, launched at Aberdeen, Scotland, late in June is reported to have the characteristics of an ocean-going tug, a trawler, and a U. S. Pacific coast tuna clipper, according to The Fishing News of July li The Fairt differs from a conventional trawler in a number of respects: (1) the engine (an opposed-piston, two-cycle type, direct-reversing, and direct—coupled to the propeller) and the auxiliary generating equipment are situated amidships; (2) trawls over the stern, the net being hauled up through a stern chute similar to THE FACTORY TRAWLER FAIRTRY--2,5 OQ TONS GROSS--LAUNCHED AT ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND, RECENTLY. NOTE STERN CHUTE FOR TRAWL NET AND UNUSUAL ATHWARTSHIP GALLOWS. that found in a whale factoryship; (3) the net is emptied on the deck and the fish pass through the hatches in the deck to pounds in 'tween decks, where the processing commences; and (4) the navigating bridge is at the afterend (over the top of the stern chute). With the exception of the chute at the stern, the vesselis agraceful, flush-— deck vessel, with a marked line of sheer, a raking soft-nesed stem, and a cruiser— spoon stern. The superstructure (slightly forward of amidships) is about one-third of the length of the ship and is surmounted by light metal lifeboats, gravity davits, amod-— ern flat-oval funrel, and a navigating bridge at the forward end on whichis stepped 40 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 a tripod mast. The derricks attached to the forward end of the superstructure serve a fore hatch. Derricks attached to the main mast at the afterend of the su- perstructure and the derrick posts at the forward end of the after bridge handle loading and discharging of the fish deck. Every cubic foot within the ship has been utilized. Accommodation is provided for a dual crew: the crew which navigates the ship and operates her main and auxiliary machinery, and the crew which works the fish factory. The vessel can carry enough fuel (in double-bottom and cross-bunker tanks) to remain at sea for 80 days. The basic idea behind the Fairtry is to utilize all that it catches. The ed— ible portions of the fish are cleaned, filleted, deep—frozen, and packaged ready for distribution ashore; and the waste, offal, and livers are manufactured into by— products. The trawling net is hauled up through the stern chute by means of an electric trawl winch, which is protected from the weather by being housed at the afterend of the superstructure in approximately the same position as that which would be occu— pied by tke automatic towing winch inan ocean-going tug. WORKING DECK x AFT BRIDGE ' ! TRAWL WINCH CHUTE AND NETS _— ee _————— SSS FISH POUNDS | FILLETING MACHINERY \ MAIN ENGINE \ 1 MEAL PLANT QUICK FREEZE AUXILIARY GENERATORS FACTORY TRAWLER FAIRTRY. SKETCH SHOWING ARRANGEMENT OF THE FACILITIES ON THE VESSEL. When the catch has been emptied into the pounds at the afterend of the 'tween decks and washed, it is gutted, headed, and the livers removed for conversion into oil, The fish are fed through an automatic heading machine, and the headless fish are then placed on roller conveyors and carried to a large filleting machine into which they are fed one by one as they come off the roller conveyors. The filleting machine (situated fore and after on the centerline of the ship) skins, fillets, and wraps, while at the same time the offal is ground in a fish-meal concentrator. The wrapped fillets are placed on a belt conveyor, weighed, put into quick-freezers, and frozen in two hours. Finally, they are spray—glazed with a thin ice film, packedin cartons, and stored in refrigerated holds of the ship. The fish-meal concentrator is arranged underneath the filleting machine. This completely mechanized vessel is 245 ft. in length, has a beam of 44 ft., and the refrigerating machinery is so arranged that it will quick-freeze approxi-— mately 30 tons of fish per day and maintain a temperature of -5° F. in the hold. August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 41 The refrigerating machinery is electrically operated, taking current from the auxiliary generator sets. It is stated that the holds have a capacity for 600met— ric tons of frozen fillets or 450 tons of frozen whole fish. The fish-meal plant is rated to take 12 tons of offal per day, and there is a storage capacity of 100 tons of dried meal directly underneath the deck on which the filleting machine is fitted. A standard set of four liver boilers will operate with tankage to take about 50 tons of liver oil and, in addition, there will be capacity for the residue re- maining after taking out the oil and other byproducts. The crew of the Fairtry is expected to total some 75, as opposed to a conven— tional deep-sea trawler's complement of between 20 ard 30. The lifeboat capacity is stated to be 100 and, in order to save topweight, the lifeboats themselves are of aluminium alloy. The main engine is rated for 1,900 hp. and is coupled to a four- bladed, right-handed propeller weighing about 3-3/4 tons. When proceeding to and from the fishing grounds it is expected that the ship will have a speed of about12 knots, and it is expected to trawl at about 5 knots. The Fairtry is patterned after its predecessor the Fairfree. The Fairfree, a converted minesweeper, was rebuilt in 1947 not only upon unconventicnal lines, but to enploy the parotter, an unconventional method of fishing based upon a minesweep— ing device invented during World war I, Although the Fairtry is a development of the Fairfree, the new vessel is modified on the basis of the experience gained from the operation of the Fairfree. One of the designers of the vessel states that during the North Sea tests of the Fairfree catches obtained per drag were about 14 times those of ordinary trawl- ers operating in the same vicinity, and the width of each of the two nets used was approximately 60 feet as against the 80-foot single net used by the other trawlers. Early tests were made with the parotter gear. During those tests it was found that the handling of the otter boards presented no difficulty with stern trawling, and shooting am hauling of the gear were carried out with ease from the first at-— tempt with only six men (including the winchman). BRITISH DISTRIBUTOR AGREES TO HANDLE ICKLANDIC FISH: A Birmingham, England, businessman has been granted sole distributorship rights to Icelandic fish landed in Britain under the recent agreement signed by a British financier and Iceland. About b/, million (US$11.2 million) worth of fish will be handled in an area with a popula- tion of 6,000,000, reports the June 20 Fish Trades Gazette, a British trade magazine. Landings by the Icelandic trawlers were scheduled to commence in mid-August. In a statement to the press the Birmingham businessman stated that the scheme should lower the retail price of fish by 10 percent. This will be achieved by cut-— ting out middlemen and will give the British financier who initiated the scheme "a reasonable profit" and the distributor a five-percent profit. Birmingham fish wholesalers claim that if this venture succeeds it will result in a price-cutting war. NOTE: SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, JULY 1953, PP. 62-63. Na ayes ye ae he rn WW OK 42 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 TRAWLER OWNERS' CAMPAIGN TO SELL MORE FILLETS: Concurrent with the White Fish Authority advertising program, the distant-water section of the British Trawlers! Federation has launched an independent advertising and public relations campaign to sell fish fillets--fresh, smoked, and fried——-to housewives and industrial ca- terers. An outline of the program was carried in the April 18 Fish Trades Gazette, a British trade journal. Posters carrying the slogan "Buy fillets—-all fish and no fuss" will be dis— played on more than 5,000 poster sites. The sites have been chosen so that they will be seen by 90 percent of the population of Great Britain; and the poster has been directed both to the housewife who buys from the fishmonger and to the custom— ers of the fried-fish shop. During periods of peak supplies, the campaign will be backed up by special an— nouncements in the national daily papers. Special arrangements have been made with the newspapers so that these advertisements can be inserted on very short notice. The fish retailer and the frier will be kept aware of the campaign by a series of advertisements in the trade press. Advertisements of an educational nature, stressing the food value and other advantages of fillets, will appear in the jour-— nals of women's organizations. The theme of another series of advertisements—-in the trade press read by buy- ers and managers of canteens——-will be the ease and simplicity of using fillets when cooking for large numbers. The public relations campaign on behalf of the Distant Water Section will op-— erate independently of the British Trawlers'! Federation campaign and will seek the cooperation of the established women's organizations and industrial caterers. x ee HH ——- eS SS handling of fish on shore. These codes were issued preparatory to the introduction of statutory regulations based on the experience gained from the working of the codes, states the July 18 Fish Trades Gazette, a British trade periodical. After dealing with the general principles in the handling of fish on shore, the code on the handling of fish states that during landing and on quays, to protect a- gainst temperature rise, fish should be iced if it is practicable; shielded fromdi- rect sunlight; fish in containers should be arranged in compact stacks rather than in exposed thin layers; the time interval between landing and removal from the mar— ket should be as short as possible; boxes should be as clean as possible. At wholesalers! premises all fish should be iced as soon as possible after re- ceipt, and should be kept in ice at all times. All fish should be adequately clean— ed, but fish for filleting should not be immersed in washing water for longer than is necessary. Washing water should preferably be iced. Fish which is racked for transport should be iced in layers. Sufficient ice should oe used to insure that some ice will remain inthecontainer at the time of arrival at consignee's premises. The quantity of ice required will range from one- sixth to two-fifths of the weight of the fish in the container, according to sea— sonal conditions and length of journey. The ice should be in layers below, between, and above the fish, and whole fish should be laid in the containers head to tail. August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 45 Overnight storage of fish should be avoided whenever possible. If storage is necessary, fish should be either (1) chilled and stored in a refrigerated chamber at a temperature of not more than 35° F. nor less than 29° F., and kept surrounded with crushed ice at least sufficient to prevent surface drying; or (2) mixed and surrounded with an adequate amount of crushed ice (say 1 lb. of ice to each 3 lbs. or 4 lbs. of fish) sufficient to cool and keep it cool until required. Care should be taken to avoid exposure of the fish to warm conditions at any time, e.g., direct sunlight should not be allowed to fall on fish or fish contain— ers; fish or fish fillets should not be stacked near radiators or other sources of heat. During transit, boxes containing fish should be handled carefully and carried in a flat position; boxes should not be dropped or upended; fish containers should at all times be protected from direct sunlight; delays in transport should be avoid— ed; all vehicles used for the transport of fish should be covered; where possible, measures should be adopted to prevent a rise in temperature of fish during trans— port. Suitable means are the use of insulated vehicies and the provision of addi- tional cooling by solid carbon dioxide or sprayed ice, etc. At inland wholesalers' premises, fish should be inspected and if necessary, re-— iced to prevent temperature rise during transit to the retailer. The code concluded with: Cool the fish—keep it cool. Clean the fish—keep it clean—-handle it with care. Keep clean everything the fish touches—kits, boxes, filleting benches, and human hands. The code on the freezing of fish states that fish which has not been subjected to the recognized process should not be described or offered for sale as "quick—fro-— zen." Fish for quick-freezing should be of such a quality as could reasonably be expected after storage and transport to provide good wholesame food when defrosted. Fish should be thoroughly iced while awaiting processing or packing for freezing and should be frozen with the minimum delay. All fish intended for quick-freezing should be made available on the dock or quayside and at the premises of the processor for inspection by an officer duly au- thorized by the Authority, who should also be given facilities for the examination of the fish at any reasonable time for the purpose of ascertaining whether its qual-— ity and the conditions under which it is handled, processed, frozen, and stored are satisfactory and conform in all respects to the conditions laid down in this code. Where quick-frozen fish is packed for sale either by wholesale or retail ina wrapper or container, the wrapper or container should either enclose a slipof paper carrying a code mark or should itself be marked with a code mark. In cases where fish is frozen without a wrapper, a slip of paper carrying the code mark should ac-— company the fish. The code mark should enable the processor to be identified and his records of code marks should be such as to enable him to detail particulars of purchase, freezing, and storage. In respect of the weights of consumer packs, there is appropriate legislation. In respect of the weights of all other packages, the net weight at the time of pack- ing before freezing should not be less than the weight at which the package is pur-— ported to be sold. All quick-frozen fish should be stored at a temperature not higher than 0° F, and a lower temperature where posssible. Immediately after quick-—freezing, thefish should be placed in cold storage. A pipe-cooled store should be preferred and a steady temperature should be maintained to prevent drying. 