al ana lhl Halll APRIL 1949 Vol. 11,No.4 Lu = > a Lu ” Lu Le aa) (a) — “0 Cc © siz fe LL ben Oo = iS) aS a= ) fics Sad —— e) a Cc i) = — be ine) (eX iS) Q n INS) —— ine} ad YN =O iS) 4 Cc =) U ( c Oo Cd loo) £ — ~” > UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR J.A.KRUG, Secretary COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ALBERT M. DAY, Director A REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS AND NEWS OF THE FISHERY INDUSTRIES PREPARED IN THE BRANCH OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES A. W. Anderson , Editor Associate Editor Wm.H. Dumont and J. Pileggi, Assistant Editors R.T. Whiteleather, Applications for COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW, which is mailed tree to members of the fishery industries and allied interests,should be addressed to the Director, Fish ond Wildlife Service, United Stotes Department of the Interior, Washington, 25, D.C. The contents of this publication have not been copyrighted and may be reprinted freely; however, reference to the source will be appreciated. The Service assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of material from outside sources. COVER: CONTENTS VENEZUELAN SARDINE RUN BOAT AND NET TENDER, GASOL|NE-POWERED, AND BUILT LOCALLY OF NATIVE WOODS. PAGE THE UNITED STATES FISHERY MISSION TO VENEZUELA (MAY 1947 - DECEMBER 1948), BY R. O. SMITH «2.0. I VITAMIN A IN LIVER OF THE ALASKA FUR SEAL, BY F. B. SANFORD, K. W. KENYON, AND V. B. SCHEFFER .- 9 *- 2s. * © & © PAGE PAGE RESEARCH IN SERVICE LABORATORIES ....-«..--- 16 FOREIGN (CONT. ): TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS ....s+0-e+e-c-0e0-e 18 COLOMBIA ... 44 ABSINR A Ciba tetetcltetata terete valas eleelerelsislererslateiwral a eiat= iat 18 COSTA RICA sic 44 ADDITIONS TO THE FLEET OF U.S. FISHING DENMARK ..... nics 46 VESSELS e sirmetniaiciarsherevermlelerpicve sisteatsialeysinie stnssiace 18 ECUADOR .... stele 47 ECA PROCUREMENT AUTHORIZATIONS “FOR. FISHERY ICELAND .... Says 49 FEBWSIS” sodskchardagesndocas ace aoe 19 IND) (Av tevspececcisrcranaiene SAIC 56 FEDERAL PURCHASES OF FISHERY PRODUCTS. See 20, JAPAN ..0-- Sichetslersletielatetslelcioleraiviefstetsiet 57 FISH MEAL AND OIL PLANT IN UTAH e.e-vere-e- 20 LIBYA (TRIPOLI TANIA AND CYRENAICA) ...---- 5S FLORIDA WEST COAST FISHERIES TRENDS, NISSMINE a Gens sciaouogooouues ad ae Byers eraleere creas 58 MARGHIN (G49 eiicciecropstine sane eae sotasdoocdeau call REPUBLIC OF PANAMA | Eerste aerate DotonGns cuss 58 HAWAIIAN FISH PRODUCTION, 0948 ..........- 21 UNITED KINGDOM- Bleleteihr ais Ahindidomcacencos Se! HOOVER COMMISS1ON RECOMMENDAT | ONS ON INTERNATIONAL ....0-0-0-+-> Bicte oteitione neice 63 FEDERAL FISHERIES FUNCTIONS .,.......-... 21 FEDERAL ACTIONS .....- SOW ABSRAAGHOonoGoS. 4 MAINE'S COMMERCIAL FISHERIES, 1948 ........ 24 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE: MARKETS FOR AIRBORNE SEAFOOD ......0...0-.. 26 BUREAU OF FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC COMMERCE: NEW FLORIDA SHARK FISHING VESSEL READY ... 28 ALLOCATION ORDER M-81 RESTRICTIONS ON NEW JERSEY FISHERIES NOTES ....--«-.-s- poe « “cask USE OF TIN IN CANS EASED ...... oie esha =i6(e Oa PACIFIC COAST TWO-YEAR SARDINE FISHERY INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMM!SS1ON: SURNIEY? ib AHEM arb OR Ob EO ORODOMOS On emUaHoDG 29 TRANSPORTATION OF SHRIMP BY QUA) ET ED RESEARCH ON ARTIFICIAL “PROPAGATION OF UNLICENSED TRUCKS .,....-.« Sow 65 GLVE cobacaoasocgbobcauononeonoDoucGogad, Slo) EIGHTY-FIRST CONGRESS (MARCH 1949), DOOOnS 65 SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE ON CONSERVATION AND GRAPHS! Sa cutesclale e'e etetulela («als elsiaic e/-Velelaiaisir{aleiw stelate 68 UTILIZATION OF RESOURCES ...... ~- S{0) LANDINGS AND RECEIPTS ......- e 68 SOCKEYE SALMON FISHING REGULATIONS “FOR. COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS AND FREEZINGS- OF [O49 Nerieiaviclelsielnia\clslsiaalalsiels uicivic.e’s.e slesisiaine vel) GS FISHERY PRODUCTS ....ecerererroresererere 69 SURF-CLAM FISHERY ..0+0..--- Shee dra ticle hao CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS ....«-se.e+e+e-0++- 0 U.S. IMPORTS OF FISH NETS ........--. Se aod PRICES, IMPORTS AND BYPRODUCTS .....---.-- JI WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES ..--e-ere-r-ee 34 RECENT FISHERY PUBLICATIONS .....-------0--> 72 CRIS Godrone sce aveteiae we titration: ALE haley meee aes a) FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ... 72 BiIRZONEMGERMANY:) ajslaiaisiblaiels\elalel-iaiaie «wie olelshere winless 190 ARTICLES BY FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BRAZIL bsiisia aaa enaiels rte srier ah ta Sa Ne ach 137 AUTHORS IN OTHER PUBLICATIONS ....-.-.-.- 73 GANADA\e arcs ntermietereiecis c tietetre Se Seracklavere aes 138 MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS .....+20-+-+-0+ J4 | —— om Caraal om —_ rah Hawaiian Fish Production, 1948 The production of fish in1948 for the Hawaiian Islands is estimated at 14,595,000 pounds from the sea fishery. Tuna and tuna—like fishes account for over 68 per- cent of the total. The most important species was skipjack with a production of about 8,000,000 pounds. The greatest landings were made during the months of June to September. Yellowfin, albacore, bluefin, and big-eyed tuna totaled 1,872,000 pounds and were taken throughout the entire year. Bonito and little tuna were taken also during the entire year, but March and April were the months of heavy catches, The total for these two species was only 131,000 pounds. Hoover Commission Recommendations on Federal Fisheries Functions INTRODUCTION: In accordance with Public Law 162, Eightieth Congress, approved July 7, 1947, the COUT EEH OW On OSTEND of the Executive Branch of the Govern- ment in March 1949 submitted its report=/ on the Department of the Interior, and the related task force report on Natural Resources prepared in January 1949. The functions of the Department of the Interior, including those of the Fish and Wildlife Service, were studied by the Natural Resources Task Force or Com~ mittee, The report of the Natural Resources Committee makes certain important recommendations with reference to the commercial fisheries functions of the Fish and Wildlife Service that will be of vital interest to the fishing industries. In general, the Commission recommends the return of the commercial fisheries functions of the Service to the Department of Commerce. Four of the twelve Com— missioners dissented on the Commission's recommendation, and eight members did not_accept the recommendations of the Natural Resources Committees 1/Department of the Interior, a report to the Congress, March 1949, the Commission on Organ- ization of the Executive Branch of the Government, (For sale by Suverintendent of Docu- ments, Washington, D,.C., 25 cents per cony.) 2/Task Force Report on Natural Resources ( Appendix L), prepared for the Commission on Organ- ization of the Executive Branch of the Government, January 1949. (For sale by Superin- tendent of Documents, Washington, D. C. 50 cents per copy. 22 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, Now. 4 TASK FORCE REPORT ON NATURAL RESOURCES: In January 1949, the Task Force Report on Natural Resources (Appendix L) prepared for the Commission on Organi- zation of the Executive Branch of the Government was issued. The part dealing with the fish and wildlife resources covers the major problems, separation of fishery functions from those concerning wildlife, relationship with other federal agencies, and a summary of recommendations. In addition, this section of the report is sup- ported by Appendix 15, "Commercial Fisheries; Importance, Government Activities and Problems", ‘ Fish and Wildlife Service Resources: In presenting the major problems, the and essential parts of the Nation's basic natural resource foundation and, as such, are closely interrelated with water and land resources. Of all the Nation's fish and wildlife resources, commercial fisheries have had the least systematic development. Many of the fishery resources of the world are unexplored and not being fully utilized. Some of these undeveloped resources areinwaters within and bordering the continental United States and Alaska, others lie thousands of miles from any American port. If these resources are to be developed by the United States, either independ— ently or in cooperation with other nations, the Federal Government should adopt a policy of increased participation in scientific exploration and experimental fishing. Some of the older fisheries which are showing signs of being overworked should be placed on a sound management basis. The activity of the Federal Government is not sufficiently focused on these fishing problems and this may have resulted from combining the administration of fisheries with that of terrestrial wildlife in a single federal agency,according to the Committee. The following is a summary of the recommendation of the Committee: 1, That the Federal functions dealing with fishery resources be con=- solidated in a Fisheries Service. 2, That the other responsibilities of the Fish and Wildlife Service be placed under a Wildlife Service. 3, That both the Fisheries Service and the Wildlife Service be placed in a Department of Natural Resources, 4, That basic data and research activities of the Fisheries Service and the Wildlife Service be made adequate to assure the develop= ment of sound policies and effective administration, 5. That the Federal Government give adequate attention to the need for sound development of fishery and wildlife resources and the needs of an expanding fisheries industry. 6. That adequate provision be made for the coordination of the work of the two Services with each other and with other agencies of the Department of Natural Resources and other departments, Commercial Fisheries: Appendix L, "Commercial Fisheries; Importance, Govern— ment Activities, and Problems" discusses the importance of the industry, policy of April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 23 the Federal Government regarding commercial fishing, Governmental assistance to the industry, evaluation of present services, present and future fishery problems, and the separation of fishery functions from those concerning wildlife. In regards to the importance of the industry, the Committee states that fish- ing is economically as all-important to certain segments of the population living in coastal ports, as is farming or lumbering to other communities. In times of national emergency the American fishing industry, the second largest in the world, not only supplies food but also provides vessels and men for defense purposes. Commercial fishing is of growing importance. Unused sea resources offer one promising means of increasing food supplies. This possibility is of particular importance in view of increasing population pressures in the United States and throughout the world. Planning of future Government activities must take cogni- zance of possible expansion of the fishing industry. Discussing the policy of the Federal Government regarding commercial fishing, it further states that examination of existing legislation and of executive pro- grams concerning fisheries reveals no discernible well formulated Federal policy with respect to assistance and services rendered the fishing industry. Congress has expressed itself from time to time as desirous of fostering, promoting, and developing the fisheries industry. Whereas the Federal Government, however, pro= vides numerous services to farmers those to fishermen are less extensive in scope and less adequately supported by appropriations. With respect to regulated use of fishery resources, the Federal policy has been more consistent and clear until recent years. In 1945, a new Federal policy concerning jurisdiction of sea fisheries was stated in a Presidential proclamation, Waters of the continental shelf and high seas in which coastal fishing is engaged in were declared subject to Federal regulation through the establishment of conser-— vation zones. To date, there has been no implementation of this policy. The evaluation of the present services brings out that the Federal Government's operations in relation to fisheries is, in general, adequate insofar as the scope of work is concerned, but the diverse services which are being performed are in- adequately financed. These are being performed on a budget of $450,000 (fiscal 1949). Not only have expenditures been too small to provide adequate services, but the variability of the funds appropriated has reduced the effectiveness of these services. For example, although eight field offices were once established for market news work, only six are open at present. Of these, only four have been operated continuously for the past 10 years. Similarly, port reporters stationed at landing ports vary widely innumber from yeartoyear. Consequently, the Govern- ment's market news work respecting fishery products has been an unsatisfactory half-measure. The work of the Federal Government has also been incomplete in providing statistical surveys of the country's fisheries production. There have been only two complete statistical surveys of the fisheries of the United States since 1880. Biological researchis similarly deficient. Studies have never been undertaken for many of the major commercial species. Investigations of the condition of some important fishing resources have been initiated only to be dropped in sub= sequent years. A large portion of the work done has been in response to emergency situations, and therefore, lacks the depth and continuity necessary to provide sound data. For many years prior to 1948, the Fish and Wildlife Service didnot 24 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, Noo 4 have a research vessel suitable for going more than a few miles from shore. Con= sequently, little.is known about the current status of some of our most important species of marine fish. According to the Committee, the major fishery considerations of the United States are the development of unused ocean fisheries, management of other sea fisheries, and maintenance of inland fisheries. The following is the Committee's summary of Appendix L: A fisheries industry occasions problems of development, conservation, and management; problems of a jurisdictional nature, frequently involving other nations; and problems concerning the conduct of business on a sound economic basis. These problems, viewed against a background of restricted biological and technological research, very limited economic studies, and confused jur- isdiction over this basic resource, warrant the clarification of Federal policy, and increased and consistent Federal assistance in the field of fish- eries., Because the fishery resources are largely beyond "territorial waters" or transcend State boundaries, and because the type of biological, technolog- ical, and economic research needed is of a long-term nature, the Federal Gov- ernment must necessarily play an important role. It is the opinion of the committee that the activity of the Federal Government should be more clearly focused on these problems and that there is need for greater efficiency and better service in the pro- tection, development, and use of the Nation's fishery resources, The inclusion of fishery functions in an agency also concerned with ter restrial wildlife has not facilitated adequate attention to fisheries problems, ‘The committee recommends the separation of fishery func= tions from those of wildlife, It recommends the establishment of both a Fisheries Service and a Wildlife Service in the proposed De- partment of Natural Resources, Fisheries to Commerce: In its report to the Congress, on the reorganization of the Department of the Interior, the Commission on Organization of the Executive Branch of the Government in March 1949 (Recommendation No. 3) recommends that the Commercial Fisheries from the Fish and Wildlife Service be transferred to the Department of Commerce. Further in its report it also states that other than com— mercial fisheries functions of the Fish and Wildlife Service remain in Interior or the proposed Department of Natural Resources. BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES IN COMMERCE: In the ~eeommendecdens for the reorganization of the Department of Commerce, the Commission (Recommendation No. 13) recommends that all commercial fishery activities of the Department of the Interior be transferred to a Bureau of Commercial Fisheries in the Department of Commerce » 3/Letter from the Chairman on Organization of the Executive Branch of the Government Trans= “Range IS SAME aT UG WENGE On NTRS oT Ge Re wees Re ome partment of Commerce, House Document No, 100, Blst Congress, lst Session, 1949, (For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D, C., 15 cents ner copy.) Maines Commercial Fisheries, 1948 Maine's production of fishery products during 1948 increased in poundage and value, The State's production amounted to 305,037,517 pounds, about 85,000,000 April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 25 pounds greater than in 1947, and the value of the catch to the fishermen was $16,183,596, about $4,000,000 higher than in 1947, according to statistics collected jointly by the Maine Department of Sea and Shore Fisheries and the Fish and Wild— life Service. The total poundage would have been much higher if a market existed for the menhaden that has been appearing more abundantly for the past three years in this area, Herring accounted for 60,000,000 pounds of the total production; followed by rosefish with 49,000,000 pounds; mackerel, 3,000,000 pounds; and ground— fish and clams made up most of the balance. There have been several large draggers, herring carriers, and a large number of 25— to 35-foot boats added to the fleet during 1948. A new freezer is being built at Vinalhaven whichwill buy fresh fish and fillet as well as freeze and store. LOBSTERS: Lobster production dropped off 2,354,040 pounds and the value to the fishermen was $376,722 lower than in 1947. The average price to the fishermen in 1948 was 40.4 cents per pound, 3.7 cents higher than in 1947. This was much high— er than the 15.6 cents aver age for 1939. There were 950 less lobster fishermen in 1948 than in 1947, which would par- tially account for the drop in catch, In addition, the in- dividual fishermen did not catch as many pounds of lob-— ster per trap as in 1947. It is estimated that there were 2,000,000 pounds of lobsters being held inthe pounds along the Maine coast as of January 1949. The catch of lobsters would have been much less had it not been for the excellent weather that prevailed through—- out the summer and fall along the Maine coast. CANNERIES: Six new sar— dine canneries started opera— A YOUNG LOBSTER IN THE FIRST STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT tions during 1948, and one cat (8 MM.). CUTICLE 1S WHOLLY TRANSPARENT WITH INTERNAL and dog food plant, which ac— SSRI ure counted for some of the increased fishing for herring. Two canneries, late in 1948, put up experimental packs of tuna with good results. In addition, some smoked tuna was packed by another plant. ROSEFISH: Landings of rosefish hit an all-time high for Maine. The pro- duction of 49,041,410 pounds is about 9,000,000 pounds more than in 1947. SMELT: Due to the lack of very cold weather in Maine the latter part of 1948 and the lack of ice in the bays and rivers, smelt production was low. CLAMS: The clam fishery showed an increase over 1947 of about 1,000,000 pounds. This was due to the clam canneries resuming packing operations in 1948 and an increase in demand for the fresh clam trade. ‘ 26 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, Noo 4 Markets for Airborne Seafood Markets for Airborne Seafoods, by S. A. Larsen, W. Reitz, and K. K. Burgum, is a study under the Air Cargo Research conducted by the School of Business Ad— ministration, Wayne University, under express authority of the Detroit Board of Education and sponsored by five corporations. This study seeks to blueprint a plan for the special interest to fish packaging concerns, home apart to playin bringing point the way to a larger market for seafnods and to achievement of this objective, The study should be of producers and distributors, transportation agencies, economists, and government officials—-all of whom have about an improvement in the quality, and thereby strength— ening the demand and increasing the consumption of fresh fish. Excerpts from a synopsis of the study follow: INTRODUCTION: The fishery industry has endeavored in many ways to improve the market for its products. Adver- tising campaigns have urged the public to eat more fish. Housewives and students have been given instructions and demonstrations on a variety of ways to cook fish, ‘These efforts doubtless have been productive. Nevertheless, this study suggests one other method of strengthening the market for products of the sea, Its approach to the problem can be sumned up in a few words--give the con- sumer fresher fish. This study indicates that people in this country would liks to consume an additional half billion pounds of fresh fish. A goodly portion of this 62 percent in- crease above present consumption could be achieved if improved methods of producing, cooling, transporting and merchandising were employed to bring to market in prime condition the delectable products of the sea, This study defines new markets for fresh fish and estimates the potential volume of air traffic in strictly fresh seafood, In addition, it is offered as a guide to the development of a vast market for a product which of necessity must bs kept at low temperatures and speeded to the consumer if it is t» be offered to the public as strictly fresh, PRESENT MARKETING AND SONSUMPTION OF FRESH FISH: The United States cannot be regariied at present as a nation of fish eaters, despite the great sources of supply suggested by its 8,300 miles of coastline and 45,900 square miles of inland waters. Per canita consumption of fresh fish--as distinguished from processed fish--amounts to only 6.89 pounds annually, Even with the inclusion of canned, smokec and salted fisn, and the sportsman's catch thrown