44 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 All fish should be tightly wrapped in a water-and-moisture-proof material or should be glazed. Double glazing is desirable. Glazing water should be at a ten— perature not higher than 40° F, If fish which has not been tightly wrapped in water—and-moisture-proof mate— rial is kept in cold store for more than six months, it should, where practicable, be reglazed at intervals of not more than six months reckoned from the date at which the fish is first put into storage. All consumer packs and any type of frozen fish intended for subsequent storage should be transported in insulated containers, preferably precooled. eK KH BILL ENACTED TO ASSIST WHITE FISH AND HERRING INDUSTRIES: The "White Fish and Herring Industries Act, 1953," which provides for financial assistance to both in— dustries, was passed by the House of Cammons on May 20, 1953, a U. S. Embassy dis— patch from London dated June 12 reports. The main objective of the Act is to assist the white-fish and herring indus— tries by providing for: (1) financial assistance in the form of grants for the ac— quisition of new vessels and engines; (2) a white-fish subsidy; (3) the extension of the power to make loans by the white Fish Authority and the Herring Industry Board; (4) grants for the promotion of herring sales; (5) a White Fish Marketing Fund. It reflects the serious concern felt in Government circles at the acceler— ated rate at which vessels of the near- and middle-water fleets have been going out of service. The fishing industry of the United Kingdam has received this Act with mixed feelings. While certain sections, namely, the distant-water trawlers and the boats engaged in fishing for shellfish, are left unaided by this Act, other groups direct- ly benefited feel that mounting costs will soon dissipate any advantage they may derive from it. NOTE: SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, MARCH 1953, PP. 66-67. CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS PRODUCTION, 1952--U. S., ALASKA, & HAWAIT DO YOU KNOW: That the pack of canned fishery products in the United States, Alaska, and Hawaii in 1952 amounted to over 815 million pounds, valued at about 3506 million to the packers. This was an increase of 2 percent in quantity and 2 percent in value as compared with the 1951 production. These in- creases resulted principally from larger packs of tuna and Maine sardines. Canned fishery products were packed in 445 plants in 25 states, Alaska, jand Hawaii during 1952. --Canned Fish & Byproducts - 1952, C. Fo. S. No. 882 August 1955 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 45 The railroads were granted an ex- tension of the expiration date of the increases in freight rates and charges authorized by the Interstate Commerce Commission in its report and order of April 11, 1952, on Ex Parte No. 175 (and Sub-No. 1)--Increased Freight Rates, 1951. The expiration date of the increases in freight rates and charges was changed by the Commission from February 28, 1954, to December 31, 1955. ————— Oe At the same time (in July 1953) the Commission denied the railroads! appeal to make the 15-percent temporary increase (granted on rail freight rates in April 1952) permanent. SOME RATE INCREASES GRANTED TO RAILWAY EXPRESS AGENCY: "Express rates and charges may justly and reasonably be increased not to the extent proposed but to the extent indicated herein," states the Interstate Commerce Commission in its report on Ex Parte No. 185 (Increased Express Rates and Charges, 1953) decided on July 20, 1953. In this proceeding, the Railway Express Agency, Inc., had pro- posed an average increase of about 23.5 percent in its rates and charges. How- ever, the increases approved by the Commission represent about a 15-percent over- all increase in rates and charges. Minimum charge for all classes of fishery products shipments were authorized to be $1.80 as compared with $2.30 requested by the Railway Express Agency, Inc. Also, the Commission denied the Express Agency's petition for a 25-percent increase in re-icing charges. The principal increases of interest to the fishery industries as proposed and approved are outlined below: Item Proposed Approved 1. First-class rates Flat increase of $1.04 or 20 percent, subject to per 100 pounds. $1.05 based on certain $1.04 as meximum, based on proposed factors. certain approved factors, 2. First-class charges Based on certain proposed Based on certain approved 1 to 99 pounds. factors, minimum charge factors, minimum charge $2.30 per shipment. $1.80 per shipment. 3. Multiples of first Increase proportionately to Increase proportionately to class rates and the proposed increases on the approved increases on charges. first class. first class. 4. Second-class rates To be 75 percent of pro To be 75 percent of per 100 pounds. posed increased first-class rates. approved increased first- class rates. 46 De 8. Item Second-class charges 1 to 99 pounds. All other less carload commodity rates and charges. Re-icing charges on L.C.L. perishables. MANPOWER POLICY FOR THE COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY AMENDED: COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Proposed To be 75 percent of in- creased first-class charges, observing 75 per- cent of the 10-pound first-class charge as a minimum but no charge to be less than $2.30. Increase by 25 percent. No charge to be less than $2.30 per shipment. 25 percent. Vole 25. sjo. 8 Approved To be 75 percent of in- creased first-class charges, observing 75 per- cent of the 10-pound first-class charge as a minimum but no charge to be less than $1.80 per shipment. Increase by 20 percent, subject to appropriate maxima so as to maintain the present percentage relationsnips to first class, except that maxima on so-called gift packages of fruit shall be 50 cents per shipment from origins in Washington, Oregon, and California, and 40 cents per shipment from other origins. No charge to be less than $1.80 per ship- ment. No increase. Selective Service System An amendment of Operations Bulletin No. 91 (Manpower Policy for the Commercial Fishing Indus- try) was issued by the Selective Service System on July 31, 1953. bulletin was issued on March 5, 1953. The original The amendment substitutes the Fish and Wildlife Service, U. S. Department of the Interior, in place of the Defense Fish- eries Administration, U. S. Department of the Interior, as the agency which will be requested to furnish information as to the essentiality of registrants engaged in the commercial fishing industry. NOTE: SEE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, MARCH 1953, PPE OS =9illrs August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Eighty-Third Congress (First Session) JULY 1953 Listed below are public bills and resolutions introduced and referred to com- mittees or passed by the Eighty-Third Congress (First Session) and signed by the President that directly or indirectly affect the fisheries and allied industries. Public bills and resolutions are shown in this section only when introduced and, if passed, when signed by the Fresident; but also shown are the more pertinent re- ports, hearings, or chamber actions on some of the bills shownin this section from month to month. BILLS INTRODUCED: Air Transportation of Fish and Shellfish: In the House, H. R. 6310 (Younger) - a bill to amend the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938 to exempt operations in the transportation of livestock, fish, and agri- cultural, floricultural, and horticultural commodi- ties from the Act and from regulation by the Civil Aeronautics Board thereunder; to the committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, Better Fishing Rodeo Day: In the House, H. J. Res. 302 (Van Pelt) — joint resolution designating August 22, 1953, as Better Fishing Rodeo Day; to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Authorizes President to issue a proclamation calling for participation by boys and girls of America in "Better Fishing Rodeo Day.") Fish Importations Investigation: In the House, H. Res. 380 (Bates) - resolution requesting the Sec- retary of the Treasury to investigate fish importa- tions under Anti-Dumping Act of May 27, 1921; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Departments of Com- merce and State, and the Tariff Commission havebeen asked to submit a report. Fishermen's Estimated Income Tax: In the House, H.R. 6721 (Metcalf) - a bill to extend to fisher- men the same treatment accorded farmers in relation to estimated income tax; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Northern Pacific Halibut Act Amendment: H.R. 6467 (Weichel) - A bill introduced in the House to amend the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1937; to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. (Imple- ments the 1953 Convention between the United States and Canada for the preservation of the Halibut Fish- ery of the Northern Pacific and the Bering Seasigned at Ottawa, March 2, 1953, and which replaces a simi- lar 1937 treaty. Simply changes wording and terms of 1937 law in order to make it applicable to the new Convention. S. 2434 (Toby) - Senate bill similar to H. R. 6467; to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. Return of Vessels to Original Owners by U. S.: In the House, H. R. 6116 (Hart) - a bill to give owners of certain special-purpose vessels purchased or requisitioned by the United States an opportun- ity to reacquire such vessels when they areno longer needed by the United States; to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. (Includes fishing vessels.) Supply, Marketing, and Prices of Agricultural Products: In the House, H. R. 6652 (Cunningham) - a bill to regulate commerce among the severalStates and with foreign nations to regulate supply of crops and to thereby guard against famine and destitution in any part of the United States and its possessions and in other nations, to promote orderly marketing of crops, to insure against unduly depressive price levels, and to establish a board and corporations for such purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture. Tuna Import Duty: In the House, H. R. 6546 - (Wilson of California) - a bill to amend the Tariff Act of 1930, so as to impose certain duties uponthe importation of tuna; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Provides for 6-cents-per-pound duty on fresh or frozen tuna (whether or not packed in ice, whole or beheaded, or divided into portions), except that (1) the duty shall be 3 cents per pound for 15 per- cent of the average apparent annual consumption of tuna during the preceding five calendar years entered in any calendar year, and (2) except that 5 percent of the average apparent annual consumption of tuna during the preceding five years entered from ports of the American Republics in any calendar yearshall be duty free. The quantity admitted duty free from the ports of the American Republics shall be sub- tracted from the quantity admitted at the rate of 3 cents per pound. Secretary of the Treasury is di- rected to determine the proportionate amounts of fresh or frozen tuna of each of the several species which have been imported during the most recent five-year period and shall, so far as practicable, establish individual quotas for each of the several species of tuna. Amends Paragraph 718 of the Tariff Act of 1930 by adding the following new subparagraph: "(c) Tuna, prepared, or preserved in any manner when packed in containers of any kind, 45 per centum ad valorem." Amount of tuna to be admitted into the United States whether fresh or frozen or whether prepared or preserved in any manner shall be limited to 25 percent of the apparent average annual con- surption of tuna during the preceding five calendar years or the equivalent of 2,700,000 cases of tuna calculated at 48 7-oz cans to the case (considered equal to 120,000,000 pounds on a round-weight basis), whichever quantity may be the larger. Will include these species of tuna: yellowfin, bluefin, big-eyed, skipjack, and albacore. The duties imposed "shall not be assessed or collected in violation of any in- ternational obligation of the United States existing on the date of the enactment of this Act: Provided, That the President is directed immediately to invoke Article XII of the Reciprocal Trade Agreement be- tween the United States and Iceland, signed August 27, 1943, for the purpose of terminating all obligations of the United States under Articles VIII and XI of the agreement with respect to tuna, bonito, and yel- lowtail included in item 718 (b) of Schedule II of the said agreement." All tuna entering the United States from sources outside the customs area of the United States shall be considered to be fromforeign sources and subject to this Act. 48 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Tuna Import Duty: In the House, H. R. 6261 (King of California) - a bill to amend the Tariff Act of 1930, so as to impose certain duties upon the impor- tation of tunafish, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means. (Would impose an im- port duty of 45 percent ad valorem on tuna prepared of preserved in any manner when packed in containers weighing with their contents not more than 15 pounds each.) H. R. 6348 (Utt) - similar to H. R. 6261; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Tuna Import Duty: In the House, H. R. 6512(King of California) - a bill to amend the Tariff Act of 1930, so as to impose certain duties upon the impor- tation of tunafish, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means. would impose a duty of 45 percent ad valorem for imports of tuna pre- pared or preserved in any manner, whether or not packed in oil or in oil and other substances when packed in containers weighing with their contents not more than 15 pounds each. Thisduty also applies to tuna (whether or not in bulk or in immediate con- tainers, regardless of weight of container). Would impose a duty of 45 percent ad valorem on frozen tuna loins. would direct President to enter into negotiations with other countries party to an agree- ment on which tuna products have been granted acon- cession in order to withdraw such concession. Sim- ilar to H. R. 6818. Revises H. R. 6261. Wildlife Restoration Projects: In the House, H. R. 6438 (Angell) - a bill to provide that the United States shall aid the states in wildlife res- toration projects and for other purposes; to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. (Pro- vides for the spending of an unexpended balance in the Treasury of $13,467,468.71 under the provisions of the Act of September 2, 1937. These funds would be made available to the States and Territories for wildlife restoration projects. Conmercial fisher- ies projects would not be included.) BILLS PASSED: Customs Simplification: House passed, by a voice vote, H. R. 5877, to amend certain administrative provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 and related laws, This bill is designed to modernize the admin- istrative and procedural provisions of the custom laws and doesnot propose any changes in classifica- tions or rates of duty. Senate passed with amendments H. R. 5877, to amend certain administrative provisions of the Tar- iff Act of 1930 (Customs Simplification Act of 1953), after adopting all committee amendments. H. R. 5877, to amend certain administrative pro- visions of the Tariff Act of 1930 and related laws, was cleared for the White House when the Houseagreed to Senate amendments thereto. House passed H. R. 6584, to amend the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to the determination of value, the conversion of currency, and certain American metal products returned. Food and Drug Factory Inspection: House passed by a voice vote, H. R. 5740, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, so as to protect the public health and welfare by providing certain au- thority for factory inspection, after a motion to Vol. 15, No. 8 recommit the bill had been rejected by a voice vote. Rejected an amendment that would have required in- spectors to get a court order for such inspections if refused admission by the owners. Food Standards: House cleared for the President H. R. 6434, to amend the Food and Drug Act relating to food standards. Northern Pacific Halibut Act Amendment: Senate passed without amendment and cleared for the House S. 2434, to amend the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1937. House passed and sent to the White House S. 2434, to amend the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1937. (Makes changes in the original act to conform tothe Convention between the United States of America and Canada for the Preservation of the Halibut Fishery of the Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, signed at Ottawa, March 2, 1953.) Reciprocal Trade Agreements: Senate passed with amendments H. R. 5495, to extend the authority of the President to enter into trade agreements under section 350 of the Tariff Act of 1930, after agree- ing to consider the bill as reported as original text for purpose of amendment and after taking the following actions on amendments thereto: Adopted: Millikin amendment providing that Gen- eral Agreement on Tariffs and Trade shall not be af- fected by enactment of bill; Millikin amendment pro- viding that in certain cases of divided vote, Tariff Commission shall transmit to President its findings and recommendations; Cordon amendment authorizing President to take immediate action in emergency cases affecting farm commodities, without awaiting* recom- mendations of Tariff Commission, after first reject- ing, on division vote, Magnuson amendment in the nature of a substitute therefor: and Gore amendment respecting exemption of Tariff Commission employees from certain penal statutes; and Rejected: Malone amendment in nature of a sub- stitute for the bill; Magnuson amendment (in nature of a substitute for similar Cordon amendment) pro- viding for investigation by Tariff Commission inany circumstances tending to impair U. S. agricultural program; Douglas amendment adding new title on cus- toms simplification; and Kefauver amendment to sub- stitute for title I the provisions of S. 2138 (ex- tending for 3 years authority to enter reciprocal trade agreements, etc.). Senate asked for confer- ence on the bill, and appointed conferees. Small Business Administration: Senate passed with amendments, H. R. 5141, to create the Small Business Administration and to preserve small busi- ness institutions and free competitive enterprise, after amending the bill by substituting for itstext the language of S. 1523, a similar bill, which had first been amended by adoption of amended committee amendment (in nature of a substitute), on which the following actions on amendments had been taken: Adopted: Several Maybank amendments which would authorize loans of not more than $25 million at any one time by the Small Business Administration toaid in financing projects under Federal, State, or mu- nicipal law; Capehart amendment authorizing any Na- tional bank or State member bank of Federal Reserve System to own stock in or make loans to private cor- porations acquiring assets formerly held by RFC; and August 1953 Fulbright amendment requiring, when feasible, pub- lic notice of sale of RFC assets; .... House adopted conference report on H. Re 5141, to create the Small Business Administration and to preserve small business institutions and free com- petitive enterprise and the measure was sent tothe Senate. Conference report on H. R. 5ljl, to create the Small Business Administration, to preserve small business institutions and free competitive enter- prise, and liquidate the RFC, was adopted by the Senate, clearing the bill for the White House. U. S. Jurisdiction over Outer Continental Sheif: Senate by 45 yeas and 43 nays adopted conference report on H. R. 5134, to provide for the jurisdic- tion of the U. S. over the submerged lands of the outer Continental Shelf, clearing the bill for the President. BILLS REPORTED: Customs Simplification: House Committee on Ways and Means voted to report to the House H. R. 5877, to amend certain administrative provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 and related laws. Senate Committee on Finance reported to the Sen- ate H. R. 5877, to amend certain administrative pro- visions of the Tariff Act of 1930 (Customs Simplifi- cation Act of 1953), with amendments (S. Rept. 632). Food and Drug Factory Inspection Authority: House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commercereported H. R. 5740, to permit factory, warehouse, etc., in- spection in the enforcement of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act after first giving written notice to the owner, operator, etc., thereof (H. Rept. 708). Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare re- ported to the Senate H. R. 5740, to amend the Fed- eral, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, so as toprotect the public health and welfare by providing certain authority for factory inspection, with amendment (S. Rept. 712). On August 3 Senate receded fromits amendment to this bill, thus clearing the bill for the President. Food Standards: House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce reported to the HouseH. R. 6434, to amend sections 401 and 701 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act so as to simplify the proce- dures governing the establishement of food standards (H. Rept. 934). Interior Appropriations: House adopted confer- ence report (H. Rept. 947) on H. R. 4828, making ap- propriations for the Department of the Interior (in- cludes Fish and Wildlife Service) for fiscal year 1954, amd sent the measure to the Senate. Senate adopted conference report on H. R. 4828, agreeing to House amendments to certain Senate amendments and cleared the bill for the President's signature. Northern Pacific Halibut Act Amendment: House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries reported to the House H. R. 6467, a bill to amend the North- ern Pacific Halibut Act of 1937; without amendment (H. Rept. No. 1043). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 4g Senate Committee on Interstate and Foreign Com- merce ordered favorably reported without amendment S. 2434, to amend the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1937 (S. Rept. 613). Prevention of Collisions in Inland Waters: Sen- ate Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce reported to the Senate H. R. 2234, to amend the rules for the prevention of collisions on certain inland waters of the United States and on the west- ern rivers; without amendment (S. Rept. 820). Small Business Act of 1953: House Committee on Banking | and Currency reported to House He R. 6648, to amend section 205 of the Small Business Act t of 1953; without amendment (H. Rept. No. 1048). Trade-Agreements Extension: House Committee on Ways and Means voted to report to the House H. Re 5894, to amend the Trade Agreements Extension Act of 1951 and certain other provisions of law to pro- vide adequate protection for American workers, miners, farmers, and producers. U. S. Jurisdiction over Outer Continental Shelf: Conferees, in executive session, agreed to file a conference report on the differences between the Senate- and House-passed versions of H. R. 5134,to provide for the jurisdiction of the U. S. over the submerged lands of the outer Continental Shelf. As approved by the conferees, the House would recede from its disagreement to the Senate amendment, and agree to same with an amendment, part of which agreement would be the deletion from the bill of the so-called Hill education amendment. Conference report reported to the House (H. Rept. 1031). House adopted conference revort and sent measure to the Senate. CHAMBER ACTION: Presidential Authority to Enter into Trade-Agree- ments: The House disagreed to Senate Amendments to H. R. 5495, to extend the authority of the Pres- ident to enter into trade agreements under section 350 of the Tariff Act of 1930; agreed:to a confer- ence with the Senate; and appointed conferees. Trade Agreements Extension: The House by a roll call vote of 242 yeas to 161 nays, voted to recom- mit H. R. 5894, to amend the Trade Agreements Ex- tension Act of 1951 and certain other provisions of law to provide adequate protection for American workers, miners, farmers, and producers, While in the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union a motion to strike the enacting clause was adopted by a teller vote of 175 yeas to 119nays. H. Res. 347, the rule providing for 3 hours of de- bate on, the waiving of points of order against, and limiting amendments to H. R. 5894 was adopted by a roll call vote of 219 yeas to 183 nays. COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Customs Simplification: Senate Committee on Finance ordered favorably reported with amendments H. R. 5877, to amend certain administrative provi- sions of the Tariff Act of 1930 (Customs Simplifi- cation Act of 1953). Among the amendments there is one that would (1) delete from the bill (a) section 15 on dutiable value, and (b) section 22 on conver- sion of currency. 