in for good measure, the anmal per capita consumption figure of 14.3 pounds is not impressive. In @ comparison with fish consumption in other coun- tries, the United States is found to rank 14th among the nations, although in production of fish it is exceeded only by Japan. Furthermore, this low national average of fresh fish consumption is by no means evenly distributed. Fish is enjoyed most nearest its sources of supply, with the re- sult that residents of tidewater states are found to con- sume well above the national average of fresh fish. The states of Massachusetts and New York, for example, show a per capita average of 12,8 and 12.4 pounds, respectively, As the distance between the consumer and the source of supply increases, consumption drops off, until we find seven West North Central states averaging only 3.3 pounds per capita and Oklahoma and Idaho down to 2.2 and 2.3 pounds, respectively. A high association also was found between populetion density and fresh fish consumption, illustrated by the 17.9 pounds per capita consumption in Maine cities against a 7.5 pounds figure for Maine's rural population, or by the contrast between urban consumption of 5.7 pounds in Nebraska and that state's rural use of only 1.4 pounds, The overall tabulation shows roughly 62 million urbanites consuming an average of 11,35 pounds of fish while 69 mil- lion ruralists eat only 2,82 pounds per head each year, It is further estimated that the 38 million residents of the nation's first 92 cities in size consume 555 million pounds of fresh fish anmally, or 61 percent of the total. To obtain a close-up of urban fish consumption, the localities which will benefit most by the development of airborne seafood, direct consumers’ surveys were made in Kansas City, Chicago and Detroit, both of home .and res- taurant consumers, In general, it may be stated that the poor showing of fresh fish on the American menu is due to poor mer- chandising, lack of consumer education and the adverse effect on quality of existing methods of packing, shin- ping, handling and temperature control. Doubtless the quality factor should be placed at the top of the list, for no amount of smart merchan~ dising or of consumer education as to selection and preparation of fish can improve the quality and mate- rially boost the market demand for these delicacies which so quickly deteriorate once taken from their native waters. Strictly speaking, there is hardly such a thing today as a really fresh fish outside of the immediate vicinity where it is caught, Under present conditions of harvestirg, shipping and marketing, it cannot be otherwise. This is, of course, more true of some species of fish and operations than of others. As a rule the "freshest" salt water fish served in a Midwestern home is 812 days old. Unlike meat, which requires a period of ageing and therefore gains in flavor and texture with the passage of the days following the kill, a fish begins to deteriorate immediately upon leaving the water, Fishing boats commonly remain at sea several days to a week or more, When the boats return to port, fish for the markets are packed in boxes with flaked ice and sent on their way via truck or rail to ultimate destinations, some of which are well over 1,000 miles distant, at an average speed of 25 to 35 miles an hour, After one to four days in transit, plus another day or two at terminals, whole- sale houses and retail outlets, they are available to the consumer for the skillet or the oven, Then, too, throughout the entire period of storage, shipping and marketing in the conventional manner, melting ice leaches out valuable minerals, proteins and flavor, In fact, few species retain their high sea flavor beyond 6 or 7 days. That consumers have been aware of this deterioration in quality is evidenced by surveys made in Kansas City, Chicago and Detroit, April 1949 POTENTIAL CONSUMPTION OF ATRSORNE FISH: Consumers in the 3 cities surveyed exoressed virtually a unanimous desire for strictly fresh seafood of an infinite variety and voted an overwhelaing willingness to vay premium prices, if need be, in order to obtain it. Employing a formil#, in which prover weight was given to the factors of distance from seafood production centers and population characteristics, an optimum fresh fish consumption by urban and rural population groups in the 43 states was comouted. This shows that the greatest potential increase may be experienced in the urban centers of the Central and West North Central states, running to 170 percent, as contrasted with the 28 percent gain for the city dwellers of the Middle Atlantic states, Average increase estimated for all urban population: 61 percent. For the United States as a whole, the estimated in- crease in fresh fish consumption in terms of per capita is from 6.89 pounds to 11.12 pounds, with total annual poundage increasing 557,956,000 over an estimated 1940 consumption of 906,500,000. If only the distance factor were considered in com puting potential consumption--and the longest airborne operation could be considered the equivalent of an over- night truck haul--then the country's per canita con- sumption increase would be in the neighborhood of 200 percent, to about 7 pounds ver person, However, the distance factor in the formula amounts to only 30 percent while other factors account for 70 percent, GUIDE TO PACKAGING AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT: Indi- food consumption can be achieved by prompt unloading of the catch, coupled with new methods of packaging, speedy trensportation, temperature control and alert merchan- dising. The consumer has indicated a willingness to support such a progran, In the tri-city survey consumers expressed their preference for the species of fin and shellfish most desired for air shipment, some of which they are at present unable to procure. Top 10 on the list are pompano, red snapver, shrimp, salmon, lobsters, sword- fish, oysters, sturgeon, crabs and scallops. bs Other factors weigh with force in any determination of the species of fish most amenable to air shipment, Price per pound is given considerable weight, ac previous experience in predicting air cargo potential “.ave indi- cated that relatively high priced perishabies benefit doubly from highspeed transportation. Rate of perish- ability also weighs importantly as does the effect of seasonal variation in supply. Volume of catch is weighed inversely. Using the formla, nearly 100 species of fish were given an air propensity index and grouped into 3 classi- fications: excellent, good and fair. ‘The salt water fish judged‘most likely to lead the air cargo list was sturgeon, with an index of %, Leader in the fresh water fish le is brook trout, with an index of 100, although annual catch of only a few thousand pounds over a wide area may prove unattractive to air freighters. Whitefish, on the other hand, rated at 75, totals 4,431,000 pounds of annual production and should be attractive air cargo, It may be significant to the air carrier that almost all (95.5 Meant) ee the total anmal catch of about 400,000,900 pounds of shellfish rates excellent on the propensity index, and the remaining 4.5 percent rates good. In this field lies a vast potential of airfreight. The prospective air transporter of seafocds will be in- terested at the outset in those species which show the highest propensity to air carriage and that at the same time are caught in sufficient quantities to provide worth- while loading on a regular basis. In the salt water category of fin fish, the 7 species rated excellent gross 30,957,000 pounds annually. In the fresh water division, the 8 species earning top ratings gross 25,513,000 pounds annually, while the top-rate shell- fish are produced at the rate of 376,586,000 pounds ver COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 27 year, Total annual production of seafood judged excellent or highly amenable to air shipment is 433,060,000 pounds, This volume represents about 25 percent of the estimated total of fresh fish which anmally goes to market, There is considerable seasonal variation in the catch of some species, a factor which must be weighed in the planning of any air transport operation. Exports and imports of fresh fish, which in 1941 amounted to 215 and 305 million pounds, respectively, suggest further possibilities for air cargo activity, as most of the external commerce in fresh fish is with the neighboring countries and possessions. tation is more convincing if experimental shipments are made in order to test the validity of the predictions propounded, As a result 65 air shipments were made from the 8 major fish producing areas to Detroit. The results were enlightening and encouraging. These shipments revealed clearly the need not only of speed in the marksting of seafood but also emphasized the critical importance of constant temperature control and the elimination of useless weight--a factor to con- tend with in the successful operation of aircraft. A combination of temperature control, reduced weight and high speed was achieved through the development of a new type of packaging for airborne seafood. Under prevailing methods of shipping fish by rail or truck, fish are packed with chipped ice in wooden boxes. As the ice melts, water laden with protein mat- ter and other food values seeps away. ‘This seepage not only adversely affects the quality of the fish but is highly corrosive to the vehicles in which it takes place, Since the container developed and used in the exverimental shipments is externally dry this waste is overcome, A moisture proof insulated container unit makes possible a 40 percent saving in gross weight as compared to the con- ventional shipments made in wooden boxes with cracked ice as a refrigerant, The method of packaging the seafood for these ex- perimental shipments (and now used in commercial opera- tions) was to precool the contents of the container to just above the freezing point before shipping. It was found that the average temperature rise in transit was at the rate of .6 degree per hour, Even on the longest flights from Alaska, Seattle and the Gulf, fish arrived in excellent condition. Fish shipped by air thus pack- aged were served to a critical consumer panel and to the public in dining places and invariably adjudged of the highest quality. The shipments ranged from shrimp, oysters and lobsters to rainbow trout and Alaskan salmon. This insulated con- tainer was found suited to the shipment of whole fish, fil- lets and shucked shellfish, COMPARATIVE TRANSPORTATION COSTS: Costs of shipping fresh seafood by air are by no means discouraging, partic- ularly when it is borne in mind that airborne fish, if fresh at shipping point, will be of top quality upon arrival at their destination and will therefore bring top market prices. Airborne costs per net pound of seafood from Norfolk to Detroit including peckaging is 6.4 cents--predicated on the air cargo rate now being offered by air transport operators. Via railway express, a mode of transportation commonly en- ployed for the shipment of fresh fish, the cost per net pound is 6.9 cents--or .5 of a cent less by airfreight. From other representative origins studied, shipping costs are slightly lower for rail express. From Boston costs of shipping seafood are 1.6 cents less per net pound; from Jacksonville 4,5 cents less; from New Orleans 1.9 conts less; from San Francisco 4.2 cents less; and from Seattle to Detroit 3.7 cents less per pound by rail express, The shipping costs given here include the expenses of packaging, which for the conventional wooden-box-and-ice method runs to 1,25 cents per net pound of fish and for the iceless insulated pack comes to 1.5 cents per pound, 28 or an additional packaging cost for the airborne product of only + of a cent per pound, Fourteen of the 65 experimental shipments were studied in detail to obtain a cross-section of actual shipping data, An averace of 37 hours is found to have elapsed between the time of catching and the time of shivping, while an addi- tional 19 hours on the average was spent in transit to De- troit, including truck pick-up and delivery. ‘Thus it is seen that the fish, on the average, were only 56 hours out of the water at the time they reached Detroit distributors, It is believed that even this encouraging time factor can be improved upon as shipments of airborne fish become a regular practice and air-ground transport becomes more closely integrated and as the speed of transport aircraft increases with the introduction of more advanced models, Consumer acceptance of sample airborne shipments was enthusiastic, and bodes well for expanding operations of this nature, both from the viewpoint of a satisfied con- sumer and from that of the profit-minded producer and shipper. If whole consumer areas of the interior can be brought within fresh-fish range of the major salt water fish pro- ducing centers via the air transport bridgeway, then it may be assumed that many species now unfamiliar to consumers will come into popular demand. POTENTIAL TRAFFIC ESTIMATES: As part of its guide to the market development of airborne fish, this report con- tains an estimate of the potential ton-miles of seafood car- go which reasonably may be expected to materialize. Few figures are available relating to existing gross traffic in fresh fish. But using the information at hand COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11,No. 4 and applying to it a formula cmrefully evolved an estimate of 517 million actual ton-miles annually for the United States as a whole is arrived at, broken down into 402 mil- lion ton-miles for the urban and 115 million for the rural trade. Obviously, not all of the gross traffic in fresh fish will become available to air transport. Short distances are best suited to truck haulage, and for this reason air distances of less than 200 miles are not regarded as with- in the province of aircraft utilization, Using the excellent, good, and fair air cargo pro- pensity indices as a yardstick, it appears that more than 173 million ton-miles of top propensity fish in due time may be expected to go by air, of which 137 million ton miles or 60 percent will go to urban areas--now most ex- peditiously served by air transport. It is further estimated that some of the 231 mil- lion ton-miles of good propensity fish may become avail- able for air transportation, as well as some of the 443 million ton-miles of fair propensity seafood, For the initial period of air traffic development it may be that only upwards of 173 million ton-miles of peak propensity product will enter the picture, This constitutes 20 per- cent of the optimum gross traffic and sets up a modest goal at which to ain, A rough translation of the 173 million ton-miles of traffic into actual flight operetions has been worked out, using 1,140 miles as the average haul of airborne fish and 8 tons as the cargo load for a DC-4--a standard commercial aircraft in use today. It is estimated that top propensity potential fish traffic would amount to 18,985 plane loads annually, or an average of 52 flights daily. New Florida Shark Fishing Vessel Ready For several months, a Florida shark oil firm has been refitting a large shark fishing vessel, according to a Stuart, Florida, trade periodical dates February 21. This boat, the Sachem, has been revamped so that she will be able to fish far from the home port of Stuart, Fla. The vessel is well equipped for shark fish— ing with the latest type depth recorder, a very powerful radio-~telepnone, and all the equipment necessary to let the boat navigate in waters far from home, Many shark fishing boats going out on long trips depend on finding their bait in the area where they fish.: The Sachem, however, will carry more than 32,000 pounds of frozen bait. The crew consists of only four men with each person responsible for a par-— ticular job in the operation of the vessel plus acting as a shark fisherman. It is believed that the Sachem will open up some entirely new production areas for shark, New Jersey Fisheries Notes EEL GRASS RETURNS: Reports indicate that eel grass, once abundant in New Jersey's bays and rivers, is beginning to reappear after an absence of many years. The return of the eel grass, which provides food for waterfowl and refuge for April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 29 shrimp and bay scallops, has increased the catches of bait shrimp in the Barnegat Bay, according toa mid-February report from the Service's Marketing Specialist conducting a survey of New Jersey fisheries. OYSTER INDUSTRY: The State's oyster industry in the Atlantic Coast area has suffered the past few years due to the high price of Connecticut seed oysters. Heavy mortality of seed oysters fromdrills makes the higher seed price prohibitive. Pacific Coast Two-year Sardine Fishery Survey A small fleet of ships, nearly 100 investigators, and three governmental agencies are fishing for the facts on the decline of sardine populations in waters of two States and Mexico, according to the March 9 issue of Outdoor California of the California Divi- sion of Fish and Game. Leading off in the 2-year survey is the Bureau of Marine Fisheries, California Divi- CALIFORNIA SAROINE (SARDINA CAERULEA) sion of Fish and Game. Their 100-foot research vessel, the N. B. Scofield, has put out to sea on ‘the first of a series of offshore investigations. The Scofield has been joined by the 120—foot Crest of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and will be followed by the 132-foot Black Douglas of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, operated by the other two parties to the three-way research program. Eventually, other specially-—equipped craft will ship out from California ports for coordinated ocean operations. With $800,000 appropriated by the State Legislature to the Scripps Institute, and $200,000 from a special tax on California sardine processors, the staff of in- vestigators will attempt to find out: (1) is there a chance for sardine fishing to recover? (2) is there a way to predict seasons and long-range trends? Cruising as far as 500 miles offshore, the floating laboratories will range Pacific waters from the Columbia River in Oregon to Cedros Island, Mexico. The extent of sardine spawning waters, relationships between survival of eggs, young, and oceanographic conditions, and causes of fluctuation, will be studied. At sea, the Black Douglas will occupy a‘regular series of about 40 stations distributed along four lines running offshore from the Oregon coast for about 500 miles. Work at each station will include plankton collection by fine-meshed nets hauled in the upper layers of the sea; temperature observations and collection of water samples, taken at various depths down to 1,000 meters, to provide information on the currents and the biological and chemical characteristics of the water. Enough of these observations, properly distributed in space and time, should pro— vide information of the causes of fluctuations in the abundance of young pilchards and allied problems, ‘ 30 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11,No. 4 Research on Artificial Propagation of Clams The Service's Biological Laboratory at Mil- ford, Conn., recently began research on the arti- ficial propagation of hard and soft clams. This research will cover the conditioning of adult clams for spawning, culture of the larvae to set— ting size, and culture of the larvae to a size where they might be planted. This will fit into the research program of the Clam Investigations, with headquarters temporarily at Woods Hole, Mass. The latter investigations, authorized by the Eightieth Congress, involve field work, experi- ; mental clam beds, and research upon natural spawn— ing and setting or ecological conditions required by the larvae in nature. Scientific Conference on Conservation and Utilization of Resources The Secretary-—General of the United Nations announced on March 25 that the United Nations Scientific Conference on the Conservation and Utilization of Re- sources, authorized by the Economic and Social Council, will be held at Interim Headquarters of the United Nations, Lake Success, New York, from August 17 to September 6, 1949. The Conference is to be devoted to an exchange of ideas and experience on the techniques of resource conservation and utilization, their economic costs and benefits and their inter-relations. The Conference will have no policy-making responsibilities; it will not bind governments nor will it formulate recommenda tions to them. Individuals who have been invited to contribute papers to the Conference in— clude scientists, engineers, resource technicians, economists, and other experts.o They have been selected on as wide a geographic basis as possible with the advice of the Preparatory Committee and Member Governments. (Several Service experts are preparing papers.) 