50 Northern Pacific Halibut Fishery Convention: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations ordered favor- ably reported convention with Canada for the preser- vation of halibut fishery of North Pacific Oceanand Bering Sea (Exec. P, 83d Cong., lst sess.). BILLS SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT: Defense Production Act: S. 1081, Defense Produc- tion Act amendments of 1953, signed June 30, 1953 (BL. 95): Small Business Administration: H. R. 5141, to create the Small Business Administration, to pre- serve small business institutions and free competi- tive enterprise, and liquidate the RFC. Signed July 30, 1953 (P. L. 163). CONGRESSIONAL REPORTS: Committee reports on bills reported in this sec- tion of interest to the fishery and allied indus- tries available only from the committee submitting the report. Amending the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic by Providing Certain Authority for Factory Inspec- tion, Senate Report No. 712 (July 29, 1953, 83d Congress, lst Session), 9 p., printed, to accompany H. Re 5740. The Senate Committee on Labor and Pub- lic welfare reported favorably on the bill with an amendment and recommended passage. The primary pur- pose of this bill is to provide clear and enforcible statutory authority for the Food and Drug Adminis- tration to inspect factories and other establish- ments in which food, drugs devices, or cosmeticsare manufactured, processed, packed, or held. House Report No. 708 (July 6, 1953) also to ac- company H. R. 5740, by the House Committee on Inter- state and Foreign Commerce. Amending the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1937, House Report No. 1043 (July 29, 1953, 83d Congress, 1st Session), 2 p., printed, to accompany H. R. 6467. The Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries re- ported favorablyon thebill without amendment and rec- ommended passage. This is simply an adjusting act,a technical amendment, required in order to implement the Convention Between the United States and Canada for the Preservation of the Halibut Fishery of the Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, signed at Ottawa, March 2, 1953. This convention was sent on July 1, 1953, by the President to the Senate for its advice and consent to ratification and has been re- ported favorably to the Senate by the Committee on Foreign Relations. The convention is the fourth in a series, each replacing the one next preceding, signed respectively in 1923, 1930, 1937, and 1953. The first convention established a bilateral commis- sion, charged with the duty of scientific investi- gation of the North Pacific halibut fishery in which nationals of the United States and Canada partici- pate. The 1930 convention added regulatory powers which have been modified in accordance with findings of the continuing scientific investigation, by the 1937 and 1953 versions. Enforcement of the Commis- sion's regulations is carried out by the respective Governments. A law for this purpose, the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1937 (50 Stat. 325,16U.S.C. 772), provides penalties for violation of the regu- lations. The substantive provisions of the present law nave proved adequate in the past and are consid- COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 ered adequate to enable the United States to carry out its obligations under the new convention. The law, however, is by its terms specifically applica- ble and limited to the 1937 convention and the In- ternational Fisheries Commissién named in that con- vention. The proposed amendment would, without changing any substantive provision of the law, ex- tend its coverage to regulations promulgated under the 1953 convention and any other treaty or conven- tion which modifies or replaces that convention. printed, to accompany H. R. 2234. The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce reported favorably on the bill without amendment and recommended pas- sage. The purpose of this bill and the companion bill (S. 291) introduced in the Senate is to effect a change in the rules of navigation governing the Mobile, Warrior, and Tombigbee Rivers in the State of Alabama, Amendment to Section 205 of Small Business Act of 1953, House Report No. 1048 (July 30, 1953, 83d Congress, lst Session), 2 p., printed, to accompany H. R. 6648. The Committee on Banking and Currency, reported favorably on the bill without amendment and recommended passage. The bill would in effect give the same authority to the Small Business Administra- tion as the Small Defense Plants Administration has had since its creation in 1951 under the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, with respect to the waiver of conflict-of-interest statutes in con- nection with the employment of consultants and qual- ified key persone] in grades 16, 17, and 18. Drug, and Cosmetic Act with Respect to Establishment of Food Standards, House Report No. 934 (July 2h, 1953, 83d Congress, lst Session), 6 p., printed, to accompany H. R. 6434. The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce reported favorably on the bill without amendment and recommended passage. The bill has a twofold purpose: (1) To simplify the proce- dures governing the issuing, amending, or repealing of regulations fixing and establishing definitions and standards of identity, standards of quality, or standards of fill of container, for foods as author- ized by section 401 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, by restricting the requirements for the formal type of hearings, as now prescribed in section 701 (e) of that act, to instances wherethis procedure is desired by a party who would beadverse- ly affected if the regulation, as proposed, were to become effective; and (2) To enlarge the class of persons who as a matter of right may petition the Secretary to act on a proposal to issue, amend, or repeal, as the case may be, any such regulation. Customs Administration, House Report No. 1046 (July 29, 1953, 83d Congress, Ist Session), 9 p., printed, to accompany H. R. 6584. The Committee on Ways and Means reported favorably on the bill with- out amendment and recommended passage. The bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to the determination of value, the conversion of currency, and certain American metal products. Customs Simplification Act of 1953, Senate Report No. 632 (July 24, 1953, 83d Congress, lst Seay, 30 p., printed, to accompany H. R. 5877, The Commit- tee on Finance reported favorably on the bill with amendments and recommended passage. August 1953 The administrative and procedural provisions of the customs laws of the United States have not kept pace with the rapid expansion of international trade and the many recent far-reaching changes in methods of transportation and the interchange of commodities. H. R. 5877 improves customs operations and reduces both the time and expense of administering them. It eliminates certain unnecessary annoyances and in- equities which plague both the Government and pri- vate parties engaged in the import-export business. It lays the groundwork for substantial savings in the cost to the Government of handling the vast amount of goods entering this country from foreign sources. The bill does not change the import classifica- tion of any items which might be imported. Thebill was intended, and has as its primary purpose, the saving of time, money, and complications in the ad- ministration of our customs laws. Implementation of the Conventionfor the Preserva- tion of the Halibut Fishery of the Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, Senate Report No. 613(July 23, 1953, 83d Congress, lst Session: 2 p.y printed, to accompany S. 2434. The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce reported favorably on the billwith- out amendment and recommended passage. In its gen- eral statement the Committee pointed out that the bill was simply an adjusting act. The changes in the existing law (Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1937) are indicated in the report. Outer Continental Shelf, House Report No. 1031 (July 29, 1953, 83d Congress, lst Session), UZipe, printed, to accompany H. R. 5134. The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the twoHouse: on the amendments of the Senate to the bill (H. R. 5134) to amend the Submerged Lands Act, recommended to their respective Houses as follows: That the House recede from its disagreement to the amendment of the Senate to the text of the bill and agree to the same with amendment. When used in this Act, the term "outer Continental Shelf" means all submerged COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Dal lands lying seaward and outside of the area of lands beneath navigable waters as defined in section 2 of the Submerged Lands Act (Public Law 31, Eighty-third Congress, first session), and of which the subsoil and seabed appertain to the United States and are subject to its jurisdiction and control. The sub- soil and seabed of the outer Continental Shelf ap- pertain to the United States and are subject to its jurisdiction, control, and power of disposition as provided in this Act. This Act shall be construed in such manner that the character as high seas of the waters above the outer Continental Shelf and the right to navigation and fishing therein shall not be affected. PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE: Reciprocal Trade: House and Senate eachreceived a message from the President transmitting to the Congress a report on the inclusion of escape clauses in existing trade agreements. House referred mes- sage to the Committee on Ways and Means and ordered it printed as a House document (H. Doc. No. 205). Senate referred message to Committee on Finance. TREATY RECEIVED: the Bering Sea: Convention between U. S. andCanada for preservation of halibut fisheries of the North Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea, signed at Ottawa on March 2, 1953, was received (Exec. P, 83d Cong., 1st session)--referred to Committee on Foreign Re- lations. TREATIES RATIFIED: North Pacific Halibut Convention: Senate adopted resolution of ratification by unanimous vote of 77 yeas, for convention between U. S. and Canada for preservation of halibut fishery of North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, signed at Ottawa March 25 1953 (Exec. P, 83d Cong., lst session). SE Editorial Assistant--Ruth V. Keefe Illustrator--Gustaf T. Sundstrom Compositors--Jean Zalevsky, Betty Coakley, Alma Greene, & Kathlyn Brophy KH He HK Photograph Credits: were obtained from the Service's file and x Page by page, the following list gives the source or pho- tographer for each photograph in this issue. Photographs on pages not mentioned the photographers are unknown. Cover page--Norway Fisheries and Fish Processing. ———————— eee 52 COMMERCIAL FISHERIZS REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 FISHERY INDICATORS , met CHART | - FISHERY LANDINGS for SELECTED STATES In Millions of Pounds MASSACHUSETTS CUMULATIVE DATA CUMULATIVE DATA 6 MS. 1953 - 82.0 6 , 1952 - 116.4 12 1952 - 295.8 - 1953 - 143.2 Sans 1952 - 174.8 1952 - 504.7 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC Louis! AaNal/ CUMULATIVE _DATA 6 MQS. 1953 - 30.2 6 1952 - 29.2 1952 - 62.5) CUMULATIVE DATA 5 mgs. 1953 5 1952 he T/ONLY PARTIAL=-INCLUDES LANDINGS AT PRINCIPAL PORTS, CUMULATIVE DATA mgs. 1953 - 34. 6 MQS. 1953 - 32.8) 1952 Ta. . Cr 1952 - 46.1 1952 - "220.6 2 1952 - 127.1 DATA CUMULATIVE 254. 184. 611. S mgs. 1953 - ta] 3" 1952 - JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV. DEC 2/ONLY PARTIAL--|NCLUDES PRODUCTION OF MAJOR FISHERIES AND MARKET FISH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC LANDINGS AT PRINCIPAL PORTS. August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHURIES REVIEW 53 HADDOCK (Maine and Massachusetts) CHART 2 - LANDINGS for SELECTED FISHERIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC SHRIMP Gulf States!