4 Section meetings on Wildlife, Fish, and Marine Resources wili be held on the following topics and dates: 1. Changes in Abundance of Fish Populations--August 22, (a) The effects of natural conditions, (Natural fluctwations in the abundance of marine fishes and their probable causes such as poor survival of young, unfavorable hydrological conditions, food supply, population pressures, excessive natural mortal- ities. (b) The effects of fishing. (Reaction of fish stocks to fishing; evidences of overfishing; species nost susceptible to overfish- ing; the optimum catch, 2. Management and Cultivation of Fresh Water Fish--August 24, (a) Pond culture of warm water fishes, (Role of pond culture in food production, pond management; selection of species, pond April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 31 fertilization, stocking, cropping; potential possibilities of pond culture as an additional source of food, (b) Management of cold water fish resources. (Principles and prac tices of hatching, stocking and management in streams, lakes, and artificial impoundments; carrying capacity of waters; popu- lation balance; introduction of exotic species; effects of various rates of cropping on production; regulation of fishing. ) 3. Fisheries Statistics--August 25. (a) Statistics on economic features, (Craft and gear used; catches; price; cost of production; marketing; development of Fisheries; organization of industry; domestic and foreign trade, ) (bv) Biological statistics. (Resource evaluation; catch per unit of effort; measurements of fish at markets; statistical treatment of biological data. ) 4, Research in the Conservation and Utilization of Marine Resources-- September 1, (a) Research in fishery conservation, (Techniques used in studying fisheries; the integration of hydrological, biological, and other studies in a well-rounded marine fisheries research pro- ram, ) (b) Utilization of algae. (Location and composition of algae of actual or potential value; quantitative survey methods and find- ings; growing, harvesting and processing techniques and equip- ment; food, industrial and agricultural utilization of algae and algal chemicals; seaweed conservation, ) 5. Technological Development in Fisheries--September 2, Recent advances in methods of handling, distribution, preserva- tion, and processing of fish; new products and byproducts. Also notes on the factory ship, echo ranging and echo sounding and aerial detection of fish, navigation aids, etc. 6. Developing Fishery Resources--September 5, (a) Latent fishery resources and means for their development, (Locar tion of undeveloped fisheries, methods of exploration and de- velopment; evidence of the existence of oceanic stocks; potential contribution to world food supply; international cooperation in exploitation, ) (b) Propagation and transplantation of marine fish, (Possibilities of hatching, stocking and transplanting; methods employed. ) Section meetings on Water, of interest to the fisheries, will be held on the following topics and dates: 1. Water Supply and Polution Problems--August 22, (a) Utilization of surface, underground and sea water, (Latest de- velopments in water supply methods, including control of chemical and biological equality of water; co-ordination of domestic and industrial use of waters; use of sea water. (b) Control and utilization of polluted waters, (Effects of stream pollution on domestic and industrial water supply and on fish and wildlife; developments in pollution control and use of polluted waters, ) 2. Comprehensive River Basin Development--August 23. A symposium on the co-ordination of plans for flood control, navi- gation, domestic and industrial water supply, irrigation, power, 32 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vole 11,No. 4 fish and wildlife protection, and watershed management in the preparation of milti-purpose plans for river basins, (Data required for comprehensive planning; methods of correlating engineering studies; review of selected reports of experience in multi-purpose water development programs, 3. Hydro Power and Other Water Uses-~September 1, (a) Protection of fish and wildlife. (Costs and benefits of con structing fishways and other protective devices for fish; utili- zation of water control projects for wildlife protection; ad- ministration of fish and wildlife benefits of water projects.) —F — ct Sockeye Salmon Fishing Regulations for I949 The Chairman of the International Pacific Salmon Fisheries Commission, on February 9, announced the 1949 sockeye salmon fishing regulations as promulgated by the Commission at their meeting on January 23, 1949, in Vancouver, B. Co The Commission's regulations this year are designed to meet the views of the fishing industry, allow greater escapement to the spawning grounds, and pro— vide for an equal take by both American and Canadian fishermen, according to the Chairman of the Commission. No restrictions were placed on waters of the Pacific Ocean outside of a line projected from Tatoosh Island to Bonilla Point, on Vancouver Island. Regulations pertaining to U. S. Convention Waters: 1. Opening date for sockeye fishing: July 19, 6:00 a. m. 2. Closing date for sockeye fishing: To be recommended by Commission on the basis of the U. S. catch equalizing the Canadian catch, 3. Period of weekly closed season: July 19th to August 2st - 48 hours, for gill nets; - 60 hours, for all other gear. After August 21st - 36 hours for all gear. (Subject to modification on the advice of the Commission through its Chairman, ) 4. Gill nets: Size of mesh permissible: 2 Not less than @ inches prior to July 19th; b) Not less than 8 inches during any period prior to August 2lst when U. S. Convention Waters may be declared closed for fish-= ing for sockeye in accordance with regulation 2, above, 5. Sale, purchase, or possession is prohibited of sockeye taken in U. S, Convention waters-- (a) Prior to July 19th, 6:00 a, m; (b) At any time prior to August 21st when U. S. Convention Waters may be declared closed to sockeye fishing, Regulations pertaining to Canadian Convention Waters: 1. Opening date for sockeye fishing: (a) That portion of the Canadian waters of Juan de Fuca Strait lying April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 33 within Areas 19, 20, and 21, as defined in the British Columbia Fishery Regulations - July 19th, 5:00 a. m3; (v) Fisheries District No. 1 (Fraser River) and including Areas 17 and 18 = July 25th, 6:00 a, m. 2, Closing date for sockeye fishing: To be recommended by Commission on the basis of the Canadian catch equalizing U, S. catch, including estimated fall catch. 3. Period of weekly closed time: 72 hours, (Subject to modification on the advice of the Commission through its Chairman, ; 4. Gill nets - Size of mesh permissible: (a) Not less than 8 inches prior to July 25th, 6:00 a, m3 (b) Not less than 8 inches at any time prior to August 2th, 6:00 a, om. when Canadian Convention Waters may be declared closed for fishing for sockeye in accordance with regulation 2, above, 5. Sale, purchase, or possession is prohibited of sockeye taken in Canadian Convention Waters-- (a) In that portion of the Canadian waters of Juan de Fuca Strait lying within Areas 19, 20, and 2, as defined in the British Columbia Fishery Regulations, prior to July 19th, 6:CO a, m; (bo) Fisheries District No. 1 (Fraser River) and including Areas 17 and 18 prior to July 25th, 6:00 a. m; (c) All Canadian Convention Waters from time of closure of sockeye fish- ing until August 2th, 6:00 a, nm, 6. Minimum time notice in applying closures, additional closed times etc.3 24 hours. The Commission recognizes that, under ordinary conditions, the 1949 cycle of the sockeye runs has been one of the smallest of theFraser River runs, and for this reason, it is necessary to continue for this season regulations that will allow greater escapement to the spawning grounds in order to build up this run. The Commission feels these regulations will greatly aid the 1953 cycle. rF yy) Surf-clam Fishery The surf—clam industry of Long Island is showing signs of increased activity, according to a March 19 report from tne Service's Marketing Specialist stationed in Long Island. One plant is again canning minced surf clams. A former surf clam canner has, according to reports, interested the State of Massachusetts ininves— tigating the possibility of dredging surf clams for canning. He has introduced the New York clam dredge to the Massachusetts fishermen. It is exrected that the increased production possible with the dredge will result in a lowering of the price of $3.00 per bushel for the first part of 1949 in Massachusetts while the Long Island vessels, during the same period, were getting about $1.00 per bushel for their surf clams. 34, COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11,No. 4 U. S. Imports of Fish Nets The imports of all kinds of fish nets and netting into the United States during 1948 were nearly six times greater than the preceding year. Manila trawl net imports are approaching the prewar amount, according to import data of the Bureau of the Census. Table 1 - U.S, Imports of Otter Trawl and Cotton Nettin, SS onl eg | at include ee es ay a lb (TIGL OAC mae AS [SRD VO 47 tae | Pounds Value 055 | 5,818 r0bt0a3 | 602357 Mexico United Kingdom Portugal France Belgium Netherlands Germany Italy Guo uv OO 0D again entered the picture for the first time since the war, and the Netherlands. . Cotton nets, including cotton trawl nets, are still far below the prewar aver— age of 500,000 pounds. The Netherlands was the leading shipper in 1948 with Japan a close second. Table 2 - U. S, Imoorts of Gill abs 1947-1948 Country of Gill Ne ees Flax Origin Canada Mexico United Kingdom Netherlands The total of all kinds of fish giil nets is about one-fourth of the imports for the prewar year of 1939, when nearly 50,000 pounds were entered. (See table in the November 1948 Commercial Fisheries Review, page 35). Japan started to ship linen (flax) gill nets for the first time in several years, Before the war, Japan accounted for only 4 percent of the total imports of this type of netting, but in 1948, she contributed 55 percent of the total. Wholesale and Retail Prices The wholesale index for all commodities as of February 15, 1949, continued to ‘drop and was 1.3 percent lower than January 11, 1949, and 0.9 percent less than the comparable period in 1948, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor. The rate of decline in foods was greater than the previous month, The wholesale food index was 3.3 percent below the previous month and 6.5 percent lower than on February 17, 1948. April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 35 During February 1949, there were no changes in the wholesale prices of canned pink and red salmon compared with January 1949; however, compared with February 1948, pink canned salmon prices were 13.1 percent higher and red canned salmon, 2.9 percent higher. Wholesale prices of cured cod during February 1949 increased 0.8 percent and were 6.9 percent higher than February 1948. Wholesale and Retail Prices Item A Percents ge from- Wholesale; (192 = 100) Feb. 15,1949 Jang, 1649 Feb. YALE All commodities 156.5 -l. -0 Foods 159.0 -3.3 -6.5 Fish: Feb, 1949 Jan. 1949 Feb. 1948 Canned salmon, Seattle: Pink, No, 1, Tall $ per doz. cans +13.1 Red, No. 1, Tall do + 2.9 Cod, cured, large shore, Gloucester, Mass. $ per 100 lbs, + 6.9 100) Retail: (1935-39 = Jan.15,1949 | Feb. 15,1948 All foods =-2.5 - 2.4 Fish: Fresh, frozen, and canned 327.2 + 3.9 Fresh and frozen 267.2 - 3.3 Canned salmons Pink +18.4 The continued drop in retail food prices, much more than the usual seasonal decline, marked the seventh consecutive monthly decrease, The retail food index on February 15 was 8 percent below the July 1948 peak. Following the general food trend, the mid-February index of 327.2 for fresh, frozen, and canned fish was 1.4 percent lower than mid-January 1949, but 3.9 percent higher than mid—February 1948. However, the fresh and frozen fish prices on February 15, 1949, showed a more marked decline and were 1.9 percent lower than mid-January 1949 and 3.3 percent less than mid—February 1948. Canned pink salmon prices also declined slightly compared to the previous month, but were still 18.4 percent higher than the cor— responding period in 1948. PACKAGING FROZEN FISHERY PRODUCTS The quality of frozen fish and shellfish is determined to a large degree by the quality of the product at the time of freezing and the manner in which it is stored. The function of the package is to help maintain that quality from the time the product is prepared for freez— ing until it is opened by the consumer. Care in selection, processing, and storing may be entirely wasted unless the product is adequately protected until it is consumed. —-Fishery Leaflet 324 36 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11,No. 4 Bizone Germany 1948 HERRING SEASON DISAPPOINTING: The 1948 German deep-sea herring season just closed is generally declared by experts as having been disappointing. The quantity disappointed less than the quality, according to a January 21 report from Bremen, Germany. The varying sizes of the herring are due to biological and hydrographical conditions, which are difficult to investigate. British researches have shown that the nourishment for herring during 1948 was poor and below average. Seventy percent of catches on the Dogger Bank yielded fish of from three to four years old, as compared with from five to six years old caught formerly. PORT OF BREMERHAVEN SHOWING FISHING VESSELS IN PORT Deep-sea fishing companies state that storms which occurred earlier this year than in preceding years greatly impeded fishing and may be the reason for the premature spawning of the herring. Catches of 1948 exceeded in quantity those of 1947 by almost 8 percent. The ports of Bremerhaven, Cuxhaven, and Hamburg recorded a total catch of 235,237,000 pounds of herring during 1948,compared to 215,749,000 pounds in 1947. April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Bi aA proper evaluation of the catches must take into considerationthat the fish- ing fleet increased by approximately 15 percent during 1948 as compared with 1947. During 1948, there were 169 herring fishing vessels operating out of the three mein German ports compared to 144 in 1947. Therefore, it was neither lack of ability of the crews nor the consequences of the economic development which accounted for the unusually small catches. The. fishing companies now have to face serious financial problems on account of the poor quality catches of the past season. * OK Ok Ok Ok TRADE AGREEMENT WITH NORWAY: Agree— ment was finally reached with Norway in the latter part of December 1948 for the delivery during the first half of 1949 to the Bizone of 130,600 metric tons of fish valued at $16,000,000, according to a Janu— ary 6 report from the American Consulate General at Hamburg(seetable). It is re- ported that a compromise price was estab-— lished at somewhat less than the Norwegian demand for a 15 percent increase over the Oe ee reer eneraion 4,500 1948 prices which had previously disrupted Othan Proventiaiiletons negotiations. In1948,Norway supplied al= | Total ..........0e0 se most 50 percent of Bizone Germany's im- ports, and Iceland nearly 25 percent. An agreement concluded in December 1948 will make the Bizone a large importer of Icelandic fish in 1949 also. vi Brazil GRANTS DUTY EXEMPTION FOR IMPORTS OF VESSELS FOR FISHING: Brazilien Law No. 6350 dated February ¢ 24, 1949, published March 8, 1949, “grants duty exemption to all firms and individuals acquiring vessels destined for the Brazilian fishing industry, according to a March 10 American consular report from Rio de Janeiro. The law, which entered into effect on the date of publicstion, provides that it is retro- active and would apply to imports of such vessels entered under bond between the date of issue of the law and the date of publication. Fish to be Delivered by Norway to Bizone Germany, First Half of 19.19 Metric Tons Herring ame Shimer ner reireriaicr Wo 5 BRROPERN So gos 0du050 . We tksalstedl Wo sae ee sire 35, 90 (Cesk, SeRDGIN SHG adeocboso00005 2,000 Haddiociare shim pererterelenetiencns 2,000 Code taltleits ss rozenterrrriys < 100 Ting fallteltse irOzeni sree 300 * Ok OK OK OK JOINT BRAZIL-UNITED STATES TECHNICAL COMMISSION: The Joint Brazil-United States Technical Commission has completed the task assigned to it and has sub- mitted its Report to the Government of Brazil and the Government of the United States, according to a March 9 release from the U. S. Department of State. The Commission was created by authority of President Truman and President Dutra pur- suant to the request of Brazil for the assistance of technicians of the United States Government to collaborate with technicians of the Brazilian Government in an analysis of the factors in Brazil which tend to promote or toretard the economic development of the country. The United States delegation arrived in Rio de Janeiro on September 7, 15948, whereupon the Commission was organized into a Central Commission and a number of 38 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11,No. 4 sub-Commissions assigned to study certain subjects, among which were included fishing and fisheries. Following is a summary of the part of the Report dealing with fisheries: Brazil is not, at present, a large producer of fish, when its population is taken into consideration, A long-range program has been drawn up, with the goal of a three-fold increase in the production and distribu- tion of fresh, canned, and salted fish, This program envisages opera tion of an expanded fishing fleet, of receiving ports, and of refriger- ated transportation and marketing facilities, with Government financial aid and supervision, It includes also technical and educational work to promote the sound development of the fishing industry. —=e Canada ADDITIONAL FISHERY PRODUCTS REMOVED FROM EXPORT CONTROL: The number of prod- ucts which require export permits has been reduced during the past year by the Canadian Government, according to the February 19 issue of Foreign Trade. In the latest relaxation, effective February 8, 1949, the following fishery products were removed from export control: fresh and frozen halibut, fish livers, cod liver oils, and sperm (whale) oil. * OK OK K OK FISHERIES PRODUCTION, 1948: West Coast: Generally, landings of sea fish on the Canadian Pacific Coast during 1948 were at a high level, according to the February 1949 issue of the Canadian Department of Fisheries Trade News. Landings of herring were very large. However, those of salmon, halibut, and shellfish were lower than in 1947. (Table 1.) The total landed value of fish, shellfish, and livers reached $51.7 million for the calendar year. This was a record for the British Columbia fisheries to date, being $9.4 million more than in the preceding year and twice the 1943 fig- ure. The higher prices paid for salmon were mainly responsible for the increase in total landed value. SALMON: Catch of salmon amounted to 141.8 million pounds in 1948, 21 million pounds less than in 1947 and the lowest figure for several years. Canned salmon pack totaled 1.3 million cases, a relatively small figure. Disposition as fresh and frozen dressed, at about 40 million pounds, was 2.5 million pounds less, and the quantity filleted, at about 1.3 million pounds,was also slightly less than in 1947. In 1948, the landed value of salmon was $20.1 million, as compared with $12.6 millionin1947. The average price to fishermen for all species of salmon was $14.15 per cwt. compared with $7.72 in 1947 and $8.55 in 1946. HALIBUT: Landings of halibut, at 18.8 million pounds, were 5.35 million pounds less than in 1947 when special circumstances contributed to the high catch. Refer- ence to earlier years indicates that the quantity taken in 1948 was at a satis- factory level. About 17.5 million pounds of the halibut catch were marketed fresh April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 39 or frozen. The production of steaks or fillets would seem to have been about 750,000 pounds, 4 sizable increase in this form over that of the last few years. Table 1 - British Columbia Catch of Fish and Shellfish, 1947-48 9 A Gl 194 ae Sali-water Fish and Shellfish: $ per cwt. 3 per cwt. Salmontepee eens meee cobveinioe orcas sistema 41a 639 4a00 , 010, 2 Halatbuiteiec nye es naa cove tema seaie ewe 5 8, 878, 200 ; 2,119, 16.11 Other etiattisht Aa cae Ne Ae. On 11,118,600 : 4.78 Herring? cecil eiceceistercle 5606000 Snico0 0000 386, 608, 400 0.96 Groundfish’ Ane sales tates vc oatertie = oss ; 8,516,100 6.41 UDG Hat aOR GOOD tog Sata erctsicratane Aes 26.57 DyStersiacaavacls siscsleahalseieis he seiwias he 5 4.07 CHeMS, oSo40b00000b000Db0D 0006000000000 1420, 500 2.59 Qunerishe leigh cnet see cre cerns cle : ; 1980 , 700 8,12 Othomaseali Shee cic sversiete iets wine eteltele ces 564, AC 2,64 Total salt-water fish and SReleaani 4.32 Livers, etc: Groundfish ....... JAR OOOO UR Gn naieonete ae 129.20 Halibut ...... Byse eet ce oe 96.43 Grayfish ....... eavevarsiyehe eyed colare Aes oisre ; aor Otherwise eens Er retaruate Sos i ZS) Vilscera ch foes BOG RCI ene aaa bre 17.9 TocalplhversiMeitCsu anaes eens ar C/o aa RGB Grandivlote ane naaen heer hires BS 480,300 | 5.45 __| 400,665,000 w65 1/Preliminary figures, OTHER FLATFISH: Catch of other flatfish--flounders, soles, etc.-—-reached 11.1 million pounds, an increase of 4.8 million pounds over 1947. Production of flatfish fillets was 2.5 million pounds and the quantity marketed dressed, 0.5 million pounds. A greater percentage of the raw fish was disposed of in the fil- leted form in 1948 than in 1947. HERRING: The herring catch in the calendar year 1948, at 386.6 million pounds, was 130.3 million pounds greater than in the AQ ig, ko G29 preceding calendar year. ; In thousands of pounds The landings were atanex— | Tons ceptionally high level in salted | Tons the first months of the 1948-49 season. Table 2 - Production of Bee Beaor ca! British Columbia GROUNDFISH: The 1948 groundfish catch (including lingeod, sablefish, and the rockfishes) reached 8.5 million pounds with a landed value of $675,000. The pre- vious year's catch was 7.4 million pounds, valued at $473,000. The production of fresh and frozen dressed groundfish totaled 5.6 million pounds (4.1 million in 1947), and filleted production amounted to 1.1 million pounds (0.9 million in 1947). With the exception of sablefish (black cod), a greater percentage of raw groundfish in 1948 was processed into fillets for marketing. OTHER: Except for the clam-production, which was drastically reduced in 1948 as compared with previous years, the production of shellfish was at a normal level. Total landings of all species last year amounted to 8.0 million pounds, as com- pared with 13.3 million pounds in 1947, with corresponding landed values of $524,000 and $475,000. 40 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11,No. 4 The tuna fisheries expanded substantially in 1948, yielding 2.2 million pounds landed weight and a value to fishermen of more than $600,000. Most of the tuna was canned. The total pack amounted to almost 60,000 cases (48 75-02. cans). Tuna canning may establish itself as a permanent phase of the \lest Coast fishing industry in the years to come. The anchovy fishery was a failure in 1948, contributing only $5,000 in landed value, aS against $71,000 in 1947, Hast Coast: Landings of fish and shellfish on the Canadian Atlantic Coast in 1948 were generally heavy. Most significant was the increase in the catch of groundfish and of lobster over that of the previous year. Herring and "sardines" were the only important items to register a drop as compared with 1947 (Table4). The landed value for all fish, shellfish, and livers amounted to 430.9 mil- lion, $5.4 million more than in 1947. Higher landings of groundfish and of lob- ster, together with firmer pricesfor groundfish, "sardines," and some other species were the principal factors contributing to the increase in 1948 over 1947. COD AND RELATED SPECIZS: Landings of cod and related species (haddock, hake, ete.) totaled 351.1 million pounds in 1948, valued at $11.3 million. Although the catch was below the record levels of 1945 and 1946, it was quite satisfactory and substantially above that of the previous year. The disposition in the fresh or frozen forms showed a substantial increase from 1947. The quantity marketed as fresh or frozen dressed was about 19 million pounds, compared with 15.2 million pounds in 1947. The production of fillets was about 47 million pounds, or 17 million pounds more than in the previous year. Of the total fillet production, cod accounted for 31.3 million pounds compared with 21.4 million in 1947. In 1945 and 1946, the production of cod fillets was 04.2 and 53.6 million pounds, respectively. This, however, occurred in years when landings were exceptionally high and European markets were taking large quantities of frozen fillets. Production of haddock fillets in 1948 was 14.6 million pounds, 6.6 million pounds more than in the previous year. In 1948, about 1 million pounds more raw groundfish was salted than in 1947. A substantial increase was shown in the marketing of wet-salted groundfish and of boneless salted fil- lets. The production of salted fish Boneless suc. cscs 7.0 5.5 in the final-marketable forms is now Wet-salted ........ So ! believed to compare with that of 1947 stimated. (Table 3). Table 3 - Canadian East Coast Production Quantities in millions of lbs. ) 37.0 40.3 Drstie divateieyseraane Seaver Production of smoked cod, haddock, etce., in 1948 was at about the same level as for the preceding year, i.e., approximately 9 million pounds. A very large decrease was registered in the production of the canned product. LOBSTER: Landings of lobster reached 35.8 million pounds, with a landed value of $9.7 million. Although the catch was 4 million pounds higher than in 1947, it was still below the 1945 and 1946 catches (37.2 and 38.3 million pounds, respectively). In those years, higher prices resulted in higher values as well. From year to year, the quantities of lobster marketed in shell or alive tend to increase. During 1948, about 21.5 million pounds were marketed in this form-- April 1949 a record to date. In 1947, 18 million pounds. previous year. Production of chilled lobster meat amounted toll million pounds in 1948. The total pack of canned lob- ster last year, including lob- ster paste, appears to have been about 60,000 cases, com— pared with 54,661 cases in 1947. OTHER SHHLLFISH: The 1948 clam production of 14.8 million pounds, although Jmil- lion pounds less than in 1947, compared favorably with the levels of earlier years. The quantity marketed in the shuck- ed form was only slightly be- lowthat of the previous year, while the quantities marketed inthe shell and canned dropped substantially. The catch of oysters, at 55,000 barrels last year, also very satisfactory. snared an increase. of 15,000 barrels over that of 1947. The catch of scallops, at about 83,000 gallons (shucked), COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW was some 10,000 gallons below that of the preceding year. HaRRING: half of the year. 41 the quantity marketed in this form had amountsa to Exports Or "liver ocr (aunehe eee substantially over the CANNING LOBSTER MEAT IN A CANADIAN CANNERY Prices were Catch of mature herring was low in 1948, particularly the second The fall run, in fact, was almost a complete failure Landings of 127.2 million pounds for the year were 10.2 million pounds lower than in the Table 4 - Canadian Bast Coast Catch of Fish and Shellfish, 1947-48 Shellfish: UG OSVEIS. od0000080500 000 0000000000000 ° CHEM 66.600000900000000000000000000000 CHASES 9 pgg0c00dDDDbeDODUDODDNO0 D00N00 Otherssheilelttatshwaeerreriererciieiens oboe BOOS To tal BPTI veh ni MnO We Other: Selinei So5gqqq000UbOonUOO dood ce D6 c0dd EMIS 5 cag500b 0000 DDO0GdDDOd00000000 Othereflatiitshy severest cides eset sete : Ieerorchlinles Gogg g00000G00 oovoadoDdd009 C0000 SECIS Gooogonacoo4ou00GdK a cStopetehetane lous Mackerel ........-0.. bn aorere Go agoo000 MMS Goooboos000000 peksisiaelegeieve ooD0O0C Swordfish ........ Watenevotia essere Bihetene 5 Othermsealsishwemvesractclolleeiciersteroriens 00 Total salt-water fish and eneleich Miscellaneous: Cod and hake livers ..... Halibut livers ..... Other si viersie: mcr risrevsisisisiesiericielslelers Total livers, etc. Grand Total .... 1/Preliminary figures. 9 Ae) 194 Land ibs, 232,175, 800 Bie aba 600 35, 866,300 Bie 384, ,000 14, 873, 700 Vy 948,000 11,010,600 8,051,400 1,0 Dobe 137,779,900 101 ,586 ,000 26, 22,900 5,478, 700 700 nS 9 PO = E TOPOL OT ST Te S300 Landed Value $ tee pt 42 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11,No. 4 previous year and 22.3 million pounds below those of 1946. However, in the early months of the year, large quantities of fresh herring were exported in the fresh form, so that the marketing of HOSS in that form is indicated as higher than in the previous year. Production of kippered herring does not seemto have exceeded a million pounds. That of bloaters and bloater fillets appears to have been about 350,000 boxes (of 18 lbs. each) as compared with 475,000 boxes in 1947. Production of pickled herring was substantially below that of 1947. However, more vinegar-cured herring was produced than in the previous year--approximately 18,000 barrels. Landings of "sardines" (immature herring) were high at the beginning of the season but dropped in later months. Total landings for the year amounted to 89.8 million pounds, 11.7 million pounds below those of 1947. However, owing to higher . prices in 1948, i of the landed value " ! \ rival Tn nn Saat reached $2.2 mil- lin ive WEA yg L UU lion as compared Why 1 Se —_ with $1.6 mil- | lion inthe pre— ceding year. The amount disposed of as fresh on the United States market dropped by about 8.4 mil-— lion pounds and the production of canned sar= dines dropped by almost 200 thou- sand cases, as compared with 1947. FLATFISH : Catch of hali- but: on the East LOADING SARDINES FROM A WEIR TRAP INTO BOATS OFF NEW BRUNSWICK, Coast was normal CANADA. THESE WEIRS ARE FOUND ALONG THE SHORES OF SOUTHERN NEW last year, a- BRUNSWICK AND THE STRETCH OF COAST EXTENDING FROM LUBEC TO ROB- bout 2.3 million BINSTON |N PASSAMAQUODDY BAY. pounds. More significant was the increase in the landings of other flatfish (plaice, yellow- tail, etc.) by 2.3 million pounds over the 1947 figure. The total quantities of flatfish (including halibut) marketed dressed, fresh or frozen, would appear to have been 3.9 million pounds, and the production of flatfish fillets was above 1.3 million pounds. OTHER SHA FISH: Mackerel landings, at 25.2 million pounds, showed no important variation fromthe level of recent years. Production of pickled mackerel was slight- ly higher than for the previous year. Salmon landings were only slightly higher than in 1947, the total of 2.2 million pounds being marketed in the fresh and frozen form. April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 43 The smelt fisheries were particularly successful in the latter months of the year. The commercial smelt fishery, of course, is a winter fishery, with highest catches in December and January. The total landings for the calendar year 1948 amounted to 7.6 million pounds, 2.3 million more than for the previous year. The Province of New Brunswick contributes about 70 percent of the annual landings. The swordfish fishery hada satisfactory season in 1948, with landings amount— ing to 2.3 million pounds, marketed in the fresh or chilled form, Kee K HK Research Board of Canada stationed at St. Andrew's Biological Station will be en- gaged in work in connection with the control of the harbour seal and also will in- vestigate the seal fishery of the Atlantic Coast, according to the February 1949 issue of the Canadian Fisheries Department Trade News. . The director of the St. Andrew's Biological Station told the Atlantic Sub— Committee of the Board that there was urgent need for getting basic knowledge of the biology of the seal for conservation purposes, as well as need for studying means of reducing the numbers of harbour seals, which are considered to be pre-— dators of commercial fisheries. There is evidence of growing interest in commercial sealing on the Atlantic Coast and for the adequate control and administration of this fishery. The re— sults of the contemplated investigation are expected to be valuable. KHHKHK EAST COAST FISHERIES CONFERENCE: Some 200 representatives of fishing interests in eastern Canada and Newfoundland attended the third annual East Coast Fisheries Conference which was held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on February 2-4, 1949, accord— ing to a February 15 report from the American Consulate General at Halifax. The Conference is sponsored by eastern Canadian organizations affiliated with the Fisheries Council of Canada and the wholesale trade centered in Montreal and Toronto. The agenda of topics covered a wide field of East Coast fisheries problems. Discussion cn the first day was on research. The second day was devoted to prob-— lems of the industry as related to interested agencies of the Federal Government; and to inspection and marketing matters. The final daywas reserved for inspection of local fish plants and the holding of group discussions. It appeared to be agreed among the various fish dealers and producers attend-— ing the Conference, that 1948 was one of the worst years on record for Nova Scotian shore fishermen, The high cost of fishing gear, coupled with the poor catch of last season, was creating difficulties for fishermen who need to replace worn-out equipment © The Minister of Fisheries, speaking before the Conference, stated: "We have arrived, without a doubt, at a more decisive moment in our history, The pattern of world trade is changing and we are faced with a tightening up of many of our export markets, ‘The action we take within the next year or two will determine whether the industry is to expand and prosper or whether it is to suffer a very serious setback.".... AL COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11,No. 4 The minister emphasized that Canadians are potentially the fishing industry's best customers, but so far the industry has just begun to meet their needs, "Our own Canadians could and would--if we cultivate their interest--provide for us a rich and reliable market for our prod- ucts. They could guarantee for us a high level of employment and pros- perity--if we give them half a chance,...... "Through joint action of this kind to improve our methods of selling, merchandising and distribution, I am convinced that the domestic con- sumption of fish products in Canada can be doubled and perhaps trebled in the very near future. ...." SALT FISH DEMAND EXCEEDS SUPPLY: The Canadian Department of Trade and Com— merce reports that, although Canada's salt fish production has been maintained at a high level, demand in Western Hemisphere areas has been so heavy as to preclude the possibility of supplying possible European markets, according to a February 15 report from the American Consulate General at Halifax. Canadian trade representa— tives have been requested to refrain temporarily from active promotion of salt fish. Canada has been unable to fill European Recovery Program orders in suf— | ficient quantities of desired types as defined by specifications and the alterna tive was to persuade the countries concerned to accept substitutes. Se Ey Colombia SHARK LIVER OIL: Annual production of shark-liver oil in Colombia is re~ portedly about 2 9205 pounds, according to the report, "Colombia as a Source of Crude Drugs and Essential Oils," issued January 1949 by the Office of International Trade of the Department of Commerce. In 1947, arrivals of raw fish livers from Colombia in the United States totaled 41,763 pounds, valued at $9,826. KK KKH vestigated the possibilities for an expansion of the fishing industry in Colom— bia, according to the British periodical, The Fishing News, dated February 19. The investigations, which were financed by the Colombian Government, proved that enormous quantities of shrimp exist off the Colombian coast. It is reported that a Danish firm has already decided to spend approximately $1,000,000 to build a canning factory in Colombia. Costa Rica RULES AND REGULATIONS TO MARITIME FISHING AND HUNTING LAW: The Government of Costa Rica has enacted Decree No. 363, "Rules and Regulations to Law No. 190= of September 28, 1948, onMaritime Fishing and Hunting Law," dated January ll, 1949, published in the Diario Oficial of February 3, 1949; Decree No. 414, dated Feb— ruary 4, 1949, published in La Gaceta—Diario Oficial of February 27, 1949, which amends certain of the tax and fee provisions of Decree No. 363; and Decree No. 426, dated March 8, 1949, published in La Gaceta--Diario Oficial of March 13, 1949, 1/See Commercial Fisheries Review, February 1949, p. 40 April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 45 amending Article 9 of Decree No. 363. The decrees consist mainly of certain rules, regulations, taxes, and fees for fishing off Costa Rica. It will affect shark fishing and tuna fishing (both bait boats, purse seiners, and tuna motherships). The law does not reassert Costa Rican sovereignty beyond the three=mile limit, but its implications are that it may be enforced within the 200-—mile limit over which Costa Rica has claimed sovereignty. Decree No. 414 changed Articles 27 through 32 of Decree No. 363 eliminating the discriminatory taxes and fees established by the latter Decree, changing the basis of certain taxes, and making other minor changes that clarify provisions of the law. Decree No. 426 modified Article 9 in that authority for maritime fishing and hunting may be granted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Industries for one-— year periods. The certificate, "Annual Registration of Craft," issued to fishing craft is not transferable and will show the type of fishing authorized. Because Decree No. 414 made no provisien to the contrary, it is assumed that all Decrees entered into effect on the date Decree No. 363 went into effect, March 9, 1949. The following is a summarization of the decrees with a few of the more per— tinent articles of interest to the United States fishing industry given in full: Article 1, Classifies marine fishing as follows: (1) Short Distance Fishing, that which is done by ships that go no more than 1? miles from the coast; (2) Medium Distance Fishing, that which is done by ships that go out to sea more than 12 miles and less than 200 .ziles from the coast. (3) Long Distance Fishing, that carried on by ships that go more than 200 miles from the coast, Articles 2 through 8 are generel ones which define different types of fishing, methods of fishing, and types and use of equipment and gear, All such items as "ordi- nary nets, flexible nets, cables provided with floats, lines or heavy bodies that. extend in any direction in the sea" are classified as fishing equinment, Fishing methods are classified as double craft; otter. trawl; purse seine; pole, line and bait system (tuna fisherman); "hand nets with lines to shore"; drifting floating equipment; and fixed gear, All of the above, including all types of lines, are legal and permitted. Purse seine nets shall not have the mesh (bar) smaller than 70 mn, (2,76 inches), and they will not be over 450 meters (1,476 feet) in length, However, the use of longer nets will be permitted with the payment of a special tariff per additional lineal meter, The minimm opening of the mesh (bar) used with double-craft and otter- trawl systems will be 35 mm, (1,38 inches). Article 9, Establishes a closed season from July to November on sardines in the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo Dulce, forbids the catching of porpoise, the use of equipment not authorized by the current regulations as well as the use of explosives, chemical or poisonous products and, except for operations from the land, forbids the use of dragnets with- in a six-mile limit, Article 10, Deals with the registration and documen- tation of fishing craft. It also specifies documents, re- ceipts, and certificates that mst be carried by every com- pany and physical or juridical person engaged in fishing or in the fishing industry. The following certificates are in- cluded: certificate of inscription in the Reristry to be maintained by the Ministry of Agriculture and Industries through the Department of Fishing and Conservation; original certficate of payment of the Annual Registration Fee in the case of craft in general; certificate that all members of the crew possess their "Fisherman's License", in the case of fishing craft with their base in the national ports; original certificate of having paid the Annual Bait-fishing Tax, in the case of shark or tuna (pele and line) fishing craft; original certificate of having paid the Fishing and Export Tax, in the case of craft that do not deliver their catch to motherships or floating plants anchored in Costa Rican waters, or to plants established on the national ter- ritory; and original certificate of having paid the Export Tax, in the case of motherships or floating plants. Articles 11 through 13 deal with infractions of the rules and regulations. Practices which are considered as infractions are specified and classified under the two gen- eral classifications of "minor" and "serious", Articles 14 through 18 establish the amount and kind of penalties that may be imposed and the rules for the ad- ministration of this part of the law. Articles 19 through 25, under the heading "General Dispositions", rules and regulations are laid down about disposition of catch and certain personnel requirements are established: Article 19 states that craft of national registry sell- ing their products abroad must obtain a permit from the Department of Fishing and Conservation, shall pay the corre- sponding export taxes and that if such craft belong to na- tional companies they shall be subject to the provisions of the Law of Control of Exvort Products, Article 20 exempts fish caught by craft of Costa Rican registry with a Costa Rican crew from all taxes, if the catch is discharged in Costa Rican territory for consump- tion or industrialization in the country; and that if the fish is transferred to motherships or factory ships, or reembarked for exportation, the catch shall be exempt only from tax applicable to the fishing craft. Article 21 states that all national fishing craft must sell their catch to packing or refrigerating companies es- tablished in the country provided that the price paid by these is not lower than that paid by motherships or factory ships, Article 22 states that packing or refrigerating plants may not export unprocessed fish, directly or indirectly, as long as such material is needed to maintain local production uninterrupted, 46 Article 23 states that all persons engaged in fishing from aboard national or foreign craft must register with the Bureau of Embarkation of the Department of Fishing and Con- servation, and that ship owners or their representatives ust apply for necessary men for their crews to this office, and that these men may be chosen from existing lists. Article 24 specifies that a sailor mist possess a permit issued in his name by that Bureau before he may embark, that if this requirement is not complied with, both the cap- tain of the craft and the sailor himself will be punished. Article 25 specifies that captains of motherships and factory ships, before sailing, and the managers of land plants, monthly, mst make sworn declarations showing the quantity of fish received; the name of the fishing craft and of its captain; and the prices paid, Article 26, under the heading "About Registration Fees, Taxes and Their Payment", states that all taxes and duties extablished in the law must be paid to the Office of the Collector of Reveme or to its branch offices, or to authori- ties appointed for that purpose by the Ministry of Agricul- ture and Industries, Article 27. of vessels in U, S, dollars and states that national ships may pay the equivalent in colones at the official rate. Every ship engaged in fishing, or in the transportation or commercialization of its products, must pay an anmal regis- tration tax valid from the date of issuance and according to the following scale: 1) Shark-fishing craft = $200.00 te S. 2) Tuna purse seiners - $250.00 (U, 3) Tuna bait-fishing craft - $125.00 eb (4) Motherships or plants ~- $500,00 (U. Article 28, Provides that the fishing tax for shark and tuna will be paid in advance, in accordance with the net tonnage of each craft, This tax will be assessed in accordance with the following tariff: COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Establishes the fee for annual registration Vol. 11,No. 4 (1) Shark-fishing craft which deliver their load direct- ly abroad, $2,00 (U. S.) per net ton of fish capacity, for each voyage not exceeding three months. (ieeeeleeuanine craft which deliver their load to motherships or plants, $2,00 (U. S.) per net ton of fish capacity, each four months, (3) ‘una-fishing craft carrying their load directly abroad, $2.50 (U, 5.) per net ton of fish capacity,for each voyage not exceeding six months, (4) Tuna-fishing craft which deliver their load to motherships or plants, $2.50 (U, S.) per net ton of fish capacity, each three months, Article 29, All bait-fishing craft shall pay a tax of $250.00 (U. S.) per year. Article 30. The Export Tax on tuna and shark shall be assessed in accordance with the following tariff: (1) Shark-fishing craft carrying their load directly abroad, $4.00 (U. 5.) per ton of