/including Florida West Coast CUMULATIVE DATA S mgs. 1953 - 48.9 Stee ag52) = Sled} - 156.1 ‘T/LA. & ALA. DATA BASED ON LANDINGS AT PRINCIPAL PORTS AND ARE NOT COMPLETE. MENHADEN (East and Gulf Coasts CUMULATIVE DATA 6 MQS. 1953 - 196.9 1952 - 185.7 1952 - 643.8 PILCHARD (California) Legend 1952/53 JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE In Millions of Pounds _ OCEAN PERCH (Maine and Massachusetts) CUMULAT|VE DATA 5 MgS. 1953 - 46.0 1952 - 56.4 1952 - 189.0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC In Millions of Pounds WHITING (Maine and Massachusetts) CUMULAT| VE_DATA 5S MQS. 1953 - 4.2 24) 5 | 1952 - 12 12 1952 - 72.8 “JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC In Thousands of Tons PACIFIC AND JACK MACKEREL (California) CUMULATIVE DATA 6 mgs. 1953 - 17.0) 6, 1952 = 14.77/57 12 1952 - 82.9 MAR _APR_MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH (Cali fornia) CUMULATIVE DATA - 1953 - 72.2 1952 - 66.9 1952 - 179.8 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC 54 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 CHART 3 - COLD-STORAGE HOLDINGS and FREEZINGS of FISHERY PRODUCTS x In Millions of Pounds JU. S. & ALASKA HOLDINGS y U. S. & ALASKA FREEZINGS CUMULAT| YE DATA 6 MQS. 1953 - 111.2] 6 1952 - 137.8 1952 - 313.2 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC NEW ENGLAND HOLDINGS_/ MIDDLE & SOUTH ATLANTIC HOLDINGS2/ Iw JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC I/MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, AND CONNECTICUT. 2/ALL EAST COAST STATES FROM N. Y. SOUTH. MIDDLE WEST HOLDINGSS/ GULF & SOUTH CENTRAL HOLDINGS4/ 0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC S/OHIO, IND., ILL., MICH., WIS., MINN., IOWA, MO., N. DAK., NEBR., & KANS. A/ALA., MISS., LA., TEX., ARK., KY., & TENN. WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND ALASKA HOLDINGS CALIFORNIA HOLDINGS O'TAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR_APR_MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC *Excludes salted, cured, and smoked products. 4 August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHSRIES RaiVIEW 55 | CHART 4 - RECEIPTS and COLD-STORAGE HOLDINGS of FISHERY | PRODUCTS at PRINCIPAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERS In Millions of Pound AT WHOLESALE SALT-WATER MARKET 5 ts 2/ (FRESH AND_ FROZEN) NEW YORK COLD-STORAGE HOLDINGS© : = JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC J/INCLUDE TRUCK AND RAIL IMPORTS FROM CANADA AND DIRECT VESSEL LANDINGS AT NEW YORK CITY. RECEIPTS AT WHOLESALE MARKET COLD-STORAGE HOLDINGS (FRESH AND FROZEN) CHICAGO JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC SEATTLE BOSTON WHOLESALE MARKET RECEIPTS, LANDINGS, & IMPORTS (FRESH & FROZEN) COLD-STORAGE HOLDINGS Legend —_— 1953 1952 FISH OIL (In Millions of Gallons) FISH MEAL (1n Thousands of Tons) =——,- JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC 6 COMMIRCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 CHART 5-CANNED PACKS of SELECTED FISHERY PRODUCTS In Thousands of Standard Cases TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH - CALIFORNIA MACKERELL/— CALIFORNIA CUMULATIVE DATA CUMULATIVE DATA 6 MQS. 1953 - 3,223.3 6 MQS. 1953 - 6 | 1952 - 2,904.4 Geo) ) Tse = 1952 - 8,057.9 12 1952 - 1,558.1 K> JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB. MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC ANCHOVIES - CALIFORNIA SALMON — ALASKA CUMULATIVE DATA (CUMULATIVE DATA 6 MQS. 1953 - 1,065.5 7 MQS. 1953 - 1,663.0 480} 2 MR logo =|? a7i2 7 b 1952 - 2,007.7 1952 - 867.5 12 1952 - 3,530.5 0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV. DEC O JAN FEB_MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC SARDINES (ESTIMATED) - MAINE STANDARD CASES 6 MQS. 1953 - 1200) & ti 1952 - 1982 - 3,457.6 Variety Can Designation Net Wat. * drawn 3% OZ. = 5 oz. No. = tuna 6&7 oz. No. | oval oz. |-pound tal| oz. 5 |b. oz. 0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV. DEC SARDINES - CALIFORNIA SHRIMP - GULF STATES ‘. IS CUMULATIVE DATA Lye CUMULATIVE DATA 1952/53 SEASON, PEPSTO 51/152: 1952/53 SEASON, AUG.-JAN, - 70.6 AUG.-JULY - 879.8 1951/52 SEASON, 1951/52 SEASON, AUG. -JAN. = 2,367.9 AUG. -JULY - 787.5 0 —== = JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV. DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY. August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 57 CHART 6- U.S. FISHERY PRODUCTS IMPORTS In Millions of Pounds GROUNDFISH (INCLUDING OCEAN PERCH) FILLETS, FRESH & FROZEN CUMULATIVE DATA ~ 1953 - 43.6 1952 - 53.2 1952 - 107.8 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV. DEC SHRIMP, FRESH & FROZEN, FROM MEXICO CUMULATIVE DATA . 1953 - 12.3 1952 - 13.3 1952 - 33.8 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC TUNA, FRESH & FROZEN CUMULATIVE DATA) 5 gS. 1953 - 32.7 Sime o52h—2 2305 12 1952 - 69.0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV. DEC FILLETS & STEAKS OTHER THAN GROUNDFISH, FRESH & FROZEN CUMULATIVE DATA . 1953 - 18.6 JAN FEB MAR _APR_ MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC LOBSTER & SPINY LOBSTER, FRESH & FROZEN CUMULATIVE DATA S MQS . 1953 - 18.9 5 1952 - 16.5 12 1952 - 39.0 (0) 1 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC ANNED SARDINES (IN/OIL AND NOT IN OIL) CUMULATIVE DATA] 5 MQS. 1953 - 12.9 een 5 Gy 12 1952 - 21.4 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC 58 COMMERCIAL FISH#RIES REVIEW Vol. 15, --—y 2s Dae: Recent publications of interest to the commercial fishing industry are listed below. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS THESE PROCESSED PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FREE FROM THE DIVISION OF INFORMATION, U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, WASH- INGTON 25, D. C. TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS ARE DESIGNATED AS FOLLOWS: CFS - CURRENT FISHERY STATISTICS OF THE UNITED STATES AND ALASKA. FL - FISHERY LEAFLETS. SL - STATISTICAL SECTION LISTS OF DEALERS IN AND PRO- DUCERS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS AND BYPRODUCTS. SSR.-FISH. - SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC REPORTS--FISHERIES (LIMITED DISTRIBUTION). SEP.-SEPARATES (REPRINTS) FROM COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW. Number Title CFS-882 - Canned Fish & Byproducts, Summary, 20 pe CFS-883 -— Frozen Fish Report, June 1953, 8 p. CFS-886 — Fish Meal and Oil, May 1953, 3 p. CFS-891 —- Massachusetts Landings, April 1953, 7 p. CFS-892 -— Alaska Fisheries, 1952 Annual Summary, Number Title by: Michitaka Uda and Jiro Tsukushi; and "Types of Skipjack Schools and Their Fishing Qualities," by Michitaka Uda. 1952 Annual SSR-Fish. No. 101 — Fluctuation in Trap-Net Catches in the Upper Mississippi River, by D. W. Kelley, 7 Ps f ; Ql p., illus., processed, May 1953. This paper CFS-893 - New England Fisheries, 1951 Annual Sum- evaluates some of the factors found to influence mary, 7 Pe. the catch of trap nets in the Mississippi River CFS-895 -— Frozen Fish Report, July 1953, 8 p. = : during the summer of 1948. In order to studysea- CFS-897 -— Maine Landings, May 1953, 4 p. sonal trends in trap-net catches, five permanent CFS-899 -— Florida Landings, May 1953, 6 p CFS-900 CFS-902 — New Jersey Landings, FL -336q- Texas Landings, June 1953, 3 pe May 1953, 2 p. Quarterly Outlook for Marketing Fishery Products, July-September 1953, 38 p. SL -107 -— Firms Canning Fish and Shellfish Special- ties, 1952 (revised), 6 p. Sep. No. 353 — Gulf of Maine Bluefin Tuna Explora— tion—-1952. Sep. No. 354 — Technical Note No. 27—Alaska Pol-— lock: Proximate Composition; Amino Acid, Thiamine and Ribdoflavin Con- tent; Use as Mink Feed, SSR-Fish, No. 83 — Five Japanese Papers on Skipjack (Translated from Japanese), 82 p., August 1952. Includes the following papers: "Skipjack Fish- ing Grounds and Oceanographic Conditions in the netting stations were selected in backwaters of the Upper Mississippi River a few miles below La Crosse, Wisconsin. One trap net was fished at each of these stations for nine 10-day netting periods that were evenly spaced between May 15 and September 25, 1948. Eleven species were caught in quantities large enough to note catch trends during the season. Fluctuations in mean catch during this 43-month period were considerable. They were greatest for the black crappie and the bluegill, and least for the carp and the white crappie. Three species—black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill—were caught in quantities large enough to allow study of causes of catch fluctuations. These causes may be divided into two groups: (1) those that resulted in changes in abundance of fish; and (2) those that result- ed in changes in the rate of activity of the fish. Northeastern Sea Area," by Takeo Sasaki; "On the Stock of Skipjack," by Morisaburo Tauchi; "Notes on the Shoal of Bonito (Skipjack, Katsuwonus pelamis) along the Pacific Coast of Japan," by Hiroaki Aikawa; "Local Variations in the Composi— tion of Skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) Schools," Evidence was gathered that both abundance and ac— tivity rate of bluegills and black crappies changed considerably during the season. SSR-Fish. No. 103 - Length Measurements of Lake Yel- lowstone Trout, by Oliver B. Cope, 20 p., illus., processed, June 1953. August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW bys) THE FOLLOWING SERVICE PUBLICATION |S FOR SALE AND !1S AVAILABLE ONLY FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS, WASHINGTON 25, D. CR Stabilization of the Phosphate Ratio of Sea Water by Freezing, by Albert W. Collier and Kenneth T. Marvin, Fishery Bulletin 79 (From Fishery Belletin of-the Fish and Wildlife Service, Vol— ume 54), 9 pe, printed, 10 cents, 1953. This paper reports the first of a series of experi- ments to test the stability of certain organic and inorganic complexes in sea water after the samples have been quick-frozen. In oceanographir investigation, it is often desirable to stabi- lize organic and certain inorganic components of sea water for delayed analysis. This stabi- lization, which cannot be achieved with chemical additives, is necessary because of biotic activ— ity. Instabiiity in the concentration of inor- ganic phosphorus is demonstrated in samples of sea water held at room temperature, while sta- bility is demonstrated in samples quick-frozen and held at subzero temperatures. Gains in pro- ductive manpower, in precision, and in the vari- ety of analyses possible can all result fromthe adoption of this technique. The authors state that "because the greater precision inherent in this procedure permitted more accurate analyses, it has already become evident that spatial vari- ability of inorganic phosphorus in sea water is greater than has been recognized and should be investigated further." MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS LIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE AGENCIES 1|SSUING THEM. CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING PUBLICATIONS THAT FOLLOW SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE RESPECTIVE AGENCIES OR PUBLISHERS MENTIONED. DATA ON PRICES, IF READILY AVAILABLE, ARE SHOWN. "Acid Preservation of Fishand Fish Offal," by Halvor Petersen, article, FAO Fisheries Bulletin, vol. 6, no. 1-2 (Jan.-Feb./March—April 1953), pp. 18 26. The report describes inexpensive methods of manufacture of fish silage involving very lite tle special equipment. The product is suitable for the feeding of poultry, swine, and cattle. Fish for silage must be absolutely fresh. The fish must be minced thoroughly before being mixed with the chemicals to obtain effective preservation and to avoid the need for large quantities of chemicals. Ordinary meat grinders may be used; however, large plants find it con- venient to use specially built machines, The minced fish is further treated for si-— lage by one of five methods: (1) Sulfuric-acid silage (semi-finished product)—-sulfuric acidig added to the minced fish to a pH value of about 2. The material is stored in concrete tanks coated on the inner surface with bitumen. Sul- furic-acid silage must be partially neutralized by the farmer just before use. Chalk is used for the purpose. The partially neutralized prod— uctwill keep not longer than 48 hours. (2) For- mic-acid silage (finished product)—formic acid is added to the minced fish according to the fol— lowing formulae: 0.25 # 0.3 (% ash) = liters of formic acid (90 percent) per 100 kg. of raw materialin winter. 