fish, for each voyage and payable in advance, (2) Tuna-fishin; abroad, $4.00 (U. Ss, payable in advance. (3) Motherships or plants, $4.00 (U. S.) per ton of craft carrying their load directly per ton of fish, for each voyage and fish, (4) Land plants, $2.50 (U. S.) per net ton exported. Article 31. Provides that fishermen from craft which deliver their catch to motherships or plants must obtaina Fisherman's License valid for one year and for which they will pay a tax of $15.00 (U. S.). Article 32, The tax on nets will be in accordance with the following tariff: Per lineal meter of each net in excess of 650 neters, (2,133 feet), $1.00 (U. S.) per year, payable in advance, Denmark FISHERIES REVIEW, 1948: Production: The Danish fishing industry in 1948 was favored with unusually large catches, according to a February 10 report from the American Embassy at Copenhagen. In weight, they exceeded the unprecedented large 1947 catch by about 30 percent. Danish fishery expeditions to Greenland and Iceland waters took place for the first time in 1948 and were aimed at perma-- nently expanding Danish fishing operations. Exports: The export of fishery products of all kinds brought large anon of foreign exchange to Denmark. This income in 1947 amounted to $36 ,257,598,— but was increased in 1948 to about $39,383,253, an increase of about 9 percent. Trade Agreements and Exchange of Products: As Denmark was obligated under its bilateral trade agreements, especially with the United Kingdom, to export most of its agricultural produce, fishery products became of increasing importance to the Danish economy when negotiations with other countries for the exchange of products were in progress. However, export quotas necessary to meet obligations under completed bilateral agreements proved to have been set too high, despite 1/Rate of exchanger U. S. $1.00 = 4.799 Danish crowns (par value), April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 4.7 increased catches of fish, and towards the end of the year, export to certain non—treaty markets had to be curtailed. Canning: There was increased activity in industries dependent on fishing. Existing fish product factories and canneries were expanded, new ones began op~ erations, and new lines of production were started. Fishing Fleet: The fleet of fishery vessels was not increased to any extent, but a considerable amount of repair and modernization work, particularly on marine engines, was performed, Independent Ministry of Fisheries: The year 1948 was the first complete year during which an independent Ministry of Fisheries was in operation. This Ministry has been very active in the interest of the fishing trade and its affiliated in- dustries. It was instrumerital in establishing a national propaganda committee for the consumption of fish during the year and took the initiative in having fishery attaches sent to a number of Danish missions abroad. HHH HK *& NEW FLOATING TRAWL NET: A new floating trawl was actually tried by several fishing vessels in November 1948 and reports state that it proved successful, according to the February 19 issue of the British periodical, The Fishing News. The floating trawl, the idea of a Danish fisherman, Robert Larsen, has been in the experimental stage for the past 13 years. However, a Swedish fisherman claims that the same type of trawl is being made in a factory in Gothenburg, Sweden, and that it was invented in Sweden first. Since the new floating trawl can be pulled or drawn through the water at a higher level free of the sea bottom, it will be suitable for catching herring and mackerel, The inventor also intends to experiment with a heavier type of floating trawl for catching cod. The cost of the new floating trawl is estimated at approx- imately $700. With the use of an echo-sounder, it will be possible to determine at what depth to fish the trawl, which can be set an any desired depth. Secured between two boats and pulled for about 15 minutes, the new trawl is then handled like a regular otter trawl. ae Ecuador NEW LAW GOVERNING FISHING AND ESTABLISHMENT OF FISH PROCESSING PLANTS: The Decree passed by the 1948 session of the Ecuadoran Congress concerning 1g fishing in Ecuadoran territorial and insular waters and the establishment of fish processing plants in Ecuador became effective withits publication in Registro Oficial No. 101, dated January 4, 1949, according to a January 18 report from the American Embassy at Quito ry The new Decree does not revoke the existing laws and regulations governing fishing in Ecuadoran waters, but rather confirms certain regulations about which there was considerable discussion and adds to them basic regulations to govern the signing of contracts with fishing and fish’ processing enterprises. Before the 48 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vole 11,No. 4 draft of the present Decree was presented to Congress, and during the time it was under discussion in that body, Ecuador's policy withregard to fishing in its waters was the subject of bitter controversy between two groups who held opposite view— points on the subject of fishing with nets. The text of the Decree, as passed by Congress and as finally approved by the President of the Republic, is a compromise between the positions of the opposing groups. A summarization of the main features of the Decree follows: Article 1 of the Decree confirms the policy of permitting both bait and net fishing, specifically mentioning "purse seiners" and "motherships," and provides that the product of the fishing may be disposed of freely. How- ever, the first part of this article is modified by the second paragraph of Article 3, to the effect that, after two years' trial, the Executive may prohibit partially or completely either system, if he finds it de- structive, and the second part is subject to the requirement set forth in Article 4 that the Executive is obliged to issue a regulation for the progressive establishment of a fish-processing industry in the country, requiring, at the end of four years, that all fish caught in Ecuadoran waters be processed in Equador, Article 2 states that licenses shall be issued after the formalities pre- scribed in the Regulation issued with Decree No, 1206-A, of July 2, 1948, have been fulfilled, and shall include the right for fishing vessels of the two systems to fish for a period of 90 days and motherships to take on a full load once on each trip. ‘These provisions will be rigorously enforced, Article 3, in addition to the modification it places on part of Article 1, authorizes the renewal of licenses if damage to vessels or gear prevents fishing for the period covered by the license, Article 5 grants certain tax exemptions to new processing industries which establish factories, canning or refrigerating plants, etc., in Ecuador, Article 7 seems to grant to exclusively fishing enterprises (as distinguished from canning or processing enterprises) a period of two years' grace, counted from the initiation of their activities, before they have to submit to the requirement that the product of their fishing be processed in Ecuador, and furthermore introduces the provision that the Government shall determine whether all or part of the fish caught must be processed in Ecuador after consideration of the needs of the national industry. Other sections of the Decree establish a new validity period for fishing licenses, charge the Ecuadoran consular authorities with the enforcement of the. licensing requirements, provide for the distribution of the proceeds from fishing taxes, grant the Executive authority to prohibit factory ships, and make him responsible for carrying out a strict watch over the country's waters to safeguard the national interest therein, This Decree does definitely establish a new policy of the Ecuadoran Government with regard to fishing in its territorial and insular waters——that of requiring the processing in Ecuador of fish caught in Ecuadoran waters. Interpretative regulations to follow or actual application of the Decree will probably clarify certain parts of the Decree and will reveal the effect of the new policy on Ameri- can fishing interests. April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 49 Iceland COMMERCIAL AGREEMENT WITH THE NETHERLANDS: On December 17,1948, in The Hague, a commercial agreement between the Netherlands and Iceland was signed. The agree— ment calls for an exchange of goods during the year ending November 30, 1949, valued at $5,600,000, according to a January 14 report from the American Legation at Reykjavik. Icelandic sales to the Netherlands will consist mainly of various types of meal, cod liver oil, quick frozen and salted fish fillets, and fish skins. The Netherlands will sell a variety of products (no fishery products included) to Iceland. Proposed Icelandic Exports of Fishery Products to the Netherlands (Dec.1,1948-Nov. 30,1949) Product tity or Value Product antity or Value Herring meal - 30% of the entire 1945-A9 win- |lOffal meal - 260 metric tons ter production in which qian- tity the 25% already contract-||Cod liver oil aoe CC OMe! i ed for is included. 3,000 metric tons. Salted fish fillets - 4,000 barrels Fish meal - If fish meal is not available |Fish and fur skins - $96,009 to the full quantity, the bal- ance will be delivered in her-|Quick frozen cod ring meal, fillets - 4,500 metric tons DISPUTE BETWEEN SEAMEN'S UNIONS AND TRAWLER OWNERS: The early part of Feb-— ruary 1949, the Icelandic trawler owners announced through their Association the discontinuation, effective February 11, of the payment of war risk bonuses to the officers and crews operating trawlers, according to a March 3 report from the Ameri- can Legation at Reykjavik. The seamen's unions are unwilling toaccept the elimina~ tion of the bonus which they consider as an integral part of seamen's wages. Be- cause of this dispute between the seamen's unions and the trawler owners, no trawl— ers sailed from Reykjavik after February 17. The special war risk bonus mentioned is paid only to officers and members of the crew who make the trip to German and British ports. The officers generally make every trip, whereas deckhands make, on the average, four trips per annum, The annual bonus for the captain and officers amounts to approximately $5,390 each and for deckhands, $1,232. In addition to the war risk bonus, the crew as well as the officers are paid a basic wage, and all share in the liver oil proceeds. A deck- hand's annual wages range between $5,082-6,776; captains average $23,100; mates , $15,400; engineers, stokers, and radio operators each average $12,320. (These wages consist of a basic wage mltiplied by the cost of living index of 300, a per— centage of the liver oil proceeds, and the war risk bonus.) The assistant cook, usually a young boy, receives only a basic wage multiplied by the cost of living index. Negotiations are being carried on between members representing the Icelandic trawler owners and the labor representatives of the seamen's unions. Both parties agreed to the appointment of a Government mediator, who is assisted by a member of the Ministry of Industries and a Supreme Court judge. This board is endeav— oring to draw up an agreement which will reconcile the two parties in the dis-— pute. In recent years, the operational cost of trawling nas mounted. Consequent— ly, in order to continue the operation of trawlers fishing for iced fish, which 50 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol.11,No. 4 in 1948 was Iceland's most important export product (about $13,860,000), the trawl-- er owners decided to eliminate the war risk bonuses, which they consider no longer applicable in peacetime. Iced fish exports are not subsidized by the Government. The tie-up is a test which, if the trawler owners succeed, may be a prelude to a gradual lowering of the seamen's wages to bring them more into line with wages paid to persons engaged in other industries. Indications are that an agreement will be reached only after protracted negotiations. Although they are the highest paid workers, the seamen are extremely reluctant to accept a cut in their compen— sation. As of March 2, 18 new "reconstruction" trawlers and one old trawler have put into port and remain idle, out of a total of 29 "reconstruction" and 18 old trawlers. NOTE; Values converted to U. S, currency on basis of 1 kronur equals 15.4 cents U. S. KHKXHHE NEW TRAWLER WITH FISH MEAL AND OIL PLANT ABOARD: A new Icelandic trawler, Jorundar, was launched at Lowestoft, England, early this year, according to the February 12 issue of the British periodical Fishing News. Several improvements have been incorporated in its construction, and it is more than a fishing vessel because it. contains a complete fish meal and liver oil extracting plant aboard. The vessel's length is 167 feet; breadth, 28 feet; depth, 15 feet; gross tonnage, 470 metric tons; and estimated service speed, 12 knots. Using diesel engines, some of the outstanding features are: a superstructure of non-corrosive aluminum alloy; a fish hold (12,000 cubic feet) constructed of and lined with non-corrosive aluminum and standardized aluminum pen "boards"; anda hydraulically— operated trawl winch (consisting of two drums each taking 1,200 fathoms of three— inch warp) reported to be the largest of its kind on any fishing craft. Capacity of the fish hold is 518,000 pounds. The fish meal plant can produce 23 metric tons of ground fish meal from the fish waste, which is bagged and stored in specially constructed meal holds. It can produce as much as 10 metric tons of meal every 24 hours. A steam-operated liver oil plant produces 20 metric tons of liver oil per trip. When extracted, the oil is stored in separate, specially constructed tanks. Large capacity electric pumps discharge this cargo immediately on arrival in port. Accommodations for captain and crew include hot and cold running water and showers, mess room, and lounge. Accommodations throughout the vessel are air conditioned. CAPTAIN |CHART ROOM FISH MEAL PLANT ELECTRIC WINDLASS Ext iP CREWS ACCOMMODATION ELECTR, [sce HYORAUL Ic GEWNS WAY . COMPLETE ALUMINIUM ALLOY FISH HOLD PROFILE OF NEW ICELANDIC TRAWLER April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Dill REVIEW OF FISHERIES, 1948: Importance of the Fisheries: The total fish catch in 1948 amounted to 409,208 metric tons, five percent less than in 1947, according to February 10 and March 1 reports from the American Legation at Reyk— javik. This represents the largest catch per capita of any nation in the world and places Iceland third among European countries in over—all fish production (fol— lowing Norway and the United Kingdom). Other industrial resources in Iceland are practically non-existent, and the possibilities of agricultural development are limited, chiefly by the climate. As a result, Iceland must export the products of its fisheries in order to import most manufactured articles and many basic foodstuffs, such as grain. Fish and related products constituted 92 percent of all Icelandic exports in 1948. Fish Production and ICELANDIC FISH : Utilization: There are 1 PRODUCTION & GOALS : two major types of fish inginIceland: the cod WEN a We fisheries (including 6 ’ other white fish) and 5 hey herring») fisheries. II Qo AND RELATED species The utilization of the — HERRING 9 fish has varied consid— » >] ---- ESTIMATED A ably over recent years a (Table 1 and Figure 1). Cod Fisheries and Fleet: The cod fisher- ies are carried on by large trawlers on the high seas and smaller craft (including motor boats) off the coasts of Iceland (Table 2). 100,000 METRIC TONS The trawlers usually operate the year around. They place their catch on ice (after removing the livers for oil) and take the fish directly to 1930 '32 '34 '30 38 40 42 44 46 48 '50 '52 foreign markets (United FIGURE | - OVER-ALL | CELANDIC FISH PRODUCTION, AND COD Kingdom and Germany). AND HERRING PRODUCT! ON FOR 1930 THROUGH !948. INDI- Fish livers are process= CATED ARE THE GOALS FOR 1952 UNDER !CELAND'S LONG Bas ee ethane rawlena TERM ECONOMIC PROGRAM. and the oil brought back to Iceland to be combined with the oil from the fish brought in by the small boats (oil is not processed on small boats). In the year 1948, the trawler catches amounted to 143,000 metric tons as compared to 72,000 in the preceding year and 60,000 in 1946. This great increase was caused by the re- building of the trawler fleet which has been going on since the end of the war. The average catch of the new trawlers has been approximately 265 metric tons compared to around 148 metric tons for the old trawlers. There are at present 18 old and 28 new trawlers in Iceland, Four more are expected during the beginning of this year, which will complete the original order for 32 placed in the United Kingdom in 1945. In October 1948, the Icelandic 52 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vole 11,No. 4 Government placed orders for 10 more (8 to be built at Aberdeen), and two addition— al ones have been ordered by private owners. These 12 new orders are not ex=- pected to be completed until 1950 and 1951. These trawlers are to be 183' 6" in length, 1200 hp. motor, and an estimated speed of 13 knots. Each vessel's fish hold will have a capacity of 840,000 pounds. The vessels areto be fitted with the most modern navigational equip= ment, including wireless, tele— phones, direction finders, depth sounding apparatus, and radar. Table 1 - Iceland's Fish Production and Utilization, 1948 Utilization Fresh, on ice To freezing plants For wet salting Metric Tons Cod \and othe white eieh)t/ For salting For oil and meal Herring2/ Other For canning For home consumption Other uses (includes some cod and herri The new trawlers are gradu— ally intended to replace the old ones (which operate at a loss), and the development. of the fishing capacity of the trawler fleet is the major undertaking related to the fisheries contemplated in Iceland's long term economic program. Total cost of the 10 trawlers ordered in the United Kingdom by the Icelandic Government has been estimated at $6.2 million payable in sterling. The main cod season for the small boats (25 to 100 GRT) starts in January and ends in the middle or end of May. In this season, fisheries are carried on almost without interruption in the area off the south, southwest, west, and north— west coasts. The greatest concentration is at the south and southwest coasts (between the Westmann Islands and Snaefellsness). In 1948, the catch of cod and related species by vessels other than trawlers amounted to 116,000 metric tons. These catches are all brought ashore fresh, where the greater part is taken to the freezing plants and some salted. The freezing plants (Table 3) which are located all around the coast and are almost entirely privately owned, produce mostly quick frozen fillets. Approx= imately 80 percent of the freezing plants are members of the Iceland Freezing Plants Corporation. This organization is set up largely for the purpose of market- ing abroad the products of the various plants. Very little expansion of the re— frigerating plants is anticipated in the long term economic program. Total esti mate of dollar expenditures for these constructions for the period 1949-50 Table 2,- Icelandic Fishing Fleet by Types to 1950-52 is $170,000. and Size, 1948 i ° letric lons Herring: Upto 1946, there was = = only one main season for the herring fisheries: the period from July to September, off the north coast of Ice— land. During the winter of 1946-47 and particularly 1947-48 (Nov. to Jan.), herring was caught in great quantities off the southwest coast (particularly around Hvalfjordur). The 1948-49winter season, however, was a total failure. Other fishing vessels (steamers Motor vessels: More than 100 GRT eeee Herring fisheries are carried on, for the most part, with purse-seine nets by the smaller boats. These craft (Table 2) are able to convert from one typeof fishing to the other as the cod and herring seasons do not generally coincide. Herring April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 2D from both the summer and winter catches is processed into oil and meal. Salted herring has, up to the present, been produced almost entirely during the summer season owing to the better quality of the summer fish. Most of the larger herring processing plants (which reduce herring into oil and meal) are located in the north, around Siglufjordur and Akureyri (Table 4). In view of the record winter catch of 1947-48, it was decided to expand proces— Sing facilities in the south and to build a floating herring factory. Most of the 2.3 million dollar ECA loan taken by Iceland in 1948 was used for this pur-— pose, and the floating herring factory, Pe eee: : Haeringur, is now ready for operation. No further significant development of herring processing plants is anticipated in the long term economic program. A great part of the 1948 production of the summer herring catch was salted and less processed into oil and meal, Canning: A small amount of both herring and cod go to the canning factor— ies, The most important of these are located in Reykjavik (Table 5). “HERRING Whaling; The year 1948 saw the resumption of whaling operations which proved highly successful. Plans are being laid for the expansion of this industry. Exports of Fishery Products: Iceland's total 1948 exports, the highest in Icelandic history, amounted to $60,826,724 of which $56,944,286 constituted fish— ery products (Table 6), compared with $41,128,687 for 1947. Part of the winter herring oil production (1947-48) was exported in 1948, as well as other types of fishery products. It is not likely that 1948's carry-over production, which will be exported in 1949, will be so great in value as 1947's carry-over production, exported in 1948. In value, about 25 percent ($15,371,253) more fish and fish products were exported during 1948 as compared with 1947. The value of fish ex— ports tends to present an exaggerated picture of Iceland's total 1948 exports. Iceland markets a sizable part of its fish production Table 3 - Iceland's Freez- | in countries withwhich it has concluded trade agree— ing Plants, 1948 ments. The prices on these markets are relatively Production high. However, in return Iceland must purchase from Capaci ty these countries high-priced commodities. per 16 hrs. Fish on ice was Iceland's most important export product. The United Kingdcem, Iceland’s best customer, and Germany were the only importers of this product. The new reconstruction trawl— ers were solely responsible for effecting such a tremendous (more than double that of 1947) increase in the catch of fish. The old trawlers will gradually be replaced by new modern diesel-powered and steam trawlers (Table 2). Next in importance was herring oil exports which were about 50 percent great— er than that of 1947. The larger part of the output was exported to the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands, The unusual 1947-48 winter herring catch ‘was responsible for the large herring oil production. Unless the 1949 summer her— ring catch is extraordinarily large, the 1949 output will be considerably lower than that of 1948, because of the exceptionally poor 1948 summer and 1948-49 winter herring catches. 54 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 4 Frozen fish fillets was Iceland's third Table 4 - Iceland's Herring most important fish export commodity. The pro- Plants, 1948 duction was slightly less than that of 1947. ? ECR Ge __| The United Kingdom, Czechoslovakia, and the Neth- ote ee Store Sea erlands received the greater part of the export Xe bre.| Meal _| = production of frozen fish. The production of ps AA 1 59,250 | 63,000 frozen fish could be easily stepped up provided the export prices were increased. Unfortunate— ly, the Icelanders have been encountering difficul— . : d . ; is F ib 1 - 1 "s Cann ties in marketing abroad this particular type of fish. is “Tactarien, 120 ae ‘Production Capaci N ‘No, of Cans ] of Cans per ~ 1294, 000-137, 000 Other important fish exports were: herring meal (last year's production was three and one-half times greater than that of 1947); cod liver oil (the pro- duction was one-third greater last year than in 1947); and saltedherring exports (almost double exports of 1947). The statistics indicate that subsidized fish export products, such as salted fish and frozen fillets were lower, particularly.the former, a sign that there is less desire to produce these types of fish products which the Government must sub- sidize. Qutlook for Fisheries: As all fish catches (particularly herring) are highly unpredictable, i it is difficult to make any long-range forecasts (Figure 1). Table 6 - Iceland's Exports of Fishery Products and Quantity Exported ee ato_ United States em 2 otal Icelandic Exports Quantity oe ed to United Sta Product Fresh Fish: Herring Other rozen Fish: Herring Other Salted Fish: Herring Other, prepared " unprepared | 13,309 " pressed " ,in barrels Fish wings Fish Meal: Herrin ae re Do eee 048} 11, 122 1 el a ail al ee Oil: “Herring 28, 336 a ,240) 20,527| 7,977,121] - Cod liver 8. 035 4.619 5,407 3,521,010] 2,982) 1 956, 092 Whale Se 9 —— “Gsh: r—o59, —ba7. 348] 340] 999. 37 36] 9059, 70} — 11a] 98 scelianecus: “Fish, dried 6 550 Roe, frozen 107 645 Roe, salted 1,000 297,712 Whale meat,frozen nef Fish skins,salted Potala wane FASS SIGRSTM AEA NSGRSsI TT CRA] RENO TROON] WGTCIC 1/Less than a metric ton. April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 5) _Herring catches in recent years make it appear somewhat unlikely that the goal for herring can be achieved. If the herring show up, however, there should be no production or marketing problems. Facilities for processing, in both the north.and south of Iceland, are now well developed, and the market is likely to remain good. Catches of cod and other white fish, as a result of the planned addition of new trawlers, should continue to increase. The goals set for 1952, however, may again be somewhat optimistic. Production facilities for salted, iced, and frozen fish should be adequate, but the marketing problems may be difficult to solve. A fish working party of the OEEC has estimated that there may be a surplus of demersal fish in 1952. Whether this will actually materialize depends on many intangible factors such as (a) whether Iceland and other nations will actually achieve the production goals planned in their programs, and (b) the extent to which the consumption of fish can be increased. In the case of Iceland, it is unquestionable that the country's continued ability to export large quantities of fish represents its only chance of achieving viability at anything close to its present standard of living. __ NOTE: Rate of exchange used for conversion of values based on 1 kronur equals e154 cents U.S, KH HK STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL NORTHWEST ATLANTIC FISHERIES CONVENTION: Ina news release giving information about Iceland's participation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Conference held at Washington, D. C., January 26 to February 8, 1949, the Icelandic Foreign Office stated that Iceland's action in signing the Conven= tion agreed to at the Conference is not incompatible with the execution of the Icelandic laws governing protection of the coastal shelf inasmuch as the convention "has differentiated between the limits of territorial waters and the jurisdiction of a coastal state over fisheries, even though these fisheries are outside terri- torial waters," according to a March 2 report from the American Legationat Reykja— vik. The release continues: "In many respects the agreement coincides with the agreement concerning the size of meshes, etc., signed in London on April 5, 1946, which is to be in force for the area east of 42nd degree of Western longitude." However, Iceland has not found it possible to sanction the London Agreement because it has not been possible to get a decision as to whether participation in the Agreement is compatible to the execution of Act No. 44 of April 5, 1948, concerning the protection of fishing grounds on the coastal shelf, It was thought possible that such participation by the Icelanders might be interpreted as an admission on their part that no unilateral protective measures could be effected outside the virtual territorial waters. With reference to the latest Convention, the press release further states: "This is the first time that an international agreement has differentiated between the limits of territorial waters and the jurisdiction of a coastal state over fisheries, even though these fisheries are outside territorial waters. Pare ticipation in this agreement cannot, therefore, be considered incompatible with the execution of the Icelandic laws on the protection of the coastal shelf, al-— though such execution naturally has not been granted the approval of the contracting Governments." 3 56 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11,No. 4 India FISHERIES REVIEW: The fisheries of India, potentially rich, have not as yet been fully exploited. Fishing and fish trade have historically been relegated to a class of people socially inferior and lacking both finance and education to improve the industry. Nevertheless, considerable progress has been made in recent years as a result of the zeal and initiative of the provincial fisheries departments, according to the report, "Marketing Areas in India," issued by the Office of International Trade, Department of Commerce, in December 1948. The Provinces of Bengal (East and West) and Orissa in the Calcutta marketing area have extensive supplies of fish. InBengal, about 2 percent of the population are engaged in fishing and its connected trades. Fresh-water and estuarine fish= ing are the.most important in this region, sea fishing having been little ex- ploited. The most important inland commercial fish is the hilsa (Hilsa ilisha). Other river and tank fishes are the rohu (Labio rohita), the katla, and mrigal (Cirrhina mrigala), Large supplies of bhekti (Latas calcarifer) are available from the estuaries along the Sunderbans. Foreign trade in fish from this area is unimportant. With the exception of some dried fish (salted or unsalted) ex— ported to Ceylon, there is little shipment to other countries. The food situation in South India has necessitated exploitation of the avail= able fisheries. Methods used,. however, are not modern and there is much waste. Coastal waters provide a potential source of food fish and Government authorities are planning the development of an organized, modern industry. Bombay Province and the Indian States of Gujerat and Kathiawar in the Bombay marketing area have been favored with a long coast line which abounds with suit- able bases for the fishing craft. Deep~sea fishing continues throughout the year except during the months of June, July, and August when the southwest monsoon is severe. Over 100,000 metric tons of fish are reportedly caught every year by fishermen of the Bombay Province. To provide quick transportation of the fish to consuming centers, the Bombay Government has a fleet of 17 motor launches. A total of 3,000,000 pounds of fresh fish was brought by these launches to Bombay during the year ended March 31, 1946. Mackerel, catfish, pomfrets, Indian salmon, tuna, and sardines are some of the important kinds caught in the Arabian Sea. Since demand for fresh fish has been constantly outstripping supply, fish canning has not been attempted. The success of the Government's venture has stimulated the flow of private capital into the fishing industry. At least two large com=— panies have been formed to exploit deep-sea fishing in the Arabian Sea with modern appliances and methods. Although it was known that oil of high potency could be extracted from sharks inhabiting coastal waters, production of shark liver oil on a cammercial scale was not attempted until the war, when supplies of cod liver oil from Norway were cut off. The Bombay Fisheries Department devised a simple process for the ex= traction ofthe oil which could be used with ease by the uneducated fishermen. Considerable progress has been made in the past few years. Refining of the oil is done in Bombay under the supervision of the Fisheries Department. Current output is reported to be 4,800 gallons with an average potency of 15,000 inter— national units per gram. Plans are under way for stepping up production and de— velopment of the export trade. Similar facilities for the manufacture of shark liver oil also exist in Baroda State. a ~ April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW a7 Japan DECLINE IN SARDINE FISHERY: The catch of sardines in 1947 and 1948 was con- siderably below the prewar average for 1933-37. The catch for 1947 and 1948 was reported at 390,000 and 317,000 metric tons, respectively, as compared to the an- nual average of 1,442,000 metric tons for 1933-37. This period includes the years of peak production in the Japanese sardine fishery, according to the February 19 Weekly Summary of the Natural Resources Section of SCAP. The area from Aomori to Chiba prefectures for 1933-37 accounted for about 40 percent of the total sardine production for Japan, compared to 27 percent in 1947 and 9 percent in 1948. Sardine fishermen are facing financial difficulties at present, as are many other fishermen in Japan. The exact amount of financial help needed for sardine fishermen has not been determined, but it is expected to be a considerable part of the ¥142,000,000 (approximately $525,925) recently authorized for four types of fisheries, including the sardine fishery. Japanese aquatic research workers have advanced various theories as to the cause of the decline in the sardine fishery, based principally on factors affect— ing water temperatures and changes in migration and availability, but the real cause or causes have not yet been determined. ala. TS Libya (Tripolitania and Gyrenaica) FISHERIES, 1948: Tuna: The six tuna fishing and canning companies operating in Libya caught approximately 1,000 metric tons of fish in 1948, of which approxi- mately 500 tons were canned or otherwise processed, according to a March & report from the American Consulate at Tripoli, Tripolitania. This figure was approximately 10 percent higher than the 1939 catch and 30 percent higher than in 1947, pre- viously the highest production year since the occupation. Sardine: The six sardine fishing and canning companies also had a good year in 1948. Over 340 metric tons of sardines were canned, of which a large part was exported. Sponges: The production of sponges was 32 metric tons in 1948, of which 12 tons were harvested by Greek fishermen and 20 tons by Tripolitanians. The 20 metric tons harvested by Tripolitanians was valued at approximately $270,000; Greek sponge fishermen pay the Administration certain fees but land and sell their catch in Greece. Figures furnished by the Administration evaluate the prewar production (1935- 38) at an average of about 35 metric tons annually. However, local sources state that average production for the prewar period was more in the neighborhood of 75 to 100 tons taken by both Greeks and Tripolitanians. Practically none of the sponges harvested in Tripolitanian waters remain in the country. 58 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, Now 4 Norway EXPANSION OF TRAWLER FLEET: A special Norwegian Government committee on nationalization of the fisheries proposes legislation to permit the construction and operation of a modern trawling fleet, according to a February 21 report from the American Embassy at Oslo. In sone anse to neighboring countries, Norway now has only eight trawlers. However, the proposed legislation would not sanction trawling in Norwegian waters. Republic of Panama DECREE CONCERNING BAIT FISHING WITHIN PANAMANIAN. WATERS: The Government of ing, namely, Decree No. 408 of April 27, 1946, and Decree No. 564 of August 3, 1948, according to a January 17 report from the American Embassy at Panama, R. P. DECREE NUMBER 6 (of January 13, 1949) by which Decrees, Numbers 408 of April 27, 1946, and 564 of August 3, 1948, are amended, The President of the Republic in the exercise of his legal powers, and in compliance with the authority granted him by Article 244 of the Fiscal Code, and with the approval of the Cabinet Council, DECREE S: Article 1, Article 2 of Decree No. 408 of April 27, 1946, is amended to read as follows: ‘The owners or captains of vessels fishing for bait (sardines) mst apply and obtain a license at the Ministry of Agriculture, Commerce and Industries, and a Navigation License at the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, Article 2, Fishing by the method kmown as “Purse-Seine" or any other method prejudicial to fisheries in general, is prohibited. Article 3. The Sole Article of Decree No, 564 of August 3, 1948, is amended to read as follows: Fishing for bait (sardines) is Seay only in the waters to the South of eight degrees thirty minutes (Be 30") North Latitude, Article 4, Article 7 of Decree No. 408 of April 27, 1946, is hereby canceled, Article 5. This Decree becomes effective on the day of its approval. BE IT COMMUNICATED AND PUBLISHED, Given in the city of Panama, on the thirteenth day of the month of January of one thousand nine hundred and forty-nine (1949) (Signed) DOMINGO DIAZ A., The Minister of Agriculture, Commerce and Industries (Signed) GMO, MENDEZ P. April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERINS REVIEW og United Kingdom NEW ARCTIC RESEARCH VESSEL: The British fisheries research vessel, the Ernest Holt, “of Grimsby, sailed on on her maiden voyage to the White Sea grounds early this year with a complement of 32 men, according toanews release received from England by the British Commonwealth Scientific Office. The new ship's program of investi- gation includes the use of echo-sounders in fishing operations, investigation of the factors which govern the movement of cod, relationship of temperature to fish population, taking a census of fish in the Arctic, and the research in the connec— tion between the supply of fish foods and the fishery. GENERAL VIEW OF THE ERNEST HOLT The British Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries intends to carry out fishery research in the Arctic. There is fishing at all seasons of the year, and many of the fishing grounds lie far within the Arctic Circle. Although these areas, such as the Barents Sea, are made workable by the Atlantic water that extends so far north, they are for half the year nearly completely dark, and their northern bor— der is the Polar icefield. Someof the best fishing areas lie in the North Atlan— tic storm track, The task of Fishery Research in this region is to find out, with the use of the Ernest Holt, the necessary facts on which advice could be given to improve or maintain this fishery. The quantity of fish landed in Great Britain should, if possible, be increased, and the quality improved. Both these requirements might be met from better knowledge of the cod's habits and movements. For research in these regions, the Ministry decided to rely on the type of vessel that has proved successful in fishing the area. The Ernest Holt is a well- tried commercial trawler type of modern design, suitably modified for research, but intended to be equivalent to a commercial vessel in catching power per hour's fishing. The principal modifications compared with a standard Arctic trawler are two. Bunker oil is carried in flat tanks under the floors of normal bunker space and Vol. 11,No. 4 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 60 q D> Ss V Ss p b Nae 0 ? : ome CJ Co hr io 1333 a1v9S sz o2 si O§ § O SLSILN3IDS §] S.Y3DIIO SAIHS Hy] AaTIVS SdiHs ¢ woouss3an 2] | NIGVD S.NaW3uI3 |] SYNVL UaLvA Se WOOXHSYA Qj suayNna tio wZ aduvE vVuLXa & WOOY NOlLvayday EZ HONIM TAVEL @ SNiavd $.M389 22 HS Myyoouaan & WOOSHSI4 |Z Aanis 9 BYOLS dW3L MOIOZW AvOLWYOBVT 13a § 43Z33u4 OINO 6} 3SNOH133HM y AMANIHOVW ‘914438 Q] WOON ssa73uiM £ AYOLVYORYT NIVN Z] WOOH LuvHD 2 OYAD YSLSVW OQ] = NIGvVD SUaISWN | .110H 1S3NY3, TASS3A HOYVv3IS3aY DJILDYV April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 61 "fishroom" space, to provide a main laboratory below decks for oceanographical and for biological. work and to provide accommodations. The space occupied by the skipper's berth has been increased to allow a small deck laboratory and shel- ter for silk nets against freezing, for a small lounge, and for access to the quarters below, the Master being accommodated on the enlarged bridge above. The scientific winches are two, namely, extra drums on the main fishing winch for the heavier gear, and a light winch in a sheltered position on the casing abaft the bridge for lighter apparatus. There has been a certain amount of strengthening for ice inthe form of thick- ened plates at bow and stern and along the waterline. Apart from this and other minor changes, the construction conforms to stan— dard trawler practice. Dimensions of Ernest Holt enp,thovier=alll Wtesle\locleiseilelieieiscions Loon On Length between perpendiculars ... 175'0" Beam) Moulded) c\ejjeicre\ejelsyoteisieiciole ols ol SOO” Weyaitn imewilslesl GodoGc0000000000000 6'o" In general appearance, she differs only a little from a commercial trawler. The amidships deckhouse and bridge superstructure are approximately 3' 6" longer fore and aft than in the normal trawler so asto provide space foradeck laboratory and biologist's study on the main deck, Above are the Master's cabin, the wire-— less room and small chartroom, all of which are abaft the wheelhouse. There is no mizzen mast, though this is absent too in several trawlers recently completed. The main engines and boiler are of the triple expansion type developing 900 i. hp. Saturated steam is used as the running of the vessel involves many halts for scientific observations, but wherever possible. provision has been made A CORNER OF MAIN LABORATORY ABOARD THE ERNEST HOLT 62 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11,No. 4 for a change to superheated steam should it be ultimately found desirable. The propeller is of "Scimitar" type. Because of the space taken up by the laboratory and scientists! accommodation, the "fishroom" and experimental machinery space has been reduced to a total capa— city of approximately 1,500 cubic feet. This part of the ship is divided into three sections, (a) the insulated "fishroom" which has chilling grids on.a brine circulation calculated to maintain a terpera- ture of 0° C., (b) a pilot scale air-blast/contact quick-freezing plant of 5 cwt. total capacity and a low temperature store working at ~10° C., (c) the machinery space which contains all compressors, circulators, etc., grouped for ease of main= tenance and supervision. The deck laboratory, which opens onto the deck abaft the winch, is used for the reception of all samples collected by a variety of nets and gear. It is an "L" shaped space, with a teak topped bench occupying the after bulkhead. A flap top is fitted at either end of the bench, in order to allow access to and from the storm passage. It is fully equipped for fishery research work. Ke KKK a pursue a policy calculated ultimately to bring the deep-sea section of the industry to a position where it will be ripe for being wholly taken over by the State and organized as a food—producing social service," according to the March 5 British periodical, Fish Trades Gazette. The main provisions of the plan the group advocates calls for "systematic planning" of processing, canning, marketing, and distribution; State ownership of deep-water trawlers; guaranteed prices at all stages; complete elimination of inland wholesaler and the small wholesaler at the ports; andsixteenof the larger fishing ports to be Government selling places for disposal of all fish in all forms of processing. For the inshore fishermen, cooperatives for fishermen are recommended who "might be encouraged to engage in retailing fish under special licenses issued for the exclusive sale of inshore fish." HR HE tion in, supplies of canned fish, according to a December 10 report from the Am— erican Embassy at London. j Canned tunny from Turkey will soon be another British substitute canned fish product to replace higher-grade salmon, pilchards, and sardines. The Ministry has made the first, and quite appreciable, purchase of canned tunny to be packed in Turkey. It is expected to be six months before the product is on sale in Brit- ish