0.50 # 0.3 (% ash) = liters of formic acid (90 percent) per 100 kg. of raw materialin summer. Formic-acid silage is non-perishable and can be used without neutralization. (3) Sulfur ic acid-formic acid silage (finished product)— this product is produced by two methods: (a) sul- furic-acid silage (pH 2) is partly neutralized to pH 4 and formic acid (85 percent) added to 1 percent. The mixture is thus reduced to PH 3.5 and may be used as feed without further neutral- ization. (b) The raw material is mixed with sul- furic acid (50 percent) plus formic acid (85 per- cent). In summer, the author indicated that 2 liters of sulfuric acid (50 percent) plus 0.8 li- ter formic acid (50 percent) can be used per 100 kg. of codling. These products need not be neu- tralized before use. The second method (b) is cheaper to produce than the formic—acid silage since the quantity of expensive formic acid used is less. dh) Sulfuric acid-molasses silage (fin- ished product)—the product is prepared by adding 2 liters of sulfuric acid (50 percent) plus 50kg. of molasses to 100 kg. of minced fish. The fin- ished product has a pH of about 4.5 and may be used without neutralization. In hot weather the mixture ferments quickly. Fermentation may be inhibited to some extent by adding sodium benzo- ate to the silage in a quantity corresponding to 0.2 percent benzoic acid. (5) Fermentation si- lage (finished product)—this method is covered by Danish Patent Application No. 3415-50 (1952) It involves the use of 15 kg. of molasses and a culture of lactic acid bacterium S. plantarum per 80 kg. of minced fish. The product reaches a pH of 3 to 4 in 3 to 4 days. It has a good keeping quality, no unpleasant fish odor, and need not be neutralized before use. One kg. of fish silage contains about the same quantity of protein as about 4 kg. of skim- med milk. Fish silage may be used as follows: Poultry: laying hens, 20 gn. fish silage per bird daily; breeding birds, up to 30 gm. per bird. Birds for the table should not be fed fish silage during the last 3 weeks before slaughtering; week— old chicks, 50 gn. per 100 chicks daily, gradual- ly increased to 500 gm. at the age of 5 weeks, and 850 gm. at the age of 10 weeks; ducks, 10 percent of the whole diet. Pigs: pregnant sows, 4 to 3/h kg. fish silage per sow daily; suckling sows, 3 kge3 weaned pigs (age 7-8 weeks), 50 gn. per pig, daily; gradually increased to 150 gm. at the age COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 THEM. of 10 to 12 weeks. If pigs are to be used for bacon, use of fish silage should cease when the animals reach a weight of about 30 kg. Cattle: milk cows, 1 kg. fishsilage per cowdaily; young cattle, 3 kg. The fish silage must be stored in a place where the temperature does not exceed 15°C. (59°F.). The silage must have fresh acid odor. Production of fish silage has been economi— cal in Denmark because: (1) distances from fish- ing harbors to the farms are small; (2) the tem— perature, especially in winter when the greatest consumption takes place, is low enough so that artificial refrigeration is not necessary, and (3) plants are established in places where the supply of raw material is so small that it does not pay to produce fish meal. A selected bibliography of 6 references is given. —F. T. Piskur "Age and Length Composition of the Sardine Catch off the Pacific Coast of the United States and Mexico in 1952-53," by Frances E. Felin, John MacGregor, Anita E. Daugherty, and Daniel J. Miller, article, California Fish and Game, July 1953, vol. 39, no. 3, ppe 409-417, printed. De= partment of Fish and Game, San Francisco, Califo This js the seventh report on the age and length composition of the catch of sardine (Sardinops caerulea) off the Pacific Coast of North Ameri- ca. During the 1952/53 season the fishery was carried on off California during the regular fish- ing season only, but off Baja California through= out the year. Included are tables showing, by sex and region of catch, the length-frequency distributions of fish of each year class from the randam scale samples taken in the 1952/53 season; the mean length and standard error of the mean for each year class sampled in the 1952/53 season, by sex and region of catch; the calendar dates for the lunar months in the 1952/53 season; and the numbers of fish, by region of catch and in each year class, caught during the season. The Biscayne Bay Commercial Fishery, by J. B. Sie- benaler, Technical Series No. 6, 20 p., illus., printed. State Board of Conservation, Talla- hassee, Fla., 1953. This is a report on an in- vestigation carried out by the Marine Laboratory of the University of Miami, under the direction of the Florida State Board of Conservation, de- signed to provide a basis for scientific manage- ment and control of Biscayne Bay's commercial fishery. The author discusses the objectives and methods of conducting the survey, number of fishermen and boats, commercial production of Biscayne Bay, species taken, value of the com— mercial catch, fishing methods, fishing areas, and regulation of the fishery. In his recommenda- tions, the author states that closure of the Bay's gill-net fishery does not appear justified, in view of the economic value of the fishery, the fact that mullet (a non-game fish) makes up al- most all the catch, and since the gear used is not harmful to the bottom. A major source of sport-fishing bait would disappear if bay fishing were banned and a valuable resource, the mullet, would be unexploited, continues the author. Since over two-thirds of the catch in Biscayne Bay is of silver mullet, which can only be caught effi- ciently by 24-inch stretched-mesh, the author rec— ammends that the laws be changed to legalize the use of a gill net of this size in the Biscayne Bay mullet fishery. Coast, by Phil M. Roedel, Fish Bulletin No. 91, 188 p., illus., printed. Marine Fisheries Branch, Department of Fish and Game, San Francisco, Calif., 1953. This bulletin is designed as a guide to the marine fish of California which are likely to be caught by commercial and sport fishermen. Be-— cause the bulletin is meant for anyone interest— ed in fish, regardless of his technical background, scientific terminology has been avoided as far as possible, Those technical terms which do appear are defined in the glossary. Descriptions of ap— pearance and color refer to adult specimens, and the color patterns given are believed typical of freshly—caught fish. Notes on fishing season and fishing gear are based on California records for the years 1947-1952. The relative importance -of the different species as game and commercial va— rieties changes somewhat from year to year; rank— ings are exclusive of shellfish and mollusks and are based on California records for 1951. This bulletin includes sections on the common and sci- entific names of fish, and descriptions and il- lustrations. It also includes a glossary of tech— nical terms, a key to same adult marine fish of California, an index to the common names, and an index to the scientific names of the fish. "Caribbean Markets for Canadian Fish," by E. M.Gosse, article, Foreign Trade, vol. 14, no. 340 (July 4, 1953), pp. 6-9, printed, single copy 10 cents. The Department of Trade and Commerce, Ottawa, Can— ada. (Available from The Queen's Printer, Gov— ernment Printing Bureau, Ottawa, Canada.) A re— view of the demand for Canadian fish in four Car— ibbean countries (Jamaica, Haiti, Daminican Re— public, and Puerto Rico) with advice on what con- sumers prefer, methods of shipping, and the sales outlook. Climate, Vegetation & Man, Leonard Hadlow, 288 p., illus., printed, $4.75. Philosophical Library, New York, N. Y., 1952. This book surveys life in its climatic setting. The author in his pre—- face states that the influence of climate upon life on earth—plant, animal, and human—is of the highest importance andcanhardly be overem— phasized. The principles that govern day and night, the seasons, and the world distribution of temperature, atmospheric pressure, winds, rain- fall, and ocean currents are dealt with in Part I. Natural vegetation is studied in relationto its climatic needs in Part II. The major cli- matic regions of the world are described in Part III, with special emphasis placed upon the way climate governs the activities of man. The dif- ference between maritime (or oceanic) air and continental air is explained. The maritime cli- mates of regions with on-shore winds, tempera— ture, and ocean currents are discussed. Ina section titled "The Harvest of the Sea," the au- August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 61 thor reviews the relationship of fishing to cli- mate and weather, and says: "In spite of these scientific aids, the fisherman's life is still dangerous." There are a number of other refer- ences to fishing throughout the book. Same of the major subjects covered of interest to fish- ermen and other individuals interested in fish- ing are: climate and weather; temperature and its chief and minor controls; how temperature is mapped; pressure belts; the winds of the world; why it rains; a world pattern of cloudand rain; and the movements of the waters. Co-operative Finance in Japan and the Central Co— 1H operative Bank for Agriculture and Forestry, Reference No. 12, 23 p., printed. The Central Co-operative Bank for Agriculture and Forestry, Tokyo Building, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan, May 1953. Describes finances of fishery cooperatives, in addition to agricultural and forestry cooperatives. It discusses the coop-— erative financial organization in Japan and the financial situation of cooperative finance and its position in the general financial field. Ale so describes the organization and function of the Central Co-operative Bank. MAENAS (L.) in the Northwestern Atlantic, by Leslie W. Scattergood, Fisheries Circular No. 8, 10 p., illus., printed; and II. Observations on Green Crabs (C. MAENAS) in Maine, by Robert L. Dow and Dana E,. Wallace, pp. 11-15, printed. Department of Sea and Shore Fisheries, Vickery-— Hill Bldg., Augusta, Maine, October 1952, The first part of this bulletin is concerned prima- rily with the extension of the green crab's range along the Maine coast. The author traces the remarkable spread of the Carcinides with liter- ature citations and his own personal observa- tions. The second part of this bulletin dis-— cusses the green crab which has become increas— ingly important in Maine waters as a soft—shell clam predator. The authors describe briefly the life history of the green crab and how they de-. stroy clam colonies. "An Evaluation of the Marine Sportfishing Record System in California," by John L. Baxter and Parke H. Young, article, California Fish and Game, July 1953, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 343-353, illus., printed. Department of Fish and Game, San Fran— cisco, Calif. The sportfishing record systemin California is based on the reported daily catch of boats operating for hire in marine waters. Since 1936 the owners or operators of party fish- ing vessels that carry paying passengers have been required by law to keep an accurate record of the catches made from their boats. To eval- uate the quality and the quantity of the sport— catch records, a physical check of the boat catch es was started in 1947. This consisted of anac— tual count of the fish landed on a party fish- ing boat. The percentage accuracy of a partic— ular boat was determined by comparing the actu- al count with the written record prepared by the boat operator. The actual counts and the boat reports are summarized in this report to show total numbers by species. Boat report figures are expressed as a percentage of the actual count. Statistical data are also given on the number Fishing in Michigan, 34 p., illus., printed. of party boats checked by port for 1947-51; aver-— age weight per fish for same of the more important sport species; and number of fish counted per an— gler day, by port of landing. A list of the com— mon and the scientific names of the fishis includ— ed. It was found that boat record totals can be expected to closely approximate the actual records of the total numbers of fish landed. There has been some increase in the accuracy of individual species reports; however, further improvement is necessary. The article points out that the sport— catch reports of the important game fishes are ac— curate enough to fulfill the purposes for which they are intended. The Fisheries of New England (Report of the Committee of New England of the National Planning Associa- tion), Number 2, 52 p., illus., printed, 60 cents. New England Council, Statler Bldg., Boston, Mass., 1953. This pamphlet presents one of the 20 topi- cal reports of the Committee of New England. It is a complete document in itself, yet it forms an integral part of the final report, The Economic State of New England, which is to be published soon in book form. This report describes the use that New Englanders make of the fisheries, the possi- bilities for further development, and the problems faced by the industry. It contains suggestions for ways in which the industry can be strengthened to its own benefit and that of New England. It dis- cusses the history and organization of the NewEng— land fishing industry; increasing the demand for New England fish products; increasing the supply of fish; the shellfish industries of New England; and intra-industry relations. "Fisheries of the Northwest Territories," article, Trade News, May 1953, vol. 5, no. ll, pp. 7-8, illus., processed. Department of Fisheries, Ot- tawa, Canada. A review of the production andmar— keting of fish fram Great Slave Lake and vicinity during the 1952 summer season and the 1952/53 win- ter season. Also describes the development of the new fishery for belugas or white whales inthe wa-— ters of Hudson Bay and the Churchill River. Michi- gan Department of Conservation, Lansing, Michigan. A pocket-sized summary of Michigan's game fish, fish cookery, boats, camping, and stream, lake, "deep sea," and ice fishing in Michigan waters. Detailed drawings of each species of fish will give anglers a ready identification key, A fish— ing map indicates the