grocery stores. Contrary to many expectations, canned snoek has proved acceptable to the British public, which bought all of it. The Ministry has sent a representative to South Africa to negotiate for the purchase, not only of snoek, but of many April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 63 other foods. A total of 225,000 cases of snoek, each containing 48 s—pound cans, had been purchased up to December 10, and grocers were asking for more, accord— ing to the Ministry. An appreciable quantity of sardines from Yugoslavia to supplement Portuguese and American sardines have been purchased by the Ministry. The Ministry stated that there appeared to be little hope of obtaining Ameri- can or Canadian dollars. The United Kingdom is having difficulty in paying for absolutely essential foodstuffs, such as wheat, bacon, and some eggs, and canned fish could not be said to rank with those priorities. aA International WORLD PRODUCTION OF MARINE 3 stimated World Production, OILS, 1948: Production of ma— 8 with Compar i rine oilshasincreased slightly, due primarily to anincrease in the whale oil output of 1948, according to the February 21 issue of Foreign Crops and Markets issued by the Office of Fore Foreign Agricultural Rela~ tions, U. S. Department of Agri- culture. The number of whales takenis still limited by inter- national agreement, and except for the catch by a limited number of land stations, pro— duction of whale oil during the next fewyears is unlikely to exceed that of 1948 or 1949. The fishing industry has not yet recovered to the point where fish oil production is equal to prewar. Table 2 - Marine Oils: World Exports, 1949 with Comparisons — in oil or fat equivalent 'stimate|Forecas Commodi 1935-39 134 1948 | 1949 Wtea HL sogqdc0ddo Total marine oils COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No.4 Department of Commerce BUREAU OF FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC COMMERCE ALLOCATION ORDER M-81 RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF TIN IN CANS EASED: ON USE OF TIN IN Elimination of special quota “restrictions on the amount of tin which may be used in the manu- facture of beer and animal food cans was announced March 14 by the Department of Commerce and as reported in the Federal Register of March 19, 1949. Other changes in the Department's Allocation Order M-81 designed to simplify problems of can manufacturers and packers, also are made in an amendment effective immediately. It was emphasized by the Department that the changes donot affect the limitation on tin consumption in the over-all manufacture of cans. The order still provides that "during the first six months of 1949, in making cans, no person shall use more than 50 percent of the tin in the form of tinplate coating than was contained in the tinplate he received during 1947 for making cans." Amendment of M=81, in addition to the changes with regard to manufacture of beer and animal food cans, provides for: (1) Use of quarter-pound tinplate for the non-soldered parts of cans for certain food products on which use of tinplate in these parts pre- viously had been prohibited, This change is expected to benefit many smell packers who have experienced hardship as the result of corroe sion of can ends as previously made, (2) Addition of scallops to the list of fish products which may be packed This product was not included in the original since it had never been packed in cans, in timplate cans, permitted list, food packers, however, now wish to do this. Several sea= SCHEDULES ‘hotdipped with a maximum tin coating } 105. Fish roe—_--___-__--__- eae -50 -50 § 338.45 Schedule I; can specifications.| of 1.25 paunds per base box, may be used | verge sardines e a Columns (2) and (3) specify the weights} wherever 0:50 or heavier tinplate is speci- ee eee ca es eee “ah of tinplate or terneplate which may be}fiedin these columns. Menders arising in DS Orleans 1.25 1.95 used for the soldered, welded and non-|the production of 0.25 electrolytic tim= } 107. Herring, Pacific Be 433 aie «50 -50 soldered parts of cans for the products| plate which have been converted into | 18 Herring, river, include 50 00 listed in Column (1). | SCMT may be used wherever 0.25 or en en Any person may use for packing a listed: heavier tinplate is specified in this order “60 “50 product blackplate cans or cans with a}for nonfood cans. ) att tin coating lighter than that specified for Pals sieaeen tice “50 “50 that product. Fish and shellfish (processed and in Pe Wherever 0.25 electrolytic tinplate is hermetically sealed cans) a ‘ad cans ------ 2 i specified, SCMT may be used. When| 94. Anchovi a =f i Rl osaleans® 195 125 only: a figure is given in Column (2) or “a < 750 "50 1.25 = (3), this means that tinplate may be used} 97 -50 50 50 “50 for the part, and the figure given indi-| %. Bee oe mt . 50 .50 cates the maximum weight of tim coating }j;ig: pele “50 “50 Ae a per single base box. 101. Finnan hadd a ae “60 “80 Meneers arising in the production of {102 Tish Saket j------- al er 50 00 a 0.50 electrolytic tinplate, which have been }}04. Fish livers and fish liver oils_- 1.25 1,25 April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 65 Interstate Commerce Commission TRANSPORTATION OF SHRIMP BY QUALIFIED UNLICENSED TRUCKS: The Chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission, in reply to an inguiry from the Associate Solicitor of the Department of Agriculture concerning the decision in the Chester Morton Love Case, 77 F. Supp. 63, stated on March 14: "The Commission has concluded that it will not seek review of this decision and will attempt to follow it nationewide, so far as concerns the transportation of shrimp." As a result of this action, shrimp may now be transported by motor vehicles not licensed by the Interstate Commerce Commission if such motor vehicles are not used for carrying for compensation any passengers or property other than exempt property as defined in Section 203 (b) (6) of the Motor Carriers Act and subsequent decision of the Interstate Commerce Commission. Eighty-first Congress MARCH 1949 committees by the Eighty-First Congress during March 1949 which affect in any way the fisheries and fishing and allied industries. The bills are listed in the order in which they were introduced: House of Representatives: H, R, 3190 (Lesinski) - A bill to provide for the amendment of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and Labor, H, R, 3206 (Phillips of Calif.) - A bill to confirm and establish the titles of the State to lands beneath navigable waters within State boundaries and natural resources within such lands and waters and to provide for the use and control of said lands and resources; to the Committee on the Judiciary. H, R, 3243 (Holifield) - A bill to confirm and establish the titles of the. States to lands beneath navigable waters within State boundaries and natural resources within such lands and waters and to provide for the use and control of said lands and resources; to the Committee on the Judiciary. H. R, 3387 (Anderson of Calif.) - Same as H. R, 3243; to the Committee on the Judiciary. H, R, 3389 (Hinshaw) - Same as H. R. 3243; to the Committee on the Judiciary. H, RB, 3390 (Johnson) - Same as H. R, 3243; to the Committee on the Judiciary. H. R, 3398 (Sheppard) - Same as H. R, 3243; to the Committee on the Judiciary, H. R, 3415 (Allen of Calif.) - Same as H. R. 3206; to the Committee on the Judiciary. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol.11, Noo 4 H, R, 3421 (Jackson of Wash.) - A bill to grant to fishermen's cooperatives the same exemption from income tax as is allowed to farmers’ cooperatives; to the Committee on Ways and Means, H. R, 3442 (Jackson of Calif.) - Same as H. R, 3205; to the Committee on the Judiciary. H. R. 3484 (Scudder) - Same as H. R, 3206; to the Committee on the Judiciary. H. R. 3591 (Werdel) - Same as H. R. 3206; to the Committee on the Judiciary. H. R, 3605 (Rogers of Fla.) - A bill to provide for the documentation of the Cenadian-built vessel North Wind owned by a citizen of the United States in order that it may be operated as a commercial fishing vessel; to the Con- mittee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. H, R, 3636 (Horan) - A bill to establish a Columbia Interstate Commission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Public Works, H. R, 3655 (Poulson) - Same as H. R, 3206; to the Committee on the Judiciary. H. R, 3779 (Engle) - Same as H. R, 3206; to the Committee on the Judiciary. H, R, 3838 (Report No. 324) (Kirwan, from the Committee on Appropriations) - A bill making appropriations for the Department of the Interior for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1950, and for other purposes; to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, H, Res. 147 (‘Thompson) - Resolved, That the Secretary of State ve, and he hereby is, requested to cause an immediate study to be made of the effect on the domestic fishing industry of increasing imports of fresh-water and salt-water fresh and frozen fish, especially groundfish, fillets, into the United States; and, with the advice of and in coordination with appropriate executive departments and independent agencies of the Government to recom- mend the means by which the United States fishing industry may survive and be saved harmless against the inroads of foreign-caught and foreign-processed fish; and that, because of the urgency of the situation, he be requested to make his report and recommendation to the House of Representatives not later than May 15, 1949; to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, H, Res, 155 (Bates of Mass.) - Resolution to. investigate costs of production on domestic and foreign fresh and frozen groundfish fillets; to the Committee on Ways and Means, H, Res, 174 (Wichel) - Resolution requesting the Secretary of State, the Sec- retary of Commerce, and the Tariff Commission to investigate the domestic fishing industry; to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. H. J. Res, 202 (Potter) - Joint resolution to amend the act of August 8, 1946, relating to investigation and eradication of predatory sea lampreys of the Great Lakes, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. Senate: S. Res. 88 (Tydings) - Resolved, That the Senate Committee on Armed Services, or any duly authorized sub-committee thereof, is authorized and directed to conduct a full and complete study and investigation to determine what legis- lation may be appropriate to define and delimit the territorial waters of the United States, which definition shall (a) be consistent with the sover- eignty.of the several States and the international rights and obligations of the United States (b) give due regard to the requirements of the national defense, of commerce, and of the conservation, development, and utilization April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 67 of the resources of the marginal seas, and (c) observe the constitutional rights of the several States in their relationship to the national economy and the national defense. The committee shall report its findings, together with its recommendations for such legislation as it may deem advisable, to the Senate at the earliest practicable date. Sec. 2, For the purposes of this resolution, the committee, or any duly authorized sub-committee thereof, is authorized to employ upon a temporary basis such technical, clerical, and other assistants as it deems advisable. The expenses of the committee under this resolution, which shall not exceed $35,000, shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon vouchers approved by the Chairman of the committee; to the Committee on Armed Services, S. Res, 92 (Brewster) - Resolved, That the Secretary of the Interior be, and he hereby is, requested to cause an immediate study to be made of--(1) the dif- ferences in the costs of domestic production of fresh and frozen fish, es- pecially groundfish fillets, and the costs of foreign production of similar fish; and (2) the effect on the domestic fishing industry of increasing in- ports of fresh and frozen fish, especially groundfish fillets, into the United States, and with the advice of, and in coordination with, the Department of State, the Department of Agriculture, the United States Tariff Commission, the Bureau of Customs of the Department of the Treasury, and other appropriate executive departments and independent agencies of the Government to recommend means by which the United States fishing industry may survive and be saved harmless against the inroads of foreign-caught and foreign-processed fish; and that, because of the urgency of the situation, he be and hereby is re- quested to make his report and recommendation to the Senate within 30 days after the adoption of this resolution; to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, MEMORIALS PRESENTED AND REFERRED: House of Representatives: Memorial of the Legislature of the Territory of Alaska, urging legislation to require the canned-salmon industry to employ certain percentages of resident fishermen over a period of years; to the Committee on Public Lands. TREATY PRESENTED: Senate: Treaty Between U, S. and Mexico for Establishment of an International Commission for the Investigation of Tuna (Exec, K), was received and referred to Commit- tee on Foreign Relations. BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, ETC. PASSED, AND OTHER ACTION: House of Representatives: H, Res, 124, Adopted, Commercial Fishing: Making in order the consideration of H. R, 2363, a bill granting the consent and approval of Congress to an interstate compact relating to the better utilization of the fisheries of the Gulf coast and creating the Gulf States Marine Fishéries Commission, Then, by unanimous consent, the House proceeded to consider an identical Senate measure (S, J, Res, 42) which was passed with a perfecting amend- ment. H, R. 2363 was tabled, 68 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 4 LANDINGS AND RECEIPTS In Millions MAINE - LANDINGS NOT INCLUDING IMPORTS {o} JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. NEW YORK CITY-RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH SALT-WATER MARKET {o) JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. GULF - SHRIMP LANDINGS HEADS OFF - FOR ALL USES JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR.MAY JUNE In CALIFORNIA - PILCHARD LANDINGS DOES NOT INCLUDE SUMMER OR OFF-SEASON PRODUCTION I ERE) aa / \ JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE Pounds MASSACHUSETTS - LANDINGS BOSTON , GLOUCESTER , NEW BEDFORD , & CAPE COD 80 ie} JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. PEC. CHICAGO - RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH WHOLESALE MARKET (e} JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV DEC. SEATTLE - RECEIPTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FISH WHOLESALE MARKET , LANDINGS , & IMPORTS JAN, FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV, DEC. Tons CALIFORNIA- TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. eeeeeeee ESTIMATED April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 69 COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS and FREEZINGS of FISHERY PRODUCTS In Millions of Pounds U.S. & ALASKA - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH U.S. & ALASKA - FREEZINGS 0 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. 8 NEW ENGLAND - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH NEW YORK CITY - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH 45-— JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. GULF - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH te} JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG: SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND ALASKA - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH CALIFORNIA - HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FISH (0) JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. 70 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. HL, No. 4 CANNED FISHERY PRODUCTS In Thousands of Standard Cases MAINE - SARDINES , ESTIMATED PACK UNITED STATES - SHRIMP 947-45,—1N Y-FUN , FOOD AND ORUG ADMINISTRATION, FOOD INSPECTION SERVICE. : 4 ~ (0) JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE CALIFORNIA - TUNA CALIFORNIA - PILCHARDS 1200, 1050 900 750 600 450 300 i50 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE CALIFORNIA - MACKEREL ALASKA - SALMON JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. WASHINGTON - PUGET SOUND SALMON STANDARD CASES Variety No.Cans Can Designation Net. Wgt. SARDINES 100 1/4 drawn 3 1/4 oz. SHRIMP 48 No.1 picnic 7 oz. TUNA 48 No. 1/2 tuna 7 oz. PILCHARDS 48 No. 1 oval 15 oz. MACKEREL 48 No. 300 15 oz. SALMON 48 l-pound tall 16 oz. -+— —/ JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW (i PRICES , IMPORTS and BY-PRODUCTS BOSTON - WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE ON NEW ENGLAND FISH EXCHANGE IN ¢ PER POUND 0. JAN. FEB, MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. In U.S.- IMPORTS OF FRESH & FROZEN FILLETS OF GROUND FISH, INCLUDING ROSEFISH:- {o} JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. U.S.- IMPORTS OF CANNED TUNA AND TUNA-LIKE FISH 0 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. U.S. & ALASKA - PRODUCTION OF FISH MEAL Fs IN THOUSANDS OF TONS 35 30} (¢) JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. IN MILLIONS OF POUNDS MAINE - IMPORTS OF FRESH SEA HERRING IN MILLIONS OF POUNDS —— — 0 JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC. U.S.- IMPORTS OF FRESH AND FROZEN SHRIMP FROM MEXICO JAN. FEB. MAR. APR: MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. U.S.-IMPORTS OF CANNED SARDINES (Include in oil and not in oil ) JAN, FEB. MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. U.S. & ALASKA - PRODUCTION OF FISH OIL IN MILLIONS OF GALLONS [Seber i {0} JAN. FEB MAR. APR. MAY. JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT, NOV. DEC 72 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11; No. 4 Eyal be. Z FISHERY PUBLICAT! Ce SA garh, Te ea a ele ee te Is eee = Recent publications of interest to. the commercial fishing industry are listed below. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PUBLICATIONS THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FREE FROM THE DIVISIQN OF INFORMATION, FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ANTERIOR, WASHINGTON Z5, D. C. TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS ARE DESIGNATED AS FOLLOWS: CFS FL CURRENT FISHERY STATISTICS OF THE UNITEO STATES AND ALASKA. FISHERY LEAFLETS. MDL - MARKET DEVELOPMENT SECTION LISTS OF DEALERS, LOCKER PLANTS, ASSOCIATIONS, ETC. SU - STATISTICAL SECTION LISTS OF DEALERS IN AND PRODUCERS OF FISHERY PRODUCTS AND BYPRODUCTS. SEP.- SEPARATES (REPRINTS) FROM COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW. Number Title CFS-4A7 - Massachusetts Landings, August 1948 CFS-448 - Maine Landings, October 1948 CFS-449 - Fish Meal and 0il, December 1948 CFS-452 - Massachusetts Landings, September 1948 C¥S-453 - Frozen Fish Report, February 1949 CFS-455 - Fish Meal and Oil, January 1949 CFS-A56 - Maine Landings, December 1948 CFS-459 - Frozen Fish Report, March 1949 FL-325 - The Nutrition of Fish in Hatcheries--A Literature Review FL-326 - SS Pacific Explorer, Part IV--Personnel and the Movement of Materials FL-32] - The Fishing Industry and the Market for Fish in Sweden FL-328 - Fishing Industry of the Gulf of Aden (Arabia) FL-329 - Fishing Industry in Brazil FL-333 - Aquatic Resources of the Ryukyu Area FL-334 - The Effect of a Seafood Diet on the Red Cell Count, Hemoglobin Value, and Hematocrit of Human Blood SL-106 cae - Firms Canning Shad or Shad Roe, 1947 SL-108 (Revised) - Firms Canning Salmon Eggs for Bait, 1947 SL-118 (Revised) - Firms Canning Groundfish Flakes, 1947 SL-119 erie - Firms Canning Squid, 1947 SL-156 (Revised) - Firms Manufacturing Pearl Essence, 1947 Sep. 225 - Fishery Exploration in the Western Pacific Sep. 226 - E Value Ratios for Some Commercial Vitamin A Oils A Bibliography af Lobster Culture, by L, W. Scattergood, Special Scientific Report 64, 26 p., processed, January 1949, Limited distribution and for the official use of Federal, State, or cooperating agencies, In view of the interest shown in the arti- ficial propagation of the lobsters (Homarus vulgaris and Homarus americanus), the author has assembled in this publication references pertaining to this activity and also the early life history of the genus, Reports issued by State and Federal Gov- ernments are included in this bibliography, Translations have been made of all ref- erences in foreign languages mentioned and they will be available in the future to those interested, Conditions Affecting Shellfish Production in Lynnhaven Bay, Virginia, and the Possi- bilities of Improving Them by Increasing Tidal Flow, by W, A. Chipman, Jr., Special Scientific Report No. 61, 2 p., maps and graphs, processed, December 1948. Limited distribution and for the official use of Federal, State, or cooperating agencies. The purpose of the survey reported upon in this publication was to estimate the April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW 73 shellfish production in Lynnhaven Bay and to consider what effect increased tidal flows produced by the suggested improvements would have on it, Besides a description and a discussion of the shellfish production, pollution, and suggested improvements of the area, the report gives the survey observations on water conditions, tide and tidal flow, exchange of water by tidal action, character and distribution of the oyster-growing bottoms, and a set of conclu- sions, Growth of Oysters During Different Months of the Year, Bulletin Noy Ds Werle ws Yebruary 15, 1949, 3 p., mimeographed, free. Available upon request from Fish- ery Biological Laboratory, Fish and Wildlife Service, Milford, Conn. Gives some additional observations on the growth of oysters in addition to those reported in Bulletin No. 1 of April 1947. The observations were made on individually marked adult oysters kept in Milford Harbor, On the basis of frequent compari- sons, however, the report states that it is believed that they also reflect the general trend of the monthly growth of oysters in Long Island Sound proper, In- cluded is a table showing percent of increase in length, width, and volume of oysters during each month of the year. Investigations of the Oyster Reefs of Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama Following the Hurricane of September 19, 1947, by James B, Engle, Special Scientific Report No. 59, 71 p., processed, November 1948. Limited distribution and for the official use of Federal, State, or cooperating agencies, This publication reports on the surveys and investigations which were carried out to determine the extent of the damage to the shellfish and the shellfish bottoms of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama by the hurricane of September 19, 1947. ‘The report is divided into three parts: Part I deals with the damage to the oyster reefs in the State of Mississivpi caused by the hurricane; Part II is a report of the investigation of the oyster reefs of the State of Louisiana following the hurricane; and Part III is a report of the investigation of the oyster reefs of the State of Alabama following the hurricane, Each part concludes with a set of recommendations for the early re- habilitation of the reefs, A Survey of the Columbia River and its Tributaries with Special Reference to the Manage- ment of its Fishery Resources (2. Washington streams from the mouth of the Columbia River to and including the Klickitat River - Area I), by F, G, Bryant, Special Scien- tific Report No. 62, 110 p., illus., processed, January 1949, Limited distribution and for the official use of Federal, Stute, or cooperating agencies, This publica- tion covers Area I of the Columbia River watershed, which for the purpose of the Columbia River Stream Survey has been divided into several survey areas. The survey has been conducted to provide data for the evaluation of each stream, or portion of stream, from the standpoint of its present and potential value in relation to the maintenance of the salmon resources of the Columbia River, Area I covered by this report includes all tributaries entering the Columbia River on the north, or Wash- ington side, in the 180 miles from the mouth to and including the Klickitat River. The Cowlitz system is treated as a separate sub-area in Part 2 of this report. Be- sides a map of the stream-survey areas and an introduction, each of the two parts of the report consists of a map of the area surveyed, a list of streams, a dis- cussion of the survey, a descrintion of streams, and a table giving the obstructions and diversions. ARTICLES BY FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE AUTHORS IN OTHER PUBLICATIONS "The Turbulent Oyster Trade, Part II: In the Twentieth Century," by James Wharton, ‘The Commonwealth, March 1949, Vol. XVI, No. 3, pp. 13-15, 34-35, illus, Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, Richmond, Va., 15 cents per issue. In this article, which is part of a series dealing with Virginia's seafood resources, the author reviews the ramifications of the oyster industry in this State in the twentieth century. The first part of this article dealing with the oyster industry in the nineteenth century appeared in the November 1948 issue of the magazine, COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 4 MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS THE FOLLOWING PUBLICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED, IN MOST INSTANCES, FROM THE AGENCIES ISSUING THEM, Annual Report of the Secretary of the Interior, Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1948, A427] p., printed, indexed, U. S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D, C., $1.00, Part I of this report deals with some of the more critical problems in the field of this Nation's natural resources, and concludes with recommendations for action. Fish is listed among one of the critical fields and the Secretary states: ".., that our fishery resources are renewable, if properly used. If overused, however, they can be destroyed, just as surely as our soil resources can be destroyed in the same way," Part II contains the annual reports of the Bureaus and Offices of the Department. It includes, among others, the annual report of the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service to the Secretary, This latter report gives information on the Service's activities during the year in marine fishery research; the conservation of Alaska fisheries; salmon conservation in the United States; utilization of fishe resources (covers mostly the con- mercial fisheries activities of the Service); maintaining the inland fisheries; cooperation with American Republics; rehabilitation of the Philippine fisheries; proposed international treaties; polar expeditions; whaling; wildlife; etc. ‘The Art of Fish Cookery, by Milo Miloradovich, 473 p., printed, indexed. Doubleday & Co., Inc., Garden City, N. Y., 1949, $3.50. ‘the first chapter of this book gives many strange facts about the use of fish in antiquity. It is a complete book of recipes, and contains rules for selecting, buying, storing, preparing, and cooking practically every kind of edible fish and shellfish sold in the United States. Part I gives names, seasons, forms, sizes, types, and producing areas for fresh and salt-water fish. This basic information is followed by general information on cooking (with charts) showing the time required for various kinds of cooking, baking, broiling, boiling, pan frying, ete. Includes a large number of recipes with variations ranging from chowders and stews to puffs, salads, sandwiches, sauces, and recipes for smoked, salted, and canned fish, Part II is devoted to shellfish (clams, crabs, lobsters, scallops, shrimp, turtles, etc.) along the same lines as the first part of the book on fish. ‘The Care of the Trawler's Fish, by G. A, Reay and J. M. Shewan, Food Investigation Leaflet No. 3 (Revised 1948), 12 p., printed. Department cf Scientific and In- dustrial Research, Cambridge, England, 1949. (For sale by His Majesty's Station- ery Office, London, England, 4d or approx. 7 cents U. S.) A leaflet intended to help owners, skippers, mates, and crews of trawlers and other types of vessels that catch "white" or demersal fish to care for their fish and to land it in the best possible condition, The treatment of pelagic species, e.g., herring, is net considered in this publication. First issued in 1933, this edition has been revised and extended, Contains data on the general scientific principles in- volved in the spoilage of fish, practical notes on the care of the trawler's fish, a chart giving the organoleptic characteristics of fresh and spoiled fish, and a suggested code of practice for officers and fishermen that might be kept continuously before them by display on board fishing vessels, eries, House of Representatives, Eighty-First Congress, First Session, March 39, 1949), 100 p., printed. Available only from the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries until exhausted. This publication contains the statements on the commercial fishing of the Great Lakes by the various members of the fishery in- dustries and the Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition, it gives a message from the President of the United States, transmitting a convention between the United States and Canada for the development, protection, and conservation of the fish- eries of the Great Lakes, signed at Washington, April 2, 1946; the proposed in- ternational treaty, with Canada, to control the fisheries of the Great Lakes, with explanatory memorandum; a table showing the changes in United States rates of duty on fresh or frozen fresh-water fish and eels, and a table giving the imports of fresh-water fish, 1942-48, inclusive. April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW j 75 ings. G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, N. Y., 1948. A comprehensive guide to marine fishes from Labrador to the Gulf of Mexico. ‘The general habits, range, and most prominent features of each species (within the offshore limit set at 25 fathoms and on the shoreward side as far as brackish water reaches) are fully described, This is a revision of a book issued in 1929, but the book is sub- stantially the same as the previous edition, However, various minor modifica- tions have been made throughout the book, First Annual Report of the Pacific Marine Fisheries Commission (To the Congress of the United States and to the Governors and Legislators of Washington, Oregon, and California) 29 p., printed. Pacific Marine Fisheries Commission, Portland, Oregon. This report contains the establishment, aims, progress, activities, and financial obligations of the Commission. Besides a list of the membership of the Commission and the Advisory Committee, it reports on the various meetings of the Commission giving a short resume of the discussions, gives the resolutions passed during 1948, and presents the financial statements for the year. "Fisheries," chapter, Department of Mines and Natural Resources~-Manitoba--Annual Report for the Period Ending March 31, 1948, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, This chapter is a complete report on the Manitoba fisheries for the fiscal year 1947- 48, In addition to a discussion of the commercial fisheries, it contains numerous tables showing the total production and value of all species of fish produced, number of fishermen employed, and equipment used for Manitoba and individually for the Lakes Winnipeg, Winnipegosis, Manitoba, and northern Manitoba lakes; summer and winter production and value of fish taken from Manitoba waters; and summary showing data for the past 17 years. In addition, a list of lakes in which commercial fishing is carried on in northern Manitoba is included, as well as data on fish culture, whitefish surveys, and sport fishing. Foreign Commerce and Navigation of the United States, 1945, Volume I--United States Import and Export Statistics, 6/3 p., printed. Bureau of the Census, U. S, De- partment of Commerce, Washington, D. C., 1948, $3.75. (For sale by the Superin- tendent of Documents, Washington 25, D. C.), Contains official statistical data on the foreign trade of the United States for 1U5. Includes data on fresh, frozen, canned, salted, cured, and other miscellaneous fishery products and by- products. The book also contains a table showing specified products of American fisheries received at ports of the United States. Fourteenth Biennial Report 1947-1948, 238 p., printed. Department of Conservation, Lansing, Mich. ‘This report is a summary of the activities and progress of the Department for 1947 and 1948, including a report on the Fish Division. Included is a review of the commercial fisheries of Michigan waters of the Great Lakes mainly for 1946 and 1947. The statistical tables give data by lakes and gear; by lakes and species; by months, species, and lakes; and species by lakes, ‘he tables are preceded by a discussion of the various Great Lakes fish, In addi- tion, the publication contains an article on the sea lamprey investigations which has been excerpted and paraphrased from: "Report of the Great Lakes Sea Lamprey Committee," by John Van Oosten of the Fish and Wildlife Service, indexed, Simon and Schuster, New York, N. Y., 1948, $2.95. Written with the tech- nical assistance and cooperation of the Frozen Food Foundation, the book is a com- plete guide to the preparation, cooking, and preservation of frozen foods, together with hundreds of recipes, charts, lists, and menus, Practically all quick-frozen types of food are considered including fish and shellfish. The chapter on quick frozen fish and shellfish includes instructions on the preparation, and recipes and menus for all varieties of main dishes, soups, salads, chowders, and cock- tails, A chapter on home freezing includes information on fish and shellfish. The book is divided into five sections. Section one deals with the advantages of frozen foods; section two, cooking with frozen foods; section three, frozen foods for special occasions; section four, zero storage cabinets and home freezers; and section five, home freezing. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Vol. 11, No. 4 A Gloucester Cook Book, 18 p., printed, free, Gloucester Fisheries Association, ~ “Gloucester, Mass. ‘This booklet contains fish recipes collected from the women of Gloucester. It gives a few facts concerning Gloucester fish and fish in general; and platter, casserole, tureen, salad bowl, and canape fish recipes. It concludes with a few recipes to serve 50 persons, The Life Story of the Fish (His Morals and Manners), by Brian Curtis, 29/4 Don illustrated with line drawings and plates, printed. Harcourt, Brace and Com- pany, New York, N. Y., 1949, $3.75. his book is a new and revised edition of one published 10 years ago. Much new material has been added to this particu- lar edition which has been re-written and contains reference reading lists for those who wish to consult source material and an index, It is an attempt to set forth some of the outstanding facts known about fish which might be of in- terest to the general reader, angler, and aquarist, Discusses the characteris- tics of fish in general--their body covering, framework, the senses and nervous system, the air-bladder, internal workings, reproduction and growth, habits and adaptations--and deals individually with trout, salmon, and other game fish, (Maine) 15th Biennial Report (For period July 1, 1946 to June 30, 1948, plus addi- tional information to December 30, 1948), 48 p., printed, Department of Sea and Shore Fisheries, Augusta, Maine, In addition to statistics on landings at Maine ports, by counties, for 1947, this report includes a discussion of the activities of the Division of Marketing and Development and the Division of Conservation and Propagation, The former Division's report includes its efforts to promote Maine's fishing industry, establishment of new industries, and ad- vertising and publicity for the industry. The latter Division's report includes a discussion of the fishery research program and boat, seed lobsters, lobster rearing, clam flat pollution, clam cleansing plant, eastern Maine rearing sta- tion, groundfish, Schoodic lobster pound, herring studies, tuna fishing, sea moss, cormorant and gull control, shad restoration, oysters, economic and scien- tific research by the University of Maine, Atlantic salmon, exchange of lob- sters for Dungeness crabs with the State of Washington, and seals, The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service has cooperated with Maine on lobster rearing, shad propagation, bird control, clam pollution surveys, Atlantic salmon restoration, shellfish research and development, statistics and other activities. In addi- tion, included are the following articles: ‘Progress in Fisheries Research," by C.C. Taylor and F, T. Baird; and "Shellfish Program," by Dana Wallace. Markets for Airborne Seafoods, by S. A. Larsen, W, Reitz, and K, K, Burgum, Wayne University Studies in Air Transport No, 5, 120 p., printed, $2.00. Wayne Univer- sity Press, Detroit, Mich., 1948. This book is a report on the study under the Air Cargo Research conducted by the School of Business Administration, Yayne University, under express authority of the Detroit Board of Education and spon- sored by five corporations, This study seeks to point the way to a larger market for seafoods and to blueprint a plan for the achievement of this objective. ‘The study should be of special interest to fish producers and distributors, transporta- tion agencies, packaging concerns, home economists, and government officials--all of whom have a part to play in bringing about an improvement in the quality, and thereby strengthening the demand and increasing the consumption of fresh fish, (See the synopsis of this report which appears on page 26 of this issue.) "Pacific Fisheries," by Dr. J, L, Kask, an address, 10 p., processed. Food and Ag- riculture Organization of the United Nations, Washington, D, C, The author, chief biologist of the Fisheries Division of FAO, presented this address at a Symposium on Economic and Power Resources of the Pacific Area, Division of Social Sciences, Seventh Pacific Science Congress, held in Auckland and Christchurch, New Zealand, February 2-22, 1949. The purpose of the address is to point out that the Pacific Ocean can contribute much more toward helping to feed that part of the world's people who live on its shores than is now being harvested from, and that there are some indications that both the people and their governments are becoming in- creasingly aware of this fact. "About 95 percent of all fish caught in the Pacific are taken north of the equator," according to the author, "but even in this heavily fished hemisphere there are extensive shallow water areas that are not fully ex- ploited as in the Bering and Okhotsk seas and there are many good edible species April 1949 COMMERCIAL FISHERIES REVIEW Hil that are not fully utilized," Also, the high seas and ocean depths may possibly contain resources ready for harvesting that are unimown today, ‘The address stresses that investigation and wise regulation must go hand in hand with development and ex- ploitation, Planning a Frozen Food Business, by Lyle L. Davis and P, D, Rodgers, Bulletin 419, 18 p., illus., printed, Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, Blacksburg, Virginia, October 1948, ‘This booklet gives general information concerning the construction of locker plants and commercial freezing plants, Although fishery products are not mentioned specifically, the basic elements discussed in this pub- lication for planning a locker plant and commercial freezing plant would also apply to a plant designed for storing fish. Included are examples on how two more or less typical designs may be utilized. Problems of the Fishing Industry (Hearings before the Subcommittee on the Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, House of Representatives, Highty-First Congress, First Session, February 15-16, 1949), 22% »., printed. Available only from the House's Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries until exhausted, This report is a transcript of the hearings on the problems of the fishing industry before the House's Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. It contains statements of the various members of the fishery industries made before the Committee and material presented by the Fish and Wildlife Service, Provincial (British Columbia) Department of Fisheries Report (wi th appendices for the year ended December 31, 1947), lll p., printed. Provincial Department of Fisheries, Province of British Columbia, Victoria, B, C., 1948, This report gives the species and value of fish caught in British COlumbia as well as the amount of capital, equip- ment, and employees in the fisheries. The canned pack of salmon, pilchard, herring, and shellfish is also included as well as data on mild-cured and dry-salt salmon, dry-salt and pickled herring, halibut, and fish oil and meal production, and net fishing in non-tidal waters, There are several appendices which include the follow- ing: "Contributions to theLife-History of the Sockeye Salmon," by W. A. Clemens; "Results of the West Coast of Vancouver Island Herring Investigation, 1947-48," by A. L. Tester; "Records of Clam Production," by Ferris Neave; "Report on Investigation of the International Pacific Salmon Fisheries Commission for 1947," by B, M. Brennan; and "Salmon-Spawning Report, British Columbia, 1947," by A. J. Whitmore, ‘The report concludes with a number of statistical tables on the British Columbia fisheries. School Lunch Recipes Using Fish, PA-66, 8 p., processed, free, Bureau of Human Nutri- tion and Home Economics and Production and Marketing Administration, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D, C,, December 1948, This publication developed in co- operation with the Fish and Wildlife Service contains recipes developed especially for the school lunch program, They conform to the protein-rich food requirement for Type-A meals set up by the Production and Marketing Administration, Recipes are ar- ranged so that they can be cut apart and added to the card file, "School Lunch Recipes for 100." The introduction discusses the nutritive value of fish, frozen fish fillets, camed fish, precautions with fish mixtures, and garnishes for fish. 1iff, 15 p., printed. Maryland Board of Natural Resources, Annapolis, Md., January 1949. This list contains only those publications issued by State agencies and con- sidered most instructive to the general reader, Includes publications on the State's commercial fisheries, Processing -- Miscellaneous Service Division Ilustrator-- Gustaf T. Sundstrom Compositors -- Jaan Zalevsky and Nerma D. Loeffel 56610 MLA 3 9088 01018 1006 AQUATIC RESOURCES OF THE RYUKYU AREA Fishery Leaflet 333, "Aquatic Resources of the Ryukyu Area," recently issued by the Service, deals with the fish and fisheries resources of the Ryukyu Islands and vicinity and describes the fishing methods used by the natives. It is a re— production of SCAP's Natural Resources Section Report No. 117, issued in December 1948. The Ryukyu Islands, a part of a larger island chain extending from Formosa into Japanese waters, are composed of some 60 named islands with 25 having areas of four or more square miles. This 54-page publication contains sections onthe geographic and oceanographic features which influence fisheries, data on aquatic production, an appendix list of the economically important food fishes of the islands, and concludes with several tables giving number of vessels, production by species, etc. hi Before World War II, the Ryukyuans had devised many ingenious methods for catching fish. These are described in the report, along with methods of using them and the kinds of fish caught. Copies of this Fishery Leaflet can be obtained free upon request from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington 25, D. C. Gel‘e — 647/S — EMNW WIOd STOT “ON 9Tu4teg SSSNISNE AVIDISIO ‘9 ‘a ‘Sz NOLONIHSWM BOIANaS 3417 G1IM GNV HSI YOIMSLNI SHL AO LNAWLYVdsd 00S AOVLSOd JO LNEWAVd SALVLS GSLINN GIOAY OL 38M ALVAINd UOa ALIVNGd