location of fish by regions as found within the State, and types of baits gen— erally used in taking the fish are listed in the text. Although intended primarily for the sports fisherman, the publication contains information of interest to the cammercial fisherman. Fiskeri-Undervisningen (Instructions for Fishing), 1951-1952, Arsberetning vedkommende Norges Fisk- erier 1952-Nr. 4,42 p.,illus., printed in Norwegian. Fiskeridirektgren (Directorate of Fisheries), Bergen, Norway, 1953. Contains thenames and locations of vo- cational schools in Norway for individuals interested inthe fishingtrade. There are listed also the va- rious courses offered in the schools for fisher— men and the types of examinations given for those engaged in or interested in the trade, and the lo— cations of training stations. The Appendix is con— COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 15, No. 8 SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE AGENCIES WSSUING THEM. cerned with the number of applicants attending the various courses in the Norwegian Government's vocational fishermen schools at Aukra, Bod, and Florg and those held on board the vessel Statsrad Lehmkuhl, the number of enrolled students inthe schools for the years 1948/49-1951/52, and the enrollment from certain districts. (Georgia) Compilation of Georgia Laws and Regula— tions Pertaining to Uplend Game, Fresh Water Fishing and Commercial Salt Water Fishing, 108 pe, printed. State Game and Fish Commission, 412 State Capitol, Atlanta, Georgia, July 1953. A compilation of the hunting and fishing laws and regulations of the State of Georgia was is— sued recently by the Georgia State Game andFish Commission. The chapter on commercial licenses covers: fees and use of- fish peddler's and fish seller's licenses; taking shad for purposes of sale without license; necessity of procuring licenses for canmercial fishing boats; license fees levied on commercial boats; licenses for salt-water commercial fishing boats; license tags on commercial fishing boats operating in tidewater Georgia; licenses of persons engaged in commercial fishing in salt waters; false swear— ing to procure fishing license; duty to keep re- cord books of tidewater Georgia fishing boats; non-residents prohibited from catching shrimp and prawn; and to whom fishing licenses are is— sued. Other chapters pertaining to commercial fisheries cover: general provisions for fish- ing; taking shrimp, prawn, and crabs; and leas- ing oyster beds. (Gold Coast) Report on the Fisheries Department for the Year 1951-52, by F. R. Johnson, 9 pe, illus., printed, 2s. (about 30 U. S. cents). Government Printing Department, Accra, Gold Coast, 1953. This report, which covers the Fisheries Depart-— ment's financial year from April 1, 1951, to March 31, 1952, describes the following activi- ties: (1) continued study of the herring catch and its seasonal fluctuations; (2) further ex- periments in the use of motor fishing vessels, both in the herring fishery and for trawling; (3) exploration of fishing grounds inthe Sekon- di-Takoradi area; (4) recording of seine catch— es in the Keta district; (5) recording of catche es on the Volta River; (6) operation of fish- eries instruction schemes on rivers in theNorth- ern Territories; (7) utilizing water supplyres— ervoirs for fish production; (8) development of fisheries in the smaller streams of the North; (9) canning fish; (10) experiments in the prep- aration of edible fish powder; and (11). prepa— ration for the Department's boat—building pro— jecte Havsfisket Under Semare Ar (Sea Fishing During Past Years), by Klas Wallberg, 23 p., illus., print— ed, in Swedish. Agricultural Marketing Board, Goteborg, Sweden. This report is divided into five sections: (1) introduction; (2) main fea- tures of the development of the fishing indus— try; (3) price regulations within the fishing industry; (4) foreign trade in fish; and (5) the domestic market and the consumption of fish. Also includes a number of interesting and de- scriptive diagrams and tables, and gives a very satisfactory review of the Swedish fishing in- dustry during recent years. Holland Fish Trade (Review of the Netherlands Fishing Industry), no. 1 (May 1953), 19 p., illus., print— ed, fl. 3.75 per year (about US$1.00). N. V. Drukkeru Trio, Nobelstraat 27, The Hague, Netherlands, May 1953. This is the first issue of a new periodical whichis tobe published bimonthly. It contains ar— ticles of an economic or technical nature togeth— er with statistical surveys of the Netherlands fish— ing industry and related industries. Five articles are included in this issue: (1) "Salted Herring— A Famous Netherlands Quality Product;" (2) Ijmui- den...The Principal Sea-Fish Port;" (3) "Favour- able Development of the Netherlands Fish Canning Industry;" (4) "Greater Exports of Smoked Herring;" and (5) "Netherlands Fisheries Reach Record Pro- duction in 1952." A section on "Fishery Topics" is also included. How to Prepare Maine Lobster, 3 pe, printed. The Maine Department of Sea and Shore Fisheries, Au— gusta, Maine. Contains the following basic reci- pes: boiled, broiled, baked, and fried lobster; lob- ster stew, salad, roll, newburg, thermidor; and lob- ster cocktail sauce. Allof the Maine lobster is edible except the bony shell structure, the small crop or craw in the head of the lobster, and the dark sand. vein running down the back of the tail meat. The green is the liver (tomalley) and the white is the fat. The red or "coral" is actually the undeveloped roe or spawn of the lobster. (Institute of Seaweed Research) Annual Report for 1952, 43 pe, printed. Institute of Seaweed Re- search, Inveresk, Midlothian, Scotland. The re— port is a summary of the research studies carried out during 1952 by the Institute of Seaweed Re- search, Scotland. The results are available in greater detail in 24 papers published during the year or submitted for publication. A list of these publications, with abstracts, is included. Most emphasis has been placed on research work on: (1) resurveying of certain sublittoral brown seaweed beds to prove the efficacy of the survey methods and the seasonal variation in seaweed growth; (2) the determination of the nutritional value of sea- weed; (3) the ensilaging of seaweed; (4) the semi- technical production, cost analysis, and market survey of mannitol; and (5) the fitting out of a 51-foot prototype harvesting vessel (M. V. Chondrus ) with dual continous grapnels. Considerable ef- fort has been made to determine the value of cer- tain algal chemicals as substrates for microbio— logical synthesis, and to isolate and identify the microorganisms concerned in the decomposition of marine algae. The contents of the report are presented under the following headings: I. Di- rector's Report. 1. Introduction. 2. Ecology and Survey. 3. Microbiology. 4. Mechanical Engineer— ing. 5. Process Development. 6. Algal Chemistry. 7. Agriculture. 8. Publications. II. Board of Management's Advisory Committees. II. Staff at 31st December 1952. Menhaden...Big Deal in Very Small Fackages," by Bill Wisner, article, Fishing Long Island Waters, June 25, 1953, vol. 4, no. 8, pp- 13, 20, 22, illus., printed. Describes briefly the habits of menhaden, gear and methods of fishing, and types of fishing vessels. Also describes the industrial uses of menhaden byproducts and the value of men— haden to the sports fishermen as chum and as whole— or cut-fish bait. August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 63 SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE AGENCIES ISSUING THEM, (Michigan), "Fish Division," 46 p., reprint from Sixteenth Biennial Report 1951-1952. The Depart- ment of Conservation, Lansing, Michigan, Func— tions and activities of the Fish Division are described: fishery management, hatcheries, con- servation measures, development and maintenance of public fishing sites, and lake and streamim- provement. The Institute for Fisheries Research, the research branch of the Fis Division, reports on lake mapping and surveys, stream surveys, age and growth of fish, fish mortalities anddisease, sea lamprey, and other investigations. The sec tion on commercial fisheries which pertains to the Michigan waters of the Great Lakes covers the calendar years of 1950 and 1951. Data are pre- sented on the catch and availability of white- fish, lake trout, and other species. Changes in commercial fishing regulations are listed. Sta-— tistics for the commercial fisheries of Michi- gan's waters of lakes Michigan, Superior, Erie, and Huron (including Saginaw Bay) give details on gear, boats, buildings, and catch and value by species and by months. The Norwegian Klipfish Industry: Nature and Distri- bution, by Lawrence M. Sommers, 13 p., illus., printed. (Reprinted from Papers of the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters, volume XXXVIII, pp. 347-55, Plates I-IV, 1952). Michi- gan State College, East Lansing, Mich., 1953. The sun-curing of salted fish, which results in a product called "klipfish," is one of the major methods of treating fish in Norway. Cod is used chiefly for klipfish; ling, coalfish, tusk, and haddock are also used. This paper describes the development of klipfish production in Norway, and discusses raw materials, centers of produc- tion, nature of klipfish production in M6re og Romsdal County, export of klipfish, and the fu- ture of the industry. North of the Circle, by Frank Illingworth, 257 p., illus., printed, $4.75. Philosophical Library, New York, N. Y. The Arctic Circle—the rim of the world—-is the subject of this book. Of par— ticular interest to those interested in fisher- ies is the chapter on seals and sealing. The author points out: "seals have been hunted on a commercial basis since the first sealers pene- trated the polar regions some three centuries ago." Commercial sealing by the leading nations taking part and sealing as conducted by the Es— kimo are described. A short explanation of the migrations and habits of the seals is included. Fishing through the ice by Eskimos is mentioned in several places throughout the book, Among some of the other subjects covered are the Rus— sian North, the American North, the Eskimo, and the problems of life in the polar regions. Observations on Gonad Development, Spawning and Set- ting of Oysters and Starfish in Long IslandSound, Bulletin No. 1 (June 18, 1953), 3 pe, processed, Copies of this and other bulletins in this se- ries available from the Fishery Biological Lab- oratory, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mil- ford, Connecticut. Bulletin No. 2 (July 2, 1953), 1 p., also available. As in previous years, the Service's Biological Laboratory at Milford, Con- necticut, will issue during the summer bulletins with information that may be of practical impor- tance and interest to the oyster growers of Long Island Sound. These bulletins will describe the progress of accumulation and quantity of spawn in oysters during the prespawning and spawning peri- ods; report on the intensity of spawning of the oyster population at different depths of Long Is- land Sound; and report on the beginning and inten- sity of setting in different sections of Long Is—- land Sound. Also included will be information on the survival and rate of growth of recently set oysters, and other facts that may be of interest to oyster culturists, especially concerning the behavior of the oyster enemies, starfish anddrills. Oyster Bulletin No. 1, 1953, 2 p.; and Supplement to Oyster Bulletin No. 1, 1953, 3 pe, processed. Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Department of Research and Education, Solamons Island, Md. This is the first of a series of bulletins containing information relating to the reproduction, growth, and condition of oysters in Maryland waters. Oys— ter Bulletin No. 1, 1953, presents data on spawn— ing and setting of oysters in Maryland waters to July 2. A short discussion of the objectives and methods of some phases of the Laboratory's oyster research program is presented in Supplement to Oys— ter Bulletin No. 1, 1953. The Rainbow Trout in Relation ‘to the Other Fish in Fish Lake, by William F. Sigler, Bulletin 358, 27 Pe, illus., printed. Agricultural Experiment Station, Utah State Agricultural College, Logan, Utah, February 1953. This paper discusses the limnological and fishery investigations of Fish Lake, Utah, and the life history of the coast rain- bow trout, Salmo gairdnerii irideus. It gives a description of Fish Lake, history of the fishery, food interrelationships, fishing success, body- scale relationship, age and growth, length-weight relationship, and management of the fishery. Report of Marine Borer Conference (sponsored by the William Clapp Laboratory and the Marine Laboratory, University of Miami; at Miami Beach, Florida, June 11-13, 1952). The Marine Laboratory, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, April 1953. Con-— tains texts of 18 papers, some illustrated, which were presented at the second annual Marine Borer Conference. Participants represented the Office of Naval Research, Bureau of Docks, Army Engineers, Department of Agriculture, University of Miami Ma— rine Laboratory, University of Southern California, Yale School of Forestry, and private research a— gencies and members of industry. Papers discuss problems of deterioration in marine structures of concrete, wood,and steel. Results of experimental preservatives are presented along with design fac— tors affecting deterioration of marine structures. Several papers discuss studies of the life history and physiology of marine borers (shipworms). Al- though primarily concerned with shoreside instal- lations, much of the information presented will be of interest and value to vessel owners, builders, and designers. —D. E. Powell (Scotland) Report on the Fisheries of Scotland, 1952, Scottish Home Department, Fifth Report, 68 Des illus., printed, 2s. 6d. net (35 U. S. cents). Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Edinburgh, Scot— 64, COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW land. This is a report of Scotland's fisheries, with statistical data for the year 1952. Con— tains total production figures by species and by port (both comparative and historical) and infor— mation on the number of boats, personnel, and methods of capture. Production and value of lob-— sters, crabs, and fishery byproducts are also in— cluded. Sections are also devoted to discussions of the herring, white fish, and salmon fisheries, marine fisheries law enforcement, scientific in- vestigations, harbor maintenance, and whaling. "Shellfish Sanitation Program of Massachusetts," by Leo Fox, article, Modern Sanitation, vol. 5, no. 6 (June 1953), pp. 17-19, 68, printed, $2.00 per year in U.S. 855 Avenue of the Americas, New York 1, N. Y. Describes briefly the extensive shellfish sanitation program being carried out by the State of Massachusetts in an attempt to provide a good, wholesome product to the public. The current functions of the program are carried out by two departments of the State Government: the Public Health Department and the Department of Conservation. The functions of the Public Health Department are carried out by the Divi- sion of Sanitary Engineering which is concerned with the sanitary conditions in the tidal areas where shellfish are dug and the Division of Food and Drugs which is responsible for sanitary in- spections of shellfish shucking and packing plants. In the Department of Conservation, the Division of Marine Fisheries is responsible for opening and closing shellfish areas on the recommenda— tions of the Public Health Department and issu-— ing licenses to master diggers and processing plant operators on the recommendation of the Food and Drug Inspector. The Division of LawEnforce— ment is responsible for policing closed areas and shellfish processing plants and the apprehension and prosecution of violators. Sanitary surveys are made of all the contaminated shellfish areas in the State. From the results of the survey and the bacteriological analyses of sea water and shell- fish, the condition of each area is evaluated and classified as grossly polluted or moderately pol- luted. If the area is moderately polluted, the shellfish may be dug for purification purposes only. These moderately—polluted areas which are chiefly soft-shell clam areas can be worked only by master diggers. These soft-shell clams must be brought to the shellfish treatment plant at Newburyport, Mass., for purification. Quahogs or hard clams are next in abundance to soft-shell clams and are generally found in clean or open areas. Quahogs dug in moderately-polluted areas must be transplanted to clean areas for self pu- rification. Oysters are not in plentiful supply and are found chiefly in clean areas in the Cape Cod Region. The shellfish treatment plant has been used only for the soft-shell clams. The clams are treated by holding them in chlorinated sea water for a certain length of time, dependingup- on the original degree of contamination. Li- censes to operate are granted only to shuckers, packers, and reshippers who can and do meet the State's requirements. Feriodic sanitary checks are made by the State. Out-of-State shellfish dealers who wish to sell their products in Massa— chusetts must have a certified certificate to op— erate comparable to the level issued in Massachu- setts. The dealers must also be on the U. S. Pub~ Vol. 1, No. 8 ISSUING THEM, lic Health Service list of approved shellfish deal— ers. The State of Massachusetts has done and con— tinues to do research work in the field of shell— fish sanitation. Methods and processes are contin- ually being improved and modified in the light of newer findings. —f. T. Piskur "Small Scale Manufacture of Fish Meal," by T. Sparre, article FAO Fisheries Bulletin, vol. 6, no. 1-2 (Jan.-Feb./March—April 1953), pp. 1-17. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. The report briefly describes small- scale methods of manufacture of fish meal as a means of utilizing fish caught in excess of quan— tities needed for food purposes. The general prin— ciples involved in the preparation of meal from lean and from fat fish are explained. The methods of manufacture described are those involving the minimum of mechanical equipment and the elimina- tion of expensive steam boiler and centrifugal oil separators. These processes would be suitable, therefore, for processing small quantities of fish with a minimum investment for equipment, without the need of highly-skilled technical personnel. The "miniature" method of manufacture will handle several hundred pounds of fish per day and involves the use of homemade equipment. The method described is essentially a summary of the informa-— tion contained in Fishery Leaflet 135, "Commercial Shark Fishing in the Caribbean Area," published by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1945). The basic pieces of homemade equipment needed are the cooker, press, dryer, and grinder. Two small-scale mechanized processes are de—- scribed only in general: (1) the simple direct dryer, suitable for lean fish and (2) the indirect cooker—dryer, particularly recommended for fatty fish. In the first method the ground fish are dried in one operation in a flame dryer, after which the scrap is ground, cooled, and sacked. The equip— ment will handle about 10 tons of raw material per 8 hours. A refinement of this simple method was developed and patented by 0. Notevarp at the Nor— wegian Fisheries Research Institute. The Notevarp process consists in mixing finely divided raw ma- terial with dried or partially dried material in such a proportion that the mixture forms a semi- dry product which can be conveniently dried. The second method, developed by G. Bojner of Sweden, consists of indirect cooking and drying of the raw material. A combined cooker-dryer may be used for lean fish. Separate cooker and dryer with an intermediate press is needed for fatty fish. The oil is separated fram the press liquor in set— tling tanks. These processes will handle 25 tons of fish per 8 hours. —f,. T. Piskur Fisheries Circular No. 7, 4 p., printed. Depart- ment of Sea and Shore Fisheries, Augusta, Maine, May 1951. The lobster must shed its entire shell at intervals before it can grow. Many factors, including age, water temperature, and food supply, determine the frequency of molt. Young lobsters August 1953 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 65 THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, BUT USUALLY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE AGENCIES |SSUING THEM. will molt as many as 20 times during the first year, but after 4 or 5 years the mature lobster molts but once a year, usually early in the sum— mer. The author describes briefly the problem of molting in lobsters and the problems to be solved if the shedding process is ever to be con trolled. Foreign Market Notes—Fats and Oils The Office of Foreign Agricultural Relations, U. S. Department of Agriculture, has been studying fats and oils foreign market outlets and competi- tion with United States products in 10 European countries. This study was made under the provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Act. Preliminary find~ ings have been published for each country visited. Some of these reports contain short references to fish and whale oils. The publications issued to date under the over-all heading of "Foreign Market Notes— Fats and Oils" are: The Fats and Oils Situation in Spain, FFO 3-535 3 Pe The Fats and Oils Situation in Italy, FFO 6-53, 7 Pe The Fats and Oils Situation in Switzerland, FFO 8-53, 3 pe The Fats and Oils Situation in Austria, FFO 9-53, 3 Pe The Fats and Oils Situation in Western Ger-— many, FFO 10-53, 5 p. The Fats and Oils Situation in Denmark, FFO 11-53, 2 p. The Fats and Oils Situation in the Nether- lands, FFO 12-53, 5 pe The Fats and Oils Situation in Belgiun, 13-53, 3 pe The Fats and Oils Situation in France, FFO 15-53, 3 Pe The Fats and Oils Situation in the United Kingdom, FFO 15-53, 4 pe Free copies of these "Foreign Market Notes— Fats and Oils" are available from the Foreign Agri- cultural Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington 25, D.C. An over-all report summariz-— ing the observations on the European Fats and oils trade shown in these preliminary reports is planned. CONTENTS, CONTINUED FOREIGN (CONTD.): SPAIN: FISHING INDUSTRY SEEKS GOVERNMENT AID UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA: WALVIS BAY PILCHARD CATCH INCREASED IN MOSM Me etteccsrcere niecralecitie caiman (39 UNITED KINGDOM: A ¥ NEW DEEP-FREEZE FACTORY TRAWLER FAIRTRY WAUNGHED Ultra cietsrars crevelcvcievelslars ale ingitoclaniie. 39 BRITISH DISTRIBUTOR AGREES TO HANDLE IC EIPANDING EMS Hacc lores tevernietoies ieretcielecrcieroenre BAN TRAWLER OWNERS! CAMPAIGN TO SELL MORE goo Ss Fal REINEST Siivelaereleles efellsichere) el) cyeie cccerccceorcces 42 FISHERY CODES OF PRACTICE ISSUED BY WHITE FISK AUTHORING cooococboosoco5c0G0 eee 42 BILL ENACTED TO ASSIST WHITE FISH AND HENRIING INPUSURIES: 6 oodcoccbonodoooondoue 1Cs FED ERAIEACTILONS iiteretelererelelelaielel sleteisiclelelelelcteteievciers) i 45 INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISS1 ON: FREIGHT RATE INCREASE EXTENDED TO 1955 .. 45 SOME RATE INCREASES GRANTED TO RAILWAY ENARESS WEENCY coosoocdcodoconaconsoosce 4S PAGE PAGE FEDERAL ACTIONS (CONTD.): SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM: MANPOWER POLICY FOR THE COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY AMENDED ......... 46 EIGHTY-THIRD CONGRESS (FIRST SES- SIGN), MUL" IEE: Soscesccdoosancsns 2H FISME? MDIGALCESS s4dcgdascedocsocas G2 CHART 1 - FISHERY LANDINGS FOR SE- HE CHEDES TAME Sircisrere sromineteosisrenio nce. CHART 2 - LANDINGS FOR SELECTED FAUSHERNESIemecnsretoieiaicierelercieretieinenienicee OS CHART 3 - COLD-STORAGE HOLDINGS AND FREEZINGS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS ..... 54 CHART 4 - RECEIPTS AND COLD-STORAGE HOLDINGS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS AT PRINCIPAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERS .... 55 CHART 5 - CANNED PACKS OF SELECTED FISHERY PRODUCTS ..... eececesecrcces DO CHART 6 - U. S, FISHERY PRODUCTS IMPORTS 57 RECENT FISHERY (PUBLIICATIONS:S 2. cee. 08 FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS 58 MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS .crcsceee 59 is) INT.—-DUP. SEC., WASH., D.C> 48558 ge -pexaeeeaer wi New England Fisheries - 1951, C.F.S. No. 893, is an annual summary of the fisheries of New England for the year 1951. It includes tables summarizing the catch by species and by states, catch of certain shellfish in numbers and bushels, operating units by states, and lists the pounds of meats per bushel for certain shellfish. i NEW ENGLAND FISHERIES--1951 The 1951 catch of fish and shellfish in the coastal areas of the New England states (Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut) totaled 916,807,600 pounds, valued at $67,451,668 to the fishermen. This represents a de- erease of 89,781,900 pounds or 9 percent in quantity, but an increase of $6,855,178 NEW ENGLAND CATCH, 1951 ; VALUE OF NEW ENGLAND CATCH, 195) OCEAN PERCH OCEAN PERCH HADDOCK WHITING SEA HERRING cop FISH FOR REDUCTIO AND ANIMAL FOOD MILULON MILLION POUNDS DOLLARS. or 11 percent in value as compared with the landings of the previous year. Ocean perch receipts (258,320,100 pounds) were over 50 million pounds greater than in 1950, while haddock landings (153,290,700 pounds) were approximately 4 million pounds less than during the previous year. Herring landings were 130 million pounds less than in 1950. Copies of C.F.S. No. 893 are available free upon request from the Division of Information, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington 25, D. C. a-8el *K°N $e0eutT AZTISIEATUN TTSeuszo0D *{[1BVY mourzs; uoTJeAASSUOD fo *4daq "ap §SsqqtD °H J41eq0y oge‘s - 26/6 - @MN Wtog GTOT °ON J fuateg SSANISNAG 1VIDISS0 "2 °G ‘SZ NOLONIHSVM SDIANSS 3SING1IM GNV HSI YOINSLNI JHL JO LNAWLYVdSd SA1LVLS GALINN